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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 2013 - 2016 Ford Escape Excluding S. Vehicle-specific fit, plug-and-play installation, all hardware and instructions included.
This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
Whatever your task at hand -- whether it's launching that boat before daybreak, setting up your camper before the rush or getting a final load to the dump before close -- CURT class 3 trailer hitches offer the strength needed for serious towing. They make it easy to hitch up and Bring It, offering a vehicle-specific fit and the weight capacity to handle a variety of trailers. Custom class 3 hitches are the most common type of receiver hitch for pickup trucks and SUVs. Because of their weight range, they are also found on full-size cars, crossovers and minivans. Each custom-fit class 3 hitch package is made for vehicle-specific mounting. This particular kit fits certain years of the Ford Escape (see application info to verify vehicle compatibility). It provides a weight carrying capacity of 3,500 lbs. GTW and 525 lbs. TW. It is also compatible with a weight distribution hitch for level towing and a rating of 5,000 lbs. WD and 525 lbs. WDTW. CURT class 3 trailer hitches are typically used to attach and haul utility trailers, boat trailers, campers, snowmobile or ATV haulers and more (NOTE: Never exceed the lowest-rated towing component). Each class 3 hitch has a 2" receiver tube and is tested in accordance with SAE J684 for safety. To ensure that CURT class 3 receiver hitches have what it takes for serious trailering, they are designed using a hands-on approach and are constructed with rugged, high-strength steel and precise welding. We also protect our class 3 hitches in a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat and black powder coat for superior resistance to rust, chipping and UV damage.
If your vehicle is not equipped with wiring for towing a trailer, CURT custom wiring is the ideal solution. A custom wiring harness -- also called a T-connector -- is a simple, plug-and-play electrical device that plugs into your automotive electric system and provides a standard, universal trailer wiring connection. This is done using two or more vehicle-specific, OEM-compatible connectors to plug into the taillight assembly, eliminating the need for cutting, splicing and soldering during installation. Custom wiring harnesses are made vehicle-specific, and while they are not available for all vehicles, they do offer one of the fastest, easiest and most secure ways to wire a vehicle for towing. This particular plug-in harness provides a 4-way flat connector socket and is designed to be a custom wiring harness to fit certain years of the Ford Escape (to verify your vehicle compatibility, see application info). It comes with all necessary wiring components to establish a reliable trailer wiring connection, as well as a dust cover to keep the connector clean when not in use. You have a picture in mind of your next destination -- maybe it's the boat landing at your favorite fishing spot, maybe it's a campsite that overlooks one of nature's masterpieces, or maybe it's the next big jobsite. However, turning that picture into a reality takes more than just daydreaming. It takes a solid connection and the right amount of power. CURT custom wiring is made with some of the most sophisticated technology in the industry and is designed to install with ease, giving you a long-lasting electrical connection for your towing hitch setup.

CURT offers a variety of high-quality trailer hitches and accessories for select vehicle models. Find the perfect fit for your towing needs at TowUniverse.
CURT, a Lippert brand, offers a complete line of towing products and is the leading manufacturer of custom-fit trailer hitches. We offer the broadest selection of custom-fit hitches, and each one is designed, welded, and coated in Wisconsin.
CURT is also a leader in flat towing products, as well as 5th wheel, gooseneck, and weight distribution hitches, ball mounts, electrical components, cargo solutions, and other towing accessories.
For everything from passenger cars and vans to full-size pickups and SUVs, CURT is 'The First Name in Towing Products®.'
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 - 2016 | Ford Escape | Excluding S |
The 13 - 16 Ford Escape Excluding S Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 13131 (Part #CHW-969) fits 2013-2016 Ford Escape models. The 2016 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
Yes, the 13 - 16 Ford Escape Excluding S Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 13131 (Part #CHW-969) is designed to fit the 2013-2016 Ford Escape.
The 13 - 16 Ford Escape Excluding S Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 13131 (Part #CHW-969) fits the following vehicles: 2013-2016 Ford Escape. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 13 - 16 Ford Escape Excluding S Curt 2", Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch + 4-flat Wiring Kit 13131 (Part #CHW-969) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Part number 13131 fits 2013-present Ford Escape models, excluding the S model. Confirm your vehicle year and trim level before purchasing. If you have an S model Escape, this hitch is not compatible.
When used as a weight-carrying hitch, the CURT 13131 supports a maximum trailer weight of 3,500 lbs and tongue weight of 525 lbs. When used as a weight-distribution hitch, it supports 5,000 lbs trailer weight and 525 lbs tongue weight. However, you must never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity, which may be lower.
The hitch weight is 45 lbs.
Required tools are: die grinder, ratchet, socket set, 3/4" boxed end wrench, and torque wrench. Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
The kit includes: four 0.250 x 1.00 x 2.50" square hole spacers (CM-SP10), four 1/2-13 UNC 1-1/2" grade 8 bolts (10-10287), four 1/2-13 UNC grade 8 serrated flange nuts (20-00062), and four pieces of 1/2" fishwire (1_2 FISHWIRE).
Two people may be required to raise the hitch into position under the vehicle. While one person may be able to complete the installation, having a second person available is recommended to ease the process.
The manual does not specify whether battery disconnection is required. Contact CURT Technical Support at 877-287-8634 for clarification on this step.
Yes. The access holes for the square hole spacers must be enlarged using a die grinder. This is the first installation step and is required on both sides of the vehicle frame.
Fishwiring is a technique used to route the 1/2" bolts and spacers through the vehicle frame to the side plate mounting points before the hitch is positioned. The 1/2" fishwire included in the kit is used to guide the bolts and spacers into place. This allows the hitch to be secured without having to access the frame mounting points directly from underneath.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs. Use a torque wrench to achieve this specification.
1. Enlarge access holes for square hole spacers with a die grinder. 2. Fishwire 1/2" bolts and spacers into the vehicle frame at the two side plate mounting points on each side. 3. Place the hitch underneath the vehicle and route fishwire through the side plate mounting holes. Use two people if needed to raise the hitch into position. Remove fishwire and loosely secure mounting hardware. 4. Tighten fasteners on the passenger side using a 3/4" boxed end wrench (limited access). Tighten fasteners on the driver side using a 3/4" socket. 5. Torque all 1/2" fasteners to 110 ft-lbs. 6. Installation is complete.
The passenger side plate has limited access to secure fasteners, so a 3/4" boxed end wrench must be used to tighten the hardware on that side. The driver side plate can be accessed more easily and can be secured using a 3/4" socket, which is faster and more convenient.
No. After positioning the hitch and routing the fishwire through the side plate mounting holes, fasteners should be loosely secured to hold the hitch in position. Full tightening to the 110 ft-lbs specification occurs in step 4, after the hitch is properly aligned.
Periodically check the receiver hitch to ensure all fasteners are tight and all structural components are sound. The manual does not specify the exact interval for these checks; contact CURT Technical Support at 877-287-8634 for recommended maintenance intervals.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times while installing this product. Additionally, never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended towing capacity when using the hitch.
If you are hesitant to undertake the installation yourself, contact an authorized CURT installer for additional assistance. You can also call CURT Technical Support at 877-287-8634 for installation questions or visit www.curtmfg.com for more information.
Yes, the CURT 13131 fits 2013-present Ford Escape models, excluding the S model.
You need a die grinder, ratchet, socket set, 3/4" boxed end wrench, and torque wrench. Safety glasses are required.
All 1/2" fasteners must be torqued to 110 ft-lbs using a torque wrench.
As a weight-carrying hitch: 3,500 lbs trailer weight, 525 lbs tongue weight. As a weight-distribution hitch: 5,000 lbs trailer weight, 525 lbs tongue weight. Never exceed your vehicle manufacturer's recommended capacity.
Two people may be required to raise the hitch into position, though one person may be able to complete the installation.
Safety glasses must be worn at all times during installation.
Yes, the Curt 56335 is designed for Ford Escape vehicles in the SUV category. The manual confirms it is a custom wiring harness for this application.
The Curt 56335 is a custom wiring harness that connects to your Ford Escape's taillight wiring to provide trailer lighting control. It includes a converter box and a 4-flat connector for trailer use.
You will need: 8mm socket, T-25 Torx bit, ratchet, socket extension, panel trim removal tool, wire stripper, wire crimper, and cutting tool. These are required to remove panels, disconnect fasteners, and route the wiring.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to locate the vehicle battery on the driver side under the hood and disconnect the negative battery terminal before beginning any installation work.
The installation follows this sequence: (1) disconnect battery, (2) remove trunk coverings and storage trays, (3) remove rear scuff panel, (4) remove driver side trim panel, (5) remove taillight cover and fasteners, (6) disconnect taillight connectors, (7) modify grommet, (8) route yellow and red wires through grommet and insert into connectors, (9) reseal grommet, (10) ground white wire, (11) mount converter box, (12) repeat steps 4–9 on passenger side with green wire, (13) route power wire from battery, (14) secure loose wires, (15) reinstall removed items and reconnect battery.
Drilling may be required for the ground wire connection. Step 10 states you should locate an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame for grounding, but if none is suitable, you must drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw. The area must be free of rust, dirt and paint. You must also check for hidden items before drilling to avoid damage and personal injury.
Yes. Step 7 requires you to locate the grommet behind the taillight where the vehicle taillight wiring passes through, remove it, and cut a slit large enough to route the custom wiring harness through. Step 9 then requires you to reseat the grommet and seal the cut using the provided sealant.
The harness includes: yellow wire (connects to driver side taillight 2-pin connectors), red wire (connects to driver side taillight 3-pin connectors), green wire (connects to passenger side taillight connectors), white wire (ground connection), and black wire (power connection from vehicle battery). Each wire is routed through the grommet and inserted between the separated factory connectors.
Signal circuits are rated at 3.0 amps per side. Tail and running circuits are rated at 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum 10-amp fuse. Exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating, and potential fire. Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable point exists, drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided screw. The area must be free of rust, dirt, and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and provided screw. The area should be checked for hidden items before drilling.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight and adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. This is done after the driver side wiring is complete and before routing the harness to the passenger side.
When in use, route the 4-flat to the center of the vehicle. When not in use, roll it up and store in a convenient, out-of-the-way location. Secure any loose wires with the provided cable ties.
The manual specifies that you must reseat the grommet using the provided sealant to seal the cut in the grommet and around all wires, but does not name the specific sealant type. Refer to any included materials or contact the manufacturer for the exact sealant product.
After installation is complete, test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. All steps must be followed to ensure the wiring harness functions properly.
Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion. This is done during the final reinstallation step after all other work is complete.
Yes. Step 5 requires you to locate and remove the cover on the taillight assembly, then remove the two 8mm screws securing the taillight and gently pull the light straight back. This must be done on both driver and passenger sides to access the taillight wiring connectors.
You must remove: trunk floor coverings, storage trays, the rear scuff panel (using Torx and push fasteners), and the driver and passenger side trim panels to access the taillight wiring harness. The scuff panel should be pulled out at the bottom first, then up, taking care not to damage the alignment tabs.
Separate the factory taillight connectors from the taillight housing. Route the custom wiring harness end with the yellow wire through the grommet and insert it between the separated 2-pin connectors. Route the red wire between the 3-pin connectors. Make sure the connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. Repeat on the passenger side using the green wire.
Yes, the Curt 56335 is designed for Ford Escape vehicles.
Yes, you must disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting installation.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a maximum 10-amp fuse. Do not exceed this rating.
You will need: 8mm socket, T-25 Torx bit, ratchet, socket extension, panel trim removal tool, wire stripper, wire crimper, and cutting tool.
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