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Complete CURT Class 3 2" trailer hitch and 4-flat custom wiring kit engineered for the 2017 - 2018 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 |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 - 2018 | Ford Escape | Excluding S |
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 56320 is designed for Ford Escape vehicles classified as SUVs, Mini & Full-Sized Vans. Confirm your vehicle matches this classification before purchasing. For other vehicle models or years, contact the manufacturer or consult a fitment database.
The harness has two circuit ratings: Signal Circuits are rated at 3.0 amps per side, and Tail/Running Circuits are rated at 6.0 amps total. The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a 10-amp maximum fuse. Do not exceed the product rating or your tow vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower, as exceeding this can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
You will need: 8mm socket, 10mm socket, T-25 Torx bit, ratchet, panel trim removal tool, flat blade screwdriver, wire stripper, crimping tool, cutting tool, and pick tool. You will also need sealant (not provided by Curt) to seal the grommet after routing the wiring harness.
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.
You must remove: all trunk floor coverings, both storage trays (after removing their fasteners), and the rear scuff panel (after removing its fasteners). Take care not to damage the alignment tabs on the back of the scuff panel when removing it.
Use a trim panel removal tool to loosen the side trim panel starting on the driver side. Pull back on the side trim panel to locate the vehicle wiring harness. Take care not to damage the alignment tabs on the back side of the panel.
On the outside of the vehicle, locate and remove the two fastener caps. Remove the two fasteners securing the taillight. Gently pull the taillight rearward to remove it. On the back of the taillight, locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors and separate them carefully, taking care not to damage the locking tabs.
Yes. Locate the grommet behind the taillight where the vehicle taillight wiring passes from inside the cabin to the taillight. Remove the grommet and cut a slit large enough to route the custom wiring harness through it. After routing the harness, reseat the grommet and use sealant (not provided) to seal the cut and around all wires.
You may need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the provided grounding screw, depending on your vehicle. First, locate a suitable grounding point near the connector, such as an existing screw with nut in the vehicle frame. If no suitable existing point is available, drill a 3/32" pilot hole in an area free of rust, dirt and paint. Secure the white ground wire using the ring terminal and provided screw.
Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury.
Locate a flat spot inside the vehicle near the taillight. Adhere the black converter box using the provided double-sided tape. The manual does not specify exact positioning beyond this location.
Route the custom wiring harness end with the green wire to the passenger side behind the removed scuff panel. Repeat Steps 6–12 on the passenger side using the harness end with the green wire. This mirrors the driver side installation process.
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.
Reinstall all items removed during installation and reconnect the negative battery terminal. Install the provided 4-flat dust cover to help prevent corrosion. 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.
The harness includes a yellow wire end (routed to the driver side taillight), a green wire end (routed to the passenger side taillight), a white ground wire (secured to a grounding point near the connector using a ring terminal and provided screw), and a black power wire (routed from the vehicle battery as shown on the included CME-PCL-INS sheet). The black converter box is also part of the electrical assembly.
The battery connection must be fuse-protected with a 10-amp maximum fuse. Do not exceed this rating, as exceeding the product rating can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
Yes, the Curt 56320 is designed for Ford Escape vehicles (SUVs, Mini & Full-Sized Vans classification).
You need: 8mm and 10mm sockets, T-25 Torx bit, ratchet, panel trim removal tool, flat blade screwdriver, wire stripper, crimping tool, cutting tool, and pick tool. You will also need sealant (not provided).
Yes, disconnect the negative battery terminal before starting installation.
Yes. You must cut a slit in the grommet behind the taillight to route the wiring harness. You may also need to drill a 3/32" pilot hole for the grounding screw if no existing grounding point is available.
The battery connection must use a 10-amp maximum fuse. Do not exceed this rating as it can cause loss of warranty, overheating and potential fire.
Signal Circuits: 3.0 amps per side. Tail/Running Circuits: 6.0 amps total. Do not exceed these ratings or your vehicle's lamp load rating, whichever is lower.
Test for proper function by using a test light or connecting a properly wired trailer. All installation steps must be followed to ensure proper function.
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