Help with towing info

[KimB]

Hello,

DH and I looked at some pups this weekend.  I really liked a 2000 Jayco Heritage but wondering if it is a good fit for our tow vehicle.  I have tried to plug in all the numbers but still question if I have it right?  Can anyone help?  The current owner said the pup's weight is 2500 lbs.

2002 Ford Escape, XLS, 4X2, 3.0L V6 with Class II towing package

On the hitch it says max towing 3500 lbs.

GVWR - 4376 lb
Front GAWR - 2339
Rear Gawr - 2224
Base Curb weight - 3206
GVW - approx. range 3900 - 4000 (figure I came up with passenger weight and gear plus base curb weight)
Max GCWR - 5320

Am I missing any numbers?
Thank You,
Kim

[AustinBoston]

Hello,

DH and I looked at some pups this weekend.  I really liked a 2000 Jayco Heritage but wondering if it is a good fit for our tow vehicle.  I have tried to plug in all the numbers but still question if I have it right?  Can anyone help?  The current owner said the pup's weight is 2500 lbs.

2002 Ford Escape, XLS, 4X2, 3.0L V6 with Class II towing package

On the hitch it says max towing 3500 lbs.

That rating is only for the hitch itself; it is not a tow rating for the vehicle.

GVWR - 4376 lb
Front GAWR - 2339
Rear Gawr - 2224
Base Curb weight - 3206
GVW - approx. range 3900 - 4000 (figure I came up with passenger weight and gear plus base curb weight)
Max GCWR - 5320

I'm assuming all of those numbers are for the Escape.

The Max GCWR is the absolute maximum that the Escape and trailer can weigh, combined.  If we take that number and subtract the Escape's base curb weight of 3206, then the absolute biggest trailer you can tow under ideal conditions (only the driver, half tank of gas, no cargo) is 5320 - 3260 = 2060, which is less than the trailer's 2500 lbs.

If we figure what you can tow on your estimated loaded weight, we get 5320 - 4000 = 1320 lbs.

It is not impossible to find a trailer at or under this weight, but obviously they tend to be small and lack amenities.  Take a look at:

http://www.livinlite.com/
http://www.golittleguy.com/cms/
http://www.scamptrailers.com/
http://www.tab-rv.com/index.php
http://www.kamparoo.com/

Austin

[brainpause]

Your vehicle's tow rating is 3500#, according to the Trailer Life website, IF you have the Class II towing package. I assume it does. This would likely include trailer wiring, and hopefully, a transmission cooler.

Having said that, Austin explained it very plainly. Looks like they put a higher tow rating on a vehicle than its GCWR will allow. Ford did the same thing with the Excursion: They have a massive towing beast, but some of its ratings are too low for larger trailers, and thus, although it has a big tow rating, some trailers don't fall into the other numbers (axle/hitch/etc.).

Larry

[mach8274]

We also have an Escape. Ours is an '03 Limited 4x4 with the 3.0l v6. We use it for a backup tow vehicle for our trailer. Our trailer is about 2700 pounds wet and the Escape pulls it with ease. It does have the towing package and is rated for 3500 pounds.

Good luck.

Dave