As a former Escape owner, I wish I had done my homework on Escapes, on this Forum. I never would have leased the Escape in the first place. I would have gone with a proven toad like a Honda, Toyota, Chevy product, etc.
The other point here is it doesn't matter what's in the Ford owners manual, they have 3 Technical Service Bulletin's on this vehicle. The last one says, "If you are going to tow four down we highly recommend you install the cooling pump". Buy the way, you have to buy it from FORD. That should tell you something!!!
JMHO YMMV