Ford escape towing capability
can a 2010 ford 2wd escape tow a 2007 starcraft 18rb hybrid
Forum Discussion
someone posted a similar question on another hybrid forum.
first, the biggest issue is that a full height trailer's frontal area will exceed Ford's specs for the Escape:
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/10FLMrvESCAPREsep09.pdf
second, with only a hitch capacity of 300lbs., the Starcraft will almost certainly exceed that when loaded. the 18RB's "dry" hitch weight is 284lbs. now add the 40lbs. for battery and 40lbs. for propane and you are over the the 300lbs. hitch limit for the Escape.
here's the brochure with specs for '07 18RB:
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/10FLMrvESCAPREsep09.pdf
third, ONLY if the Escape has the 3.0 v-6 AND the factory tow package, can it tow 3500lbs.
and that's rated with only a 150lb. driver in it. any additional cargo, the WDH or passengers, lowers that 3500 number.
and not sure if pulling a 20' HTT with a CUV is a good idea. maybe if it was 17' but don't think that long of a trailer is a good idea, even with a very good WDH with integrated sway control.
lastly, the Escape's payload capacity will be the final limiting factor.
the Escape is good for towing small boats and popups/A-frames or something like the fiberglass "egg" trailers.
but not for a traditional flat-front travel trailer. the air resistance will stress the Escape's drivetrain. that's why Ford puts in a frontal area limitation.
first, the biggest issue is that a full height trailer's frontal area will exceed Ford's specs for the Escape:
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/10FLMrvESCAPREsep09.pdf
second, with only a hitch capacity of 300lbs., the Starcraft will almost certainly exceed that when loaded. the 18RB's "dry" hitch weight is 284lbs. now add the 40lbs. for battery and 40lbs. for propane and you are over the the 300lbs. hitch limit for the Escape.
here's the brochure with specs for '07 18RB:
http://www.ford.com/resources/ford/general/pdf/towingguides/10FLMrvESCAPREsep09.pdf
third, ONLY if the Escape has the 3.0 v-6 AND the factory tow package, can it tow 3500lbs.
and that's rated with only a 150lb. driver in it. any additional cargo, the WDH or passengers, lowers that 3500 number.
and not sure if pulling a 20' HTT with a CUV is a good idea. maybe if it was 17' but don't think that long of a trailer is a good idea, even with a very good WDH with integrated sway control.
lastly, the Escape's payload capacity will be the final limiting factor.
the Escape is good for towing small boats and popups/A-frames or something like the fiberglass "egg" trailers.
but not for a traditional flat-front travel trailer. the air resistance will stress the Escape's drivetrain. that's why Ford puts in a frontal area limitation.
