funny how some of the exploders/escapes with a factory “tow pkg” came with the smaller hitch receiver, When I was looking into a escape it seemed that tow pkg equipped ones had around 3.30 gearing and non-tow package ones were about 3.55 (may not be “exact” on that, been a couple of years now and thats what I recall seeing for a gen 2 escape) Youd think the ones set up to pull would have the lower gearset and the 2x2 receiver, so many more drawbar options for a 2x2, and nearly all accessories for a hitch (like a bike rack) come in the bigger size anyways.
Yes, I tend to forget about the newer ranger and its capabilities, in any towing situation trailer brakes are a good idea, I pulled my old tandem flatbed 50 miles home with a 3,000 pound tractor on it with the escape, I did fine but was extremely cautious, I dont even know what my flatbed weighs but Id guess around 1,000 easily. I wouldnt use my ranger for that job, a new one- probably. You can never be too safe.