Tow Vehicles - Event Date: 11 Feb 2018 - 11 Apr 2018

Do you have any specific questions about towing with the Edge? We tow our 2016-178 with a 2014 Edge equipped with the factory tow package. With the transmission in sport mode while towing we average between 12 and 14 mpg with our speed in 60 mph ish range. Started out with only a sway bar on the hitch but upgraded to the Anderson WD hitch with sway control last season. One of the best investments we've made. We love our 178 and have absolutely no plans for another vehicle.

We have the same set-up as jimandclare except only anti-sway and ditto everything he/she/they posted. It even did well through the Ozarks and NW Arkansas.

I used to tow with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with tow package and 3,500 lb tow rating. I would likely still be towing with it  except we encountered ice with a strong cross-wind in Wyoming in December 2016. I don't know if a larger tow vehicle with a higher tow rating would have made any difference. We now tow with a 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab 4x4 with 6,100 lb tow rating.

Escape's advantages:
1. The 2 Liter Ecoboost engine is remarkable, especially at higher elevations where it is able to keep going at top power because of the turbocharger. The 4 Liter V6 in the Frontier loses 4% power for every thousand feet in elevation.
2. The short distance between the center of the rear axle and the hitch ball means less force can be exerted by the trailer. Trucks passing were like a gentle nudge, but no problems.

Escape's disadvantages:
1. It (and similar vehicles with a 3,500 lb tow rating) have problems with wind resistance. Look in the owner's manual for towing guidelines. You will find that the R-Pods have a frontal area that is quite large and probably exceed manufacturer's recommendations for maximum frontal area. This can be mitigated a little by using a wind deflector such as Purpleline's AeroPlus or Icon's AeroShield. Still, limiting tow speed to 60 mph or lower will be a great help with mileage. Anything faster than 60 mph, you are looking at single-digit mileage, even on level ground.
2. Stowage: The Escape or Edge or any other SUV will not give you a good place to carry extra propane or, if you have a generator, extra fuel. Neither are really that good to carry inside the SUV with family.
3. Unless you get an All Wheel Drive version, expect traction issues. We had the FWD Escape. Even with a properly adjusted weight distribution hitch, starting out on anything other than dry pavement could have issues. AWD would help. Don't think you can climb hills on dirt roads. If you have to start from a stop on a hill, expect to spin the wheels at least. Snow and ice are to be avoided! I know from experience.

Originally posted by gaw0728 is w weight distribution hitch necessary     we would not be towing in an extreme weather

With that low of a tow rating, I would recommend a WDH, but it may not be absolutely mandatory. You would like the stability that it would provide.