New to forum and a few questions about towing

gosborn · 09-27-2009, 11:10 PM

I purchased a 2002 Escape 3.0 v6 last August. No problems to date.(knock on wood)

Questions:

I was told when I bought it it had the tow package. It has the the hitch and a wiring harness hooked up (looks like it was put on by and individual) I am traveling from Joplin MO to Galveston this weekend for a family cruise 25 people and hauling a u-haul 4x8 boxed trailer full of luggage. (about 30-40 suit cases).

1. Is the tranny cooler factory and where is it located?

2. Is the hitch bolted on or welded on?

3. Is it ok to drive in over drive?

4. Is it safe to drive with cruise control?

Thanks
Geoff

BroncoJoe19 · 09-28-2009, 05:00 AM

According to the specs from newcar.com
2002 Ford Escape - Specifications

you can tow up to 2200 lbs without the cooler, and 35oo lbs with it, and if I understand the spec sheet, its ok to drive it in overdrive.

Some will say that if you are going to do any towing to be sure that you have a trans cooler, and don't use overdrive. I won't argue, because that will certainly be safer for the trans.

Please be aware, that for each 100 lbs you put in the car, that's 100 lbs that you can't put in the trailer. In other words you are limited to 2200 lbs combined carrying weight of what you carry in the car (including your weight) and what you load in the trailer, plus the weight of the trailer.

The hitches are usually bolted on.

theoldwizard · 09-28-2009, 05:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gosborn

1. Is the tranny cooler factory and where is it located?

It would be mounted in front of the radiator and A/C condenser. It looks like an extra small radiator.

Quote:

2. Is the hitch bolted on or welded on?

Likely bolted, but it does not make any difference.

Quote:

3. Is it ok to drive in over drive?

I do, but I am very conscious about "canceling" the overdrive when I am going up even mild hills.

Quote:

4. Is it safe to drive with cruise control?

IMHO, if you are a careful driver, yes. If it is raining/snow then the answer is no.

gosborn · 09-28-2009, 11:53 PM

Thanks for the quick replies... I am pretty sure that it has a tranny cooler... wouldnt imagine its an oil cooler lol. Now my only worry is the drive with the
4x8 uhaul trailer hopefully I can go the speed limit with minimal swaying. Id hate that they say 45 mph on them anyone with experience?

theoldwizard · 09-29-2009, 05:27 AM

[quote=gosborn;139464]... hopefully I can go the speed limit with minimal swaying.../QUOTE]

I hope you meant NO swaying ! The smallest sway can amplify into an uncontrolled situation in an instant. Wind is the thing you need to watch out for. Your side area will be doubled and a good gust is all it will take to put you in real trouble.

Slow down. Live !

gosborn · 09-29-2009, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by theoldwizard

I hope you meant NO swaying ! The smallest sway can amplify into an uncontrolled situation in an instant. Wind is the thing you need to watch out for. Your side area will be doubled and a good gust is all it will take to put you in real trouble.

Slow down. Live !

True! I'm hoping it will be a safe and easy journey! No rush really just hope the weather cooperates!

Thanks for all the info