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2003 Ford Escape
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These dependable custom hitches are manufactured for 2013-2019 Ford Escape 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.
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Call 888-634-94941 compatible vehicles
| Year | Make & Model | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Ford Escape | — |
The 2019-2019 Ford Escape Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness 36524 (Part #DTB36524-118802) fits 2003 Ford Escape models. The 2003 model year is the last year covered by this part number. For newer models, check for an updated version.
The 2019-2019 Ford Escape Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness 36524 (Part #DTB36524-118802) fits the following vehicles: 2003 Ford Escape. Always verify your specific year, make, and model before ordering.
Yes, the 2019-2019 Ford Escape Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness 36524 (Part #DTB36524-118802) is designed to fit the 2003 Ford Escape.
The 2019-2019 Ford Escape Draw-tite Class 2 Trailer Hitch, 1-1/4 Inch Square Receiver Bundle w/ Plug-n-Play T-One Wiring Harness 36524 (Part #DTB36524-118802) Refer to the included instructions for installation details. Basic hand tools are typically all you need.
The kit includes 4 carriage bolts (7/16-14 X 1.50 GR5), 4 hex nuts (7/16-14 GR2), 4 spacers (¼ X 7/8 X 3.00), 4 pull wires (7/16), and 4 conical washers (7/16). All fasteners are included in fastener kit 36524F. A separate drawbar kit (36071) is sold separately.
Yes, the hitch is designed for Ford Escape. The manual specifies wiring access locations as SUV 1 & 2. However, if your vehicle has the 'Hands free lift gate' option, the lift gate sensor will only work in a limited area around the hitch installation location.
The hitch will not prevent the lift gate from functioning, but the lift gate sensor will only work in a limited area when the hitch is installed. The sensor's operating range is reduced to the area shown in Figure 2 of the manual.
You will need an 11/16" wrench and a torque wrench. The manual also shows that a file or prying tool (such as a wrench used as a lever) may be needed to enlarge the access holes if the spacer and bolt head do not fit through them initially.
You should first check whether the spacer and bolt head will fit through the access holes. If they do not fit, you will need to enlarge the holes. The manual shows two methods: using a file or inserting a wrench and prying to widen the opening. Enlarge the hole just enough to allow the hardware to pass through. Do not use a torch to cut the holes.
1. Feed spacers and carriage bolts into position using the pull wires provided, keeping the bolt and spacer separate (not engaged) while inserting into the frame rail. 2. Push fasteners back into the frame rail, leaving pull wires and extra wire sticking out. 3. Raise the hitch into position between the frame rails and feed pull wires through adjacent holes in the hitch. On the passenger side, raise the forward end of the bracket over the hoses crossing the frame rail. 4. Pull fasteners back through access holes and hitch. 5. Remove pull wires and attach conical washers and nuts, being careful not to push fasteners back into the frame rail. 6. Tighten all fasteners to specification using a torque wrench.
Keeping the bolt and spacer not engaged (not threaded together) while inserting them into the frame rail makes the installation much easier. Once the fasteners are positioned in the frame, you will pull them back through the hitch and then attach the conical washers and nuts.
The pull wires are used to feed the spacers and carriage bolts into position within the frame rails. After the hitch is raised into position, the pull wires are fed through adjacent holes in the hitch to help pull the fasteners back through the access holes and hitch. Once the fasteners are in place, the pull wires are removed.
On the passenger side, raise the forward end of the bracket over the hoses crossing the frame rail. This ensures the hitch bracket clears the hoses during installation.
All 7/16-14 GR5 carriage bolts must be tightened to 50 Lb.-Ft. (68 N·M) using a torque wrench.
The kit includes 4 carriage bolts, each 7/16-14 X 1.50 GR5 (Grade 5). These bolts must be tightened to 50 Lb.-Ft. (68 N·M).
The kit includes 4 hex nuts, each 7/16-14 GR2 (Grade 2).
The kit includes 4 spacers, each ¼ X 7/8 X 3.00 inches.
The hitch has a maximum gross trailer weight of 3500 LB (1589 Kg) and a maximum tongue weight of 300 LB (136 Kg). However, you must not exceed the lower of the hitch rating or your vehicle manufacturer's towing rating.
The drawbar must be used in the Rise position only. The drawbar kit (36071) is sold separately.
Observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch. Be careful not to push fasteners back into the frame rail when attaching conical washers and nuts.
Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. Verify that the hitch is securely mounted and that all bolts remain at the specified torque of 50 Lb.-Ft. (68 N·M).
If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes.
A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Do not attempt to repair a damaged hitch.
Yes, the hitch is designed for Ford Escape. If your vehicle has a hands-free lift gate option, the sensor will operate only in a limited area around the hitch.
You will need an 11/16" wrench and a torque wrench. A file or prying tool may be needed to enlarge access holes if required.
You may need to enlarge the existing access holes if the spacer and bolt head do not fit through them. Use a file or prying tool to enlarge just enough for the hardware to pass. Do not use a torch.
Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 Lb.-Ft. (68 N·M) using a torque wrench.
Maximum gross trailer weight is 3500 LB (1589 Kg) and maximum tongue weight is 300 LB (136 Kg). Do not exceed your vehicle manufacturer's towing rating.
No, the drawbar kit (36071) is sold separately. The drawbar must be used in the Rise position only.
Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened. If the hitch is removed, plug all holes to prevent water and exhaust fume entry.
Yes, this T-Connector is designed for the Ford Escape. The installation instructions are specific to this vehicle model.
The T-Connector is a trailer wiring harness that connects between your vehicle's taillight sockets and a trailer. It allows you to control trailer lights (stop, turn, and tail lights) from your vehicle's electrical system.
You will need: Trim Panel Remover, 8mm Socket & Ratchet or 8mm Wrench, Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit, 1/4" Socket, Wire Crimpers, Wire Cutters, Philips Head Screwdriver, and Test-probe.
Yes. You must disconnect the vehicle's Negative (−) battery cable before connecting the power wire to the battery's Positive (+) terminal. Reconnect the Negative cable only after the fuse holder is properly installed.
Open the tailgate and remove the two 8mm hex head bolts on each side of the taillight assembly. Carefully pull the taillight away from the vehicle, being careful not to damage the alignment pins. Remove the taillight housing and set it aside.
Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets. Separate the connector carefully, being careful not to break the locking tabs. Ensure all connector surfaces are clean and free of dirt before reconnecting.
Route the T-Connector end with the yellow wire out through the grommet hole on the driver's side. Plug it between the taillight socket and vehicle harness on the driver's side. Route the wire inside the vehicle through interior trim panels, then route the T-Connector with the green wire down the threshold plate, up through the passenger side trim panel, and out through the grommet hole. Route the 4-Flat connector through the driver's side trim panel into the spare tire compartment and store it there when not in use.
On the driver's side near the connectors, locate a suitable grounding point. Drill a 3/32" hole and secure the white wire with an eyelet using the screw provided. Do not drill into any exposed surfaces. Always verify what is behind any surface prior to drilling to avoid damage to the vehicle and personal injury.
The power wire is black, 12 gauge (12 ga.). It connects from the T-Connector box to the vehicle's battery Positive (+) terminal through a 15 amp fuse holder.
Locate the black 12 ga. power wire from the T-Connector box. Route it through a grommet and along the exterior frame, or follow existing wiring along the thresholds into the engine compartment up to the battery, avoiding areas that may pinch or break the wire. Disconnect the vehicle's Negative (−) battery cable. Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder (provided). After cutting the fuse holder wire, attach the ring terminal and secure it to the vehicle's Positive (+) battery cable. Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12 ga. wire using the yellow butt connector (provided). Reconnect the Negative (−) battery cable and install the 15 amp fuse into the fuse holder.
Install a 15 amp fuse into the fuse holder. This protects the circuit from overload.
Do not exceed the lower of your vehicle manufacturer's rating or: Maximum stop/turn light: 2 per side (4.2 amps); Maximum tail lights: (7.5 amps). Overloading the circuit can cause fires. Refer to your vehicle's owner's manual and instruction sheet for additional information.
All connections must be complete for the T-Connector to function properly. Test and verify the installation with a test light or trailer once installed. For the initial test, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.
Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness with the cable ties provided to prevent damage or rattling. Be careful to avoid any areas that would pinch, cut, or melt the wire.
Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other items removed during installation, being careful not to pinch or cut the wires.
Yes, the T-Connector (part 118715-037) is designed for the Ford Escape.
You need: Trim Panel Remover, 8mm Socket & Ratchet or 8mm Wrench, Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit, 1/4" Socket, Wire Crimpers, Wire Cutters, Philips Head Screwdriver, and Test-probe.
Yes, you must drill a 3/32" hole on the driver's side near the connectors to secure the white ground wire with an eyelet. Always verify what is behind the surface before drilling.
Yes, you must disconnect the vehicle's Negative (−) battery cable before connecting the power wire to the Positive (+) terminal. Reconnect it only after the fuse holder is installed.
The T-Connector uses a 15 amp fuse in the yellow fuse holder provided.
Test with a test light or trailer once installed. For the initial test, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition.
Verify that all connections are complete. The T-Connector will not function properly if any connection is incomplete. Test the installation with a test light or trailer. If the initial test fails, reset the vehicle electrical system by temporarily removing the key from the ignition, then retest. Ensure the 15 amp fuse is installed in the fuse holder and is not blown.
Check that both the yellow and green T-Connector plugs are fully seated between the taillight sockets and vehicle wiring harnesses on both the driver's and passenger's sides. Verify that the locking tabs are not broken and that all connector surfaces are clean. Ensure the 15 amp fuse is installed and not blown. Test the installation with a test light or trailer to verify proper operation.
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