Tow vehicle

And then there are the ones like me. While I would like to upgrade to a larger TV with more towing capacity, for now we must stay with our 2016 Escape. We can't afford to upgrade right now. Even though it is towing at the upper limit of its capacity, it does quite well. The only area where I have had problems, I am pretty sure most vehicles would have similar problems. That was on a Virginia Scenic Byway, VA 606/56 through Steele's Tavern and Vesuvius heading up to catch the last section of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This was a constant steep uphill climb with many curves. This kept our speed quite low. Without adequate airflow over the transmission cooler, the temps (OBDII sensor and Torque app) were climbing as were the engine temps. I finally remembered to turn the AC off after getting a warning to stop because the engine was overheating. I had gotten messages previously about power being reduced to keep from overheating. Once I turned the AC off, temps came down, and we completed the climb to the BRP. Once we got on it and could increase speed, coupled with the lower temperatures at that altitude, temperatures for both engine and transmission were fine.

We have now towed our R-Pod about 10,000 miles or more (I'll have to total up the miles we have towed to get a more exact figure) with our Escape. When we can, I will upgrade, preferably to something with a Diesel engine. In the meantime, I'm satisfied with the Escape's performance. I would not recommend someone go out and buy one to tow any of the heavier R-Pods. If I had known we would be towing one, I would have gone for something bigger. It was purchased with something like a Casita in mind. I'm happy we got the R-Pod instead.

I am a car mechanic (60) years and in heavy towing up hills I turn my AC to higher temperatures to reduce the load on the cooling system.  New type lubricants and fluids are the life blood of any auto. Also I use oil filters made for extended service ( fast oil change shops use the cheapest filter and bulk oil) ENOUGH SAID

One time, I damaged the engine of a minivan towing a motorcycle/ trailer combo that was close to the rating of the minivan.  It had no transmission or oil coolers apart from stock.  

I am not well versed on the hitches,I am confident that one of the podders that know about the can answer any questions you might have.
It could not hurt to add an after market transmission cooler, many people have. Some on the forum can describe some gauges they add so they can monitor the transmission temps etc.

Our van is all stock. We also do not use a weigh distribution hitch or sway bars etc. The trailer has it's own brakes so we have been getting 45,000 out of our rear pads and 60,000 out of our first set of front pads.
Prior to this Grand Caravan we had a 2005 that engine put out 181 horse, we towed our 171 with that twice to the Florida Keys and twice to North Carolina. The mileage was a little less per gallon and a little less power, but still not to bad. I would want to tow our 179 with the old van. 250 horse is still pretty powerful.