Very interested in getting the new Ford Escape as a toad. The specs don't permit it. Is there a company that offers a product to disconnect the drive shaft and also lube the transmission. And while I'm looking forward to some guidance here, I guess I'll research the availability of base plate and tow bar.
Fiddler, Call REMCO, there is an article in this months FMCA Mag about there new production facilities. They probaby have a disconnect.
Gary B
I just looked at Ford for a tow car and found that only the six cyl in the Explorer and Edge with select shift can be towed four down. None of the other Ford models can be toad; however, M&G brakes cannot be installed on either of these cars so went back to a GMC Terrain. DAN
I got the impression that Ford's legal department is why the Escape was taken off of the list. From what I have read there is not any real problem other than potential liability. Has the Tarus X also been taken off?
I thought I'd read of a transmission issue with the newer Escape/Fusion/(maybe Focus) models. Originally listed as towable, then taken off the list. If I can dig it up I'll post...
Found this Ford 2012 Escape, Fusion No Longer Towable - FMCA Motorhome Forums (http://community.fmca.com/topic/4111-ford-2012-escape-fusion-no-longer-towable/) :
After much digging around, on these forums along with others, I think I've got a handle on what the real situation is. The V-6 Escape (both FWD and AWD) have the 6F35 (6-speed) transmission. This is the tranny that has caused all the grief (and confusion) with regards to flat towing. It seems that after a number of toasted transmissions, Ford decided (with TSB 11-7-15) that so long as the tranny fluid level was lowered to just above the fill mark, these affected cars were still towable. Supposedly this would prevent the ATF from foaming, being forced out the dipstick tube (due to heat buildup), and eventually ruining the transmission. Many people have had success with this alteration, but there have still been some cases of fried trannys. Ford has even suggested installing a transmission pump to keep the fluid flowing, and therefore cool (Remco has come up with a pump specifically for the Escape and the 6F35 transmission).
My assumption is that since there are still cases of transmission failures, even with the lowering of the fluid level, that Ford has just thrown up their hands and declared these affected cars as non-towable. The owners manuals for the affected cars are now including an insert stating the non-towability, and the cars now being purchased are not covered by warranty if the owners try to flat tow them. It is my understanding that cars purchased before the owners manual changes are still covered by warranty (when flat towed), but you're rolling the dice and taking your chances.
My wife would really love to trade up from her '07 Escape, 5 sp, 4 cyl, 4wd to the new 2013 Escape 4wd. But the deal killer was "not flat tow 2 wheel- 4 wheel" statement in the owners manual. The '07 does tow like a champ and has been problem free.
The good news (for me anyway) is the 2012/2013 F150 4wd with select shift is flat-tow. That could be our replacement vehicle in the future.
Hi Gary, Good to see you are doing well with your knee, and therapy will make you good as new.
I returned home from the rally to tackle my steering box challenge, It was a difficult task, we are now on the road
to Franklin Tn. For a conferance running down the road Straight and no leaks.
Take care and do what the Therapist instructs.
Gibby of Tn