I am about to buy a 2016 Escape. I ordered the trailer tow package which is supposed to be Class 2. It looks like there is a class 3 receiver installed. What receiver size does the trailer tow package come standard with. I've pulled up all of Ford's info on the package but there is no mention of receiver size.



All other online research I have done on this says Class 2 is typically 1 1/4 inch opening and a class 3 is 2".

I'm supposed to close the deal this afternoon so any feedback would be great!

George

 

Welcome to the site..

Should be a Class 2 in the package,

Look at the installed hitch data for the tongue weight.. 2 will be 300-350. 3 s/b 500 lbs.

The carring/ load weights of the Escape could be easily overloaded running a Class 3. 3's are rated 5k to possibly 8k which would exceed the Escapes limits. 2 is usually 3500 lbs.

What are you planning on towing? Weight...

 

On paper it is a class 2. The receiver is a class 3. My guess is that the dealer swapped receivers for whatever reason, or, Ford is installing class 3 receivers on a class 2 hitch setup.

I don't want the class 3. I don't tow anything heavy when I do tow. I have a bike rack and other hardware that are all 1 1/4 inch (class 2) so I want to make sure I have the right receiver. I could get an adapter but I'd rather just get the right equipment up front.

Thoughts?

 

Make them put the part you want on the Escape before you sign the paperwork.

 

2.0 EcoBoost, correct?

'Factory installed' on the 2.0 ECO, S/B a class 2..

Dealer installed could be a class 3 on the sub models/engines.

Adapter, or have them swap the hitch to a class 2.. if it means a sale, and was as ordered?, they'll make good, or should..

I would find it odd that the factory/Ford would take on the liability of a class 3 weight carrying rating on a vehicle that cant carry that hitch weight safely, or the potential to do so. Dealer, well......

 

As it turns out, Ford is using a 2" receiver on all Class 2 packages on the Escape. I'm baffled as to why, since someone may think...ah, 2" receiver means class 3 capability! and screw up their Escape. Think lawsuit!!!

My option is to get a sleeve to reduce the opening to the more standard Class 2 1 1/4".

Thanks for the feedback!

 

Hard to believe with the 'capability' to use a 2" class 3 receiver bar and/or for a potentially unsafe load isn't going to cause issues at some point. Same with a Class 2,, 1 1/4 receiver necked up and out to a 2" adapter. The potential to cause damage, pretty good for the unsuspecting or novice carrier. Thick wall, thin wall 2" draw bars, same concern. Easy to put a heavy legal load on a stouter rig, through a thin under class bar, and still look good..

Certainly always up to the operator to remain within the load and vehicle specs, but the potential if overlooked...

Guess next, 110 and 220 outlets will interchange..

Through up a few pics of the new rig when you get some time..