Looking at an R-pod purchase in the spring

Welcome to the group!!you should be fine towing with your vehicle.

I can go beyond theory to experience. I have been towing our 2016 RP-179 with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with 2L Ecoboost engine and factory tow package.

You will definitely need a Weight Distribution Hitch and Sway Control. I have the Equal-i-zer 4-way stabilization hitch which is what the dealer recommended. It does work well, especially after I added an additional washer for more weight transfer. The dealer had set it up for everything empty. I found that it was inadequate. With the additional washer, the setup seems to be spot-on.

You will need to add a brake controller. Since the Escape does not come equipped for the 7-terminal round connector, it will need to be added also since a 4-pin connector will not work for the electric brakes. Etrailer is where I purchased mine. Some people use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 controller, but I chose the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller instead as it allowed me more flexibility in placement of the components. I have the display on top of the dash, the manual control on the part of the lower dash near the radio, and the main control unit on the panel above the hood release. With the controller, an installation kit is needed which includes the wiring needed to get the power and connections from the back of the Escape to the engine compartment and battery. There is a picture of our Escape's installation on the Etrailer site. Look for my name in the photo credits.

One other thing you should consider which we have found to be helpful is a wind deflector. I purchased and installed an AeroPlus wind deflector by PurpleLine. Another option is an AeroShield by Icon. It was a little tricky installing the AeroPlus. I fastened it to the rear cross-bar for the roof rack. Ihad to add shims to get it to sit properly as the Escape's roof rack is low-profile. This, together with limiting our top speed to 60 mph has given us adequate mileage. It is much better than on our first trip during which we tried to tow at 65-70 mph. With headwinds, we were getting about 11 mpg. With the AeroPlus and 60 mph top speed, our mileage is about 15 mg.

The Escape's performance is based on running premium gasoline while towing. This is what Ford recommends. I suspect that regular would work, but there would be more risk of detonation (knocking). Also, the engine can develop more power with premium gasoline. For the generally flat towing in Michigan, you should have no problems at all. For mountain terrain, the boost means that the engine gets the air it needs to perform. We have towed up some significant grades. The most difficult was the climb in Virginia up the the Blue Ridge Parkway on VA 56 through Steel's Tavern up to Montebello. That was steep and twisting, keeping us from building enough speed for the transmission cooler to work effectively. The engine was also getting hot until I remembered the old trick of turning off the AC. That brought the temperatures down sufficiently to complete the climb. Once we got up to the BRP and could build up some speed, we were fine.

We already had the Escape when we purchased our R-Pod. We had intended to purchase a used Casita, but it turned out to be a scam, so we needed to find something which would work for us. The R-Pod has been a good choice. If I had not already purchased the Escape, I would probably have chosen something with a little more capacity such as a Ford Explorer. Even better would be something like the Jeep Grand Cherokee with the Diesel engine. I like having something that will be economical for the times we are not towing the R-Pod. As it is, we will be towing with our Escape for a while as we can't afford to trade it right now. We have about 10,000 miles of towing with it so far, so I can say that it will work. Whether it will be the correct vehicle for you is something you will have to decide.

Originally posted by StephenH I can go beyond theory to experience. I have been towing our 2016 RP-179 with a 2016 Ford Escape SE with 2L Ecoboost engine and factory tow package. You will definitely need a Weight Distribution Hitch and Sway Control. I have the Equal-i-zer 4-way stabilization hitch which is what the dealer recommended. It does work well, especially after I added an additional washer for more weight transfer. The dealer had set it up for everything empty. I found that it was inadequate. With the additional washer, the setup seems to be spot-on. You will need to add a brake controller. Since the Escape does not come equipped for the 7-terminal round connector, it will need to be added also since a 4-pin connector will not work for the electric brakes. Etrailer is where I purchased mine. Some people use the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 controller, but I chose the Hopkins InSIGHT Flex-Mount controller instead as it allowed me more flexibility in placement of the components. I have the display on top of the dash, the manual control on the part of the lower dash near the radio, and the main control unit on the panel above the hood release. With the controller, an installation kit is needed which includes the wiring needed to get the power and connections from the back of the Escape to the engine compartment and battery. There is a picture of our Escape's installation on the Etrailer site. Look for my name in the photo credits.

Originally posted by StephenH p.s. Don't forget to get a set of towing mirrors. Don't get the cheap ones that just use a rubber strap to attach to the mirror. Get the ones that have the padded tightening ratchet. The cheap ones will rub the paint on the mirrors. I also use plastic wrap like you would use for wrapping things for moving to go around the mirror and then cinch it in the middle with excess material so most of the mirror is visible. The tow mirrors will give you most of your visibility of what is behind you. The Escape's mirrors are not wide enough to see around the R-Pod. In some states, they are required. You will be close to the limit. However, the Escape you have should be up to the task. Just remember that you should carefully consider whether what you want to take is really needed or if it will just be excess weight when you pack.

Stephen - Thanks again for the info.  I saw a video on etrailer on the installation of the brake controller as well and it doesn't look too bad as long as you have access.

I did save a few things from the previous trailer and tow vehicle.  One of those was the towing mirrors.  They are a good quality with rubber padded points of contact that caused no problems in 4 years of towing in the mirrors of my previous tow vehicle.

I understand about only taking what is necessary.  This vehicle is about paring back and that should follow suit with what we pack for our trip.

One last question (at least for now). Does the 4 way equalizer hitch require a sway bar as well.  My previous weight distribution hitch (not sure of the brand - bars with chains) had a friction sway bar as well.  The description on etrailer makes it sound like a separate sway bar isn't necessary.

Great to know this forum is here with plenty of folks like yourself that are willing to help.

Originally posted by ron_whitt Dr. Take the dry weight of your pod, add the lb's for propane tank, micro wave etc then add about 800 - 900 lb (min) for clothes, food, tools etc. Wither you have these in the tt or your tv it doesn't matter you are still pulling/towing that weight. Don't forget to add people weight also.. See what you come up with and then decide if the Ford escape gives you the towing capacity and safety margins you would be happy with. Good luck with your podding adventures.

Ron,

Thanks for the note of caution.  Your post forced me to do a little research.  The GCVR for my escape is 7,638lbs.  It curb weight is 3645. So there is approximately 4,000 lbs for trailer,cargo, and occupants.  I am glad I didn't need to need to worry about subtracting the occupant weights off of the 3500 lb towing limit as it would leave little room for gear.  It is also more incentive to lose a bit of weight so we can travel with more gear .