Installation Instructions for Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 75782
• 87641
• 44694

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV1, SUV2

Tools Required:

• Pull wire (provided)
• Tin snips
• File or die grinder
• Soapy water or lubricant
• Wrenches: 10mm, 13mm, 11/16”
• Drill Bits: None

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Remove the two fasteners from the exhaust hanger brackets on each side of the frame.
   • Remove the forward rubber isolator hanger for additional space (see Figure 4).
   • Apply lubricant or soapy water to the metal hanger rod and rubber isolator for easier removal.

2. Trim Heat Shields:

   • Loosen and trim the heat shields as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
   • On the driver’s side, remove the forward fastener and mark the area to be trimmed. Re-secure the heat shield using the removed fastener after trimming.

3. Enlarge Access Hole:

   • Enlarge the frame’s access hole using a file or grinder to allow carriage bolt insertion.

4. Install Hardware into Frame Rails:

   • Use the pull wire to feed the fasteners through the frame’s access hole. Attach fasteners and pull them into position, starting with the rear side of the frame rail (see Figures 5 and 6).
   • Leave the pull wires attached.

5. Position Hitch:

   • Slide the hitch into position, starting with the driver’s side, moving over the exhaust, and aligning it with the passenger side.
   • Feed pull wires through the slots as needed.

6. Attach Fasteners:

   • Secure the rear horizontal 7/16 fasteners using flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts.
   • Attach the M8-1.25 x 40mm bolts and 5/16” flat washers through the bracket tab at the rear of the hitch.

7. Tighten Fasteners:

   • Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values:
     • M8 CL8 fasteners: 18 lb-ft (23 N*m)
     • M8 CL10.9 fasteners: 27 lb-ft (37 N*m)
     • 7/16 GR5 fasteners: 50 lb-ft (68 N*m)

8. Reattach Exhaust:

   • Reinstall the exhaust hanger brackets and the rubber isolator hanger.

Hardware List:

• Qty (6): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.50 GR5
• Qty (4): Spacer – 1/4” x 7/8” x 3”
• Qty (2): Spacer – 3/16” x 1” x 2”
• Qty (4): Conical Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (6): Hex Nut – 7/16-14
• Qty (2): Flat Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (4): Hex Bolt – M8-1.25 x 30mm CL8.8
• Qty (2): Hex Bolt – M8-1.25 x 40mm CL10.9
• Qty (12): Flat Washer – 5/16”
• Qty (4): Lock Washer – 5/16”

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: 525 lbs (239 kg)
• Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,589 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (239 kg)

Manufacturer Notes:

• 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.

Installation Instructions

Part Numbers:

• 75782
• 87641
• 44694

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV1, SUV2

Tools Required:

• Pull wire (provided)
• Tin snips
• File or die grinder
• Soapy water or lubricant
• Wrenches: 10mm, 13mm, 11/16”
• Drill Bits: None

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Remove the two fasteners from the exhaust hanger brackets on each side of the frame.
   • Remove the forward rubber isolator hanger for additional space (see Figure 4).
   • Apply lubricant or soapy water to the metal hanger rod and rubber isolator for easier removal.

2. Trim Heat Shields:

   • Loosen and trim the heat shields as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
   • On the driver’s side, remove the forward fastener and mark the area to be trimmed. Re-secure the heat shield using the removed fastener after trimming.

3. Enlarge Access Hole:

   • Enlarge the frame’s access hole using a file or grinder to allow carriage bolt insertion.

4. Install Hardware into Frame Rails:

   • Use the pull wire to feed the fasteners through the frame’s access hole. Attach fasteners and pull them into position, starting with the rear side of the frame rail (see Figures 5 and 6).
   • Leave the pull wires attached.

5. Position Hitch:

   • Slide the hitch into position, starting with the driver’s side, moving over the exhaust, and aligning it with the passenger side.
   • Feed pull wires through the slots as needed.

6. Attach Fasteners:

   • Secure the rear horizontal 7/16 fasteners using flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts.
   • Attach the M8-1.25 x 40mm bolts and 5/16” flat washers through the bracket tab at the rear of the hitch.

7. Tighten Fasteners:

   • Tighten all fasteners to the specified torque values:
     • M8 CL8 fasteners: 18 lb-ft (23 N·m)
     • M8 CL10.9 fasteners: 27 lb-ft (37 N·m)
     • 7/16 GR5 fasteners: 50 lb-ft (68 N·m)

8. Reattach Exhaust:

   • Reinstall the exhaust hanger brackets and the rubber isolator hanger.

Hardware List:

• Qty (6): Carriage Bolt – 7/16-14 x 1.50 GR5
• Qty (4): Spacer – 1/4” x 7/8” x 3”
• Qty (2): Spacer – 3/16” x 1” x 2”
• Qty (4): Conical Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (6): Hex Nut – 7/16-14
• Qty (2): Flat Washer – 7/16”
• Qty (4): Hex Bolt – M8-1.25 x 30mm CL8.8
• Qty (2): Hex Bolt – M8-1.25 x 40mm CL10.9
• Qty (12): Flat Washer – 5/16”
• Qty (4): Lock Washer – 5/16”

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: 525 lbs (239 kg)
• Hitch Type: Weight Carrying (Ball Mount)
  • Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lbs (1,589 kg)
  • Max Tongue Weight: 525 lbs (239 kg)

Manufacturer Notes:

• 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.

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.