Product Details
- Brand: Reese
- Model: 44681 118715
- Includes: Class 3 Trailer Tow Hitch, T-One T-Connector Custom Harness
Compatibility Chart
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Trailer Hitch w/ Wiring For 17-18 Ford Escape Class 3 2" Tow Receiver Reese Tekonsha Install Notes
Installation Instructions for Ford Escape
Part Numbers:
- 75758
- 87627
- 44681
Wiring Access Location:
- SUV1, SUV2
Tools Required:
- Wrenches: 11/16"
- Other Tools: Pull Wires (provided)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare fasteners:
- Feed spacers and carriage bolts into position using the provided pull wires on both frame rails. Leave the pull wires attached.
- Note: It is easier to insert the bolts and spacers separately into the frame rail (see Figure 3).
- Position fasteners:
- Push the fasteners back into the frame rail, leaving the pull wires and extra wire protruding.
- Raise hitch into position:
- Position the hitch between the frame rails. Feed the 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 (not shown in diagram).
- Secure fasteners:
- Pull the fasteners back through the access holes and the hitch.
- Remove the pull wires and attach conical washers and nuts. Be careful not to push the fasteners back into the frame rail.
- Tighten fasteners:
- Torque all fasteners to the specified value using a wrench.
Hardware List:
- Qty (4): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.50 GR5
- Qty (4): Spacer – 1/4 x 7/8 x 3.00
- Qty (4): Conical Washer – 7/16"
- Qty (4): Hex Nut – 7/16-14 GR2
- Qty (4): Pull Wire – 7/16
Safety Notes:
- Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
- If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or body panels to prevent water and exhaust fumes from entering.
- Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
- Observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle and wear eye protection.
- Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
Specifications:
- Hitch Type: Weight Distributing
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 675 lbs (306 kg)
- Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 4,500 lbs (2,043 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 675 lbs (306 kg)
Manufacturer Notes:
- Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N*m).
- Complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5, and SAE J684.
Additional Notes:
- For vehicles equipped with the “Hands-Free Lift Gate” option, the sensor will only work in a limited area (see Figure 2).
- If the spacer and bolt head do not fit through the access hole, modify the hole using a file or by prying it open as illustrated.
Installation Instructions
Part Numbers:
- 75758
- 87627
- 44681
Wiring Access Location:
- SUV1, SUV2
Tools Required:
- Wrenches: 11/16"
- Other Tools: Pull Wires (provided)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Prepare fasteners:
- Feed spacers and carriage bolts into position using the provided pull wires on both frame rails. Leave the pull wires attached.
- Note: It is easier to insert the bolts and spacers separately into the frame rail (see Figure 3).
- Position fasteners:
- Push the fasteners back into the frame rail, leaving the pull wires and extra wire protruding.
- Raise hitch into position:
- Position the hitch between the frame rails. Feed the 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 (not shown in diagram).
- Secure fasteners:
- Pull the fasteners back through the access holes and the hitch.
- Remove the pull wires and attach conical washers and nuts. Be careful not to push the fasteners back into the frame rail.
- Tighten fasteners:
- Torque all fasteners to the specified value using a wrench.
Hardware List:
- Qty (4): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.50 GR5
- Qty (4): Spacer – 1/4 x 7/8 x 3.00
- Qty (4): Conical Washer – 7/16"
- Qty (4): Hex Nut – 7/16-14 GR2
- Qty (4): Pull Wire – 7/16
Safety Notes:
- Check the hitch frequently to ensure all fasteners and the ball are properly tightened.
- If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or body panels to prevent water and exhaust fumes from entering.
- Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
- Observe safety precautions when working beneath the vehicle and wear eye protection.
- Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
Specifications:
- Hitch Type: Weight Distributing
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 5,000 lbs (2,270 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 675 lbs (306 kg)
- Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
- Max Gross Trailer Weight: 4,500 lbs (2,043 kg)
- Max Tongue Weight: 675 lbs (306 kg)
Manufacturer Notes:
- Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 lb-ft (68 N·m).
- Complies with safety specifications and requirements for connecting devices and towing systems of the state of New York, V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5, and SAE J684.
Additional Notes:
- For vehicles equipped with the “Hands-Free Lift Gate” option, the sensor will only work in a limited area (see Figure 2).
- If the spacer and bolt head do not fit through the access hole, modify the hole using a file or by prying it open as illustrated.
Attention: This is a summary of the installation procedure. For complete installation instructions, including diagrams and detailed information from the manufacturer, please download the full installation PDF.
Technical Support:
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.
Warranty:
For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.
Installation Instructions for T-One® T-Connector for Ford Escape
Part Numbers:
- 118715
Tools Required:
- Trim Panel Remover
- 8mm Socket & Ratchet or 8mm Wrench
- Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
- 1/4” Socket
- Wire Crimpers
- Wire Cutters
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Test Probe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove the Taillights:
- Open the tailgate and remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by removing the two 8mm hex head bolts on each side.
- Carefully pull the taillights away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to the alignment pins.
-
Disconnect the Wiring Harness:
- Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets.
- Ensure all connectors are clean and free of dirt. Avoid damaging the locking tabs.
-
Remove Trim Panels:
- Carefully remove the floor trim panels and access panels on each side of the vehicle.
- Locate and remove the rubber grommet in the taillight pocket.
-
Connect the Driver-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector end with the yellow wire out of the opening exposed in Step 3.
- Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the driver-side taillight socket and the vehicle’s wiring harness.
-
Route the Passenger-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector containing the green wire through the threshold plate and up through the passenger-side trim panel.
- Insert the T-Connector with the green wire between the passenger-side taillight socket and the vehicle’s wiring harness.
-
Route and Store the 4-Flat Connector:
- Route the 4-flat connector through the driver-side trim panel into the spare tire compartment and store it there when not in use.
-
Ground the White Wire:
- Locate a suitable grounding point on the driver’s side near the connectors.
- Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.
- Caution: Verify what is behind the surface before drilling to avoid damage or injury.
-
Connect the Power Wire:
- Locate the black 12-gauge power wire from the T-Connector box and attach the provided black wire using the yellow butt connector.
- Route the black wire through a grommet or along the existing wiring to the engine compartment, avoiding areas that may pinch, cut, or break the wire.
-
Connect to the Vehicle Battery:
- Disconnect the vehicle’s Negative (-) battery cable.
- Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
- Attach the ring terminal to the Positive (+) battery cable and connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the yellow butt connector.
-
Reconnect the Battery and Test:
- Reconnect the vehicle’s Negative (-) battery cable.
- Install the 15-amp fuse into the fuse holder and test the installation using a test light or trailer.
-
Reassemble the Vehicle:
- Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other components removed during installation, ensuring no wires are pinched or damaged.
-
Secure the Wiring Harness:
- Use the provided cable ties to secure the wiring harness, avoiding areas that may pinch, cut, or melt the wire.
Safety Notes:
- Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed stated product ratings or vehicle manufacturer specifications.
- Always wear safety glasses and follow safety precautions during installation.
Manufacturer Notes:
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and the instruction sheet for additional details.
- Store these instructions for future reference.
Installation Instructions for T-One® T-Connector for Ford Escape
Part Numbers:
- 118715
Tools Required:
- Trim Panel Remover
- 8mm Socket & Ratchet or 8mm Wrench
- Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
- 1/4” Socket
- Wire Crimpers
- Wire Cutters
- Phillips Head Screwdriver
- Test Probe
Step-by-Step Instructions:
-
Remove the Taillights:
- Open the tailgate and remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by removing the two 8mm hex head bolts on each side.
- Carefully pull the taillights away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to the alignment pins.
-
Disconnect the Wiring Harness:
- Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets.
- Ensure all connectors are clean and free of dirt. Avoid damaging the locking tabs.
-
Remove Trim Panels:
- Carefully remove the floor trim panels and access panels on each side of the vehicle.
- Locate and remove the rubber grommet in the taillight pocket.
-
Connect the Driver-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector end with the yellow wire out of the opening exposed in Step 3.
- Insert the T-Connector end with the yellow wire between the driver-side taillight socket and the vehicle’s wiring harness.
-
Route the Passenger-Side T-Connector:
- Route the T-Connector containing the green wire through the threshold plate and up through the passenger-side trim panel.
- Insert the T-Connector with the green wire between the passenger-side taillight socket and the vehicle’s wiring harness.
-
Route and Store the 4-Flat Connector:
- Route the 4-flat connector through the driver-side trim panel into the spare tire compartment and store it there when not in use.
-
Ground the White Wire:
- Locate a suitable grounding point on the driver’s side near the connectors.
- Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.
- Caution: Verify what is behind the surface before drilling to avoid damage or injury.
-
Connect the Power Wire:
- Locate the black 12-gauge power wire from the T-Connector box and attach the provided black wire using the yellow butt connector.
- Route the black wire through a grommet or along the existing wiring to the engine compartment, avoiding areas that may pinch, cut, or break the wire.
-
Connect to the Vehicle Battery:
- Disconnect the vehicle’s Negative (-) battery cable.
- Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
- Attach the ring terminal to the Positive (+) battery cable and connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the yellow butt connector.
-
Reconnect the Battery and Test:
- Reconnect the vehicle’s Negative (-) battery cable.
- Install the 15-amp fuse into the fuse holder and test the installation using a test light or trailer.
-
Reassemble the Vehicle:
- Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other components removed during installation, ensuring no wires are pinched or damaged.
-
Secure the Wiring Harness:
- Use the provided cable ties to secure the wiring harness, avoiding areas that may pinch, cut, or melt the wire.
Safety Notes:
- Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed stated product ratings or vehicle manufacturer specifications.
- Always wear safety glasses and follow safety precautions during installation.
Manufacturer Notes:
- Refer to the vehicle owner’s manual and the instruction sheet for additional details.
- Store these instructions for future reference.
Technical Support:
For technical support and assistance, our team of experts is available to help. You can reach our tech support by visiting www.trailerjacks.com or calling 877-869-6690.
Warranty Information:
For complete warranty instructions, please download the full installation PDF.
Note: Store the 4-flat connector in the spare tire compartment when not in use to prevent damage.