[rachspin]

Ok, I did a search here but couldn't find the exact answer to my question.. if it's somewhere else on this board I'd appreciate a link! Now on with my question...

I just bought a 2010 Escape 2.5 I4, but the one I got did not come with the towing package. The chances were slim of finding one with all the same options I wanted in the same color with the towing package, so here I am.. I really only want the trailer hitch for things like a bike rack or luggage carrier. I don't expect to ever actually tow a trailer or anything. So my question is, what parts do I need to install a towing package? I like the look of the factory trailer hitch package, so that's probably what I'll want.. I don't want it to hang down below the bumper.. so yeah... Obviously I don't know what all is involved parts and labor wise, so any information would be great!

Thanks!

 

[sinister mob]

Save yourself a ton of money and get a hidden hitch receiver. I have a 2010 as well with no towing package and I got one for mine to put on my bike carrier. It mounts easily and the chassis has the holes already. You just have to file a bit of 2 openings a bit wider to accept the bolts. Mine is a Class I, 1-1/4" receiver and it works perfectly. Not sure what the factory one looks like but I remember it in the same location as mine - directly under the bumper. It cost $152 delivered to my door.

Here is where I got mine:
http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2010_Ford_Escape.htm

4th one down.

 

[rachspin]

thanks for the info! That may be what I end up doing, just for $$ sake. I really don't like that you can see the bar hanging down, but that may be the price of having a trailer hitch.. The factory one doesn't hang down at all below the bumper.. there's actually a small cutout on the bumper and the rest is completely hidden from the few I saw on the lot.. but if we're talking $500 vs. under $200, then I may just have to deal.

 

[sinister mob]

I am not sure about the 09/10 body with the receiver hitch location. I haven't seen a new one yet with the hitch. But I know the older models did have the square cut-out in the bumper for it. It does look cleaner. But like you said a difference of over $300 will make you think about it. It actually looks really clean. They also offer a Class II, 2" receiver for bigger cargo.

 

[Rid4Escape]

Just had Curt Class III 2" Trailer Hitch Receiver installed at an excellent local shop here in Dallas, Joe's Hitch.
It's beefy, got a nice finish and fits nicely just under the bumper... couldn't be happier!
Hitch installed, including cover and locking hitch pin was under $250.
http://shop.joes-hitchandtrailer.com/Pr ... Code=13650

 

[gbrown69]

Just for info, tow package with oil trans cooler from ford as an option comes only with v-6.

but as already said, very easy to find aftermarket hitch that will fit on i-4 escape...

 

[rachspin]

I could be wrong, but when I was doing the "build and price" on ford's website, you can get the I4 with a towing package, but it doesn't have the transmission cooler and it has a lower towing capacity of about 1500-2000 lbs. Which isn't a whole lot if you need to actually tow something, but it'll hold some bikes or a luggage rack just fine! Of course, I didn't come across one of these I4s on the lot, so for all I know they don't exist. It just would make sense if they did since not everyone wants to tow a boat.

 

[gbrown69]

yeah, want i mean is if you choose an escape with i-4, in package and options, the towing kit doesn't appear. All you can do is go on optional accessories and get hitch and wire harness. and they say that towing capacity should be limited by powertrain (what is obvious)