Tow vehicle - 2013 ford escape ecoboost
Hello, This is my first post and joined as i can't find to seem many posts for this new vehicle. I purchased a 2013 ford escape SE and have some questoins about towing. I'm in the market to purcha...
Forum Discussion
Gdetrailer wrote:
If the listed trailer tongue weight is correct you are only 45 lbs from your vehicle MAX tongue weight of 350 lbs.
Basically IF the numbers listed are TRUE (most published brochure weights are not accurate and often do not include battery, propane (or tanks) you can only add in 400 lbs of gear.
So if you want to haul 20 gallons of water that will be 160 lbs which leaves you 240 lbs of gear you can add in.
20 lb propane tank filled weights about 40 lbs.
Group 24 battery will weight about 65 lbs.
This leaves you about 135 lbs of personal gear you will be able to take..
Food, drinks, pots/pans, dishes, clothing, bedding, electronics most likely will take you over the 350 lb tongue weight..
To me not worth the effort... Find another vehicle which has a tow rating of say 5K lbs, you will be happier with the results.
OP, something else to consider is what YOU bring with you.
I have NEVER hauled my camper with full water tanks. If we go somewhere without water hookups, it usually has a filling station at the campground. Otherwise, we buy a couple gallon jugs of water for drinking and use the facilities at the park. I just saved 160 lbs in water weight there.
If you are going for a weekend trip and satisfied with hot dogs, chicken etc then you can get away with buying that at your destination (if there is a grocery store nearby) and save youself the weight of hauling food.
Again, 2 days of camping you can probably get away with wearing one outfit on the way up and bringing 1 change of clothes with you. If you are cooking over the firepit or bring a small grill with you then you don't need a ton of pots and pans.
You will be pushing the limits of your tow capabilities, but if you aren't taking any huge mountains you should be okay. You are used to tent camping, so you are used to being a minimalist. Some people on this forum have more stuff in their camper than I have in my house. Their isn't any reason that you can't enjoy your hybrid with the smaller tow vehicle that you have.
