New to caravaing need advice

first time 53 · Member

New to caravaing need advice

Dougwe · Chief one feather

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 disbelief cry smile

Keep Safe on the roads and out there.

first time 53 · Member

thanks douge for reply.much appreciated.I noticed last week before i officially joined g/nomads a post / comment from a guy " toglhot ' who said he also had Ford Escape , same i am looking at buying Can you tell me how i can also send him my info re the van , purely for second opinion Cheers Peter n

Mariner30 · Senior Member

What year is the escape? What gearbox? There's a earlier model in the driveway ( not a proper 4wd though ) Cost quite a lot to replace that 'box, Wasn't a heavy load either I'd ask the question on the ford 4wd forums,

Dougwe · Chief one feather

I'm sure if you you hang around a bit someone else will make a comment as well as me Peter.

Just click on his name in his post and then send a PM ( private message). You will see how when you do the clicking.

Just keep in mind, DON"T go over that ATM for any reason or anyone. In fact, stay within ALL weights on both vehicles.

first time 53 · Member

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

first time 53 · Member

thanks douge30 already have reply for second opinion cheers peter n

Mariner30 · Senior Member

First time 53 I have no experience with that model so can't help with your question,

first time 53 · Member

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

Jimmy Kwaka · Veteran Member

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

-- Edited by Jimmy Kwaka on Friday 5th of April 2019 07:50:25 AM

first time 53 · Member

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

Possum3 · Guru

Peter whilst considering tugs consider Nissan X Trail, a couple of them can handle two tonne see; www.carsguide.com.au/nissan/x-trail/towing-capacity/2017
They would certainly come in your price range.

Jimmy Kwaka · Veteran Member

first time 53 wrote:
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

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.

first time 53 · Member

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

first time 53 · Member

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

Jimmy Kwaka · Veteran Member

first time 53 wrote:
Yea , thanks jimmy. Looked @ Territory. Mechanic etc tell me " ol school , based on Falcon chassis. I'll keep looking

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

Rusty W · Veteran Member

Just check the ball weight loading against the caravan ball weight, otherwise your weights are all good.

regards Russell

first time 53 · Member

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

first time 53 · Member

Thanks Rusty Keep that in mind Peter

first time 53 · Member

Hi Need advice re 2014 \ 15 Calais V6 Tow Vehicle. Any one out there towing a Pop Top around Tare weight of 1300. What fuel economy do you obtain on the Highway, with and without the Pop Top Thanks First time 53

first time 53 · Member

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 · Member

first time 53 wrote:
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

yobarr · Guru

first time 53 wrote:
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

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

-- Edited by yobarr on Monday 8th of April 2019 08:09:21 AM

kesa32 · Senior Member

Hi Peter , what sort of driving will the vehicle being doing when not used for towing ? Diesels don't suit short runs really
Our 2013 tdci Territory does a good job towing and is economical and comfortable, like all vehicles they need good servicing to last the distance , especially when towing etc

Good luck

Whenarewethere · Guru

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.