My new space saving eco-hauler

[locknut]

You do realize that the Escape Hybrid is only rated to tow 1000 lbs. I wouldn't want to trash a hybrid transmission by towing with it. The cost to repair it may not justify the fuel savings. Not to mention the regenerative brakes are not rated to stop that much weight. Be careful if you plan to tow often.

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I'm well aware of the tow rating.I'm also aware of Ford's towing tests of the hybrid model,towing 3000 lbs with a large frontal barrier for thousands of miles and their comment was "we can't break this thing".The drive components on the hybrid model are very robust.The tow rating is lower because only electric drive is used in reverse,thus backing a heavy load up an incline could be problematic.The regen brake feature is not designed to stop anything,only use the inertia to recharge the high voltage battery.The hydraulic disc service brakes are the same as the V6 model which is rated to tow 3500 lbs. I'll likely never get close to even half that amount.Did I tell ya about the guy that pulled his 6X16 landscape trailer loaded with two cords of mounded up firewood,est 7-8000 lbs for 29 miles and got 30 mpg

 

[handirifle]

The only complaint I have about people driving hybrids, is most of them want to condemn the rest of us for what we have, and need to drive. It really torques my jaws to listen to a vegan go off on hunters. Make YOUR choices and leave the rest of us the he!! alone.

If you like being told that big brother knows what's best for yea, come out here to CA, the place is full of them.

If someone feels guilty for driving a big truck, sell it and drive a prius.

 

[handirifle]

The brand is Aluma,built in Iowa. The closest dealer that had one in stock was 400 miles away in Eldorado,Wi. Me and a friend spent 7 hrs polishing the Aluminum,don't ever want to do that again . I paid around 800 more than what my old trailer cost,but I was ticked that the powder coated steel trailer deteriorated so quicky in 4 yrs.Every sharp edge was rusting,as though the powder coat shrunk and pulled away from the steel.
I don't mind the veer-off comments-all are welcome.I'm probably the furthest thing from a tree-hugger there is,but I'm all for saving space and spending less for fuel to get the job done.I was spending $75 to fill the Explorer up and this one is $45 with the smaller tank,and this one will go twice as far on a tank.That's a big savings.

Locknut
My comment above wasn't addressed to you. Good sound personal logic put you in this rig, and am happy it's working out for you. The VAST majority of our driving is in our Accord, at 28-31mpg. I sure won't tow with the accord though. When I mow my daughters place, the truck gets the nod. And after returning from 2 weeks vacation, flying most of the time, I am reminded why I will continue to drive my truck and trailer on future vacations. 9-11 made air travel inconvenient, the airlines and TSA have made it totally un-enjoyable. This comes from a retired air traffic controller. I know the airlines inside out.

Sorry, got way off topic. I'm just tired of everyone else knowing what's best for me.

 

[tkappeler]

... We don't have an energy problem, we have an energy policy problem. Sorry to go off topic. Ok, off my soap box now. :soapbox:

Amen.

Different vehicles for different needs. Nothing is perfect. I have been looking at the escape as a good balance between mileage and functionality. I put about 30K miles a year on a vehicle, so mileage does matter.


Locknut: Good luck with them!!

 

[joemd11]

Locknut,
Very nice rig! I've had an aluminum trailer (Worthington) for several years and love it. They are a PIA to clean, but sure look good when finished. I use a toyota 4runner to pull mine and it doesn't even know its back there.

 

[deezler]

Nice setup! It is definitely pleasing to see someone posting about their return to practicality. Plenty of capability there for a little Kubota with an Al trailer - I like it!

We know most people on this site do heavy work, need big tools/machines, and thus appropriate towing capability. So there's no need for anyone here to get defensive. But we also all know how many people we see commuting to work in empty trucks getting half the fuel economy they could. There's a hidden cost to that that we all pay for, and we know it's not gonna last forever.

 

[bigtiller]

I like your trailer. I bought one a few years ago and think it is the best trailer I have ever owned.

 

[ultrarunner]

The right equipment for the task at hand.

I like the escape and it would do at least 80% of my hauling needs.

Before my pickup... my tow vehicle for 25 years was my old Valiant with a 318 V8.

Towed or carried everything from trailers with a yard of concrete to all the lumber and roofing for the addition...

Good looking rig and love that trailer too!