Hi all Looking at buying Ford Escape 4x4 Diesel  [ 1800 Kg Braked tow capacity ] Will it be ok to Tow a 2006 Galaxy Pop Top  with following weights : Tare =1283 / ATM = 1583 / GTM = 1438 . Can any one out there advise please Thanks From firsttime

Welcome to the gang Peter, enjoy here and out in the playground.

From those figures you give, all is within weights. Make sure you don't go over that ATM though. The further under the ATM the better for the Escape. Won't work as hard.

Hope I make sense. I often don't understand what I have said   

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

Hi Mariner30 thanks for reply. Escape I am considering is a 2018 4x4 Diesel which has the wet clutch gearbox as opposed to earlier models with dry clutch box [ which as i researched caused all the problems ] Lovely car to drive so in your opinion would this model be ok , compared to your issues . Escape i am looking at has : 5 Year Wty / 7 year roadside assist and free loan car when serviced ,which is every 20000 Klm .What do you think. The Escape appeals as it's a Medium size SUV , and very suitable as daily driver without van for wife & I  Look forward to your reply Thanks Peter N

thanks douge30 already have reply for second opinion cheers peter n

Hi Mariner 30 Thanks for reply. I'll keep investigating Cheers Peter N

From my research, which was just now, the Escape does not come in a 4x4 configuration. It does come with all wheel drive or front wheel drive. All wheel drive is not a true 4x4 as it does not have a low range. We have a Ford Territory diesel which can tow 2.7 tonnes.  You are talking about a new Escape, they replaced the Kuga apparently. Our Territory is all wheel drive, not a 4x4, we have been as far as Cooktown to the north and Tasmania to the south and we have not had a moments worry towing a van a little bit heavier than yours. But sadly, they are no longer available brand new. Of course, maybe I missed seeing the Escape in a 4x4. I am well known for screwing up.

Edit...actually, our van is a fair bit heavier than yours. See? Already I screwed up! The Territory is really a Falcon sedan on steroids, it is truly comfortable either towing or not. We needed a weight distribution hitch as our van exceeded the maximum permissible towball weight, but it is really no drama hooking it up. And it really helped with the stability of the whole rig.

And another edit. I typed exceeded maximum towball weight. What I meant to say was that it exceeded the towball weight if I did not have a WDH. With the hitch, we can load it up to 270 kilos. The van was just over the maximum weight without a hitch. I could have got away with it, but insurance and stuff...I prefer to be on the safe side.

I think I have it covered now.

-- Edited by Jimmy Kwaka on Friday 5th of April 2019 07:42:33 AM

Thanks for reply Jimmy.No I messed up You are correct Escape not a true 4x4 , it is AWD. I will give thought and go back to consider Territory, although difficult  to find under 50 K Thanks Peter

first time 53 wrote:

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Thanks for reply Jimmy.No I messed up You are correct Escape not a true 4x4 , it is AWD. I will give thought and go back to consider Territory, although difficult  to find under 50 K Thanks Peter

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 You will only get them second hand now. We picked ours up for $24000. 2013 model diesel, but only 63000 klicks. The transmission is terrific. 6 speed auto, but you have a sports mode that you can either row yourself or let it do it for you. Even better, it locks out 6th gear, so less strain on the transmission when towing. We just bunged it in sports mode and let it do whatever, but used the manual bit for steep descents. Second or third, and I rarely used the brakes. And like the Escape, it drives like a car, not a 4x4, which by their very nature usually have a less car like ride. Now, some will come on and shoot me for saying that. Brother in law has a near new Ranger. it will tow 3.5 tonnes, which is terrific, but back seat room is compromised and the ride is not as good most of the time. 

thanks Possum what i can see the older petrol 2014 can do 2.0 T tow. Later models 2017/18 b/n 1500 to 1650 Kg Car sales have 2017 4wd TL series 2 , diesel with 1650 Kg with 8453 Klms @ $ 34990 Just touch above our price range We really like Escape 4x4 Diesel  tow capacity 1800 Kg BUT only has 120 Kg Tow Ball Mass as per CIA Specs .  and Ford don't suggest LDH installation. Can get the Escape Trend 4x4 Diesel with Max 10000 Klm for Under $ 30 K D/ Away, with 5 Year Warranty, 7 Year Roadside assist. So still crunching the numbers. Might just go buy Calais VF Series 2 , under 30000 Klms and under $ 30 K. Rubbish economy but OK re tow weights OR / Territory . I'll keep searching . Cheers Peter

Yea , thanks jimmy. Looked @ Territory. Mechanic etc tell me " ol school , based on Falcon chassis. I'll keep looking

first time 53 wrote:

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Yea , thanks jimmy. Looked @ Territory. Mechanic etc tell me " ol school , based on Falcon chassis. I'll keep looking

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 Go have a test drive. Whether you buy one or not is entirely up to you. But you WILL be surprised!

Hi Jimmy Looking at 2WD Diesel Territory tomorrow Keep u posted

Thanks Rusty Keep that in mind Peter

Hi Jimmy [ I have moved on from Ford Escape ] Now looking at Territory 4x2 ,Diesel  Re your Territory What sort of fuel economy do you get with your Diesel 4x2, on the Highway, with and Without the Van on. Pop Top I am looking at [ paid Deposit ] is Galaxy 2006 , southern cross.Tare of 1390 / ATM 1585 / GTM 1440 , round figures. Test drove Territory Saturday, and very smooth . Also test drove Calais V6 2015. Different vehicle to Territory but would be ideal as around town drive. Most likely,as first timers, we would only go away out of all the school / public holidays  but keen to do Perth , Broome , Darwin etc .your thoughts please and any one else, please contribute . cheers Peter

first time 53 wrote:

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Hi Jimmy [ I have moved on from Ford Escape ] Now looking at Territory 4x2 ,Diesel  Re your Territory What sort of fuel economy do you get with your Diesel 4x2, on the Highway, with and Without the Van on. Pop Top I am looking at [ paid Deposit ] is Galaxy 2006 , southern cross.Tare of 1390 / ATM 1585 / GTM 1440 , round figures. Test drove Territory Saturday, and very smooth . Also test drove Calais V6 2015. Different vehicle to Territory but would be ideal as around town drive. Most likely,as first timers, we would only go away out of all the school / public holidays  but keen to do Perth , Broome , Darwin etc .your thoughts please and any one else, please contribute . cheers Peter

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first time 53 wrote:

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Hi Jimmy [ I have moved on from Ford Escape ] Now looking at Territory 4x2 ,Diesel  Re your Territory What sort of fuel economy do you get with your Diesel 4x2, on the Highway, with and Without the Van on. Pop Top I am looking at [ paid Deposit ] is Galaxy 2006 , southern cross.Tare of 1390 / ATM 1585 / GTM 1440 , round figures. Test drove Territory Saturday, and very smooth . Also test drove Calais V6 2015. Different vehicle to Territory but would be ideal as around town drive. Most likely,as first timers, we would only go away out of all the school / public holidays  but keen to do Perth , Broome , Darwin etc .your thoughts please and any one else, please contribute . cheers Peter

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 You will,of course,be aware that you can carry less than 200kg in your van before you reach your ATM? Will this be enough for your water,food,beer,clothing,cookware,tools,spares and myriad other things youll need on your travels? And to even reach your ATM of 1585kg,you will need to have 1440kg on your van axle (GTM) and 145kg ball weight...........If you want to reach the generally accepted 10% ball weight (160kg+/-)) you will be able to have GTM of only 1425kg.Cheers

-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 8th of April 2019 08:05:08 AM

I did a spreadsheet for every last item I put in & on the car. Ended up with 548kg, & I thought we were doing well. It is frightening how quickly it adds up. Not including food or clothes etc we have 24kg of items under 1kg.