Installation Instructions for Ford Escape

Part Numbers:

• 36529
• 90230
• 06156

Wiring Access Location:

• SUV1, SUV2

Tools Required:

• Wrenches: 10mm, 13mm, 11/16"
• Pull Wire (provided)
• Tin Snips
• File or Die Grinder
• Soapy Water or Lubricant

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Lower the Exhaust:

   • Remove the fasteners on the exhaust hanger brackets on both sides of the frame.
   • Remove the rubber isolator hangers forward of the suspension for additional room.
   • Spray lubricant or soapy water on the metal hanger rods and rubber isolators to ease removal.

2. Trim the Heat Shield:

   • On the driver side, remove the forward fastener and measure the area to trim.
   • Use tin snips to trim the passenger-side heat shield as shown in Figures 2 and 3.
   • Re-secure the driver-side heat shield using the original fastener after trimming.

3. Enlarge the Access Hole:

   • Use a file or grinder to enlarge the access hole in the frame rail to allow insertion of the carriage bolts and spacers.

4. Insert Hardware into Frame Rails:

   • Feed the pull wire (coiled end) into the hole inside the frame and pull it out through the modified access slot.
   • Attach the fastener to the pull wire and pull it into position, leaving the pull wires attached.
   • Repeat this procedure for all necessary fasteners (as shown in Figures 4 and 6).

5. Position the Hitch:

   • Slide the hitch into position, starting with the driver side and then the passenger side, ensuring pull wires guide the bolts through the mounting slots.

6. Install Fasteners:

   • Attach the horizontal 7/16" fasteners at the rear using flat washers, lock washers, and hex nuts to support the hitch.
   • Install the M8-1.25 x 40mm bolts and 5/16" flat washers through the rear bracket tab of the hitch and into the end frame and bumper plate (as shown in Figure 8).
   • Secure all other fasteners as shown.

7. Tighten Fasteners:

   • Torque all 7/16"-14 GR5 fasteners to 50 ft-lb (68 N*m).
   • Torque all M8 CL8.8 fasteners to 18 ft-lb (23 N*m).
   • Torque all M8 CL10.9 fasteners to 27 ft-lb (37 N*m).

8. Reattach Exhaust:

   • Reinstall the exhaust hanger brackets and rubber isolator hangers.

Torque Specifications:

• 7/16"-14 GR5 bolts: 50 ft-lb (68 N*m)
• M8 CL8.8 bolts: 18 ft-lb (23 N*m)
• M8 CL10.9 bolts: 27 ft-lb (37 N*m)

Hardware List:

• (6) Carriage Bolts, 7/16"-14 x 1.50" GR5
• (4) Hex Bolts, M8-1.25 x 30mm CL8.8
• (2) Hex Bolts, M8-1.25 x 40mm CL10.9
• (4) Spacers, 1/4" x 7/8" x 3"
• (2) Spacers, 3/16" x 1" x 2"
• (6) Flat Washers, 5/16"
• (6) Hex Nuts, 7/16"-14
• (4) Conical Washers, 7/16"
• (2) Conical Washers, 3/8"
• (6) Pull Wires, 7/16"

Safety Notes:

• Frequently check the hitch to ensure all fasteners and the ball are securely tightened.
• If the hitch is removed, plug all holes in the trunk pan or other body panels to prevent water or exhaust fumes from entering.
• Replace any damaged hitch or ball immediately.
• Observe safety precautions when working beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection.
• Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.

Specifications:

• Max Gross Trailer Weight: 3,500 lb (1,589 kg)
• Max Tongue Weight: 300 lb (136 kg)

Additional Notes:

• Drawbar Kit: 36071 (sold separately)
• Fastener Kit: 36529F
• This product complies with V.E.S.C. Regulation V-5 and SAE J684 safety standards.

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:

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. Reassemble the Vehicle:

    • Reinstall the taillight assemblies and other components removed during installation, ensuring no wires are pinched or damaged.

12. 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.