Can you pull an RV with a Ford Escape?

Yes, you can tow certain small RVs with a Ford Escape, but only within the vehicle’s official limits and with proper equipment. For most Escape configurations, light travel trailers or teardrop campers are the most realistic options.

To understand what this means in practice, it helps to look at the engine options, towing ratings, and other weight limits that come with the Escape. The maximum trailer weight you can pull depends on the exact powertrain and whether you equip the vehicle appropriately. Always consult your owner’s manual and Ford’s official specifications for your exact model before attempting to tow any trailer.

Understanding the numbers: what the Escape can tow

The Escape’s towing capacity is not a single number; it varies by engine and configuration. Here is how the ratings typically stack up by powertrain:

• 1.5L EcoBoost engine: up to about 2,000 pounds of trailer weight.


• 2.0L EcoBoost engine: up to about 3,500 pounds of trailer weight when properly equipped.


• Hybrid (HEV) version: up to about 1,500 pounds.


• Payload and tongue weight considerations: Trailer tongue weight is generally about 10–15% of the trailer’s gross weight, and the vehicle’s payload rating limits how much tongue weight you can carry inside or on the hitch.


• Equipment requirements: A suitable hitch (often a 2-inch class hitch) and, for trailers with electric brakes, a brake controller may be required by law or recommended for safe towing.

These numbers are maximums and can vary by trim, drivetrain (FWD vs. AWD), and factory options. Always verify the exact ratings for your specific vehicle and never exceed the GCWR or GVWR ratings.

RV types that fit within the Escape's limits

For towing with an Escape, light-to-medium travel trailers and similar campers are the most feasible. The following general categories commonly stay within the Escape’s recommended limits when properly equipped and loaded:

• Small travel trailers (often 2,000–3,500 pounds gross trailer weight, depending on engine and hitch).


• Teardrop trailers and ultralight campers (typically well under 2,000 pounds).


• Pop-up campers (usually in the 1,000–3,000 pound range, depending on model).


• Enclosed cargo trailers converted for camping use (ensure compatibility with trailer brakes and tongue weight).

Before choosing a trailer, confirm the trailer’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) and ensure it fits within the engine’s towing limit, the Escape’s payload (for tongue weight), and any required towing equipment.

How to tow safely with an Escape

Safe towing requires proper equipment and careful setup. Here are the key steps to follow before you hit the road:

• Check weight ratings: verify GCWR, GVWR, and tongue weight limits for your exact Escape configuration, and compare with the trailer’s GVWR and expected tongue weight.


• Use appropriate hitching: a correctly sized hitch (often 2-inch class hitch) and a weight-distribution hitch when the trailer’s tongue weight is a sizable portion of the vehicle’s payload.


• Brakes and braking: trailers over a certain weight typically require electric brakes and a brake controller; ensure the trailer’s braking system is wired and tested.


• Electrical and lighting: confirm that trailer lights, brake lights, and turn signals are functioning and synchronized with the Escape’s lighting system.


• Driving approach: drive with extra caution—gentle acceleration, longer stopping distances, and careful lane changes to mitigate sway and wind gusts.

Following these steps helps minimize risk and keeps towing within safety and legal guidelines. Always adapt to weather, road conditions, and the trailer’s behavior on the highway.

Practical considerations and alternatives

If your RV plans call for heavier trailers or frequent long trips, consider whether the Escape is the right tool for the job. For heavier or more frequent towing, you might look at vehicles with higher tow ratings, such as:

• Midsize SUVs and crossovers with higher towing ratings (often up to 3,500 pounds or more).


• Full-size SUVs or pickup trucks designed for heavier towing, which provide greater payload, tongue weight capacity, and stability on the road.


• Consult Ford’s official tow guide or dealer for options that maximize towing capacity within the brand family.

If you decide to tow a larger trailer with a vehicle other than the Escape, always ensure the chosen tow vehicle meets or exceeds the trailer’s weight and braking requirements and that you stay within legal and manufacturer guidelines.

Summary

The Ford Escape can tow certain light RVs, most often small travel trailers or teardrop campers, but only within engine-specific limits (roughly 2,000 pounds for the 1.5L EcoBoost, up to 3,500 pounds for the 2.0L EcoBoost, and about 1,500 pounds for hybrids). Payload, tongue weight, and equipment (hitch, brake controller, trailer brakes) significantly affect real-world capacity. For larger or more frequent towing, consider a vehicle with a higher tow rating. Always verify exact ratings for your model, use the proper hitch and braking equipment, and follow safe towing practices to protect you, your trailer, and other road users.

Is the Ford Escape good for towing?

The Ford Escape can tow up to 3,500 pounds, but this can only be achieved by choosing the 2.0L EcoBoost® engine with a Class II Trailer Tow Package. That being said, you'll still be able to tow a significant amount with any engine option you choose.

How to turn on tow mode on a Ford?

Here the towhaul indicator will illuminate in the instrument cluster indicating the towhaul mode is now activated to deactivate simply press the button.

What size camper can a Ford Escape pull?

A Ford Escape can pull a camper up to 3,500 pounds when properly equipped with the 2.0L EcoBoost engine and the Class II Trailer Tow Package. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine can pull up to 2,000 pounds, and the hybrid and plug-in hybrid models have a capacity of 1,500 pounds. These capacities are suitable for small trailers, pop-up campers, and lightweight teardrop campers.
 
You can watch this video to learn about the towing capacities of different Ford Escape models: 54sLets Tow ThatYouTube · Sep 23, 2020
Towing capacity by engine

• 2.0L EcoBoost (when equipped with Class II Trailer Tow Package): Up to 3,500 pounds, suitable for small travel trailers and utility trailers with items like ATVs. 
• 1.5L EcoBoost: Up to 2,000 pounds, ideal for lightweight pop-up campers, small fishing boats, or snowmobiles. 
• 2.5L Hybrid and Plug-In Hybrid: Up to 1,500 pounds, suitable for very light loads like a jet ski, motorcycle, or small utility trailer. 

Important considerations

• Towing package: To achieve the maximum 3,500-pound capacity, your vehicle must be equipped with the Class II Trailer Tow Package, which includes a hitch and other accessories. 
• Vehicle weight: Always ensure the total weight of your trailer (including cargo) does not exceed the Escape's towing capacity. 
• Trailer weight: Check the "dry weight" of the camper and add the weight of all your gear to estimate the gross weight you will be towing. 

What was the worst year for the Ford Escape?

The worst years for the Ford Escape are 2013 and 2008, with 2013 being frequently cited as the absolute worst due to severe engine and transmission problems like stalling, overheating, and leaks. The 2008 model is also frequently mentioned as one to avoid because of the highest number of overall complaints, primarily related to its transmission and steering systems. 
This video explains why the 2013 Ford Escape is considered one of the worst model years: 34sThe SUV GuyYouTube · Jan 31, 2025
2013 Ford Escape

• Engine problems: Engine stalling, overheating, and oil/coolant leaks were widespread. Some owners experienced catastrophic failures like cracking engine blocks or blown head gaskets. 
• Transmission issues: Problems with the transmission were also common. 
• Other recalls: The model had a high number of recalls for various issues, including electrical system malfunctions and fuel pump problems. 

2008 Ford Escape 

• Transmission and steering: This model year received the most complaints overall, with many related to the transmission and steering system.
• Engine and A/C: Owners also reported loud engine noises, air and water leaks, and air conditioning issues. 

Other years to be cautious about

• 2009: Experienced many of the same problems as the 2008 model, including loud engines and poor handling due to suspension issues. 
• 2014: Had significant transmission cable bushing problems that could lead to gear engagement failures. 
• 2013-2016 1.6L EcoBoost models: These engines have known issues with coolant leaks and overheating.