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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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