anyone towing with a ford escape?

[wavery]

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.

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.

[mikedgates]

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.

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.

[wavery]

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.

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).

[ILUVTHEBEACH]

Having 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.

[mikedgates]

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.

[ILUVTHEBEACH]

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.

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)

[Shredder]

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.

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