rtball

I installed a Ford factory hitch on my '12 Eco. Hitches were/are not available with that engine. I went factory because it had absolutely no underhang. I did the install in about 4 hours, but a second one would have taken half the time. The extra cost is well worth it in my opinion. BTW, the cut-out is embossed on the backside of the bumper cover. AND it was kind of a fun project!

My experience with the single key situation cost just over $50, plus the cost of a key. I had the key from ebay, and the reprogramming was done by a locksmith. Took about 30 minutes on a '10 F-150. This Edge has a regular key or IA system? Even with IA you can get a spare unit on ebay for a lot less. I just did for a 'new' '13 Flex that was added to the stable. Program it, insulate the battery, hide it inside the car, and avoid all of the high costs of buying reprogramming. The IA unit is unbelievably simple to program!

If you MUST tow, a dolly is better than a full trailer due to the dead weight of the tow device. That will be a lot of weight to have behind you while traveling. Braking will be 'interesting' and scary if you aren't super careful. Highway posted speeds will not be your speed. The only hitch I would want, due to design, would be the Ford OEM hitch. I don't believe the other after market hitches have the capacity for your tow. I installed one of the Ford units on my '12 Edge w/Eco, since it wasn't available from the factory. My tows are light. An oil cooler might not be required, but would be added insurance. If you figure all of the expense you will incur, you might want to take an extra day and drive both vehicles. You will have vastly reduced gas mileage also. Part of the extra expense. Just my thoughts! Good luck.