In October we bought a lease return 2006 Ford
Escape.
We will be using it to tow a 17" Escape...
We were told by the salesman that we needed to get the one with the factory installed towing package otherwise we would only be able to tow 1,500 lbs. Something about the oil cooler and tranny cooler (even though we were going to get them added on after--they "said" it would be cheaper in the long run and more "legal")
Of course that came with the "factory" class 2 hitch and Reace recommended that we get the "equalizer" hitch. So, of course that meant a class 3 hitch.
When I took it to Carline here in Poco to get the class 3 hitch installed---they ended up installing it under the original class 2 because the hitch is basically built into the bumper and it would have been a major deal to take the bumper off etc etc. SO it is VERY solidly installed and uses the same bolt as the other..... It doesn't look bad having the two hitches--I have seen other Escapes like this and now I know why....
With the GVCW and all I think it will be a good fit. We added up the
weight of all the stuff we think we will be taking--including our folding bikes etc etc... Also with thinking of travelling up higher elevations we made sure for that calculation too..... Have some room to spare which is a good thing....
Good luck with what decision you make..