Trailer hitch for third gen. (1997–1999) NA Ford Escort wagon

Question

I am looking into adding Class 1 trailer hitch to 1999 Ford Escort wagon (NA 3^rd generation (1997–1999)). I had checked several NA manufacturers (such as Curt, U-Haul etc.), none of them offer a hitch for that generation of Escort wagons (but do offer ones for sedans and ZX2).

At the same time, there are hitches for 2^nd generation (1991–1996) Escort wagons (same as those for sedans and hatchbacks). And it looks like rear parts of 2^nd and 3^rd gen. wagons are nigh identical (one can search for more images to compare):

Wikipedia article does not explicitly confirms that, but states:

The Escort wagon largely retained the same body style, gaining only the new interior, front end & fascia, side-view mirrors, door handles, badging, and slightly restyled taillamps & reflectors.

Is there any confirmation that I can use hitches for older Escort on a new wagon (that is, if body panel stamping remained the same)? Or what and how do I measure under the car to see what exact dimensions I need to confirm to see what hitch I can use? Also, where do I find what type of wiring harness connections Ford used in both generations to see if I can use older T-harnesses as well?

Answer 1

I just installed a hitch from from Reese-hitches.com on my 1999 escort wagon this week.

(1) Class I, 1-1/4 inch Receiver Hitch Part No: RT-443

(1) T-One Connector Wiring Light Kit Part No: 118344

The hitch worked out fine, but the wiring harness is not right, and apparently they do not make one for the escort wagon (we have a 5 plug harness going to the tail light--the item they list is a 3 prong, and will not fit)

Answer 2

I just installed a Valley brand 2" receiver onto my 1997 escort. I had to buy longer bolts and will need a wiring harness. Used the two factory bolt holes, one on each side. And had to drill 1 additional hole on each side. But basically a direct fit.

Answer 3

Answer in progress. So far concerns hitches that has been found to be specifically manufactured for 3^rd generation Escort wagon. Kudos to commenters.

• Cequent Mfg. produces Reese Towpower #77078 (also Draw-Tite #24669 and Hidden Hitch #60914) for 1998–1999 wagon. Reese Hitch Application Guide (PDF) lists different hitch (#77018) for 1997 wagon (and sedan) — same hitch that is used for all 1991–1996 Escorts (which probably means that they used up remaining body parts for the new design, then used an updated one from 1998 on). Only difference is that 1997 on uses different wiring kit (Reese #78013 for 1997–1999 wagon, #78058 (standard) or #74665 (t-connector) for sedan and ZX2, #78104 for 2^nd generation all models).

• Curt Manufacturing produces #11105 (also U-Haul #24668) that fits only first year (1997) of 3^rd generation wagons (they do not seem to offer a hitch for 1998–1999 wagon, however). Curt Application Guide (ZIP) is unclear on which wiring kit to use.

  They seem to do it differently than Cequent, because this hitch works for both 2^nd and 3^rd generation sedan (1991–2001, up to 2000 for Mercury Tracer), and for ZX2, in addition to wagon from 1991 to 1997. Whereas Cequent have different hitches for 3^rd generation sedan/ZX2, and wagon.