Ford Escape and Scamp 13: Is Class II hitch ok?

[Larry Tenhage]

The class II hitch is easily OK. And you don't even need the 6 cylinder Escape to pull the Scamp, although it's nice. A 4 cyl SUV or mid sized car will work well too.

[CampyTime]

Just thought I'd report that the new 14 ford transit connect is about 8 inches shorter than it's predecessors so a no go for my brother. Was trying to find a multi purpose vehicle that would tow and allow for wheelchair access and be good on gas. No go.

Now looking for a toyota sienna with auto access seat without going bankrupt. Wish me luck!


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[Mike Magee]

Keep an eye on craigslist; some accessible vehicles get posted there.

[rdickens]

You might try www.searchtempest.com. It will search every craigslist and E-bay listing within a specified search radius of a specific city or zip code. 😊

Ray


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[floyd]

Originally Posted by CampyTime

Just thought I'd report that the new 14 ford transit connect is about 8 inches shorter than it's predecessors so a no go for my brother. Was trying to find a multi purpose vehicle that would tow and allow for wheelchair access and be good on gas. No go.

Now looking for a toyota sienna with auto access seat without going bankrupt. Wish me luck!


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Are you aware that they make a long wheelbase with a 92" floor?

[CampyTime]

Thank you Ray for the search tempest link! Been in it since you wrote and it is awesome! Cheers for that!

Floyd, I had been looking at LWB connects. That works out fine. The problem is the head height of the van now. Used to be 51" at the rear swing out doors, now it's 44". Don't think my brother's head will clear that as I roll him up. The 13's and older would have been great for w/c access, but they don't tow.

I'm in a bit of a pickle now. Don't want to buy a big 8 cylinder monster of a van. Just gotta keep strategizing. Love the toyota sienna with auto access seat, but finding one used is like looking for a paramecium without a microscope. .


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[CampyTime]

Update. Found a 2007 chevy express 1500 van with 4.3 vortech, which is same motor as my s10. Has tow package brake controller and ricon lift. I like the lift as it's a fold out which makes the folded in height much shorter when in the van.

Is a cargo but PO put in a turning driver seat, power fold out bed/bench seat in rear, DVD player and mid top for height. Has rear side windows installed too and only 39000 miles! Want 16000 for it, kbb says 13,800 without the add-ons I've mentioned (except tow pkg and hydraulic lift). My mechanic is checking it out tomorrow. At 39,000 miles, this vortech is barely broken in yet!


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[Carol H]

Awesome! Hope the mechanic gives it a clean bill of health for you! Nov through January are always good months for car shopping.

[Jon in AZ]

Sounds like a good deal! I didn't know they put the 4.3 in full-size vans. It won't be a speed demon, but it should be reliable. With Carol, I hope it checks out.

[CampyTime]

Thank you so much! Yeah they put the 4.3 in the cargo. Optional 8 cylinder, too. I love this motor and I trust it. I agree; it won't get anywhere fast, but it'll pull a house down. Torquee!


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[CampyTime]

Have thought about what you said though and wondered with the vans 4894 pound curb weight if it won't run like a dog with the 4.3. Edmunds says if you're gonna haul heavy loads or tow, then choose the 8 cylinder. I'm only towing a scamp 13 std with probably 2 other people for cargo and all camping gear. Keep in mind the wheelchair ramp adds to the payload. Such a nice van though. I always drive 55-60 when towing on thruway and have never been a speed demon. Should I be ok? Your thoughts?


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[floyd]

It will be fine, We had a hundred 3/4 ton Chevy trucks in feet service. They performed well.
Actually, I preferred them over the V8s...You'll love it

[JRTrillium]

We as well tow with the Ford Escape Eco Boost 2.0 L 4 cyl - we tow the 13' Trillium trailer and had great success with it this past summer. We take along our two kayak and bikes as well. With just the two of us we find we have tons of room for storage in the trailer and Escape - couldn't be happier with the two together!

[Mike Magee]

At 55 or 60 mph, it will do well enough.

[rdickens]

Looking at the specs, you should have 195 hp @ 4600 rpm and 260 ft/lbs of torque @ 2800 rpm (and it is torque that moves a TV+FGRV rig.)

By comparison, our CRV has 180 hp @ 7000 rpm and only about 170 ft/lbs of torque.
The 2014 Ford Escape 2.0L Ecoboost FWD has 240 hp and 270 ft/lbs of torque.
I didn't look at the overall weight comparisons ..... Sorry.

Your Scamp 13 may also shadow in behind your van a little better and reduce the
frontal area drag that the Scamp would otherwise have behind a shorter car/SUV?

I too am guessing that you will probably do OK.
Of course, that is only my guess and ..... wait for it .... YMMV 😉

Ray


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[CampyTime]

I love the van! My mechanic checked it out today and it is cherry! Guess what? It has a power bench seat in the rear that folds down to a bed. Now I can take my brother who is traumatically brain injured with me for the day to camp! Hoist him up on the lift, lay him down in bed to pee, and take him back outside under my shademaker awning for an na beer! I'm so excited I could cry, in fact I have. Thank you Lord!


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[CampyTime]

I'll post pics when I get the van. Excited!


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[Mike Magee]

He is good.

[Bob Miller]

Originally Posted by CampyTime

Update. Found a 2007 chevy express 1500 van with 4.3 vortech, which is same motor as my s10. Has tow package brake controller and ricon lift. I like the lift as it's a fold out which makes the folded in height much shorter when in the van.

Is a cargo but PO put in a turning driver seat, power fold out bed/bench seat in rear, DVD player and mid top for height. Has rear side windows installed too and only 39000 miles! Want 16000 for it, kbb says 13,800 without the add-ons I've mentioned (except tow pkg and hydraulic lift). My mechanic is checking it out tomorrow. At 39,000 miles, this vortech is barely broken in yet!


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That sounds like real low mileage for it's age. Be sure to get a CarFax run to verify the mileage.

[CampyTime]

I did get the carfax. All checks out legit!


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