On our last trailer I purchased an equalizer hitch and installed on my own. It was not difficult and I would be surprised if Escape wouldn't be willing to help with it once you got there to pick it up. As far as the noise goes we ran for a year or two before it got to me and I found the sway bracket jacket. They worked great!.
I'm another satisfied customer with the set-up from ETI...all they needed was the height of the bottom of my receiver opening and they set the E2 up just right! Sure, you can tow without the bars, but once you get them engaged, you'll find your TV handles better...at least I did.