Escape towing package
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Escape towing package
I currently own a 2003 Escape Limited, FWD with a V6 motor. I purchased used in 07 with 30,000 miles. I installed a Class 2 hitch on it so I assume it didn't have the towing package. I currently tow a light boat and trailer, never traveling over 50 miles. I plan on pulling a loaded 4x8 U-haul trailer approximately a 1000 miles within the next month. Any issues/concerns I should have?
Thanks,
Doug
Thanks,
Doug
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According to the owner's manual, a V6 Escape without the tow package can tow up to 2000 lbs. I don't think you will have any problem if you don't exceed that weight. My only advice would be to turn off the overdrive (O/D) button when on the highway to avoid having the transmission hunt between 3rd and 4th gear.
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Thanks for the info. I checked with a local shop with after posting the thread. They're recomendation was to take in out of OD if it shifts a lot between 3rd and 4th. Traveling across Kansas and Iowa so hopefully the terrain will allow me to stay in OD...
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I was born in KS and grew up in IA so I gotta ask you where you are going. I think you will find your Escape happier in 3rd than in 4th because every time you go over an overpass it will probably down shift or at least unlock the torque converter and all that shifting isnt good for the tranny. I have towed a boat (about 2200 lbs) for at least 15,000 miles with my '02 and if you keep it around 65 mph it will get the same mileage in 3rd as in O/D. The U-Haul will probably have a lot of wind resistance compared to a boat.
Originally Posted by dugger54
Thanks for the info. I checked with a local shop with after posting the thread. They're recomendation was to take in out of OD if it shifts a lot between 3rd and 4th. Traveling across Kansas and Iowa so hopefully the terrain will allow me to stay in OD...
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Driving from central WI to McPherson, KS to pickup my Dad, and move him in with us. I'm originally from eastern NE but lived and graduated high school from Colby KS. Very familar with most towns along I-70 and US 36, Mom and brother live in Phillipsburg KS.
The Escape has had some issues after I purchased it in 07. Replaced (1) coil and throttle body at about 40,000 miles. Gas milege various a lot depending on road conditions, wind and speed (20 to 25 mpg highway). Seems like I'm always bucking a head wind in KS... Maybe I'll get lucky and catch a tail wind when pulling the trailer! I will certainly take your advice and turn the OD off, don't need any transmission problems. Thanks!
The Escape has had some issues after I purchased it in 07. Replaced (1) coil and throttle body at about 40,000 miles. Gas milege various a lot depending on road conditions, wind and speed (20 to 25 mpg highway). Seems like I'm always bucking a head wind in KS... Maybe I'll get lucky and catch a tail wind when pulling the trailer! I will certainly take your advice and turn the OD off, don't need any transmission problems. Thanks!
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Escape's mpg are wind sensitive, probably has something to do with the aerodynamics of a brick. Hopefully you will have a prairie tail wind when you are pulling that trailer back home. Don't expect much for gas mileage - I predict 13-15 mpg. Seventeen years ago I pulled a U-Haul stuffed to the gills with my brother's belongings with a T-bird Turbo Coupe from Seattle to Newton, IA. I was SOOOO glad to get over the mountains.The temp gauge was in the red for hours until I ran the heater full blast to get rid of some extra heat.
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From: SE Michigan
dugger54, You may want to think about installing an external transmission cooler. Any amount of extra cooling the transmission can get will be helping it to live longer and make you happier for less repairs later. Even with the some what flat landscape on your intended route, your trans will be working harder than usual and will be glad for the extra cooling. If you install a cooler, make sure the fluid lines for it are up out of the way of road debris or curbs to get snagged on or cut.
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Originally Posted by Rangerman Stan
dugger54, You may want to think about installing an external transmission cooler. Any amount of extra cooling the transmission can get will be helping it to live longer and make you happier for less repairs later. Even with the some what flat landscape on your intended route, your trans will be working harder than usual and will be glad for the extra cooling. If you install a cooler, make sure the fluid lines for it are up out of the way of road debris or curbs to get snagged on or cut.
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A little apprehensive about over heating the transmission. Traded off a full size 4X4 Pickup for this smaller SUV, now I wish I had it back for this trip. The truck was over kill for the household, but came in handy at times...
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Dont' worry about it, you have a tranny cooler and its not like it is August.
Originally Posted by dugger54
A little apprehensive about over heating the transmission. Traded off a full size 4X4 Pickup for this smaller SUV, now I wish I had it back for this trip. The truck was over kill for the household, but came in handy at times...
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