another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

[bobbo268]

So i currently pull a 16ft fiberglass open bow speed boat w/75hp with no problem, though i've never checked or questioned the weight. We want to get an 18ft pontoon w/40hp (more room for family)....

Veh: 2003 Ford Escape 4wd/Awd. I do not believe it has a tow package, but I have a class 3 hitch installed to the frame. I believe the truck may have a 2000lb towing capacity.

Distance: 3 miles, literally. 8 minutes drive, mostly flat, 35mph max speed limit, one steep hill about 500 feet long. Very shallow launch, not steep at all.

Will this be ok for the distance? How much does an 18ft weigh with a 40hp merc and scissor trailer of same length? I realize this may not be a perfect combination, but will it cause detrimental problems for the short distance and maybe once a week, or once every 2 weeks? (yea i know, i should be on it more often...)

 

[Fleetwin]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

Your Escape has a 1000 pound capacity without the factory tow package. 3500 pound with.

Your issue is not the power to move the load, it's the ability to stop it.

I think you are marginal.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

Maximum Towing Capacity (POUNDS)
Engine
Zetec (MT) 1000
Duratec (AT) 2000
Duratec w/Towing Pkg. 3500

We have the automatic transmission 4x4

 

[airdvr1227]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

Let us know how it works out....take video. The Escape can get it going and get it stopped (non-emergency). How are you going to see what's behind you?

 

[T_Herrod]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

I think the biggest issue you may have is getting stuck on the ramp if it gets slippery. In 3 miles your engine and transmission are barely up to operating temp.

 

[bobbo268]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

The ramp is gravel and is barely pitched. Super slow incline and mostly in the water. Small Lake as well and always have someone with me to see behind when launching. I doubt everyone's car is taller than their boat. And actually is a 17ft boat but I doubt that matters.

 

[bigdee]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

The ramp is gravel and is barely pitched. Super slow incline and mostly in the water. Small Lake as well and always have someone with me to see behind when launching. I doubt everyone's car is taller than their boat. And actually is a 17ft boat but I doubt that matters.

If your not having issues with your current boat I don't see why you would with a light pontoon.

 

[Ming15237]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

You will be just fine the difference between the towing package and non towing package trucks is just a small transmission cooler added in front of the radiator, that's it. If you are super concerned you can add an additional one yourself they are under $100.00 and are fairly easy to install. Someone brought up braking abilities of your truck, there is no "heavy duty" brake package on ANY Escape. They are all the same. A pontoon is very light , and given your distance you should be just fine.

 

[smokeonthewater]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

doing some searching online, it appears that the factory tow package is actually the hitch, the wiring and an engine oil cooler... I couldn't find any reliable indication of an added trans cooler.

random post but similar to MANY others:
"There would be an engine oil cooler added if it had a tow package, it is a plate between the engine and the oil filter.
All automatic Escapes have a transmission cooler."

 

[bobbo268]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

well for the most part i feel pretty good about the idea. My wife's a little worried, but I think for a 3 mile journey 3 times a month at 35mph I should be alright. I'll just drop it to 1st gear on the one hill and the rest "should" be a cake walk...

 

[oldjeep]

Re: another towing cap question 18ft Pontoon w/6cyl Escape

The only real problem you might notice is related to the wind catching the boat, not the weight. A side wind can really move a pontoon around.