http://www.curtmfg.com
This video depicts the installation of the CURT 13186 Class 3 trailer hitch on a 2015 Ford Escape.
Install Sheet –
https://www.curtmfg.com/masterlibrary/13186/installsheet/CM_13186_INS.PDF
Application Coverage Information:
http://www.curtmfg.com/page/application_guides
Special Notes:
***DO NOT EXCEED VEHICLE MANUFACTURER’S RECOMMENDED TOWING CAPACITY***
PERIODICALLY CHECK THIS RECEIVER HITCH TO ENSURE THAT ALL FASTENERS
ARE TIGHT AND THAT ALL STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS ARE SOUND.
Warning:
-This video is intended to be used as reference. Please refer to print instructions for complete installation information.
-Need help or have some questions? Call Technical Support at 800.798.0813 (Monday-Friday 8am-7pm CST)
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it only took me 4 hours to do. that was hard af
A couple of installation tips based on my experience:
– If you don't have a strong grinder or grinding attachment, the minimum width of material you need to remove to make the bolts pass through the slot is maybe 1-2 mm, or roughly the width of the ridge
– !!!SUPER IMPORTANT!!! NEVER let any of the fish-wired bolts go rearward into the black crush can (rear-most structure bolted to the frame). The bolt and rectangular plate will get stuck because of the important difference in sizes between the opening at the end of the frame and the opening at the start of the crush can. If this happens, you either:
a) need to spend an eternity repeatedly rapidly pulling the fish wire in the hopes the bolt and plate will line up correctly and pass through the frame opening (there's also a tiny access hole on the bottom face of the crush can where you can put a screwdriver to prop up the plate and bolt), or
b) need to unbolt both crush cans, and pull the entire bumper beam rearward to gain access to the bolt and plate again and push them back through the frame tip opening.
This simple mistake turned an otherwise simple job into a multi-hour ordeal.
The hitch over the muffler on the driver side is a pain in the ***, you should ask a friend to help although possible alone, this part only would take 30min
Except for this part, everything is simple and self-explanatory
now that is slicker than snot on a glass door knob!
I have a 2013 Escape and I’m thinking about purchasing this hitch. Does it include the “fish wires” along with all hardware needed to install? Thanks
Thanks for the video! I was able to install the hitch on my own. I would not have been able to without this video. I installed my hitch on a 2018 Ford Escape. I would recommend having a friend to help, or you have to use adjustable jack stands to allow the use of hands to begin the bolt threading process.
Thank you for Taking the time to show what is entailed in installing this Hitch. The instructions help but this video is more helpful.
**This video, nor your instructions, though explain how to actually install/place the hitch onto the vehicle. I found it very vague and extremely difficult to do based off of your instructions and this video. This is not a 1 person job and I found the etrailer video to better explain how to get the hitch over the muffler.**
Looks great though!
This video is much better than the printed instructions that come with the hitch. However, more time and detail need to be added when showing the placement of the hitch on the rear of the vehicle. It was extremely difficult and the video barely shows the placement at all.