'08 Escape 4WD XLT 3.0 V6- Can I tow with this?

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cardinal43

Member
I have a 2008 Escape XLT with 4WD and the 3.0L V6. Does anyone have any experience towing with this vehicle? I'm looking to potentially add a hitch to it and tow a 2 place enclosed trailer this winter. Thanks for any input.
 
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jeepbob47

New member
According to Ford you can tow up to 3500 pounds when properly equipped. If it doesn't have an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler I would add them.
 
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whitedust

Well-known member
Not a frame tow SUV but will be Ok if you take it easy & don't over heat the tranny. That enclosure is what will hold you back against the wind.
 
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Big Air Crash

New member
I tow with an 09 escape and an enclosed 12 foot floe trailer. it gets the job done but you wont come in first. heading to wyoming in january but I will take the enclosure off for that trip, I think i would kill the car in the mountains.
 
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cardinal43

Member
Thanks all for the input so far. About how much would an engine oil cooler and a transmission cooler cost?

Big Air Crash, do you have an engine oil cooler or a transmission cooler?
 
nosnowmo

nosnowmo

New member
I believe that the oil and transmission cooler comes with the trailer towing package or with 4X4 package. Your vehicle should have them. I had a 2003 Escape with the 3.0, 180,000 miles. Towed two place enclosed trailer on three 1500 mile round trips North per year. Was happy with it because I got 21 miles per gallon daily driving, but only got 12-13 towing. I bought an Explorer in February, and like it better for towing, but the daily fuel milage is 2-3 miles per gallon less. Like I said before, I was very happy with the Escape, I drove it for 7 years with no problems.
 
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scott_b

Member
I am sure 90+% of the time you will be fine, my biggest concern would be high wind days with that enclosed trailer. I have a 2006 Explorer with the V8 and there have been a couple of times the wind has more than surprised me towing our 12' enclosed.

Be careful on the windy days.
 
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tomx

Member
I had an '01 that towed a 2 place open trailer with for several years including trips from Wisconsin to Maine and Canada. One thing I would not expect is good MPG. That smaller motor is working harder so I never got better milage than I do with my current tower ('05 Escalade). That said it did tow very well.
 
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cardinal43

Member
Thanks to all. I appreciate the advice.

The Escape is currently my company vehicle. They will be making me an offer to buy it soon but before it becomes "mine" is there any maintenance I should try to have performed while the company is paying for the maintenance? It has 80,000 miles on it.

Since it was new it has had 1) transmission recall fix 2)new water pump 3) new tires at 78,000 4)one new hub bearing 5) new brakes at 67,000

What else would might be upcoming maintenance or replacement parts that I should try to get fixed?
 
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cuzzinolaf

Well-known member
I wouldn't plan on going over 55mph with an enclosed. The weight is fine but the wind at 60mph + is gonna kill it. I honestly wouldn't tow an enclosed with that if it were mine. Buy an open trailer until you get something with more torque IMO.
 
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pfd_crew

New member
I have a 03 escape, 130,000 miles, i tow a 2 place enclosed trailer to the UP few times a year no problems, its ready for this winter. Good vehicle, i would buy another.
 
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700classic

New member
cardinal43 said:
Thanks to all. I appreciate the advice.

The Escape is currently my company vehicle. They will be making me an offer to buy it soon but before it becomes "mine" is there any maintenance I should try to have performed while the company is paying for the maintenance? It has 80,000 miles on it.

Since it was new it has had 1) transmission recall fix 2)new water pump 3) new tires at 78,000 4)one new hub bearing 5) new brakes at 67,000

What else would might be upcoming maintenance or replacement parts that I should try to get fixed?
Click to expand...
New spark plugs and change trans fluid and filter. Possibly check and change other hub bearing.
 
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scott_l

Member
700classic said:
New spark plugs and change trans fluid and filter. Possibly check and change other hub bearing.
Click to expand...

have the tranny pan dropped and filter changed (along with fluid that comes out at that time). Do NOT have tranny power flushed. I have had bad luck with power flushes and will NEVER have one done again.
 
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Skylar

Super Moderator
Staff member
I think you would be fine, heck, I use to pull an open two place 8x10 aluminum trailer with my Dodge Omni. Granted, I could never shift into 5th, and braking was always fun, but, it pulled it. LOL.
 
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