If you own or are considering a Ford Escape and you’re looking to pull your rig, you’re probably wondering: can a Ford Escape tow a camper?
Yes, a Ford Escape can tow a camper or trailer up to 2000 pounds.
There are additional factors you’ll need to consider when towing a camper trailer with your Ford Escape which we’ll cover below.
Towing A Camper With A Ford Escape
So, can a Ford Escape tow a camper? Yes: the Ford Escape towing capacity is up to 3,500 pounds for non-hybrid models and up to 1,500 pounds for hybrid models. As long as your camper, toy hauler, travel trailer, or pop-up camper is under 3,500 lbs your Ford Escape can successfully tow it.
Now we need to explore the additional factors you’ll need to keep in mind when pulling a camper with your Ford Escape.
Ford Escape Tow Package Details
Does The Ford Escape Come With A Tow Package?
The Ford Escape does not come with a tow package automatically included, but as an option from Ford.
If your Ford Escape doesn’t have a tow hitch, you’ll need to add one yourself or have one installed professionally.
Ford Escape Camper Towing: What Do I Need?
At minimum you’ll need a trailer hitch and wiring harness to tow your camper behind your Ford Escape.
Do I Need A Brake Controller To Pull A Camper With A Ford Escape?
If your travel trailer or camper has electronic brakes then you’ll also need a brake controller to send a signal from your vehicle to the brakes on your trailer.
Most states have laws stating that any trailer over 3,000 pounds must have a brake controller, but check with your state for specifics.
Since the Hybrid Ford Escape can only tow up to 1,500 pounds you will not need a brake controller, but you may if towing a camper with a non-hybrid Escape.
Ford Escape Trailer Hitch
Ford Escape Trailer Hitch & Ford Escape Trailer Wiring Kit Cost
Ford Escape trailer hitches run between $150-$250.
Take a look at this recommended Ford Escape Hitch Kit:
- Compatible with 2013-2018 Ford Escape SEL / SE / S / Titanium models only. ( Will Not fit S Plus / SE Plus / Trend / Trend Advance models ).
- Powder coated flat black for a durable, corrosion-resistant finish.
- Solid all-welded design & construction for maximum strength & safety. Able to withstand heavy duty towing purposes to it's specified capacities.
- Color: Black; Surface: Powder Coated; Hitch Class: Class 3; Receiver Size: 2 inch; Weight Carrying Capacity: 3500 lbs , Tongue Weight: 350 lbs.
- Easy installation, No Drilling Required.
A Ford Escape trailer wiring kit runs between $40-$75.
- EASY TO INSTALL. No cutting! No splicing! This trailer wiring harness kit plugs into existing factory wiring on your vehicle and equips it with a standard, rear 4-pin trailer wiring connector for plugging in and towing a trailer
- STANDARD CONNECTOR. This plug-in 4-flat trailer wiring can be used to connect trailer tail lights, brake signal lights and turn signals. 4-way trailer light wiring is popular on a variety of trailers, adding versatile towing options for your vehicle
- VEHICLE-SPECIFIC. This aftermarket, vehicle-trailer wiring harness is designed for select years of the Ford Escape
- RELIABLE POWER. This 4-way trailer wiring harness is built with surface mount technology. This type of circuitry generates less heat, optimal light intensity and durable performance
- DUST COVER. To promote long-lasting use and weather resistance, this 4-pole trailer lighting wire harness comes with a rubber dust cover. It easily fits onto the 4-way flat connector when not in use, protecting it against the outdoor elements
Ford Escape Trailer Hitch Installation Cost
Expect to pay between $100 and $200 to have a tow package professionally installed on your Ford Escape (including the hitch and wiring harness).
Ford Escape Brake Controller Cost
Ford Escape brake controllers cost between $100-200 for the part, and up to $250 for the installation of the brake controller.
Can You Put A Trailer Hitch On A Ford Escape? Ford Escape Tow Package Installation
If you’re handy and looking to save money, you can install the trailer hitch and wiring harness yourself.
Always follow the manufacturer’s directions and use proper safety precautions.
Here’s a great video walkthrough on a Ford Escape trailer hitch installation:
What Else Will I Need To Tow A Camper With My Ford Escape?
Depending on what trailer or camper you’ll be towing with your Ford Escape, you may opt for a suspension enhancement kit to reduce rear-end sag and to improve your ride quality and stability.
Additionally, if your trailer or camper has electric brakes then you’ll need a 7-way connector and brake controller kit.
What Campers And Trailers Can A Ford Escape Tow?
Your Ford Escape can pull a trailer, camper, or pop-up camper under 3,500 pounds which is going to be most ultra lightweight campers.
The Ford Escape (non-hybrid) can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 3,500 lbs:
- Airstream Bambi 16RB Travel Trailer
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 174BH
- KZ Sportsmen Classic Ultra Lightweight 180 BH
- Little Guy Mini Max
- Scamp Trailers (all models)
- Airstream Basecamp 16 / 16X
- Jayco Jay Flight SLX 7 145RB
- Coachmen Clipper Express
The Hybrid Ford Escape can safely tow the following travel trailer and camper models under 1,500 lbs:
- Happier Camper HC1
- nuCamp TAG
- ProLite Mini
- Rockwood Geo Pro 12RK
- TAXA Outdoors TigerMoth
- MeerKat Trailer
- Rustic Trail Teardrop Campers
This is by no means a full list, but the above are some popular examples of campers that can be towed by a Ford Escape.
When determining what travel trailers you can pull behind your Ford Escape, you’ll want to know the following specs:
- UVM (Unloaded Vehicle Weight) aka Dry Weight: This is the weight of a trailer as it’s manufactured at the factory. This figure includes all the weight including the axles and hitch of your trailer or camper.
- Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC): This is the maximum weight of your personal belongings that can be added. This is the GVWR minus the UVM, full fresh water tank weight, and full LP (liquid propane) gas weight. In other words, CCC = GWVR – (UVM + water + gas).
- Tongue Weight aka Hitch Weight: This is the amount of weight that’s pressing down on your vehicle’s hitch or 5th wheel connection when your travel trailer or camper is fully loaded for travel.
The most important factor to look for is the dry weight or UVM of your travel trailer or camper and making sure it’s below 2000 lbs so your Ford Escape can safely tow it.
Understand that if it’s close to that number, you must also factor in any additional weight added to your trailer via cargo, water, or propane tanks and make sure the total does not exceed 2000 pounds.
Ford Escape Towing Capacity
So, how much weight can a Ford Escape tow?
How much weight can a Ford Escape tow varies by your engine size and whether or not it is a hybrid model.
Refer to the following chart to find your Ford Escape towing capacity.
Ford Escape Towing Capacity Chart
| Ford Escape Year | Ford Escape Engine | Ford Escape Towing Capacity |
| 2021-2020 | 2.0L Ecoboost I4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2021-2020 | 1.5L EcoBoost I3 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2021-2020 | All Hybrids | 1,500 lbs |
| 2019-2017 | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2019-2017 | 1.5L EcoBoost I4 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2019-2017 | 2.5L I4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2016-2013 | 2.0L EcoBoost I4 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2016-2013 | 1.6L EcoBoost I4 | 2,000 lbs |
| 2016-2013 | 2.5L I4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2012-2009 | 3.0L V6 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2012-2009 | 2.5L I4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2012-2009 | 2.5L Hybrid | 1,000 lbs |
| 2008-2005 | 3.0 SEFI V6 | 3,500 lbs |
| 2008-2005 | 2.3L SEFI I4 | 1,500 lbs |
| 2008-2005 | 2.3L Hybrid I4 | 1,000 lbs |
| 2004-2001 | 3.0L SEFI V6 (with Class II Towing Pkg) | 3,500 lbs |
| 2004-2001 | 3.0L SEFI V6 (w/o Class II Towing Pkg) | 2,000 lbs |
| 2004-2001 | 2.0L SEFI I4 | 1,000 lbs |
You’ll want to pay attention to the following specs to make sure your Ford Escape can tow your camper or travel trailer:
- CGWR (Combined Gross Weight Rating): This is the max allowable weight including your vehicle, cargo, passengers, and the trailer.
- GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating): This is the maximum weight capacity of your vehicle including the vehicle itself, passengers, and cargo without a trailer or camper attached. Exceeding either or both of the Ford Escape GVWR or Ford Escape towing capacity can damage the vehicle.
Can A Ford Escape Tow A Camper? Wrapping Things Up
Hopefully this guide helped you to understand that yes, you can tow a camper with a Ford Escape as long as you pay close attention to the total weight (the camper or travel trailer must be under 3,500 pounds if a non-hybrid and under 1,500 pounds if it is a hybrid).
Ford Escape models don’t come with a towing package installed, so you’ll need to add one to the vehicle. Once complete, you’re ready to hit the road and get camping!
What hitch and wiring harness did you choose for your Ford Escape, and what camper or trailer are you towing with it? How did the hitch installation go? Let your fellow campers know in the comments below.
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