Can I Flat-Tow a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid AWD

Question:

I stopped at a Ford Dealership recently to look at the 2021 Escape Hybrid. The sales rep printed off a page from their internal website that states that the AWD version Does Not support Four-Wheel-Down towing. I reached out within a Winnebago Facebook group to verify this and there were multiple responses from folks saying they were towing AWD models. Any feedback would be appreciated!

asked by: Ken M

Expert Reply:

You will be able to flat-tow a 2021 Ford Escape Hybrid, as long as its a HEV or PHEV model. You should always check your owner's manual for the steps that are need to follow to tow your vehicle.

There are several different pieces that you will need to flat-tow the Escape and I will give some recommendations for each of them:

You will need a base plate to attach to the Escape, I recommend the Roadmaster Direct-Connect Base Plate Kit - Removable Arms # RM39FR. I recommend this kit because it has removable arms you can remove when not towing the vehicle.

If you need a tow bar, I recommend the Roadmaster Falcon All Terrain, Non-Binding Tow Bar - Motorhome Mount - 2" Hitch - 6,000 lbs # RM-522. I recommend this tow bar because it is non-binding, which means you can unhook your tow venicle quickly and easily, even if parked on uneven ground.

For safety cables and wiring I recommend the RoadMaster Falcon 2 and Falcon All-Terrain Combo Towing Kit with Straight Wiring # RM-9243-1. I recommend this kit because it contains all the wiring, safety cables and connectors you will need.

Most states require a supplemental braking system when towing a vehicle, I recommend the Blue Ox Patriot Portable Braking System - Proportional # BLU37TR. The reason I recommend the Blue Ox is because it is portable, meaning you can easily remove it from your towed vehicle.

You will also need a Charge Line kit to keep the battery in your towed vehicle charged. The Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Towed Vehicles # RM-156-25 is the kit I recommend. If your vehicle does not have a factory battery charge line, you will also need the Roadmaster Battery Charge Line Kit for Motorhomes # RM-156-75. This line connects to the battery in your RV to keep your towed vehicle"s battery charged.