Maximum Towing Capacity of a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with 2.3L Engine

Question

Question:

Hello. I have a 2008 Ford Escape. Its a hybrid SUV. I4 Atkinson-Cycle. Electric motor, 16v. Its a 2.3L. Can it tow a 4,500 lb trailer?

asked by: Alexander

0

Expert Reply:

According to the owner's manual, the maximum towing capacity of your 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with the 2.3L engine is 1,500 lbs. Therefore, I cannot recommend you use this vehicle to tow a 4,500 lb trailer. If you find a trailer within the above capacity then you will need a trailer hitch, trailer wiring, and ball mount/hitch ball in order to tow it.

For a trailer hitch, I recommend using the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # 75751 which is Class III rated and has a 2" receiver tube opening. Then for a wiring harness, I recommend the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118551 which is an almost completely plug and play option. Lastly, I recommend using the Ball Mount Kit part # 989900 as long as the rise/drop of the included ball mounts match your vehicle/trailer. You can use the attached help article to determine this.

I have also attached an install video of both the hitch and harness for you to see as well.

expert reply by: Conner L

0

Benjamin S.

1/14/2020

Curious about also adding a 7-pin plug for electrical. Your thoughts? Thanks! ????

Reply

Jason S.

1/17/2020

You can add those other features to your 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid. You will simply use the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness part # 118551 and then add the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L if you only want to add power or # ETBC7 if you want to have power as well as trailer brake controller connection.

Helpful Links

tv-install-trailer-wiring-2008-lincoln-mkx-118551.aspx

tv-review-etrailer-7-way-rv-upgrade-kit-etbc7l.aspx

tv-review-etrailer-universal-brake-controller-installation-kit-etbc7.aspx

Reply

Answer 1

I spoke with my contact at Curt and he told me that the Curt Trailer Hitch, #C13651, does sit lower to the ground than the Curt Hitch, #13650. Both trailer hitches will fit the 2005 to 2011 Ford Escape without a factory hitch, but the #C13651 will…

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Answer 2

If the cause of the premature failure is attributed to towing outside of the manufacturers recommend paraments then they can void the powertrain warranty. For example, if the towing capacity is listed at 2,000 lbs and they can prove you were towing…

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Answer 3

I was able to find that you ordered the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #75751 for your 2006 Ford Escape. I have attached a link to the installation instructions as well as a video of our team installing this same hitch on a similar 2006…

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Answer 4

The Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part #75751 is Class III hitch with a 2" receiver tube opening. It has a maximum gross trailer weight (GTW) rating of 4,500 lbs and maximum tongue weight (TW) rating of 675 lbs. While using a…

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Answer 5

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 6

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 7

I agree it is the right time to upgrade to a Lithium charger/converter as not all are Lithium compatible. I recommend using the Progressive Dynamics Mighty Mini AC/DC Panel and Converter/Smart Charger - 60 Amp #PD4060K which is a replacement for…

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Answer 8

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on…

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Answer 9

From what I could find it looks like your 122R (red) and 122Y (amber) lights measure 3.75" x 1.70" x .81". We don't have any replacement lense directly for the GLO-BRITE lights but we do have some similar lights…

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Answer 10

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The…

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Answer 11

If your current springs have 5 leaves then going to a 7 leaf spring will increase the height of the trailer a little and make the trailer more susceptible to sway. Regarding capacity if you go with springs rated higher than what is required it will…

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Answer 12

Seal 171255UC has an inner diameter of 1.719 inches and outer diameter of 2.565 inches. A seal that has those dimensions would actually be #58846. I've added a link to a video review of this seal for you to take a look at.

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Maximum Towing Capacity of a 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid with 2.3L Engine

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