Escape towing question (Full Version)

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Escape towing question

  

rjp14227 -> Escape towing question (2/3/2008 7:40:04 AM)

Greetings everyone......a newbie here. I've got an 02 Escape with 91k on it that I like very much. It's been a very reliable vehicle and the 4WD is very handy in Buffalo. It has a 6cyl. engine, but no towing pkg. My question is, can I add a hitch to this vehicle and tow a boat weighing approx. 2500lbs?(with trailer) I know the Escape has a towing capacity of 3500lbs, but is that with the factory installed towing pkg? What are the pluses and minuses of an aftermarket hitch? Is this even a good idea to do? This is very important because my wife has given me permission to buy an 18' fishing boat (yay!!) but I'm not too confident I can swing a new boat AND a replacement truck in the same year financially.

  
Mulletman -> RE: Escape towing question (2/3/2008 8:51:45 AM)

Replacement truck? Why not get an old beater to tow the boat? I would rather put the wear and tear on a $500 piece of crap instead of the reliable Escape.

Don't get me wrong. Escape is a pretty decent SUV, but I would not tow with it even if it's a small boat. Aftermarket hitches are available and cheaper than the Dealer versions. You may have to notch out the bumper skin on some models.

daskivt1679@aol.com -> RE: Escape towing question (5/3/2008 5:16:26 PM)

the factory "package" is ONLY the hitch and 4 pin.no heavier duty altern or transm cooler. I have a 2002 escape,i tow 3 miles to/from dock at25mph,no prob. but go and put an additional trans cooler for 100$ (45$ plus 1 hr labor) at u-haul,for peace of mind.my boat is 3500 lbs ,loaded,fueled and trailer.Twice a year i go 10 miles to marina for winterize/spring startup.just drive 45 mph and run the heater for additional heat dissapation.Tranny doesnt hunt up/down for gear,just take it out of overdrive.also,have 2005 mazda tribute(identical veh in effect) and just bought 2008 escape ltd v-6.love all 3.

daskivt1679@aol.com -> RE: Escape towing question (5/3/2008 5:18:53 PM)

my mechanic also states the 4.0 explorer onlt tows 3500 unless you get the 3.73 rear axle as oppossed to std 3.55

  

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