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