Brake controller installations

Kibbis wrote:

bikendan wrote:

Kibbis wrote:
Can I ask where you gettin that information? I have a class 2 hitch and I will double check but I believe the manual says 3500. From what I read online the tow package just includes the hitch, wiring and a sway control which I would think I could use sway control and weight distro at the hitch.

I'll call the dealer to confirm. If i do need an trans cooler, it runs about 60 bucks. We are getting a great deal on this camper and will probably upgrade the car in the next year anyway so I would hate to miss out.

Apparently I'm incorrect with the 7 pin connector, only 4 pin.
I would still verify the hitch receiver being factory.

BUT the 16rb's loaded hitch weight will exceed the Escape's max of 350lbs.
And Ford states the the max frontal area for the v-6 Escape is 30 sq ft, which any full height trailer, like the 16rb, will exceed.
I confirmed that from the 2011 Ford Escape towing guide page.

The camper says (I believe), the gvw is 2995. That gives me about 500lbs wiggle room. I won't be hauling it with full tanks, but I'm fairly new to bigger campers, so would this still exceed the towing capacity of 3500?

The dealer did say that a good weight dist. Will allow me to tow 500 extra lbs. That I'm not trusting and sticking with 3500. We have only 2 more camping trips planned this year so if we can make it for those two, we should have a new suv or truck for next year.

I'll look into the hitch weight as well.

If you are really going to try to stay within weights, you need to do a bit more research. From what I can tell, that 2995 is a dry weight, not loaded. Propane, some trailer accessories, all fluids, and all your gear go on top of that. In short, I’d be shocked if that trailer, loaded to camp, is not near or above 3,500.

Meanwhile, your 3,500 limit (if you have that much), is for EVERYTHING. Not only what you put in the trailer, but everything you put in the car (except an average driver), including passengers, gear, and a good 75 pounds in hitch assembly, all go against that limit.

I’m not what some would call ‘weight police,’ but I’d bet a pretty good sum that there is no way you will be within the ratings of your SUV when hooked up and ready. Whether or not that is something you will concern yourself with is your call.