Is my Ford Escape worthless for fullfilling my dream? :-(

I concur your escape, is a bit. under limits for what your needs are. I remember years ago.. I had a small dodge pickup.. the dealer said (the dealer whom sold me my 16ft trailer, it will tow it no problem.. Yes he was right, if it was very flat terrain, the first hill was scary.. Within about 6 months I was upgrading too a real truck. So dealers will tell you almost anything to make a sell.