Opps, it is a 2003. I had been driving a 2005 Escape for so long, I put the wrong year model.
I put in spacers in the front springs to level the front and new booster shocks on the rear. It handles the sand very well.
Thule racks on the top and a anadoized rack on the rear, with a hitch extender/lift to keep it out of the sand on the ramps. The extension also allows the hatch to lift and access the cargo space.