SailJoe,
CONGRATS on the new Escape, I bet we run into you sometime in the future since you are in NC. I see where towing is new to you so my suggestion is stay confident not as hard as you think especially going forward. Anytime you have to back up have the other person in the car get out and guide you, if you don't have them already those handheld walkie talkies can help at times, but roll down the windows and be sure to let them know PLEASE SCREAM at me if I need to stop.
Take it easy, go at your pace, as long as you have the trailer loaded correctly for weight the Escape really tows well. Be sure to make a check list and USE IT when hooking up and unhooking up. Be sure trailer is securely locked on to the ball, safety chains attached and all lights and brake control system are working. I would also suggest every time you stop do a little tour around everything, look at the tires be sure you see no nails anything like that. I always stick my hands against the rims to see if they are to hot like a bad bearing or brake dragging.
Again really not as hard as it seems, ENJOY the moments towing that trailer are going to give you they will far out way the rest
.
Enjoy the journey.
Steve