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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21
New CEG\'er
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New CEG\'er
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 21 |
I'm thinking of pulling my tent trailer with my wifes 98 2.5.My question is this,is the contour capable of pulling it,I noticed that it is rated for only 1000 lbs tow weight.My second question is how will the tranny hold up,I have an auto,and should I put a tranny cooler on it? Thanks
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,382
Hard-core CEG\'er
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Hard-core CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2000
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how big is the trailer? Is it one of those small, wind up open types?
If you plan to tow and have an automatic, a transmission cooler is the best choice.
"Fear is the little death."
Muadib.
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Joined: May 2001
Posts: 89
CEG\'er
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CEG\'er
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 89 |
FYI - Ford Escapes are rated for 5000 lbs tow capacity w/ a 3 liter engine... Hitches are rated by class (I, II or III) according to tow weight/tongue weight & whether they are frame mounted or bumper mounted.....Frame mounted automatically puts you at least in class II @ a towing capacity of over 1000 lbs. Your engine can handle it but the transmission could be a weak point (true of any vehicle). If your going to do a lot of towing, a tranny cooler will help the situation if the load is over 1500 lbs.... Check w/ a local brand name trailer hitch installer for the specific lowdown on your vehicle....Reese is an excellent brand.....my $/02.... 
Is the smoke alarm in your house also known as the dinner bell?
'99 Zetec VCT Daily Driver
Mild Air Filter Mod
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Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 661
Veteran CEG\'er
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Veteran CEG\'er
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 661 |
Originally posted by marketplace_man:
I'm thinking of pulling my tent trailer with my wifes 98 2.5.My question is this,is the contour capable of pulling it,I noticed that it is rated for only 1000 lbs tow weight.My second question is how will the tranny hold up,I have an auto,and should I put a tranny cooler on it? Thanks
1000 lbs no problem, I've done it with my 99 SVT. Just take it easy and remember that braking performance is astoundingly affected by that extra weight. Leave lots of room to slow down / stop.
Kerry
99 SVT Contour Silver Frost, #365/2760, DMD
98 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro Tiptronic, 30V -- SOLD!
91 Isuzu Impulse XS Kammback, Handling By Lotus
Victoria, BC, Canada
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Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 4,693 |
Originally posted by ABNeg:
FYI - Ford Escapes are rated for 5000 lbs tow capacity w/ a 3 liter engine...
Hitches are rated by class (I, II or III) according to tow weight/tongue weight & whether they are frame mounted or bumper mounted.....Frame mounted automatically puts you at least in class II @ a towing capacity of over 1000 lbs.
Your engine can handle it but the transmission could be a weak point (true of any vehicle). If your going to do a lot of towing, a tranny cooler will help the situation if the load is over 1500 lbs....
Check w/ a local brand name trailer hitch installer for the specific lowdown on your vehicle....Reese is an excellent brand.....my $/02....
The Escape is rated for 3500 puunds towing, and only that much if it has the factory towing package with an engine oil cooler. All Escapes have an auxillary trans cooler. The towing capacity of an Escape without the factory tow package is much less. I don't remember, but I think it is only about 1000 pounds.
Jim Johnson
98 SVT
03 Escape Limited
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Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 7,117
Hard-core CEG'er
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Hard-core CEG'er
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Do NOT exceed the recommended towing capacity of the car.
As for the tranny cooler, she should have one installed even without towing. The ATX on our Contours is a weak point & requires more attention & care than a typical auto tranny.
Must be that jumbly-wumbly thing happening again.
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