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Can Class II Hitch Be Removed?

3.5K views 7 replies 5 participants last post by  centex  
#1 ·
I'm thinking about getting a 2016/2017 FE Titanium with the 2.0. I believe that Ford lists the max tongue weight of their Class II hitch at 350lbs. I need a hitch with a tongue weight of at least 450. I saw that ETrailer has them, but they all say they won't work with the installed Class II hitch. Can the Class II hitch be removed to install an aftermarket Class III?
 
#8 ·
Just FYI for anyone following .... it's the '13-'18 Escape that has a recommended max trailer tongue weight of 350#, regardless of the hitch hardware capacity itself. Changing the hitch hardware does not increase that vehicle maximum recommended tongue weight limit. All reputable aftermarket hitch manufacturers state that the appropriate maximum limit is the one imposed by the vehicle manufacturer.

Example, from 'fine print' on the etrailer website:

"..... When we're using that with our trailer, our tongue weight rating stays the same at 675, but our max gross trailer weight rating increases to 5,000 pounds. We'll want to make sure that we consult with the owner's manual of our Ford Escape and not exceed what the vehicle's rated for. We want to go by whichever number is less. ...."