The patient is a 2010 Ford Escape Hybrid base model. Has anyone wired a 4 pin trailer hitch plug into the large unused plug sitting behind the driver's side (North America) rear wheel? I think that large squarish/roundish plug is designed for the optional backup sensor system (which we don't have) but it might also be used for trailer wiring. Can't find anything on the Ford parts list. If there was a plug in harness, it's been discontinued. I do have a 2002 Taurus trailer wiring harness that plugs into the rear light wiring harness but I would imagine the connectors are probably different but haven't checked that out yet. Any info including links to wiring diagrams would be helpful. If you are a retired Ford tech, thank you for coming out of retirement for a few minutes. Thanks again!

 

If you intend to haul anything over a max weight of 1000 pounds (including the trailer) with your '10 Hybrid, you're going to be crying. You can bolt anything you want on there but you'll destroy the car. Get another car for towing.

 

Multiple members proved here that is not true. The hangup with towing is your electric reverse is really weak and you may get in a position where you can't back up with your load. Not in some rare scenario but easily.

The backup cam wiring only has backup cam stuff.

 

Thanks for the responses guys. I only need about 500 kg capacity but haven't installed the hitch I got from the pull since I have a Wrangler readily available for the occasional trailer towing I need. If you know anyone that needs a used hitch for a 2009-12, let me know.

 

Sorry to bump this thread, but I figured it'd be better than making a new one. Has anyone found any trailer wiring hookups on the FEH? A bunch of other posts online suggest that there should be a 4-pin connector, even on cars without the towing package, near the rear bumper. I haven't been able to find this - was it omitted on the hybrids? I only need to trailer a short distance so I might just build some wretched lights that come on with an accelerometer, or tap the brake lights. I suppose I could also run a temporary wire from the engine compartment, from where the relays are. I'm curious to see what others have done to add lights to the vehicle.

 

I didn't find a plug in kit and did not install a trailer hitch as a result. But consistent with your hope, all of my Saabs had a trailering plug in the spare tire well that you could plug and play into, easy, peasy. Good luck!