No tow package, what would I need to tow a pop-up?

[02GrayPowerStroke]

I am heading on a 2200 mile trip. What would we need to pull a small pop up? Other than a hitch and plug set?

Thanks

Its a '05 Ford Escape V6 automatic.

[DoctorCAD]

How heavy?

[tcesni]

Also, what kind of terrain - Texas panhandle flat or heading for the Rockies?

[02GrayPowerStroke]

Originally Posted by DoctorCAD

How heavy?

Errr, not sure yet. It is going to be rented. I would guess less that 2K

[02GrayPowerStroke]

Originally Posted by tcesni

Also, what kind of terrain - Texas panhandle flat or heading for the Rockies?

I-10 from Texas to San Deigo CA

[99F150]

I take it you do not have the factory tow package that includes the under bumper receiver hitch, wireing and transmission cooler. That package gives your Escape a 3500# tow rating.

With out the factory tow package your Escape is rated for 2000# due to the lack of a trans cooler.

Most rented pop ups are 2000# or less so you should be fine. If you rent one that is larger than a 10' box with air on the roof, front storage trunk and a slide dinette you will be close to 3000#

if you stay under 2000# just need the hitch and lights plug (flat 4pin) unless TX requires trailer brakes for trailers over the weight of your rental pop up.

[bigblock_drock]

check your cooling system, make sure its got clean, and plenty of coolant.

[tcesni]

You have a trans cooler (all Escapes have one), what you are missing is the engine oil cooler. If you stay at 2000 lbs. or less you will be OK.

[xkpsanit]

I tried pullin' my father's "pop-up" which weighs in at over 2000# in my 02 with a towing package. Took it for a a 20 mile test drive and found she struggled pretty hard. With me being very self-concious about heat in an automatic transmission and no way to monitor it in my rig, I decided to borrow his fullsize GMC for our 900 mile round trip. That and the fact that I couldn't see behind the camper due to the overall width of the escape rendered the mirrors useless. In my opinion, ma's '94 T-bird with a 4.6 and a 2000# tow rating pulls this same RV with much more ease than my baby rig. Should'a had a V8 Would'a used the bird but daddy has a CD player and wifey likes to rock...

[99F150]

i find it hard to believe the v6 is that under powered. my 99 ranger with the 2.5 l four and 5speed tows my 3000# tent camper fine and my 05 escape with the 2.3l four is much snappier than the ranger.

[abusch]

I have a 2008 V6 Limited 4x4 Escape. And I tow a 16 ft. XTRAIL camper trailer. It is 2200 lbs dry. I have added the electronic brake control to run the trailer brakes. Other than that... The escape tows it fine. I have added an extra tranny cooler, changed the trans fluid to AMSOIL, as well as the transfer case and rear differential oil to AMSOIL. I have done this because of AMSOIL's high heat rating. I try not to exceed 55 mph. but have towed at much higher speeds on the freeway. I also only tow in 3rd gear, no overdrive engaged. This is a direct drive gear and helps reduce heat buildup and slippage in the tranny. Happy towing

[DoctorCAD]

Originally Posted by 99F150

i find it hard to believe the v6 is that under powered. my 99 ranger with the 2.5 l four and 5speed tows my 3000# tent camper fine and my 05 escape with the 2.3l four is much snappier than the ranger.

It isn't underpowered, just underbraked

[99F150]

Dr.Cad. The braking is easy fix, add a brake controller to tow veh. Any trailer of that weight built in last 10+ years will have electric brakes standard or can be added. Most states require trailer brakes any way over a certain weight usually around 2000#.

I would be pulling my camper behind the Escape instead of the Ranger, but I am concerned about the cooling system and transaxle of the 4cy. 5speed model that I have.

[DoctorCAD]

My 2800 pound 19' bass boat has no brakes.

Next...

[penair78]

i have a '05 limited v6 awd and i pulled a 5'x10' enclosed trailer from san antonio to san diego with no problem. going to do it again next month but with my quad in it and a new tranny.