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:

1. 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).
2. Position fasteners:
   • Push the fasteners back into the frame rail, leaving the pull wires and extra wire protruding.
3. 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).
4. 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.
5. 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 for T-Connector Adapter for Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 118566

Tools Required:

• Trim Panel Remover
• 8mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Drill (3/32” Drill Bit)
• 1/4” Socket
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Probe

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Remove the Taillight Assemblies:

   • Open the tailgate and remove the vehicle’s taillight assemblies by unscrewing the four 8mm hex head bolts on each side.
   • Carefully pry the housings away from the vehicle, avoiding damage to the alignment tabs.

2. Disconnect the Wiring Harness:

   • Disconnect the vehicle wiring harness from both taillight sockets.

3. Install the Driver-Side T-Connector:

   • On the driver’s side, route the T-Connector end with the yellow wires up between the bumper and vehicle body into the taillight pocket.
   • Plug the T-Connector with the yellow wire in between the driver’s side taillight socket and the vehicle wiring harness.

4. Route and Connect the Passenger-Side T-Connector:

   • Route the T-Connector with the green wire to the passenger side.
   • Route the 4-flat connector underneath the bumper to the passenger side, ensuring it avoids hot pipes, heat shields, or fuel tanks.
   • Route the T-Connector end with the green wire up through the passenger-side opening and connect it.

5. Ground the White Wire:

   • Locate a suitable grounding point near the connector.
   • Clean the area of dirt and rustproofing.
   • Drill a 3/32” hole and secure the white wire using the provided eyelet and screw.

   Caution:

   • Verify what is behind any surface before drilling to avoid damage or injury.

6. Prepare the Power Connection:

   • Disconnect the vehicle’s negative (-) battery cable.
   • Remove the fuse from the yellow fuse holder.
   • Attach the ring terminal to the positive (+) battery cable using the provided connector.
   • Connect the other end of the fuse holder to the black 12-gauge wire using the provided yellow butt connector.

7. Route the Black Power Wire:

   • Starting at the front of the vehicle, route the black wire along the frame rail to the rear driver’s side.
   • Ensure the wire avoids hot pipes, heat shields, or other damage points.

8. Connect the Black Power Wire:

   • Route the black 12-gauge wire to the rear driver’s side.
   • Connect the wire to the black wire from the T-Connector black box using the supplied yellow butt connector.

9. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reconnect the negative (-) battery cable.
   • Insert the 15-amp fuse into the fuse holder.

10. Mount the Black Box:

    • Locate a flat surface on the driver’s side and mount the T-Connector’s black box using the double-sided tape.
    • Ensure the epoxy side of the module is pointed toward the ground to prevent water buildup.

11. Secure the Wiring:

    • Secure the remainder of the T-Connector harness under the bumper using the provided cable ties, avoiding areas that could pinch or cut the wires.

12. Reinstall the Taillight Assemblies:

    • Reinstall the taillight housing assemblies, positioning the wiring harness between the housing and the vehicle body.

13. Mount the 4-Flat Connector:

    • Mount the 4-flat connector in a suitable location under the vehicle.

    Note:

    • A bracket is not included for mounting the 4-flat connector.

Specifications:

• Max. stop/turn light: 2.1 amps
• Max. tail lights: 5.6 amps

Safety Notes:

• Overloading circuits can cause fires. Do not exceed stated product ratings.
• Always wear safety glasses and follow safety precautions during installation.

Manufacturer Notes:

• Read the vehicle owner’s manual for additional details.
• Store instructions for future reference.

Installation Instructions for 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter and Brake Control Wiring

Tools Required:

• Phillips Head Screwdriver
• Drill with 3/32" Drill Bit
• 10mm Socket & Ratchet or Wrench
• Wire Crimpers
• Wire Cutters
• Test Light or Multimeter
• Cable Ties

Part 1: Install the 4-Way to 7-Way Adapter

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount the Adapter:

   • Choose a suitable mounting point on the vehicle, typically near the hitch.
   • Use the provided bracket and screws to secure the adapter.

2. Connect the 4-Flat Plug:

   • Plug the 4-flat connector on the adapter into the existing 4-flat plug on the vehicle.
   • This connection enables tail lights, left turn, and right turn signals.

3. Ground the Adapter:

   • Locate a clean, solid grounding point near the adapter.
   • Drill a 3/32" hole if necessary and secure the white ground wire from the adapter using the provided screw and eyelet.

4. Leave Additional Wires Disconnected:

   • The following wires will remain disconnected until Part 2:
     • Black Wire: Power from the battery.
     • Blue Wire: Brake control output.
     • Yellow Wire: Reverse light (optional; leave disconnected unless needed).

5. Test Initial Connection:

   • Use a test light or trailer to verify functionality of the 4-way connections (tail lights, turn signals).

Part 2: Install Brake Control Wiring

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Mount Circuit Breakers:

   • Install two 30A circuit breakers on the firewall or another suitable location near the battery.
   • Use self-tapping screws to mount them securely.

2. Route Power Wires:

   • Connect the black 12-gauge wire from the 7-way adapter to the auxiliary side of one circuit breaker (this powers the 7-way socket).
   • Run a heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the battery side of this circuit breaker, using a ring terminal.
   • Run another heavy-gauge wire from the battery's positive terminal to the auxiliary side of the second circuit breaker (for the brake controller).

3. Install the Brake Controller:

   • Mount the brake controller under the dash on a firm surface.
   • Use the following connections:
     • Red Wire: Connect to the cold side of the brake switch (active only when the brake pedal is pressed).
     • Blue Wire: Connect to the blue wire on the 7-way adapter for trailer brakes.
     • White Wire: Connect to a solid ground point on the vehicle body.
     • Black Wire: Connect to the auxiliary side of the second 30A circuit breaker (provides power to the brake controller).

4. Optional: Connect Reverse Light Circuit:

   • If the trailer has a reverse light circuit, connect the yellow wire from the 7-way adapter to the vehicle’s reverse light circuit.

5. Reconnect the Battery:

   • Reattach the negative battery cable and ensure all connections are secure.
   • Insert the fuses into both circuit breakers.

6. Secure All Wires:

   • Use cable ties to secure all loose wires and prevent damage or rattling.

7. Test the System:

   • Verify functionality of all circuits (running lights, turn signals, brake lights, and brake controller output).
   • If applicable, test the reverse light circuit.

Notes:

• Most installations will only require connecting the black and blue wires from the 7-way adapter.
• Leave the yellow wire disconnected unless the trailer has a reverse light or surge brake lockout circuit.
• Always adhere to safety guidelines and verify all connections before use.

Warning: Incorrect wiring can cause damage to the vehicle or trailer. Test all connections carefully before use.