The Ford Escape V6 has a short wheelbase, (103" with 36.4" rear overhang), 196lb ft. torque but at high rpm (4700rpm), tow capacity of 3500lbs, a no-option curb weight of 3181/3346 (2WD/4WD)and a GCWR of only 7040lbs, Most people would say to use another TV. But, if you are going to tow with the Escape then you should at least do the following:
- Yes, definitely get a WDH and a class III hitch (but check your vehicle user manual). At 494 lbs tongue weight (14.1% of 3500 lbs) you are well over the 350 lb limit for the hitch. Also, according to my WDH calculator, with the TM attached and only 50lbs in the trunk, you will be unweighting your front wheels by nearly 250lbs and adding nearly 800lbs extra load to the rear axle without a WDH, so you need to redistribute this (I'm surprised you say the TV towed level, maybe you meant compared to the boat?). At least the 3023 is the TM with the most load margin on the axle/tires and so can take a good deal of redistributed load.
- You will find it really tough, and probably impossible, to keep within the Gross Combined Weight Rating of 7040lbs with a 3023 loaded for overnight camping, and the TV loaded with gear and even just two people. So keep the wieght down as much as possible by transporting minimum gear and emptying the water tanks before towing.
- Find a route across the country which will keep you away from the steepest inclines and highest elevations. With your short wheelbase and relatively long rear overhang you want to avoid steep downhill curvy roads, and with your torque/rpm figures you want to avoid high elevations and long steep climbs. Don't use overdrive on the hills.
You can download the 2003 Ford Towing Guide from this link:
http://www.meadowlandford.com/ford-towing-specs.htm
It has a lot of good information.
-Paul