Small-sized SUV's and crossovers are popular among outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you want to head off the beaten track or to your nearest campsite for a short getaway, the Ford Escape can get you there. If you already own an Escape or are considering buying one, you might wonder if Ford Escape can pull a camper. We took a closer look at Ford's options for the Escape to find the answer.
Ford Escape can easily tow lightweight travel trailers such as pop-ups, miniatures, and teardrops. The towing capacity for each Ford Escape model depends on the powertrain selection. Towing capacity ranges from 1,500-pounds to 3,500-pounds. Dealer-installed towing packages are optional.
Keep reading to learn how Ford’s three different powertrain options affect the Escape’s towing capacity. To help you pair a travel trailer with this small-sized SUV, we’ve also provided several examples of lightweight travel trailers that you can safely tow with the Ford Escape.
What’s the Towing Capacity of the Ford Escape?
Ford Escape’s towing capacity depends on the engine you select with your trim package. Escape has three different powertrain options:
1.5L EcoBoost
Ford’s smart performance, 1.5L EcoBoost engine was introduced on the 2012 Escape and paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission for earlier models through 2018. In the 2019 and 2020 Escape (S, SE, SEL, and Titanium) models, the 1.5L EcoBoost engine is paired with 8-speed automatic transmission. The 1.5L EcoBoost engine provides 179-horsepower and 177 lb.-ft. of torque to give the Escape a maximum towing capacity of 2,000-pounds.
2.0L EcoBoost
The optional 2.0L EcoBoost engine paired with 8-speed automatic transmission (2019 and 2020 models) or 6-speed automatic transmission (2012 through 2018 models) is available for Escape SEL and Titanium trims. Capable of 245-horsepower and 275 lb-ft of torque, Ford’s 2.0L engine boosts the Escape’s maximum towing capacity to 3,500-pounds. Add a dealer-installed, Class II Tow Package for ultimate towing capability.
Ford Escape Hybrid
Ford Escape Hybrid for 2012 through 2020 models (Plug-in Hybrid available spring 2020) is powered by a 2.5L iVCT Atkinson Cycle I-4 engine. Equipped with 168-horsepower and 170 lb.-ft. of torque, towing capacity for Escape Hybrid is up to 1,500-pounds.
What is the Ford Escape's Gross Combination Weight Rating?
In order to safely pair a travel trailer with the Escape, you want to make sure that hitching the total weight of the loaded trailer to the Escape does not exceed the SUV’s Gross Combination Weight Rating (GCWR). The GCWR refers to the maximum combined weight of the fully-loaded SUV (passengers, gear, fuel, etc.) and coupled trailer. Check your owner’s manual for the GCWR for your specific Escape model.
The following ratings, for example, are provided by Ford for 2019 Escape models:
- GCWR 5,862 lbs. - 1.5L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, FWD - Max Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs.
- GCWR 6,005 lbs. - 1.5L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, 4WD - Max Towing Capacity 2,000 lbs.
- GCWR 7,457 lbs. - 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, FWD - Max Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs.
- GCWR 7,591 lbs. - 2.0L EcoBoost 4-cylinder, 4WD - Max Towing Capacity 3,500 lbs.
- GCWR 5,351 lbs. - 2.5L iVCT Atkinson 4-cylinder - Max Towing Capacity 1,500 lbs.
How to Determine Trailer Weight?
Most travel trailer manufacturers provide the trailer’s dry weight (unloaded) and tongue weight. Some manufacturers provide a Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), the maximum amount of weight the trailer can safely haul. A fully loaded trailer’s GTW includes fuel, water, accessories, and personal gear.
The best way to determine the weight of your travel trailer is to fill the tanks, load up your gear and weigh the trailer on a commercial scale. You can find local, commercial scales at waste management facilities, truck stops, landscaping or gravel suppliers, and feed suppliers.
Travel Trailers a Ford Escape Can Tow
Ford Escape can tow a variety of lightweight travel trailers that are not only diverse in aesthetic styling but also give you all the accommodations of home at your campsite. Before you tow, Ford recommends driving a new Escape at least 1,000-miles.
We’ve selected several campers to safely couple with the Ford Escape. Check out these unique pop-ups, minis, and teardrops to get an idea of what type of travel trailer might suit your camping style.
Tow Pop-Ups with the Ford Escape
Pop-ups vary in size and offer plenty of homey comforts. Small pop-ups weigh between 400 and 600 lbs. compared to medium to large pop-ups that weigh between 700 and 2,000-pounds.
TAXA Outdoors Tiger Moth
Get ready for the ultimate adventure with the intuitively designed Tiger Moth travel trailer. TAXA Outdoors’ lightweight camper is rugged enough to take you off-grid yet, has a simple elegance that makes you feel right at home in nature. Foldable features give you ample living space and storage space without limiting your view. Pull the Tiger Moth with the Ford Escape’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
- Dry Weight - 1,360 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 110 lbs. (varies depending on weight distribution)
Aliner Classic
The Aliner Classic travel trailer is “just right” to pair with the Escape when equipped with Ford’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine. Aliner’s mid-sized pop-up is versatile enough to give you all the comforts of home at the most remote campsites.
- Dry Weight - 1,590 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 160 lbs.
Forest River Rockwood Hard Side Series 122S
Rockwood’s pop-up travel trailers give you room to spare with customizable floor plans and wall heights. Enjoy the comforts of home everywhere you go in the Hard Series 122S. Tow the Hard Side Series 122S model with Ford Escape’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine.
- Dry Weight - 2120 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 284 lbs.
Tow Miniatures with the Ford Escape
Miniatures typically weigh between 500 and 3,000-pounds. These compact campers pack plenty of exterior styles and give you just enough interior head-room to stand upright.
MeerKat
The MeerKat is a fully equipped, miniature RV. Live large at any campsite when you haul the MeerKat with the Ford Escape’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine or Hybrid.
- Dry Weight - 900 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 100 lbs.
Jayco Hummingbird 10RK
Hitch up Jayco’s Hummingbird at a moment’s notice for a weekend getaway or plan an extended camping trip in this miniature RV. You will have everything you need to call your campsite home in the 10RK floor model. Ford Escape’s 2.0L EcoBoost engine can easily pull the Hummingbird 10RK.
- Dry Weight - 1,545 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 180 lbs.
Tow Teardrops with the Ford Escape
Teardrops are ultralight with a streamlined design to give you the flexibility to venture to destinations that are off the beaten path. Take all your necessities in several models that weigh less than 1,200-pounds.
Bean Stock
Hitch up the Bean Stock teardrop to the Ford Escape’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine and get ready to satisfy your wanderlust. Bean Stock gives you simplistic yet thoughtful accommodation for comforts and necessities.
- Dry Weight - 1399 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 165 lbs.
Sylvan GO
Sylvan boasts the GO is the ‘Swiss Army Knife’ of campers. Optimize your camping and hauling capability by paring the GO with the Ford Escape Hybrid. This teardrop camper converts from a comfortable tent space into a utility trailer.
- Dry Weight - 840 lbs.
Timberleaf Classic
Go off-grid and live luxuriously outdoors when you pull Timberleaf’s Classic teardrop with the Ford Escape’s 1.5L EcoBoost engine. Timberleaf presents fine craftsmanship and modern comforts on every teardrop camper.
- Dry Weight - 1,400 lbs.
- Tongue Weight - 150 lbs.
Can a Ford F-150 Pull a Camper
Ford prides itself on the F-150’s “Best in Class” towing capacity. This versatile, light-duty pickup can be fully customized on a variety of models (XL, XLT, Lariat, King Ranch, Platinum, Limited, and Raptor) with your choice of powertrain, axle ratio, and tow package to equip the F-150 to safely tow a camper weighing up to 6,000-pounds.
When you tow with the F-150, your camper comforts are dramatically extended. Check out these awesome travel trailers that weigh 6,000-pounds or less.
Get ready for an adventure with the Ford Escape when you pair a travel trailer to suit your camping style. Check out Ford's other vehicles if you want to increase your towing capacity. There is "One Ford" to take you wherever you want to go.