Looking for Tow Vehicle recommendations

[ONEFORD]

2013 ford escape 2.0 4wd 3500# no problems.Fiberglass RV - ONEFORD's Album: 2013 ford Escape Travel Lite I17

[arlon]

Originally Posted by ONEFORD

2013 ford escape 2.0 4wd 3500# no problems.Fiberglass RV - ONEFORD's Album: 2013 ford Escape Travel Lite I17

That's the ticket if you can find the 2.0 eco boost engine with towing package. The other 90% of Escapes on the lots are rated at 1500lbs. Our Edge is rated at 2000 lbs. I would not tow my Casita across the street with it. Probably millions of people tow more than their vehicle is rated to tow and most had no problem. I personally prefer a little cushion when it comes to towing capacities. Just makes for a more relaxed trip in my way of thinking.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by arlon

That's the ticket if you can find the 2.0 eco boost engine with towing package. The other 90% of Escapes on the lots are rated at 1500lbs. Our Edge is rated at 2000 lbs. I would not tow my Casita across the street with it. Probably millions of people tow more than their vehicle is rated to tow and most had no problem. I personally prefer a little cushion when it comes to towing capacities. Just makes for a more relaxed trip in my way of thinking.

I wouldn't tow my Scamp across the street with that Dodge! Of course it's already big enough to cross the street... parked!
Most fiberglass trailers are smaller than your Casita and while it would be easy to tow it across the street with a Dodge diesel, I think it would be a chore to go much further.
Personally... I want to keep the word "recreational" in RV.


The 2.5 is rated 1500#
The 1.6 Ecoboost is rated 2000#
The 2.0 Ecoboost is rated 2000#
The 2.0 Ecoboost (with factory tow package)is rated 3500#
Then there is SEMA!

[ONEFORD]

In the side pic, you can see the Escape and trailer sitting level due to the Andersen no-sway weight distribution hitch. The 6 speed trans with select shift keeps it from unnessary down shifts. I have got as high as 18mpg on flat ground with no head wind, cruise set at 65mph and as low as 9mpg up hill with strong head winds at 75-80 mph. I have been through 60mph cross winds in stoms with no sway due to hitch setup. The front of this trailer less drag than most. I have driven trucks that have felt less sure than this.

[arlon]

Originally Posted by floyd

I wouldn't tow my Scamp across the street with that Dodge!

You wouldn't have to tow it, you could just put it in the bed.

[chuyler1]

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Drove a few of your recommendations but ended up going with a certified pre-owned CX-9 Touring AWD. Mazda offers a 100k powertrain warranty so that was a big bonus. I'll be putting a hitch on soon and towing as soon as the snow melts.

[Carol H]

enjoy your new wheels!!

[chuyler1]

Thanks! Haven't driven something this big since I had an old Grand Marquis in High School. It's going to take some getting used to. The backup camera and lane change monitors will be a huge help in that department!

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by chuyler1

Thanks! Haven't driven something this big since I had an old Grand Marquis in High School. It's going to take some getting used to. The backup camera and lane change monitors will be a huge help in that department!

LOL I know how you feel... It was a took a little getting use to switch recently to a truck from an Outback - felt like I was driving the Queen Mary for the first week... now Its all good. No issues even in busy city mall parking lots. Surprising how fast one can adjust. I did order a back up camera as soon as I got the truck as I didn't think I would survive without it... have the camera and still not installed it as I have actually gotten use to backing up the truck without fear. Will get it installed in time for my first camping trip next month though as it will be a blessing for hitching up.

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by chuyler1

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Drove a few of your recommendations but ended up going with a certified pre-owned CX-9 Touring AWD. Mazda offers a 100k powertrain warranty so that was a big bonus. I'll be putting a hitch on soon and towing as soon as the snow melts.

Nice car!

Were you lucky enough to find one with the transmission oil cooler already installed? I understand that's mfr. required for towing above 2,000 pounds.

[MC1]

Originally Posted by chuyler1

Thanks for all the suggestions everyone. Drove a few of your recommendations but ended up going with a certified pre-owned CX-9 Touring AWD. Mazda offers a 100k powertrain warranty so that was a big bonus. I'll be putting a hitch on soon and towing as soon as the snow melts.

The Mazda sounds good. Back in the 80's I went from a Toyota Camry to a Mazda 626. Both had manuals. Both vehicles were in the same class but the Mazda was light years ahead in the handling performance category. Even driving a new BMW 318 shortly after using the 626 I preferred the Mazda. For use as a TV that Mazda performance "Zoom Zoom" is a biggy. Thinking you will luv that CX9 anyway you want to use it.

Note: My neighbor has a CX9 and I had a chance to drive it. The drive was very nice. No butt wiggling there like many large SUV's etc. It goes go through a lot of gas quickly.

[chuyler1]

Originally Posted by Francesca Knowles

Nice car!

Were you lucky enough to find one with the transmission oil cooler already installed? I understand that's mfr. required for towing above 2,000 pounds.

Yes, if you get AWD, you get the tow prep package as standard equipment which adds the transmission cooler, larger radiator fan, and reprogrammed ECU for towing up to 3500 lbs. The towing package which is not standard on any model adds a hitch and harness. I'm going to order the Curt hitch and 7-pin brake controller kit from eTrailer and pick up the 4-pin harness from Mazda to make installation easy. I also plan to upgrade the stereo with aftermarket amps and speakers so I specifically found one without Bose. I'm a bit of an audiophile snob and have a garage full of stereo parts to mix and match. I may add the factory NAV module too if I can get a good price on one from a salvage yard or something. Otherwise I'll stick with our garmin.

Originally Posted by MC1

Note: My neighbor has a CX9 and I had a chance to drive it. The ride was very nice. It goes go through a lot of gas quickly.

The only better option as far as gas mileage was the Escape. Everything else with this towing capacity is right around 22 mpg or less highway. I was getting 22-24 mpg in my Mazdaspeed6 on premium gas so I shouldn't see a major shocker at the pump filling up the new ride.

The biggest adjustment for me is going from stick to automatic (or autotragic as I like to say). I wanted the niceties of a premium SUV and the only way I was going to keep stick was to settle for a true off road truck like a Wrangler/Xterra/FJ or spend more for a premium mark like the BMW X3. Its the one sacrifice I'm making and most likely my wife will drive this quite a bit so I can tool around in her 5 speed Focus to get my fill of rowing through gears.