fickman wrote:
Be careful of the vernacular. Some dealers off a "trailering package" and a "tow package".
You need:
- Hitch receiver
- 7 pin wiring with 12-volt line installed
- Transmission cooler
- Possibly a heavier duty fan clutch
- Brake controller (best to buy a decent one, not whichever one they offer to include. In my experience, they will likely throw a cheap timing-based controller on for you. You want something like a Tekonsha P3 or Prodigy at least.)
Thanks for the list! I was told that all Escapes come with a transmission cooler though. I also wanted a weight distribution and stabilizer bar.
I've gone down the road of trying to transition a vehicle that was not equipped as a tow vehicle from factory into a tow vehicle. It felt like there was always something else to do, and that was with a 1500 pickup. I was on the verge of changing our the gear and pinions when I just traded the truck in for one that came from factory properly equipped. It was an expensive lesson that I know a few others on here have learned from experience. We're just trying to save you these same headaches.
That said, if you're going to stick with towing a Teardrop, the list above should be sufficient. Make sure your trailer has a forced-air furnace and plenty of propane capacity for the climate you're talking about.
Yeah I think when I get my next vehicle, I'll get one already equipped for this, this is a headache for me just LEARNING about all the stuff I have to do! I'm not a do it myself kind of girl and without a husband or boyfriend it's hard to know what I need to do and to get it done so most of the time with anything I tend to go for the "already ready" version.
