I would buy an older Ford with a manual transfer case before I went with another brand.

 

Doesn't the lowest model F150 have a manual transfer case? Seems to me it does. BUT I could be wrong.

 

I think so too. Maybe even the STX also.

 

it does indeed, in fact i had an 09 STX that i flat towed behind a U-Haul for three hours with a tow bar that hooks to the frame in neutral. the reason i sold that truck is because i needed a crew cab, and if an STX came in a crew cab i would've bought that in the first place. if i get an XLT new my dealer specializes in custom orders, (because i ordered my STX with a 6 speed and a sunroof), i can probably get it with a manual transfer case.

 

The XL models do come in supercrew configuration and you can add all the goodies you want.

 

XL SuperCrew is not available in Canada.

 

It is a bummer that you cannot tow the electronic shift, however it appears you can tow a manual shift.

Here is some good reference material for flat towing vehicles, and what is all required. This is for the 2010 model year.

https://www.fleet.ford.com/showroom/...DownTowing.pdf

 

I thought this was going to be about the standard illuminating ABS light. That's been on everyone one of my Ford trucks since '89.

 

Don't believe everything that pdf says, I have several friends on an rv talk group that had the escape, no matter what ford says it can't be towed without damaging the tranny, the hybrid can, but not the regular Escape. Check out rv.net and search. Several did exactly what ford told them to do and still ruined the tranny. I'd check with another dealer on the driveshaft disconnect or call and ask ford directly.

 

I know about the Escape transmissions. It is the 09 and 10 6F35 transmission they are having problems with. A new fluid baffle inside the transmission is installed in every transmisison made after feb 8th, 2010. There have been a few TSBs and even an FSA describing a revised fluid level for this transmission.

A few people have had really bad luck with this transmission, and some have no problems, but it is covered under full warranty anyway. If it were me, I'd just keep flat towing the thing and call the Ford dealer in advance every time I would go somewhere and tell them to have a transmission ready. I would just keep melting that thing just for the fun of it, because if they have to spend alot of money on it, they will fix it.

I can understand peoples frustration with that thing though. I hear anything with the 6F50 (Edge, Flex, Taurus, etc) is good for flat towing. Just make sure the fluid level is kept to the MIN mark on the dipstick with the 6F35.

 

According to the site, none of the AWD Escapes can be towed. FWD is just a station wagon.