Ford Escape Hybrid Toad

[Ha.RV]

This thread been very helpful - thank you. I do have a question... but first here’s our vehicle and set-up: 2020 SE Sport with BlueOx Base Plate, Tow Bar, Patriot 3 Brake, Light Kit, Power Cord 7 to 6 way, 4” drop hitch. Install done by RV shop. And now my question: Driving the RV home, with Escape in tow, about 40-50 min into ride, received a message through the Patriot wireless monitor to check power supply to Patriot brake. Power to the Patriot brake is being supplied through cigarette light plug that comes with Patriot brake. I stopped and checked the Patriot brake system and could see it wasn’t getting power. Turned on the Escape and power once again flowed. Put it back in neutral tow mode and completed the rest of my journey. Anyone experience this, know what the remedy is?

[mike brez]

I think I read somewhere that the lighter times out.
Running a wire from battery under spare tire fused with plug would solve.

[Ha.RV]

Thanks Mike.

[Usmcja]

Originally Posted by zulugart

Does it matter if the model is AWD or FWD FOR flat towing?

For 2020 models, only the AWD hybrid model can be flat towed. There is no four wheel drive configuration. I do not know about prior model years.

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by Ha.RV

Thanks Mike.

I think I also read that the dealer can reprogram to stay on longer maybe constant?
I will try and dig it up

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by Usmcja

For 2020 models, only the AWD hybrid model can be flat towed. There is no four wheel drive configuration. I do not know about prior model years.

I thought the 2020 fwd could be towed four down or on a dolly and the awd only four down.

[rmclin]

Originally Posted by Usmcja

For 2020 models, only the AWD hybrid model can be flat towed. There is no four wheel drive configuration. I do not know about prior model years.

Both the AWD and the FWD hybrid can be flat towed. I flat tow a FWD 2020 Escape Hybrid with no issues.

[rmclin]

Originally Posted by mike brez

I think I read somewhere that the lighter times out.
Running a wire from battery under spare tire fused with plug would solve.

The Escape Hybrid will time out and go to sleep to preserve the battery. When this happens the power to the car lighter will turn off and your brake system will lose power. You are correct that a connection to the battery in the trunk will solve the problem but the very small battery that Ford uses will not maintain the power for an extended time. I use the RVi towed battery charger and a charge line from the RV to maintain the car battery while towing. The charge line is connected to the jump start connections under the hood and the RVi provides diode protection and monitoring of the towed vehicle battery condition. A fused plug connected directly to the car battery in the trunk provides power to the brake controller

[2wheelluge]

Getting ready to start towing. All the equipment is in place. Dealer did not install a charge line, so I’ll probably add the larger battery. I’d need to do that anyway.

Those of you who have gone the AGM route, is it a simple swap, or is there reprogramming needed?

Dennis

[Neverhome2]

We purchased a 2021 Escape Titanium Hybrid and are setting up to flat tow. We have the Blue Ox base plate and tow bar in place. Currently in the process of setting up Demco SBS Stay-in-Play supplemental braking system. So far everything went in ok. Now to get power to the unit. Do we need to run a wire back to the battery (under the spare wheel) to get power to the braking system or is there another way?

Also adding the Roadmaster battery charge line to keep the battery in the car charged.

Is there anything else that we may have forgotten?

[mike brez]

Originally Posted by Neverhome2

We purchased a 2021 Escape Titanium Hybrid and are setting up to flat tow. We have the Blue Ox base plate and tow bar in place. Currently in the process of setting up Demco SBS Stay-in-Play supplemental braking system. So far everything went in ok. Now to get power to the unit. Do we need to run a wire back to the battery (under the spare wheel) to get power to the braking system or is there another way?

Also adding the Roadmaster battery charge line to keep the battery in the car charged.

Is there anything else that we may have forgotten?

There is a + stud for jump starting under hood drivers side. Has a red plastic hinge cover over it.

[Neverhome2]

Originally Posted by mike brez

There is a + stud for jump starting under hood drivers side. Has a red plastic hinge cover over it.

I know that is power for the battery but there doesn't seem to be enough room for both the brake power and battery charger.

[Neverhome2]

Is it okay to use both of these power posts?

[Neverhome2]

Originally Posted by Neverhome2

Is it okay to use both of these power posts?

Nevermind...Demco recommended using #1 stud. They said in case we have to jump start the Escape there would be no chance of blowing the Demco fuse.