I've got a 2619 and pull it with a 2003 Ford Escape which has a 103" wheelbase (I think) and around 200+ HP or so. Brake controller and it's rated to 3500lbs. While it does have the towing package, the only real thing this gives me is the transmission cooler if I'm not mistaken. I don't get a huge sag in the Escape when we put on the TM, and it actually pulls it w/o issue (take it out of O/D of course) but I live in MN where we have a few hills but we're actually pretty flat unless you compare us to Iowa :->
I don't think I'd pull it any great distance with the Escape, but a couple of hundred miles here and there don't seem to be an issue. I have talked with a transmission expert and he advised that while "you certainly don't want to go any smaller" if I keep it slow and out of OD and don't push it hard I should be ok. I've gone to yearly transmission checkups to ensure we catch anything that might go wrong until we upgrade into something bigger.
Just my experience...Dan
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