Hi, Shannon. I got a 'Swagman' (als0 called Drawtite) off Ebay -- a 3-bike holder. And I posted exactly the opposite of what I had found out -- sorry! The BALL mount is supposedly more versatile & stable than the one that slides into your receiver. However, I looked up some websites with recommendations for you. It all depends on what types of bikes you're carrying. Mine were an adult & a child's, but they have different recommendations for mtn. bikes, racing bikes, etc.
http://www.lakelandgear.com/bike_rac...e_carrier.aspx
http://nordicgroup.us/rack.htm
Here is a link for an article where the author supposedly has a PDF file of available hitches for your Escape.
http://greenhybrid.com/learn/article...g-options.html
However, I just searched online & bought a Hidden Hitch from the cheapest place I could order one from. (Can you tell I like to order online?!) My brother installed it, but if you get a frame-mount hitch they're fairly easy to put on. You don't have to drill holes or anything -- the holes are already there in the frame.
If you're only doing a bike rack you'd just need a Class I/II hitch, not the heavy duty one. You wouldn't even need the optional wiring harness. I didn't use mine enough to have any recommendations or problems with it. I would be glad to sell it. Email me if you have any other questions.