Towing with the Escape
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
Towing with the Escape
I am thinking of buying an Escape. I drove one and I am really impressed with it. The only concern I have is it’s towing capacity. We have a vacation house on a lake and need to launch and take out a boat twice a year. Do you think the Escape could handle a 20’ boat on the boat ramp. It weighs about 3200lbs. I am concerned it couldn’t pull our boat up the incline. We only need to trailer the boat about 1 mile to the house so I don’t think that would be problem. Thanks in advance…
Junior User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 72
Likes: 0
From: Indiana
I think it will be little risky since 400lbs is little heavy since the rule of thumb is use 10 percent of gross trailer weight so, with 4x4 and that will help if you use it as short trip and the ramp is not long and too steep grade. Good luck!
Thread Starter
|
New User
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
You guys are probably right. I was guessing at the tongue weight. The trailer is made for the boat so I would suspect it's more like 300lbs.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 7,746
Likes: 7
From: Tampa Bay, FL USA
One mile, twice a year? Take it slow, but do what you want. The max rated tow capacity is 3500 lbs, which I've always felt is optomistic, so you shouldn't have any problems.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
Elder User
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 736
Likes: 1
From: Texas, USA
I can tell you from many years of ramp experience, that power and rated capacity isn't everything. The ramp is almost always wet, so will need to have really good grip on the pavement. The stock tires are only so-so in ordinary conditions. Get some new rubber on that new Escape that is premium quality for wet pavement. Check out www.tirerack.com ratings.
I once towed a 3200lb sailboat for four years with a 3200 lb two wheel drive sedan (rwd) with no problems except one time. I backed down a little too fast and when I hit the brakes on the slime covered ramp, the car slid backwards toward the lake about three feet wiht all four wheels locked! When the boat floated, it reduced the weight enough that the sliding stopped! I never had trouble pulling out because of premium rain tires (the old Pirelli P77s) on the ground.
I once towed a 3200lb sailboat for four years with a 3200 lb two wheel drive sedan (rwd) with no problems except one time. I backed down a little too fast and when I hit the brakes on the slime covered ramp, the car slid backwards toward the lake about three feet wiht all four wheels locked! When the boat floated, it reduced the weight enough that the sliding stopped! I never had trouble pulling out because of premium rain tires (the old Pirelli P77s) on the ground.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
