New Everything... Need Advice

We're home from our initial 1200 mile shakedown cruise with our 2019 RP-189 towed by our 2017 Ford Escape.  Some of you were on target... the vehicle tows very well up to about 60 mph.  If good driving conditions, it can tow comfortably close to 65.  With a load leveling, anti-sway hitch there are no control issues, including when braking, up to 55-60 mph.  Cross-winds in excess of 35-40 mph are a problem but are an issue no matter what type of RV you have (I always parked my Class A in high wind conditions).  We traveled I-75 south from Michigan to I-40 then cut across the Smokey Mountains to I-26 south. So we did have real mountain driving but not the severe grades you would find on 441 through the Smokey Mountains National Park or out west.  Since the Escape has the select paddle shift option, I found that 5th gear was a comfortable level and maintained the engine around 2400 RPM (High gear, 6th gear just doesn't work).  And, cruise control was usable on all but the steepest inclines and downgrades.  Gas mileage averaged 15 MPG for the trip from MI to FL.  Only on the steepest inclines did I find it necessary to downshift to 4th gear to maintain speed in the truck lane without stressing the engine.  Downgrades were a breeze with only the occasional braking required.  We were able to keep all weights just under max except for the car's rear axle which is running about 40 lbs overweight, total weights are within range.  I think I can re-balance my load in the Pod a bit to get all weights within range.

Yeah Buddy, and I'm sure you had a good attitude but you were a safe tower. Not somebody reliant on karma.

David, You may be right:) There is a ton of info on the interweb about towing with the Ford Escape, and most have towed the lighter Pods. My response was directed at the OP and the 189. He's at 80% without adding a single pound. At the risk of "patronizing", I guess best answer to a bad situation is a good attitude. Not being prepared. That's an afterthought. IMHO it's is an issue when a tow vehicle is at it's limits, we see it everyday on our highways. I see it in campgrounds. Honesty is a better policy than people pleasing.

We started off towing with a 2012 Toyota Rav4 Sport V6 w/towing pkg.  It was rated for 3500 lbs. so a similiar vehicle to the Explorer.  We also had a E2 hitch set up.  We were pulling our 179.  The vehicle did it but just barely.  We were always careful about what we put into both the Pod and Rav with respect to weight.  Tanks were always empty and with exception of the odd valley/hill we're pretty flat here.  I also had it on North Dakoka/Minnesota Interstates where we did alright as well......but it's pretty flat there too.

+1 - the rating is close but the Caravan as stated is longer and heavier. When it goes wrong there's not a lot of time to either change your mind or correct the bad decision. There is a ton of acceptable tow vehicles out there, why cut yourself short and put yourself and others in jeopardy. It makes no sense to me.