Tow vehicle for Escape 19

[Derdri]

Hi..am wondering if anyone uses a SUV to tow an Escape 19 and what your experience has been. I have a 2013 Hyundai Santa Fe XL with tow capacity of 5000lbs. It pulled my 17B without any probs. I would like to get a 19 ft now but am not certain of my Santa Fe.
Thanks for any help
Derdri

[outwiththedogs]

We happily use a 2018 Toyota Highlander with factory tow package for our 19. Does just fine. We still miss the hybrid Highlander’s mileage but it didn’t have the 5K lb ability. We pack carefully and fairly lightly, and seem to be fine in Colorado mountains.
Best of luck!
Catherine

[Doug2000]

We towed a 2007 Escape 17B with a 4Runner. It did good around Ontario. On a long trip through Colorado onto LA, the SUV worked really hard at higher elevations. We just bought a 2020 19 and bought a new Tundra to tow it. The new 19 is way heavier than the old 17B.

Many people on here are happy towing a 19 or 21 with a Highlander, but have realistic expectations, on hill climbs expect downshifting to 3rd gear. I had to use 2nd gear to get over Loveland Pass in Colorado with the 4Runner. That was at 11,000'. Keep in mind for every 1000' of elevation you lose 3% horsepower. On Loveland Pass, I was down 33% HP.

If your sticking around BC you'll be OK with your Hyundai. Just beware, read your vehicle owners manual, and never tow in Overdrive, stick to underdrive gears. Have a transmission cooler too.

[salmo7000]

My 2018 19 has a dry weight of 3,405 lbs, according to Escape's delivery slip. That's equipped with A/C, the oven, extra insulation, etc. The weight of options, water, propane, kitchen gear, camping gear, etc can add up quickly. I have never weighed this trailer fully loaded, but I expect it goes to 4,200 lbs, or more.

I want my tow vehicle to have plenty of extra capacity, so I don't have to worry about the weight of the gear I want to bring or the places I want to go. We usually boondock in pretty remote places, so we always depart with full water and propane. Although I do have plenty of weight capacity with my Colorado pickup, I have to watch the transmission temp towing up steep, slow grades in hot weather, and I'll be changing the transmission fluid well before the owner's manual recommends. Lots to consider, for sure!

[Derdri]

Hi thanks To you all for your responses... ..greatly appreciated.
Derdri

[Wunfiddy]

Sante Fe XL that year, is 3.8 V6 and something like a 350 lb tongue rating?
I don't recall if they have aux trans cooler, but if you are in mountains I'd recommend one.

Is a weight distribution hitch or anti sway hitch required for a 19?