I just purchased a Palomini trailer to pull behind my 2011 Ford Escape. The escape has a 3500lbs tow rating and the GVW of the trailer is 2900lbs. We placed a class 3 hitch, an anti sway bar and electric brakes. The Escape has a the 6 cylinder engine and is rated for towing. After much discussion the RV dealer and I felt we had everything covers. I just drove it over 200 miles and am disappointed in the way my Escape is pulling the trailer. The camper is fine, it does not sway or bounce. The Ford has delayed steering and gets bouncy on the highway. The trailer is a Palomini FD180 and does not exceed the weight limit of the Ford. Did I mismatch the camper to the veicle and is there anything I can do to my Escape to improve its towing. I need some answers so i can talk to the RV dealer.

My guess is after loading up the trailer you are over weight for the suspension of the Escape. First thing I would do though is look into heavy duty tires for the Escape. I bet they are squatting and flexing quite a bit as they are passenger rated.

We own a few years older Escape, also with a V6, and I wouldn't tow anything with it. You should smell how hot it gets when it gets in the mountains.What tires do you have on it, stiffer ones might help.Bill

If the salesmans lips were moving he was lying. He sold you all he could now you are the one who needs to go buy a real tow vehicle. See if they will trade it for something that is 1000 to 1500 lb. 900 would tow like it aint there. I dont remember seeing you in here before you bought.Load it up and go to a scale then come back here.

go to your vehicle and Look on the drivers side door jamb. What is the GVWR (Gross vehicle weight )?What is the curb weight ?Subtract and the difference is the weight you can put onto/into the vehicle.The trailer will put about 350 lbs onto the vehicle. Now add the weight of people and gear in the vehicle. Are you under the number you calculated?

If it's bouncing, you need new shocks. You probably have the originals?There's no reason a properly setup Escape won't tow 3,000 pounds just fine.The "delayed" steering does suggest you have excessive sidewall flex. After verifying tire pressures, better tires may be needed.

Towing problems with Ford Escape | Good Sam Community

28 Replies

wowens79
Explorer III
Sep 02, 2017
We had a pop up that we pulled with a Honda Pilot, and that was about as much as I'd want to pull with the Pilot.

I think you need something the size of an Explorer to tow that camper comfortably. You need either a smaller camper, or a bigger truck.

I hate how many salesmen just want a sale, and not do what is best for the customer.
azrving
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
Along with dealers lies here is another one.....yes you may be able to tow that but do WANT to.
drsteve
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
According to the Palomino website, 2873 is the UVW. The GVWR of that trailer is 3943. The listed tongue weight is 443 lb. It sure sounds like too much trailer for your Escape.

Are you using a WD hitch?
carringb
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
If it's bouncing, you need new shocks. You probably have the originals?

There's no reason a properly setup Escape won't tow 3,000 pounds just fine.

The "delayed" steering does suggest you have excessive sidewall flex. After verifying tire pressures, better tires may be needed.
darsben1
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
go to your vehicle and Look on the drivers side door jamb. What is the GVWR (Gross vehicle weight )?
What is the curb weight ?
Subtract and the difference is the weight you can put onto/into the vehicle.
The trailer will put about 350 lbs onto the vehicle. Now add the weight of people and gear in the vehicle. Are you under the number you calculated?
azrving
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
If the salesmans lips were moving he was lying. He sold you all he could now you are the one who needs to go buy a real tow vehicle. See if they will trade it for something that is 1000 to 1500 lb. 900 would tow like it aint there. I dont remember seeing you in here before you bought.

Load it up and go to a scale then come back here.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Sep 02, 2017
We own a few years older Escape, also with a V6, and I wouldn't tow anything with it. You should smell how hot it gets when it gets in the mountains.

What tires do you have on it, stiffer ones might help.

Bill
1320Fastback
Explorer
Sep 02, 2017
My guess is after loading up the trailer you are over weight for the suspension of the Escape.

First thing I would do though is look into heavy duty tires for the Escape. I bet they are squatting and flexing quite a bit as they are passenger rated.

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Towing problems with Ford Escape

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