Tow Question

Hows it going everyone. I am new to this tread so I am hoping for some advice on towing.

I currently own a 2012 Ford Escape limited V6 AWD with a towing package on it. My max towing is rated at 3,500lbs.

My question is, how close can I push this weight limit? I have been so close to pulling the trigger on boats in that 3,100 and 3,200 dry weight range, but am nervous with how close the weight is.

I have a 8 minute drive to the boat ramp with no real hills. Really the only hill I will face is the launch out.

What do you all think? Am I safe or do I need to wait and get something a little bigger? Any help is greatly appreciated!

I've towed my moto trailer loaded up with a few bikes on it with my wife's v6 escape many times. No way I'd tow a boat and try to launch with it. Could it work? Possibly, but it would be sketch to do it on the regular. It's really not much more than a honda accord.

please don't hook a boat to your escape. good rule of thumb is you can tow 75% of the "tow rating". Said tow rating is often inflated by car makers to one up competitors and should also be taken with a grain of salt.

You need to remember that your 3200 lb boat sits on a 1000 lb trailer. Add in a full tank of fuel, batteries, anchors and the rest of your gear and you are around 5,000 lb real quick.

Thanks all for the quick feedback. This is all what I thought as well. When I talked to car dealership then "ensured" that it would be just fine, but I had a feeling it would be bad idea.

OK, time to go vehicle shopping first! Thanks again all

I think you just made one of your best decision in your life. You do not know now, and never would know as you will not kill anyone towing your boat with your escape, but everyone on the road thank you for that decision.

The car dealer was probably giving you an answer based on the fact you said 3100-3200 lb boat. Where like David said that 3100-3200 lb dry weight will be 5K on a trailer in lake form. I towed a 3100 lb direct drive years back with a Pathfinder with a 5000 lb tow capacity and it sucked. Actual weight on the trailer was 4400 and change so well under, but it was to much.

Unless your planning to buy a Moomba Boomerang or one of those little 176 Ski Nautiques......no way!!!