So you need a trailer hitch for your Ford Escape. While this vehicle has a ton of cargo room in the back, it makes sense that you still might end up needing to tow a larger load. Whether you are pulling a trailer or just using a hitch-mounted bike rack or cargo carrier, having the right trailer hitch can be the difference between a comfortable ride and one primed for disaster.
The trailer hitch we have chosen is the best hitch for the Ford Escape model years 2013 to 2019.
To begin with, let’s take some time to analyze the basics of this hitch. The CURT 13186 trailer hitch is considered a Class 3 hitch. This means that you can tow up to 3,500 lbs of weight at a time. The rule of thumb for stability is to generally keep your tow weight around half of your vehicle’s actual weight. For example, a 2013 Ford Escape weighs around 3,800 lbs, which is more than sufficient for your needs.
Next up, we want to point out that the CURT 13186 comes with all of the necessary hardware that you will need to get the device installed safely. Installing trailer hitches can be a little bit of a pain in the butt if you haven’t done it before, so having a second set of hands nearby can definitely be a boon during the installation process. In fact, CURT suggests having two people involved so that you can line up and install the hitch without running into any issues.
Installation of the hitch is easy enough and even easier if you have your own hydraulic jack to get some lift on the vehicle. Otherwise, it would be best to have a torque wrench, elbow grease, and a bit of time on your side. If you’ve never installed a trailer hitch before then, you can anticipate spending around 60 to 90 minutes for installation.
This process could take a little longer if you decide to wire your lights. This is a personal preference. We personally suggest having a car fanatic on hand during installation to keep things going smoothly.
Stepping away from the nitty-gritty, we can detail more of the physical traits of the trailer hitch. CURT makes heavy-duty, solid-state hitches, and they don’t skimp on the material. The 13186 is stainless steel with a black powdered coating, which helps prevent all of that nasty wear and tear you might otherwise be dealing with while on the road.
The trailer hitch itself is also coated in Bonderite, which prevents pretty much any rust from taking hold. This hitch receiver weighs around 54 lbs and measures out at 23 x 45 x 13 inches in diameter. This is a powerful little piece of equipment and one that could end up changing the way you and your car interact with one another.
At the end of the day, our aim when buying a trailer hitch is simple: we want something sturdy, safe, and easy to install. It has all of those traits in spades, and it comes in an affordable package and is backed by a major brand contributor.
CURT has a whole line of trailer hitches for the Ford Escape, and we feel like the 13186 is the best fit for the job. Just make sure to double-check your work, ask a friend if you need help, and double-check your trailer before you get on the road. After that, you’ll do just fine.
