Truck/SUV to Tow the Boat

[nascarrich56]

Anyone out there own a Ford Escape 4WD with the towing package to tow the fishing boat? If so how well does it do compared to your previous tow vehicle?
I'm considering getting a new vehicle to tow the 2004 Smokercraft 16 FT fishing boat.
I'm currently using a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD with the towing package. Purchased the rig new in 1996. It has been reliable but getting up in years, 95,000 miles on it.

[fishnhuntnfool]

That Jeep sure has a lot of life left in it! Unless you really feel the need to upgrade, I'd keep the Jeep. Mine has 215k+ and is still going strong (and it's a 1989 Cherokee non high output!). Sorry it doesn't answer your question, but I'd say keep the Jeep.

[Mooch]

Anyone out there own a Ford Escape 4WD with the towing package to tow the fishing boat? If so how well does it do compared to your previous tow vehicle?
I'm considering getting a new vehicle to tow the 2004 Smokercraft 16 FT fishing boat.
I'm currently using a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD with the towing package. Purchased the rig new in 1996. It has been reliable but getting up in years, 95,000 miles on it.

I'm thinking you have the 4.0 straight 6 in the Cherokee right?

Those things are torquey little buggers.

I wouldn't trade the Cherokee for an Escape for towing.

I don't know what the new Escapes have for power,but my sister in laws Escape isn't very impressive power wise. I think hers is 2-3 years old though.

[phamf]

Someone that mentioned that they blew out their Escape transmission not long after they started using it for towing. I would be mainly concerned about safety cornering and braking. Another thing to consider is smaller vehicles work really hard and get horrible gas mileage towing than bigger vehicles.

[jfa686]

I would definately get rid of the jeep. That Ford Escape will do fine!!! how much for the jeep:D...2dr sport right?

[Mark Vickers]

I tow a 16' driftboat behind a V6 4x4 Escape with no problems whatsoever.

[cmb1998]

Anyone out there own a Ford Escape 4WD with the towing package to tow the fishing boat? If so how well does it do compared to your previous tow vehicle?
I'm considering getting a new vehicle to tow the 2004 Smokercraft 16 FT fishing boat.
I'm currently using a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD with the towing package. Purchased the rig new in 1996. It has been reliable but getting up in years, 95,000 miles on it.

My brother has an escape. I can't image that thing pulling any load. Personally I would get somthing a little larger.

Good luck.

Chris

[justfish]

Always look at engine torque rating and rear end gear ratio when considering a tow rig.

[Mark Vickers]

Just looked it up... the I4 has a towing capacity of 1500 lbs. The V6 is 3500 lbs. It'll need to be a really light boat and a flat road with the four banger in there.

[Lead Bouncer]

People usually overlook the transmission in most towing cases. Ford and most others are usually overrating their vehicles for towing. The terrain in Michigan is much easier than Oregon and Washington.

A four cylinder vehicle will most likely have a lighter transmission. On the old Taurus, they didnt upgrade the tranny when they introduced the V-6. Lots of problems. The cops had a terrible time.

The other area overlooked is brakes. Big difference in those states. Its easy to overload the brakes on hills. Compare everything to the vehicle you have.

[Dinikin]

I have towed with 99Cherokee sport, great engine, but weak brakes.
Always in 3rd gear to protect the tranny unless on a flat road.

[Halfhooked]

This much i know, just because an owners manual say that you can tow a given # of boat, doesnt mean its a capable tow vehicle.....it also depends on how far and under what conditions you wish to tow it in. My:twocents::whistle:

[justfish]

Always better to be "over-qualified" with a tow rig. :twocents:

[Cliff D.]

Anyone out there own a Ford Escape 4WD with the towing package to tow the fishing boat? If so how well does it do compared to your previous tow vehicle?
I'm considering getting a new vehicle to tow the 2004 Smokercraft 16 FT fishing boat.
I'm currently using a 1996 Jeep Cherokee Sport 4WD with the towing package. Purchased the rig new in 1996. It has been reliable but getting up in years, 95,000 miles on it.
The Explorer can't touch what you've already got. Jeep is just getting broke-in. If your heart is set on a new rig, what are you asking for the Jeep ? :D

[fishkisser]

I purchased a Chevrolet 2500 HD pickup with the Duramax/Allison combo just to tow with ...
It gets such good fuel economy and is sooo comfortable its my daily driver ...
Going big may be overkill in your present situation but you will not have to worry about lack of power or braking capacity in the future ...:twocents:

[phamf]

You could probably get by if you were towing on a flat plane like along I-84. But if you are going through twisty roads, it probably would be the roller coaster ride of your life.