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1998 - 2003 Ford Escort ZX2
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We know our products
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This custom kit fits the following vehicles:
All Hardware and Installation Instructions Included!
However you define adventure -- whether it's climbing onto the back of a mountain bike, hunting from the top of a tree stand or camping with the family a long way from nowhere -- CURT class 1 hitches provide a light-duty towing receiver to help you Bring It. Each is made to fit a specific vehicle, providing easier installation, a better fit and optimal towing capacity. Custom class 1 trailer hitches are available for a variety of smaller vehicle types, including the compact car, crossover, minivan and small SUV. This particular class 1 hitch is designed to be a custom hitch for certain years of the Ford Escort and Mercury Tracer (to verify vehicle compatibility, see the CURT application guide at curtmfg.com). Tested in accordance with SAE J684, it offers a weight carrying capacity of 2,000 lbs. GTW and 200 lbs. TW. It is equipped with 1-1/4" receiver tube opening to accept a ball mount shank or other hitch mount. This class 1 hitch also comes with all necessary mounting hardware. With its lightweight design and smaller receiver tube size, a class 1 hitch is especially useful for adding cargo space with a hitch-mounted bike rack or cargo carrier. They can also typically be used to tow small trailers such as a utility trailer, kayak trailer or teardrop camper (never exceed the lowest weight capacity of any towing component; i.e. the vehicle, hitch, trailer, etc). Though CURT class 1 trailer hitches are only intended for light-duty towing, we apply the same principles of quality as we do to the rest of our rear mount hitches. Each class 1 hitch is made with hands-on engineering, high-strength steel and precise welding. We use a co-cured finish of liquid A-coat, inside and out, and durable black powder coat to provide a lasting defense against rust, chips and UV rays.
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 E150, E250, E350, E450, E550 and Econoline Super Duty, Ford Escort, Expedition, Excursion, Explorer, Sport Trac, Focus, Ranger and F150, Lincoln Aviator and Navigator and Mercury Mountaineer and Tracer (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 |
|---|---|---|
| 1998 - 2003 | Ford Escort ZX2 | — |
The Curt 55344 fits Ford F-150 Flareside, F-150 Crew Cab, and F-150 Heritage Flareside (old body) models. Fitment depends on your specific F-150 variant. Check your vehicle's model designation against the applications list to confirm compatibility.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Explorer Sport, Ford Explorer (4-door), and Ford Explorer Sport Trac models. It is not listed for other Explorer variants, so verify your specific model before purchasing.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Lincoln Navigator. It is also compatible with the Lincoln Aviator.
Yes, the Curt 55344 is compatible with the Ford Ranger.
The Curt 55344 is compatible with Ford Escort sedan and Ford Escort ZX2 models. It is also compatible with Ford Focus wagon (before 11/02). Verify your specific Escort variant matches the applications list.
You will need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. These are the only tools specified in the installation instructions.
Yes. Step 1 requires you to remove both the driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to locate the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors. This is necessary to access the connectors where the custom wiring harness will be plugged in.
For Vans, Expedition, and Navigator models, you must partially remove the rear interior plastic trim panels on the driver side and open the vehicle jack storage compartment to expose the openings to the taillight assemblies. You also need to remove the threshold cover plate between the rear doors.
For Escort and Tracker models, partially remove the trunk lining to expose the grommets accessing the taillights. Remove and slit the grommet to allow wires to pass into the taillight openings.
For F-150 Flareside models, locate the access hole into the taillight openings from underneath the vehicle. There will be an access hole on each side of the vehicle through which you can route the wiring harness.
Route the custom wiring harness end containing the green wire out from inside the vehicle through the taillight opening on the passenger side (Step 3). Then route the yellow wire across the vehicle under the threshold cover and out through the taillight opening (Step 5). Tuck the yellow wire under the threshold panel and secure it (Step 6).
Disconnect the vehicle's center black wiring harness connector from the taillight assembly, being careful not to damage the locking tabs. Plug the custom wiring harness connector (containing the green wire for the first connection, then the yellow wire for the second) between the separated halves of the vehicle connector. Repeat this process for both the green and yellow wire connectors.
The manual specifies that provided sealant should be used to seal the cut in the grommet and around all the wires after routing the harness through the taillight openings. However, the manual does not specify the sealant type or quantity.
The provided 4-flat dust cover should be installed to help prevent corrosion. It is installed as part of the final reassembly step after all other components have been reinstalled.
The manual warns that you must not exceed the product rating or the tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. However, the specific product rating is not stated in the installation instructions. Check the product specification sheet or contact Curt Manufacturing for the exact rating.
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.
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 will function properly before testing.
Yes. Before drilling, check for miscellaneous items that may be hidden behind or under any surface to avoid damage and personal injury. This is a critical safety step in the installation process.
The Curt 55344 fits Ford Econoline, Escort, Excursion, Expedition, Explorer, F-150, Focus wagon (before 11/02), Ranger, and Mercury/Lincoln models listed in the applications. Check your specific model variant against the applications list on page 1.
You need a Phillips screwdriver, flat blade screwdriver, and panel trim removal tool. No power tools or special equipment are required.
Yes, you must remove both driver and passenger side taillight assemblies to access the vehicle taillight wiring harness connectors where the custom harness plugs in.
Do not exceed the product rating or tow vehicle lamp load rating, whichever is lower. Exceeding the rating can cause overheating and potential fire, and will void the warranty.
Test for proper function using a test light or by connecting a properly wired trailer. Testing confirms all steps were followed correctly.
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