anyone towing with a ford escape? I just bought a used pop up it the 1500 lbs dry and plan on towing with my ford escape, it has the 6 cyl 3.0 engine. I am wondering what kind of gas milage I might get? also if I would have any trouble towing .
Quote from: mikedgatesanyone towing with a ford escape? I just bought a used pop up it the 1500 lbs dry and plan on towing with my ford escape, it has the 6 cyl 3.0 engine. I am wondering what kind of gas milage I might get? also if I would have any trouble towing .
Hi mikedgates,
WELCOME TO PUTWhat year is your Escape?
Does it have a factory towing pkg?
What is your Tow rating (should be in the owner's manual)?
What is your GCVWR (Should be on the drivers door post)?
What type of terrain will you be towing in?
A "Simple Search" for "GCVWR", in the search window above, may help answer your towing questions.
Chances are you may be OK. However, you need to take into account the total load of both the tow vehicle (TV) and the loaded trailer. If you are a family of 4 with 2 big dogs and a lot of camping gear, you may have a problem from the get-go :p
--------------edit--------------
Just a little research on a 2005 Escape 6cyl (std vehicle) shows a little problem.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;jsessionid=IBHU14PEEYMSFLAYIEZE2UY?tab=specs&paId=238366582&recnum=39&actLog=true&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=ascending&sortfield=SORT_INDICATOR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_14_%7CD-_4767_%7CN-N%7CR-20%7CI-1%2C3%7CP-SORT_INDICATOR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-ascending%7CZ-90048&aff=recyclerIn the left column, click on "Std Equip & Specs" then click on your particular model to get more accurate info. Change the year, if need be.
Curb weight on the vehicle that I checked is 3303#. The GCWR is 5000#. That means that it only has the capacity to carry 1700# including all cargo, passengers, fuel
AND trailer. The Escape that I checked has a tow rating of 2000# but that means very little if you intend to carry anything in the TV. I just can't figure out how they could rate a vehicle towing capacity at 2000# when that weight alone would exceed the GCVWR with nothing in the vehicle itself :confused: but we have seen that before.
Your vehicle may vary so you will need to get
your specs.
AS for MPG, no one can tell you that.....
way too many variables. It may be somewhere between 12 and 16mpg.
Quote from: waveryJust a little research on a 2005 Escape 6cyl (std vehicle) shows a little problem.
http://www.cars.com/go/search/detail.jsp;jsessionid=IBHU14PEEYMSFLAYIEZE2UY?tab=specs&paId=238366582&recnum=39&actLog=true&tracktype=usedcc&pageNumber=0&numResultsPerPage=50&largeNumResultsPerPage=0&sortorder=ascending&sortfield=SORT_INDICATOR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending&certifiedOnly=false&criteria=K-%7CE-%7CM-_14_%7CD-_4767_%7CN-N%7CR-20%7CI-1%2C3%7CP-SORT_INDICATOR+ascending%2CPRICE+descending%7CQ-ascending%7CZ-90048&aff=recycler
In the left column, click on "Std Equip & Specs" then click on your particular model to get more accurate info. Change the year, if need be.
Curb weight on the vehicle that I checked is 3303#. The GCWR is 5000#. That means that it only has the capacity to carry 1700# including all cargo, passengers, fuel AND trailer. The Escape that I checked has a tow rating of 2000# but that means very little if you intend to carry anything in the TV. I just can't figure out how they could rate a vehicle towing capacity at 2000# when that weight alone would exceed the GCVWR with nothing in the vehicle itself :confused: but we have seen that before. Your vehicle may vary so you will need to get your specs.
AS for MPG, no one can tell you that.....way too many variables. It may be somewhere between 12 and 16mpg.
I have a 2002 Escape with the Tow Package. With the tow package the escape is rated to a MAXIMUM of 3500lbs. I think the 2000lb limit is w/o the tow package. I think the gcvwr is somewhere around 7020lbs (according to my manual). I looked at the manual yesterday trying to figure out weights for myself. The label on the inside of the door does not have a gcvwr it only had a gvwr unless I missed something on the sticker.
The ford escape with the V6 engine has a tow capacity of 2,000 lbs.
With the factory installed tow package it increases to 3,500 lbs.
The GCWR is listed as 7,080 lbs, which is the max weight limit of the vehicle, fuel, people cargo in the Escape and the trailer being towed.
I think the 5,000 lbs Wavery found is the GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight, which is the max weight of the vehicle, cargo and passengers with no trailer attached.
Quote from: ILUVTHEBEACHI have a 2002 Escape with the Tow Package. With the tow package the escape is rated to a MAXIMUM of 3500lbs. I think the 2000lb limit is w/o the tow package. I think the gcvwr is somewhere around 7020lbs (according to my manual). I looked at the manual yesterday trying to figure out weights for myself. The label on the inside of the door does not have a gcvwr it only had a gvwr unless I missed something on the sticker.
If your GCVWR is 7020 and your curb weight is around 3300# (I don't know that figure) that should give you around 3700# for your total package (passengers, cargo, tow etc). There are other things to consider if you were close but it looks good. A (Max) 2,500# tow would leave you about 1,180# for passengers and cargo. The max payload for your vehicle listed at 1,180# (according to
Cars.com). The only way that vehicle can tow 3500# would be with a driver that weighs about 150#, a half tank of gas and no passengers or cargo.
The only thing that I would caution mikedgates on is to be sure that it is a
factory tow package and not just a std vehicle that a previous owner may have put a trailer hitch on. There seems to be a huge difference with the factory tow pkg.
Quote from: 6QuigsI think the 5,000 lbs Wavery found is the GVW or Gross Vehicle Weight, which is the max weight of the vehicle, cargo and passengers with no trailer attached.
Nope.....5000# was the listed GCWR (according to
cars.com) on a 2005 Escape w/o tow pkg. and a tow rating of 2000#. The GVWR on that vehicle is 4380#. When I posted that, I had no idea what he had.
I have a 2003 Ford Escape with the factory tow package. I tow a small boat, utility trailer, and a 2005 Jayco 1006 PU. The title weight of the jayco is 2005 lb. I have some extras that make it that heavy, like dual propane tanks, bigger battery. I have electric brakes on the jayco and a controler in the car. It is within the limits and tows OK. But I consider it to be marginal, and would not go long distances or in mountains. We camp in MI. It can get hilly, and the rig handles them fine. The bad things are, it is a short wheelbase car, and has front wheel drive most of the time, and has a smallish auto tranny. So we don't load the front end of the trailer down much, as tongue weight could pull down the rear end. Not good with front wheel drive. We also are conscious of any extras we bring. Along with that at every oil change I drain as much of the tranny fluid I can from the drain plug (3.9qt) and replace with new fluid. These cars are noted for tranny failures due to tranny fluid break down, so it's cheap insurance to replace fluid often. The system holds 12 qt, so I figure I'm getting a tranny flush every year by this method. So with a little care and forsight it will work fine. Having said all that my next car/truck/SUV will have more towing ability.......Shredder
Quote from: ShredderI have a 2003 Ford Escape with the factory tow package. I tow a small boat, utility trailer, and a 2005 Jayco 1006 PU. The title weight of the jayco is 2005 lb. I have some extras that make it that heavy, like dual propane tanks, bigger battery. I have electric brakes on the jayco and a controler in the car. It is within the limits and tows OK. But I consider it to be marginal, and would not go long distances or in mountains. We camp in MI. It can get hilly, and the rig handles them fine. The bad things are, it is a short wheelbase car, and has front wheel drive most of the time, and has a smallish auto tranny. So we don't load the front end of the trailer down much, as tongue weight could pull down the rear end. Not good with front wheel drive. We also are conscious of any extras we bring. Along with that at every oil change I drain as much of the tranny fluid I can from the drain plug (3.9qt) and replace with new fluid. These cars are noted for tranny failures due to tranny fluid break down, so it's cheap insurance to replace fluid often. The system holds 12 qt, so I figure I'm getting a tranny flush every year by this method. So with a little care and forsight it will work fine. Having said all that my next car/truck/SUV will have more towing ability.......Shredder
Shreader,
You may want to consider changing to Synthetic ATF. Studies have shown that it dissipates heat much faster and it does not break down at higher temperatures (although it still gets contaminates).
According to Chrysler, you never have to change synthetic trans fluid over the life of the vehicle. Although I wouldn't recommend it, especially on a TV. Although, I think it may be safe to double the time between changes and still lesson the wear & tear on the trans. Bottom line is, it seems to be a good investment, over the long haul.
12qts of synthetic ATF will cost you around $85 but that's cheap when you consider the price of a new trans. :D
Quote from: waveryShreader,
You may want to consider changing to Synthetic ATF. Studies have shown that it dissipates heat much faster and it does not break down at higher temperatures (although it still gets contaminates).
According to Chrysler, you never have to change synthetic trans fluid over the life of the vehicle. Although I wouldn't recommend it, especially on a TV. Although, I think it may be safe to double the time between changes and still lesson the wear & tear on the trans. Bottom line is, it seems to be a good investment, over the long haul.
12qts of synthetic ATF will cost you around $85 but that's cheap when you consider the price of a new trans. :D
Synthetic ATF is a BIG no no in the Escape. They use old fashioned mercon or it's more modern mercon replacement. The friction specs in this tranny were set up for mercon. Syn's are too slippery. For this car at least in 03, only mercon works. I don't know if the newer ones use something different or not. I wish it did take syn's........Duane
Quote from: ShredderSynthetic ATF is a BIG no no in the Escape. They use old fashioned mercon or it's more modern mercon replacement. The friction specs in this tranny were set up for mercon. Syn's are too slippery. For this car at least in 03, only mercon works. I don't know if the newer ones use something different or not. I wish it did take syn's........Duane
You may want to do some research. I may be wrong but I think that the thinking has changed on that recently:
http://www.mobiloil.com/USA-English/MotorOil/Car_Care/AskMobil/Mobil_1_Synthetic_ATF_Mercon_Approvals.aspxhttp://www.a1lubricants.com/amsoil_synthetic_atf.htmlhttp://www.mobil.com/Canada-English/Lubes/PDS/IOCAENPVLMOMobil_1_Synthetic_ATF.asphttp://www.askmehelpdesk.com/cars-trucks/2002-ford-escape-transmission-problem-35904.htmlhttp://theoildrop.server101.com/forums/showflat.php?Cat=0&Number=869376&Main=868410
Quote from: waveryNope.....5000# was the listed GCWR (according to cars.com) on a 2005 Escape w/o tow pkg. and a tow rating of 2000#. The GVWR on that vehicle is 4380#. When I posted that, I had no idea what he had.
Look at what Ford says on their website.
The GCWR for the 4 cylinder is 5,000 lbs, but the 6 cylinder with the tow package is 7,080 lbs
Fordvehicles
Quote from: ShredderSynthetic ATF is a BIG no no in the Escape. They use old fashioned mercon or it's more modern mercon replacement. The friction specs in this tranny were set up for mercon. Syn's are too slippery. For this car at least in 03, only mercon works. I don't know if the newer ones use something different or not. I wish it did take syn's........Duane
I forgot to add, I get 16.5 to 17.5 mpg towing and fully loaded, 20-24 without Duane
Quote from: 6QuigsLook at what Ford says on their website.
The GCWR for the 4 cylinder is 5,000 lbs, but the 6 cylinder with the tow package is 7,080 lbs
Fordvehicles
I'm not sure what your point is. No one is disagreeing with you :D
They don't list the specs on a 2002 (in the link that you posted) I posted my source for a 2005 Escape with 6 cyl.
--------from cars.com--------------------------
Standard Specs and Dimensions
Engine type V-6
Engine displacement 183
cu.in.
Engine horsepower 200-hp @ 6,000 rpm
Engine torque 193 lbs.-ft. @ 4,850 rpm
Valvetrain DOHC
Valves 24
Engine bore x stroke 3.5" x 3.1"
Compression ratio 10.00 to 1
Fuel tank capacity 16.5 gal.
Fuel economy city 20 mpg
Fuel economy highway 25 mpg
Curb weight 3,303 lbs.
Front curb weight 1,999 lbs.
Rear curb weight 1,304 lbs.
GVWR 4,380 lbs.
Front GAWR 2,380 lbs.
Rear GAWR 2,175 lbs.
Payload 1,040 lbs.
Front axle capacity 2,480 lbs.
Rear axle capacity 2,400 lbs.
Front spring rating 2,440 lbs.
Rear spring rating 2,400 lbs.
Towing capacity 2,000 lbs.
Maximum GCWR 5,000 lbs.
------------------------------------
However, I don't think there is an issue here. The OP may be within specs IF he has a factory tow pkg. If he doesn't have a factory tow pkg, he may have a problem.
I tow a 2007 Fleetwood Westlake with a 2006 Escape. I have brakes and friction sway control. Although starts are a little slow,(I have never been one for jack-rabbit starts) the Escape does well pulling down the road . The Escape is steady on the road, don't sit low in the back at all (with the draw bar turned up),and stops well.
Have'nt checked mileage while towing, but it's not too bad.
I do have concerns about the transmission years down the road. I do regular fluid changes.
ok guys it looks like I will be ok, the gcwr is 7260 with the factory install package. but I dont have the factory install package, I put on my own class II hitch, as far as I can tell the package only includes wiring and class II hitch, does any one know for sure, I will be towing about 5,000 miles my first trip.
Quote from: mikedgatesok guys it looks like I will be ok, the gcwr is 7260 with the factory install package. but I dont have the factory install package, I put on my own class II hitch, as far as I can tell the package only includes wiring and class II hitch, does any one know for sure, I will be towing about 5,000 miles my first trip.
I would add a
VERY LARGE transmission cooler
at the very least. (larger ones aren't much more expensive then std). That is
definitely part of the factory tow package.
Judging by the large difference in the rating with the factory tow package, I would think that the vehicle may have a HD radiator, different springs, different gear ratio, possibly HD brakes (although not necessarily). Although the trans cooler is critical....trust me.
The transmission is the part that suffers the most while towing. It generates a lot more heat. If this heat is not adequately dissipated through an external oil cooler, it may also stress the engines cooling system (radiator) and over-heat the engine
also. Conversely, the larger trans cooler will take stress off of the engine's cooling system and allow it to handle the extra weight better by not introducing hotter ATF for the (already over-worked) radiator to cool.
From what I've read, the Escape has a fairly weak trans to start with. I think that I would consider going with a totally separate trans cooler, with it's own electric fan and bypass the radiator all together (if there is room). That may eliminate the necessity to go to a HD radiator (if that's part of the factory tow package).
The next time you do a brake job, consider upgrading your brake pads to carbon metallic or some other pads that will withstand the extra load better.
Quote from: waveryI would add a VERY LARGE transmission cooler at the very least. (larger ones aren't much more expensive then std). That is definitely part of the factory tow package.
Judging by the large difference in the rating with the factory tow package, I would think that the vehicle may have a HD radiator, different springs, different gear ratio, possibly HD brakes (although not necessarily). Although the trans cooler is critical....trust me.
The transmission is the part that suffers the most while towing. It generates a lot more heat. If this heat is not adequately dissipated through an external oil cooler, it may also stress the engines cooling system (radiator) and over-heat the engine also. Conversely, the larger trans cooler will take stress off of the engine's cooling system and allow it to handle the extra weight better by not introducing hotter ATF for the (already over-worked) radiator to cool.
From what I've read, the Escape has a fairly weak trans to start with. I think that I would consider going with a totally separate trans cooler, with it's own electric fan and bypass the radiator all together (if there is room). That may eliminate the necessity to go to a HD radiator (if that's part of the factory tow package).
The next time you do a brake job, consider upgrading your brake pads to carbon metallic or some other pads that will withstand the extra load better.
boy I hope I dont need all that stuff, I will try to find out what the tow package has from the dealer, but as far as I can tell its just the hitch, my old popup I towed with a subrua outback and had no problem. is was a few hundred lighter.
Quote from: mikedgatesboy I hope I dont need all that stuff, I will try to find out what the tow package has from the dealer, but as far as I can tell its just the hitch, my old popup I towed with a subrua outback and had no problem. is was a few hundred lighter.
It has to be more than just the hitch because your vehicle is rated at 2,000# towing capacity and under 5000# GCVWR w/o the factory tow pkg. You can't tow at all without a hitch. With the tow pkg, it's 3500# tow capacity and over 7,000# GCVWR. That's a big difference.
However, that difference could be merely be the trans cooler (I don't know for sure).
Quote from: ShredderHaving said all that my next car/truck/SUV will have more towing ability.......Shredder
I totally agree. When I purchased my escape I had no intentions of towing anything. I bought because I was moving up from a cabrio convertible and I had 2 growing kids. It was a nice family car.
Of course 2 years after I bought it, I had to have a PU. I think the escape is a great mini suv just not a great TV. It would work better as a toad for a MH. My next TV will be something bigger and with a lot more towing capacity.
After doing some research on the ford site. I found out that the tow package Just includes the hitch and a flat 4 wire plug. the 6cyc do have a oil cooler even with out the tow package.
Quote from: mikedgatesAfter doing some research on the ford site. I found out that the tow package Just includes the hitch and a flat 4 wire plug. the 6cyc do have a oil cooler even with out the tow package.
Sorry for the late reply but you are correct. When I was looking at them when I first bought them, the dealerships said the same thing. For $500.00 bucks I can't imagine it is anymore than that. If any of the Ford dealers around you are like the ones around me then you know what kind of rip off artists they are for parts and repairs.
Example - My windshield has a crack in it. Since the crack is not in my line of site when I drive, I do not have to replace it to pass inspection. I would like to replace it just because I am like that. I called a local glass replacement company that does windshields. Their quote $250.00 (inc. tax and replacing my inspection stickers). Ford dealership quote - $380.00 (does not include tax or replacing my inspection stickers)
Quote from: mikedgatesboy I hope I dont need all that stuff, I will try to find out what the tow package has from the dealer, but as far as I can tell its just the hitch, my old popup I towed with a subrua outback and had no problem. is was a few hundred lighter.
Funny you say that, my old car was a 96 subaru outback, now DW and I have 03 escapes. The escape is a much better tow vehicle. I don't remember the tow rating of the suby maybe 2000lb or so, but it was kinda wimpy. If you have the tranny cooler, a quality hitch, brakes on the trailer, and do not over load the hitch, my opinion is you will be fine. Not as good as a full size truck, but fine. Biggest thing is to remember to flush the tranny fluid fairly often, and don't tow in overdrive. What ever you decide to haul with, just get out there! shredder