tow vehicle

Welcome to the group.  Hope you enjoy your new Pod.  

Hello and welcome! If you decide to get the 'Pod, I hope you have many fine adventures and make many great memories doing so.

Now, I am going to take a contrary position. We towed about 10,000 miles with your 2016 Ford Escape SE which also had a 3500 lb tow rating. Due to an accident, we had to change and now tow with a 2010 Nissan Frontier LE Crew Cab. My observations may help.

1st. A longer tow vehicle does not necessarily guarantee a better towing experience. The distance between the center of the rear axle and the hitch ball affect the towing experience more than vehicle length alone.  With the Escape, the distance was about 3-1/2 feet. With the Frontier, it is more like 5-1/2 feet. That extra 2 feet means the R-Pod can exert more force on the tow vehicle. We certainly notice it more with the Frontier than we did with the Escape when a tractor-trailer passes, even though the Frontier has a 6100 lb tow rating.

2nd, what counts more is whether your Edge is FWD or AWD/4WD. If it is FWD, then you will absolutely need a well-adjusted Weight Distribution Hitch with sway control provided by the hitch (Equal-i-zer, Fastway E2, or Andersen No-Sway or equivalent). or a separate sway bar. The issue is the traction you need. Without a WDH, too much weight will be taken off the front end which affects both your traction and steering. Even with AWD/4WD, steering would be affected, even if the rear wheels are providing traction. The Edge would require a WDH in any case. Check Ford's Towing Guide for the Edge for just what is needed. A longer, heavier vehicle with a higher tow rating is desirable, but if it is not a current option, you could use your Edge. The lightest R-Pod that will meet your needs would be a better choice than the heavier ones that are close to the capacity of your Edge.

Last is engine size. My Frontier has a 4L naturally aspirated engine. I believe the 3.5L in your Edge is also naturally aspirated (not turbocharged, or Ecoboost as Ford calls it). That means for every 1000 feet you increase in elevation, you should expect to lose 4% in power. As long as you stay at lower elevations, you will be okay. Don't count on a trip to the Rockies with it. The Appalachians will be more than enough of a challenge to that engine. Mountains are a challenge for the Frontier as well. Turbocharged engines do much better as they don't lose power at higher elevations. They do require premium fuel though.

Bottom line is that while you may be able to use the Edge, you would want to change out for a vehicle with a higher tow rating when you are able.

And keep in mind that with torque, it increases up to a point with increased engine rpm, but then starts a rapid decline despite the fact that the engine is going faster and faster.  Once you hit your maximum torque, there is little point in trying to go faster or make the engine turn faster because you'll only lose relative motive force.  When you hit your maximum torque, stick with that speed if you can.  If you can't sustain your speed, it's time to downshift.