Matching an SUV's towing specs with a TT's GVWR

Hey, cool that I've been quoted and someone else pimped my writing! I feel a sense of accomplishment. :)

Anyway- yes. The page that I wrote should help you. The problem with most passenger-type vehicles isn't their towing capacity, it's the payload/cargo carrying capacity available.

To reach that 3,500 pounds of towing capacity - that allows for a 150 pound driver and literally nothing else in the vehicle except for fuel. For me, it doesn't include the rest of me or the random assortment of carp in the truck or the add-ons that I've added to the truck (bed cover, hitch and then little things). For you - I don't know your weight nor do I know what you'd carry in the Escape with you.

The Escape is going to have a sticker that tells you that maximum amount you can carry. If you're willing, load up the SUV like you were going to go travelling/camping and then take it to a scale to get it weighed. Whatever number that is, subtract it from the "gross vehicle weight ratings" (aka GVWR). That will tell you how much tongue weight you can carry. The tongue weight is usually 10%-15% of the trailer's total weight (as loaded / not the advertised "dry" weight).

NOW- I've learned that many people believe that I'm overly cautious with only looking at the GVWR/payload. Some people choose to look at the tire and axle ratings and decide what they can tow based on them. If they don't exceed those ratings, they're comfortable exceeding the GVWR. Not my way, but many people choose to do so.

It would put you OVER the rating for the vehicle. Remember all weight carried IN the tow vehicle reduces your maximum trailer weight rating by an equal weight. Not likely that Ford would not still honor warranty unless you're WELL over the rating though.

Doug (ependydad) would love that I am referring to his Blog. But read this and you will be more informed.

http://learntorv.blogspot.com/p/what-can-i-tow.html

I won't say you can or can't unless it is absolutely obvious. I would have to look at the details of the camper you are trying to get. But, I would lean a little smaller.

When I was looking, I wanted something a little bigger. Of course, a few people out there said I can't tow anything with my little coal burner. I knew they were wrong. My trip to the scales and the way it runs proved it. I am below my GAWR (Over my front GAWR with NO trailer...go figure??), 100 pounds over GVW (I need a personal diet), well below my GCVWR. That was 110% camp ready (The only time I will travel FULL of water is camping 10 miles at the local beach).