Towing with Ford Escape

I'm going to go against the grain and say you will have a good combo if the hitch is set up correctly. You've done your weight figuring conservatively and still under GCWR. The R-pod is an aerodynamic shape, not a box on wheels and this will make a big difference in how well it tows. With 240 hp and 270 ft./lbs of torque moving just 7500 pounds you will be able to keep up with traffic on any hill you can find. I used to have a Ford Aerostar and I towed a 1000 lb. heavier trailer with 110 less horsepower and 40 ft./lbs less torque and power was adequate to pull mountain passes at 50+ mph.