We fled our home on Cudjoe Key, FL to get out of IRMA's path. Unfortunately she made landfall in our neighborhood. We spent about two days preparing the house, yard and cars. My 8' v-nose utility trailer was loaded with tools, luggage, valuables, guns, electronics, water, you name it. The Escape was loaded with our birds and full of clothes and food in coolers. I'd say the total weight of the trailer was over 2200 lbs. The Escape probably had 600 lbs in it. She never even batted an eye. My wife had to drive so she kept it in sport mode and said that when passing it strained (obviously) but never gave her any indication that it was in trouble. I'm glad the Ford did what it had to do as we drove over 1300 miles in 10 days as we made our way back from Jacksonville to our ravaged home. The Sequoia made the return trip towing the trailer (left the boat in Jax) loaded with 3000+ lbs of roofing supplies.

I was very impressed with the Escape's towing ability and handling. Glad I installed the Class III hitch, wiring and aux tranny cooler myself. Now about those headrests...

 

Complete agreement with regards to the headrests.
Configure the seat so I sit comfortably, and the headrest makes me look at the gauges.

 

What are you guys talking about the headrests?
The fact that they tilt forward?

If so, I have an easy fix- remove them and then reinstall "backwards" so the angle is the opposite.

Report back and thank me profusely.

 

Glad you made it to safety and back. GL with the recovery in your area.

 

Unfortunately, this can cause issues with the insurance company if there is ever an accident. That angle is intended to reduce whiplash in a collision and altering that "safety" feature could really cost you.... more than just money.

 

This article is not about headrests but I have to address this. The Escape's headrests are built and designed so that they cannot be removed. This is not an '88 Accord where you could remove the headrests by holding in a release on one of the stems and pulling them out. There is no release and the base of the stems are tight without any chance of wiggling your finger in under the collar to release the headrest. I've tried without success to get these off so that I can put them in a press and straighten out the stems. We just put the seat way back now. Long drives are not the kindest on your neck.

 

maybe yours doesn’t have the easy release… But mine does.
what year is yours?

 

2014... what year is yours?

 

2010. My neighbors have a 2015 or 2016 and I was checking it out through their windows. I see what you mean.