Influencer I
How does the Escape handle steep down grades? This has been my biggest concern with how steep some of the places around here are, and not have a low range to help with engine braking. Though I will say my Escape does have rear disc brakes as well, and the facotry extrenal transmission oil cooler so Im sure I could use the trans. for all its worth and not worry. But that brakes doing the lions share of the slowing concerns me.
Traveler III
If it makes you feel better, my CR-V has no low range and it only has drums in the rear, and I've done some long, very steep descents with no dramas. Just use as much engine braking as you've got and feather the brakes instead of riding them, and you'll probably be fine. Make sure your pads and rotors are in good shape as well, of course.
Influencer I
Thanks, the Escape does engine brake quite aggressively in first and second.
Traveler III
CR-V does too. They tuned the tranny for a lower gear ratio in the low gears. It's for sure not as good as low range would be, but it helps some. Just gotta drive it carefully and not think you're in a jeep Wrangler lol
Enthusiast III
Dillon, the front brakes will be taking the brunt of the load during any downhill runs. Off road, I just drop it into 1st and use the brakes to help when engine braking alone is insufficient. Brakes and first gear will do well if the traction is decent. If traction is poor, you need to be really careful with your brake technique.
Enthusiast III
Influencer I
When any of my auto trans rigs start pulling a hill Ill typically downshift, at least out of OD. Also on long downhills Ill typically select a lower gear. And off road Im usually either in 1st or 2nd, typically 1st as most auto transmissions (the Escape included) will ONLY use 2nd when it is manually selected, yes that means 1st is not used.
Traveler III
They probably rode the brakes the whole way down, I bet.
Enthusiast III
Hey Fugitive, I just picked up myself a 2007 escape v6. The patriot is still kickin, but I got a great deal on the scape! What's the largest tire I can fit on it?
Influencer II
I just picked up a 2017 4wd titanium ad my daily driver. Not sure how much overlanding it will get but it's a fun lil car.
Here's my new (To me, anyway) Escape S.
Maybe this will be a momento of what it looked like at one point in its life. Unfortunately it is only FWD, but for the light trail exploring I do, some real good tires should be fine.
Off-Road Ranger I
Depends on your definition. Like for me I'm looking at light offroading. Premade trails and fire roads in this thing.
Off-Road Ranger I
I second looked at this. With the truck you have, this is best left as a pavement princess.
Pathfinder I
Off-Road Ranger I
Mine is a 17.
Pathfinder I
Amen
Traveler III
Bleh. I can't stand all the horrid potato cars that all the manufacturers are pumping out these days. Ugly as sin and boring. No low range either, which is unfortunate. That'll be a huge pass for me - I'd take my old 99 Rd1 CR-V over that blob on wheels any day.
