My wife and I went to the local dealership last night ready to order our Hydbrid Escape. However, we were told that the 2008 will not accept a trailer hitch. Now I read that the 2008 is rated at 1,000 lbs towing capacity. (Why is there a tow rating if it will not accept a hitch?) We will tow well under the 1000 lbs and not that often (gardening supplies, taking a tiller or large mower of 150 lbs?? to the shop once a year for service and also using a bike carrier). These trips will be under 20 miles (most less than 10) and on generally flat roads, so it seems reasonable that we would be OK. However, I find it hard to believe that you cannot put a hitch on a 2008. Is anyone doing any light towing and is this really that tricky? We briefly discussed a standard Escape but really want the hybrid.

Ford doesn't make trailer hitches for the hybrid. There are two coolant lines that run to the battery that get in the way of MOST trailer hitch connections. However Draw-TITE and some other third parties make hitches with notches to accomodate the coolant lines I have one on my 2006. These hitches will work with the 2007 and earlier models. I'm NOT sure that they will fit the 2008. I'd check with the various third party manufacturers to see if they have an option for the 2008 that will fit the hybrid. Make sure its hybrid specific or the coolant lines will be in the way.

e.trailer.com has a hitch for a FEH or MMH. I just ordered one, and the wiring package is also available.

The hitch is a Curt Class III Round Tube hitch #13649. iT was $150 plus shipping and looks like an easy install. I'll let you know.

Jim...do a "towing" search here on GH. There are many people who have towed with the FEH (light duty). You will have no problem towing 1,000lbs. (Methinks you'd be OK with 1500lbs, but that is just MHO...not the official voice from Ford! )

The FEH is capable and then some for small trailers.

Nate

Here is pic of the aftermarket class III hitch as it is designed to go around the coolant lines (05/06/07 models).

http://www.greenhybrid.com/share/fil...HitchView3.JPG

Did you also put on a wiring kit for the lights?

No, I did not install a wiring kit. But I recall lots of wiring discussion in this forum...just search on various keywords you think might work.

Thanks for the feedback. I have done some Internet searching and based on the feedback and the products I am convinced there will be no problem. We are going tomorrow to order the car (there are none within at least 100 miles). All we have to do now is figure out the color.

Also, thanks for the picture. That really helps.