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Draw-tite
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1997 Mazda Tribute
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Always the correct part
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Always the correct part
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Quality Products
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These dependable custom hitches are manufactured for 2005-2012 Ford Escape, 2005-2011 Mazda Tribute, 2005-2011 Mercury Mariner and attach to your vehicle?s frame or bumper for a sleek, clean appearance. Each hitch also has a 1-1/4 inch square receiver tube opening so you can easily attach accessories like a bike rack or cargo carrier, or a utility trailer. DRAW-TITE Class 2 custom trailer hitches come complete with all the mounting hardware needed for installation and are backed by a nationwide lifetime limited warranty. So, whether you are headed out to the campground and need a place for the cooler, taking the bikes to hit the trails in the park, or you are tackling a DIY project (maybe some landscaping or a home repair), choose DRAW-TITE and travel with confidence knowing your setup is connected with the security only DRAW-TITE can provide. DRAW-TITE: North America?s Favorite Hitch.

Draw-Tite has designed custom-fit trailer hitches since 1946 and is one of North America's most widely fitted hitch brands. Receiver hitches use solid all-welded construction and low-profile designs that follow modern vehicle contours, install with minimal bumper cutting or drilling, meet or exceed V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards, and carry a limited lifetime warranty.
Draw-Tite has been leading custom-fit trailer hitch design and engineering since its founding in 1946, and it remains one of the most widely fitted hitch brands in North America. The company's stated approach is straightforward: every hitch is tested rigorously so that it performs well beyond published industry standards, a philosophy it markets as Tested Tough. It sits within the Horizon Global towing group alongside Reese, Fulton, Bulldog, Tekonsha, Bargman and Wesbar.
Custom fit is the defining characteristic. Rather than adapting a universal design, Draw-Tite engineers a trailer hitch for a specific make, model and model year, so it bolts to existing frame locations with minimal bumper cutting or drilling. Low-profile designs follow the rear contours and aerodynamic styling of modern vehicles, which matters more than it once did now that rear fascias are shaped and sensor-equipped. Construction is solid all-welded steel for maximum strength, and every hitch meets or exceeds V5 CSA and SAE J684 standards and is backed by a nationwide limited lifetime warranty.
The range spans receiver sizes and classes to suit different loads, from 1-1/4 inch receivers for bike racks, cargo carriers and light trailers up through 2 inch receivers for heavier towing. Front mount hitches add a receiver at the front of the vehicle for winch mounts, snow plows, spare carriers and precise trailer positioning.
The Hidden Hitch series takes concealment further by mounting behind the vehicle's rear fascia, so the vehicle keeps its factory appearance until a removable receiver is fitted. Each is custom designed per make and model for a no-drill installation that does not compromise ground clearance, rated for up to 3,500 pounds gross trailer weight and 350 pounds tongue weight. Matching plug-and-play wiring completes the towing system.
Experts available to answer your questions
Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1997 | Mazda Tribute | — |
Yes, the 2005-2006 Mazda Tribute Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36501-2-118426) is designed to fit the 1997 Mazda Tribute.
The 2005-2006 Mazda Tribute Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36501-2-118426) fits 1997 Mazda Tribute models. The 1997 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2005-2006 Mazda Tribute Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36501-2-118426) fits the following vehicles: 1997 Mazda Tribute. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
The 2005-2006 Mazda Tribute Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness (Part #DTB36501-2-118426) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
Yes. Part number 36501 is designed for Ford Escape (including Hybrid), Mercury Mariner (including Hybrid), and Mazda Tribute vehicles.
The maximum gross trailer weight is 3500 LB (1589 kg) and the maximum tongue weight is 300 LB (136 kg). Do not exceed the lower of the towing vehicle manufacturer's rating or these limits.
You will need a 7/8" wrench, a torque wrench, and drill bits (1" and 3/8") if a tie down bracket is present. The pull wire is provided with the hitch.
The hitch includes 4 carriage bolts (1/2-13 X 1.75), 4 conical washers, 4 spacers, 4 hex nuts (1/2-13), and a pull wire. The drawbar kit (36051) and fastener kit (36501F) are sold separately.
Drilling is required only if your vehicle does not have existing access holes in the frame rails. If access holes are already present on both sides to insert the bolts and spacers from the end, no drilling is necessary. If a tie down bracket is present, you will need to drill a 3/8" hole first, then a 1" hole after, as shown in Figure 1.
You will need a 3/8" drill bit and a 1" drill bit. The 3/8" hole is drilled first, then the 1" hole is drilled after, but only if a tie down bracket is present and access holes do not already exist.
No. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. Use a drill with the appropriate drill bits (3/8" and 1") as specified in the installation instructions.
The pull wire (provided) is used to guide the carriage bolt and spacer into the frame rail access holes. Kink the pull wire to keep the spacer independent of the bolt (Figure 3), insert the carriage bolt and spacer into the rearward holes of each frame rail, feed the pull wire through the slots in the hitch, then raise the hitch into position and remove the pull wire before attaching the conical washers and nuts.
Four carriage bolts (1/2-13 X 1.75) are used—two inserted into each frame rail. They are inserted in two stages using the pull wire method: first one bolt per side, then the remaining bolt per side.
Hand-tighten the fasteners first after raising the hitch into position and attaching the conical washers and nuts. After all fasteners are hand-tightened, tighten all fasteners to the specified torque of 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N*M) using a torque wrench.
All 1/2-13 GR5 fasteners must be tightened to 75 Lb.-Ft. (102 N*M) using a torque wrench.
Due to variation in tie down brackets, some interference with the end of frame access hole may occur on the driver's side. Refer to Figure 1 for the optional installation method with a tie down bracket, which shows the correct drill locations (3/8" hole first, then 1" hole) to work around the bracket.
Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not push fasteners back into the frame. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. Be careful to avoid damaging the impact bar when drilling.
Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. Paint any bare metal exposed during installation to prevent corrosion.
If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
The drawbar must be used in the DROP position only. The drawbar kit (36051) is sold separately.
A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Do not continue to use a damaged hitch.
Yes, the 36501 is designed for Ford Escape (including Hybrid), Mercury Mariner (including Hybrid), and Mazda Tribute.
You need a 7/8" wrench, a torque wrench, and 1" and 3/8" drill bits (if a tie down bracket is present). The pull wire is provided.
Yes, the T-Connector is designed for both Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape vehicles. The installation procedure is the same for both models.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring harness that connects to your vehicle's taillight system to provide power for trailer lights. It intercepts the vehicle's taillight signals and routes them to a 4-flat connector for trailer use.
You will need: a drill with a 3/32" drill bit, a Philips head screwdriver, pliers, wire crimpers, and wire cutters.
The kit includes: the T-Connector black box with yellow, red, and green wires; a 4-flat connector; a 10 amp fuse and yellow fuse holder; a white wire with eyelet and screw for grounding; yellow butt connectors; double-sided tape; and cable ties. A bracket for the 4-flat connector is not included.
Yes. You must disconnect the vehicle's negative (-) battery cable before beginning installation. This is done in Step 6 before connecting the fuse holder to the positive battery cable.
Yes. You must open the rear liftgate and remove two screws on both the driver and passenger sides to pull the taillight assemblies away from the vehicle. Be careful not to damage the alignment pins when removing them.
Yes. You must drill a 3/32" hole to secure the white ground wire to the vehicle frame or crossmember. Before drilling, verify what is behind the surface to avoid damaging the vehicle or causing injury. Do not drill into the vehicle floor or bed, and do not drill into any exposed surfaces.
The T-Connector has four wires: yellow wire connects to the center gray taillight socket; red wire connects to the top black taillight socket; green wire is routed to the passenger side taillight; and a black 12 gauge wire connects to the vehicle's positive battery cable through a fuse holder. A white wire provides the ground connection to the vehicle frame.
A 10 amp fuse is required. The fuse is installed in the yellow fuse holder provided with the kit and is connected to the vehicle's positive (+) battery cable.
On both driver and passenger sides: disconnect the center gray taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the yellow wire between the separated halves. Then disconnect the top black taillight socket and plug the T-Connector with the red wire between those halves. Ensure connectors are fully inserted with locking tabs in place. Be careful not to break the locking tabs when disconnecting.
Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as the vehicle's frame or crossmember. Clean dirt and rustproofing from the area using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Drill a 3/32" hole and secure the white wire using the eyelet and screw provided. Do not drill into the vehicle floor or bed.
After disconnecting the negative battery cable, cut the fuse holder wire and attach the ring terminal to the vehicle's positive (+) battery cable. Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 gauge wire using the yellow butt connector provided. The 10 amp fuse is installed in the fuse holder after all other connections are complete.
Beginning from the front of the vehicle, route the black 12 gauge wire rearward along the frame rail toward the rear driver's side. Be careful to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, or any other points that may pinch or break the wire. Route the wire up through the opening between the vehicle rear bumper and body to access the rear driver's side taillight area.
On the driver's side, route the T-Connector end with the green wire and the 4-flat connector wire down through the opening between the vehicle bumper and body. Route the green wire to the passenger's side and route the 4-flat underneath the bumper. On the passenger side, route the green wire up through the opening, being careful to avoid areas that could damage wiring. Then connect the green wire to the passenger side taillight following Step 2 procedure.
Mount the T-Connector black box behind the taillight assembly on the driver's side. Clean a flat area using a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water, then mount the black box using the double-sided tape provided.
Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle. The manual does not specify an exact location. A bracket is not included with the kit, so you will need to source one separately.
Secure all loose wiring using the cable ties provided. When reinstalling the taillight housing assemblies, position the vehicle wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body. Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with cable ties to prevent damage or rattling, being careful to avoid any areas that would cut or pinch the wire.
Do not exceed the lower of your towing manufacturer's rating or: maximum stop/turn light of 1 per side (2.1 amps) and maximum tail lights of 4.2 amps. Overloading the circuit can cause fires. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
Wear safety glasses during installation. Before drilling, verify what is behind any surface to avoid damage to the vehicle or personal injury. Do not drill into exposed surfaces, the vehicle floor, or bed. Route all wires carefully to avoid hot pipes, heat shields, the fuel tank, or any points that may pinch or break the wire. Ensure all connections are complete before testing.
After installation is complete, test and verify the installation with a test light or by connecting an actual trailer. All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly. This testing should be done after the 10 amp fuse has been installed and the negative battery cable has been reconnected.
1. Open rear liftgate and remove taillight assemblies. 2. Disconnect taillight sockets and connect T-Connector yellow and red wires. 3-4. Route green wire and 4-flat connector through vehicle. 5. Install ground wire to frame. 6. Disconnect negative battery cable and connect fuse holder to positive battery cable. 7-8. Route black 12 gauge wire from battery to rear and connect to red wire. 9. Reconnect negative battery cable and install 10 amp fuse. 10. Mount black box behind driver's side taillight. 11. Reinstall taillight assemblies and secure all wiring with cable ties.
Yes, the T-Connector (118426-037) is designed for both Mazda Tribute and Ford Escape vehicles.
You need a drill with 3/32" bit, Philips head screwdriver, pliers, wire crimpers, and wire cutters.
A 10 amp fuse is required, installed in the yellow fuse holder provided with the kit.
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