Instruction Manual

Installation Instructions
Ford Escape
Part Numbers:
51233
97233
Hitch Shown In Proper Position
Equipment Required:
Wrenches: 11/16”
Frame rail
Access hole
Fastener Kit: 51233F
Do Not Exceed Lower of Towing Vehicle
Manufacturer’s Rating or
Hitch type
Max Gross
Trailer WT (LB)
Max Tongue
WT (LB)
Weight Distributing
4000 (1816 Kg) 400 (182 Kg)
Weight Carrying
Ball Mount
3500 (1589 Kg) 350 (159 Kg)
Wiring Access Location: SUV 1 & 2
1
11
1
2
22
2
3
33
3
4
44
4
Frame rail
Tail pipe
Fascia
Kink pull wire to keep
spacer independent of bolt
5
55
5
Figure 2
Figure 1
Figure 3
Lift gate sensor reduced to this
area on vehicles with the “Hand
free lift gate” option.
Wrench
Access hole
File
Accessory Rating
C
Note: With the hitch installed on vehicle with “Hands free lift gate” options it will only work in limited area.
See Figure 2.
1. Feed spacers and carriage bolts into position using the pull wires provided (both rail). Leave pull wire attached. Note: It is much
easier if bolt and spacer are not engaged while inserting them into frame, refer to illustration. See Figure 3.
2. Push (only) fasteners back into frame rail leaving pull wire and the extra wire sticking out of the frame rail.
3. Raise hitch into position between frame rails, feed pull wires thru 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).
4. Pull fastener back through access holes and hitch.
5. Remove pull wires and attach conical washers and nut (be careful not to push fastener back into frame rail).
6. Tighten to specification.
© 2012 Cequent Performance Products, Inc
Sheet 1 of 3 51233N 10-5-12 Rev. A
1
11
1
Qty. (4) Carriage bolt 7/16-14 X 1.50 GR5
4
44
4
Qty. (4) Hex nut 7/16-14 GR2
2
22
2
Qty. (4) Spacer ¼ X 7/8 X 3.00
5
55
5
Qty. (4) Pull wire 7/16
3
33
3
Qty. (4) Conical washer 7/16
Note: check hitch frequently, making sure all fasteners and ball are properly tightened. If hitch is removed, plug all holes in trunk pan or other body panels to
prevent entry of water and exhaust fumes. A hitch or ball which has been damaged should be removed and replaced. Observe safety precautions when working
beneath a vehicle and wear eye protection. Do not cut access or attachment holes with a torch.
This product 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.
Form: F205 Rev A 5
-
6
-
05
Note: Fasteners typical both sides
Tighten all 7/16-14 GR5 fasteners with torque wrench to 50 Lb.-Ft. (68 N*M)
Vehicle forward
INSTRUCTIONS:
1 . Check to see if spacer and bolt head will fit through access hole, if not
modify hole to accept hardware, the illustration above shows two ways of
achieving this, the first is using a file, the second is by inserting a wrench or
prying as shown. Enlarge hole just enough to get hardware through.