Towing with a Ford Escape

jsfinn

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 26, 2003
Messages
1,093
Hello,<br /><br />I think I'm ok here but I just want to get an idea from people who know better than I do.<br /><br />I'm looking at towing a 1962 Boston Whaler Nauset with my Ford Escape with 4WD and the factory tow package. I think it's rated for 300 LBS tounge weight and hauling 3,500 LBS.<br /><br />Will it be safe? Will I need any brakes on the trailer?<br /><br />Thanks!<br /><br />Josh
 

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,657
Re: Towing with a Ford Escape

?? How much does the boat,motor, trailer, fuel, and gear weigh. And remember that your tow weight includes the weight of the passengers and gear in your Escape.<br /><br />What year is your Escape??<br /><br />VA law says you need brakes if you tow more than 3000#, but I would sure want them if I towed more than 1500# with a light Escape.<br /><br />The 2005 Duratec 23 is rated for 1500#.<br />The 2005 Duratec 30 is rated for 3500#, when properly equiped.<br /><br />For 2004 models:<br />Max towing capacity, properly equipped<br /><br />Zetec<br />1000<br /><br />Duratec<br />2000<br /><br />Duratec w/Towing Pkg.<br />3500<br /><br />I would stop by a dealer and have them verify the tow limits, and have an oil and tranny cooler installed if you don't already have them.
 

Northern Eclipse

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jun 24, 2003
Messages
665
Re: Towing with a Ford Escape

I was heading up to the cottage on 400 highway, Guy passed me at about 130kph(80mph) towing a 23 foot Four Winns with a Ford Escape, with Ohio tags, I'm not saying thats O.K would have liked to have seen him trying to stop, anyway I think your Escape will handle your Whaler just fine if you have the correct tow package.
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Towing with a Ford Escape

Howdy, JSFinn.<br /><br />Your Whaler package should weigh just under 2,000# ready for the road.<br /><br />If your Escape is the Duratec (V6) with towing package you should be okay.<br /><br />If you do not have the towing package you are too close to limit and could seriously harm your vehicle drive train.<br /><br />Good luck. :)
 

jsfinn

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Nov 26, 2003
Messages
1,093
Re: Towing with a Ford Escape

It is a Duratec V6 with the factory tow package which does include an oil/trans cooler.<br /><br />The current owner tows it with a little 4wd Suzuki Samurai with a 4 inch lift.<br /><br />Thanks, everyone.<br /><br />I've got another question about fenders, but I'll post that in a new thread so we don't get off topic.
 
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