Community Forums

Dukie48 · 07-12-2012, 05:01 AM

Hi we're new to the forum. I've been reading all the posts on this site related to the problems with flat towing the 2011 Ford Escape. My specific question is "are there any problems with towing it on a dolly? The dealer assures me it is safe to tow, but as I've read here, they aren't always knowledgable. Any negatives with the dolly way would be appreciated. I'd like to learn from someone else' experience. Thanks. Happy Rving

mikf · 07-12-2012, 05:47 AM

only if it is frontwheel drive, not 4 wheel. we towed our 2009 frontwheel drive 6000 miles on a dolly last winter. no problem.

HeapBigEngin · 07-12-2012, 03:02 PM

We tow the DW's 2004 2-wheel drive Escape frequently on our MasterTow HD dolly (the HD is slightly wider than standard dolly). Both pull extremely well....and that is sayin' something with some of the poor roads we have here in the West. The wider dolly does a great job of keeping the dolly's fenders well away from the Escape during turns. The extra width, however, is something you need to be aware of on winding mountain roads...not a big deal, just something to keep in mind when towing. Works very well for us.

scoutmstr · 07-12-2012, 05:22 PM

If the owners manual says you can tow it you are Ok and are covered by warranty

TXiceman · 07-12-2012, 07:28 PM

If it is front wheel drive, you can dolly tow it. AWD or 4-wheel drive, it needs a trailer.

Ken

smith45 · 07-13-2012, 02:05 PM

Check into a Remco Lube Pump. I have used one on a '97 Dodge caravan and '09 Ford Escape (after burning up three transmissions). You can then pull 4 down with no problem and no dolly to worry with.

Chuck

Dukie48 · 07-13-2012, 04:24 PM

Thanks for the suggestions. We asked the service manager at the Ford dealership to find out for sure if the Remco pump can be added without voiding our warranty, W must have asked 10 times if the Escape was flat towable, but as everybody says- they're not that knowledgable,

Dukie48 · 07-13-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dukie48

Thanks for the suggestions. We asked the service manager at the Ford dealership to find out for sure if the Remco pump can be added without voiding our warranty, W must have asked 10 times if the Escape was flat towable, but as everybody says- they're not that knowledgable,

We'd rather not pa the personal property tax, license, and more insurance on the dolly.

smith45 · 07-14-2012, 08:22 AM

Dukie, The Lube pump will not effect your warranty unless Ford can PROVE it caused the problem, if a problem occurs. I talked to the transmission tech and the service manager at my dealer and both said they had no problem with the pump. Ford has to say no to installing it to "save face".

If I can help you with this contact me direct..

Chuck

mikf · 07-14-2012, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dukie48

We'd rather not pa the personal property tax, license, and more insurance on the dolly.

???? in ohio and many other states no license plate is needed, have never heard anyone say insurance is more. we also do not have a personal property tax, but compared to a car or motorhome does not seem like it could be that much. my local Ford dealer was also fuzzy about whether my 2009 escape could be flat towed. I called Ford Motor company and they assured me if I had a problem it would be covered under my waranty. and every one that I read on-line that did have a problem was covered. I did not want to take a chance of getting caught a long way from home so I chose the dolly. had always flat towed my chevy before. the dolly was great because of no speed restrictions or stopping to run the engine. you can even back up if you need to and they have there own brake. BUT, it was a little more work to load and unload, but if you are not doing it every night it was not that bad. both ways have good and bad points.

TXiceman · 07-14-2012, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smith45

Dukie, The Lube pump will not effect your warranty unless Ford can PROVE it caused the problem, if a problem occurs. I talked to the transmission tech and the service manager at my dealer and both said they had no problem with the pump. Ford has to say no to installing it to "save face".

If I can help you with this contact me direct..

Chuck

The Moss Magnueson Act is supposed to protect the consumer on these warranties....BUT and and it is a BIG BUT, the manufacturer can challenge it and flatly say no warranty. This leaves you a legal course of action and the car manufacturers have very deep pockets and lots of lawyers on retainer. They can drag the battle out in court and cost you lots of money and time with you have an un-repaired vehicle.

So be prepared for a battle on this front.

Ken