05 Ford Escape

Couple more things to think about that are safety related.

Brake system on your escape - does it have 4 wheel disc or front disc/rear drum? Brake fade would be a great concern for me with the disc/drum set up at the gross weight rating. At gross weight of 4520 - a 2500lb. trailer is 55% of gross - in many states this weight percentage will require trailer brakes. I absolutely know that in Washington State this is the case. No trailer brakes in Washington equals a huge liability -if in an accident. Especially if the accident goes over your insurance coverage maximum values.

There is no brake controller provisions on this era of Escape. Yes, one can add it but it will require tapping/running multiple circuits properly and using adequate gauge wiring that includes a power feed for trailer battery(Breakaway system)

Several here have reported towing utility trailers with an Escape. Personally, I would consider towing 2500lbs around town at surface street speed. But, change conditions to highway speed towing in weekend traffic seems a bit sketchy without trailer brakes.

I am not a weight police person or adverse to some risk person, but I would consider all the issues from mechanical to safety before towing with my escape which is a 2005 XLT 3.0 v6 with 4 wheel disc.

OP, I wouldn't worry about tail wagging the dog with a popup camper. Not alot of wind resistance, and it really doesn't weigh more than the tow rig.

carringb wrote:
The first gen Escape was actually on the Mondeo/Contour platform rather than the Focus platform. So besides the suspension being decently robust it also got the Mazda developed 4-speed originally in the 626, rather than the ford designed units in the Focus and Taurus. The only common issue I've seen is very neglected fluid. Like 150,000 miles on the factory fill. Remains run about $1,100 and used takeouts are under $500, and generally cheap prices suggest there's not much demand for replacements.

That all said, if I were buying used and towing with it, if change the fluid first thing, and plug in a data monitor and keep an eye on temps.

I have a 05 escape in my fleet. Transmissions and PTU's are consumable items if poor maintenance or infrequent maintenance was done.

The auto transmission in an 05 Escape, if not well maintained with regular fluid changes, will fail quickly under severe service. Which hitch does it have 1-1/4 or 2" square?

Personally, would be hesitant to tow that load on a higher mileage vehicle that lacked maintenance records.

Changing a transmission on one of these cars is 8.6 flat rate hours. (perfect world)

Not quite apples-to-apples, but I have used the wife's '12 Escape with a 3.0 to haul our utility trailer full of wood waste a few times...no problem. The trailer is likely #1800-#2000...so not max. I of course did not hit any grueling inclines, or declines...but wouldn't hesitate using it for a small popup. Some of the popups are light enough you can move around by hand. They're also very low profile when in tow.

carringb wrote:
The first gen Escape was actually on the Mondeo/Contour platform rather than the Focus platform. So besides the suspension being decently robust it also got the Mazda developed 4-speed originally in the 626, rather than the ford designed units in the Focus and Taurus. The only common issue I've seen is very neglected fluid. Like 150,000 miles on the factory fill. Remains run about $1,100 and used takeouts are under $500, and generally cheap prices suggest there's not much demand for replacements.

That all said, if I were buying used and towing with it, if change the fluid first thing, and plug in a data monitor and keep an eye on temps.

Thanks forgot about the Escape being built on a different platform.

The first gen Escape was actually on the Mondeo/Contour platform rather than the Focus platform. So besides the suspension being decently robust it also got the Mazda developed 4-speed originally in the 626, rather than the ford designed units in the Focus and Taurus. The only common issue I've seen is very neglected fluid. Like 150,000 miles on the factory fill. Remains run about $1,100 and used takeouts are under $500, and generally cheap prices suggest there's not much demand for replacements.

That all said, if I were buying used and towing with it, if change the fluid first thing, and plug in a data monitor and keep an eye on temps.

carringb wrote:

colliehauler wrote:
Would it be possible to trade for a used truck? It might be cheaper in the long run to upgrade to truck and look for used trailer that wouldn't limit your choice to a pop up. Short wheelbase is not conducive to a good tow vehicle.

We're talking about a popup here... I wouldn't hesitate to tow one with my Focus...

You would know better then I about what transmission they used 15 years ago. I new two people with that Era Focus and both lost the transmission and they didn't tow anything.

bikendan wrote:


Just remember that the 3500lbs rating is ONLY if it has the full factory tow package. If not, the rating is 2000lbs, I think.

This is correct. The Class 3 tow package had an engine oil cooler in addition to the hitch receiver and 4-way wiring.

Blackdog79 wrote:
Due to unfortunate financial issues we had to sell off truck and trailer a few years ago and are getting back into camping again. I have a 2005 Escape 3.0 AWD currently, wondering about it's manners when towing a pop up in the 2-3k range. It's rated for 3500 but unsure of towing with a short wheel base. If anyone has experience I'd like to hear from you.

Just remember that the 3500lbs rating is ONLY if it has the full factory tow package. If not, the rating is 2000lbs, I think.

colliehauler wrote:
Would it be possible to trade for a used truck? It might be cheaper in the long run to upgrade to truck and look for used trailer that wouldn't limit your choice to a pop up. Short wheelbase is not conducive to a good tow vehicle.

We're talking about a popup here... I wouldn't hesitate to tow one with my Focus...