Escape towing questions
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New User
Joined: Jul 2008
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Escape towing questions
I have an 07 Escape with the towing package. The book says I can tow 3500lbs. How well does the Escape tow with the front wheel drive? Can I replace the 4 pin connector with a 7 pin, just by pluging in a 7 pin wire connector? I am new here but I have been reading the old posts. It looks to be a good forum. Thanks
Posting Guru
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,079
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From: Fort Wayne, IN
I can't vouch for the Escapes towing, but I can say that you cannot get 7pin from 4pin. 7pins are typically designed with 4 pins for lights, 1 12v pin for charging a battery (like the campers have), brake controller, and AUX 12v for running something else on the trailer (I think that's the way it is). The 7 pin has to be wired in, the hard part being running a line down the frame from the fusebox to get 12v. It may be best to take it in to a shop to have it done (many shops install truck accessories like R&R). This will cost 100$+ depending on where it's done and how much work there is.
Junior User
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 75
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I have a v6 2001 with towing package. This setup pulls my 2400lbs popup very well. Stopping is an adventure though. I added a brake control right under the steering wheel (by my right knee). I ran the brake wiring under the sill trims down the drivers side of the car (to a 7 pin RV jack). It made for a clean install and works real well. Now the truck and camper go and stop very well. I think frontal area of your load is where you could have a problem. Short loads like a popup or a boat don't catch much wind so they don't add drag. A cargo trailer at 2500 to 3500lbs would be tough to pull because the v6 Escape doesn't have enough torque to pull the load up hills or around traffic.
Elder User
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 828
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I have an '02 FWD. I don't think there is any significant difference in towing between FWD and 4WD except when you are pulling a boat up a ramp. In that case I usually put the tranny in 2nd gear to avoid front wheel spin. I have been towing a bass boat weighing approx. 2200 lbs. total for the past 4 years. I leave the O/D turned off to keep the tranny happy. I can't help you with the plug question. I typically drive 65 mph. So far, so good with 149,000 miles (with regular tranny service).
