Hi All,
We're in the market for a 16 ft. Scamp and are trying to figure out what vehicles are best-suited to tow it.
We are thinking a tow capacity of 3000 lbs. will suffice? Am I correct in this estimation? What smaller SUV type vehicles are YOU using to tow?
Thank you in advance!
I'd rather tow with a 5000 lb capacity if your headed to any big hills.
IMHO a tow rating of 3000 - 3500 will suit you very well for a Scamp 16. At least 97.5 percent of the time.
But one thing I have found is that just because a vehicle is marketed as rated to tow, does not mean its READY to tow. And getting a vehicle READY to tow can be a big project.
I would give strong preference to a vehicle that is rated to tow 3-5000 lbs AND is equipped with a hitch, 7 pin wiring and anything else that might need to be added to the "able to tow" type of vehicle. It can save you a lot of grief.
Unless you have other absolute requirements for the vehicle, I would automatically bypass any that did not sport a 2 inch hitch receiver and 7 pin connector.
And of course reliability is most important. Some people are critical of Consumer Reports but I would look to them for reliability ratings and stay with the top tier.
Also see the Trailer Life publications: http://www.trailerlife.com/trailer-towing-guides/
PS.. Where is Wonderland?
Ahhh... great information here. So probably something that has the factory towing package installed? Thanks so much for these links. I'll check them out. And we're actually located in Los Angeles. :)
"Tow package" is a vague term that means very different things on different vehicles. Many vehicles are marketed as having a tow package but are not fully equipped and ready to tow. I would also ask if I can just hook up a small camper with a 7 pin and drive off, or is something more needed.
I recently traded in my Subaru Forester which I was using to tow my 13' Scamp for a Honda Ridgeline. The Forester was equipped with a 6 speed manual transmission, something I thought was an advantage, until I got stuck on a couple of hills and had to come to a complete stop. The smell of burning clutch is not pleasant, so off went the Subaru. The Honda Ridgeline has a 5,000 lb. tow capacity, comes with a tow package, hitch, 7 pin connector, wired for trailer brake controller, radiator equipped with dual fans. On our first trip I simply hooked up, plugged in the 7 pin and drove off. What is really interesting is that with the Forester, I would average 17 - 18 mpg. With the 3.5 6 cylinder Honda, I am averaging between 22 - 23 pulling the Scamp. The automatic transmission is very nice and I can load all of the gear, portable gas grill and canisters, screen tent etc. in the bed of the truck, which is really and suv with a truck body, and have the cab completely free of gear.
Anthony Memoli
We've been very happy towing our 16' Scamp for the last year with a 2013 Toyota Highlander. Bought it used at dealer as a "Certified Pre-owned" vehicle. We had the dealer install the hitch as part of the trade-in deal, but I found later that all Highlanders since a model year or so previous to '13 had a "tow package" from the factory, which essentially means a bigger alternator and some extra cooling features. We've probably put about 6k miles on it traveling between Philadelphia suburbs and Tennessee, Virginia, the Adirondacks, and northern Maine (not to mention return trip from Backus last year), and have had no complaints. But on the other hand, I'm pretty sure that, even with all the gear loaded (including bikes and canoes), we probably never came within 1000 lbs. of the GCWR. Twice this summer the "check engine" light came on when we were within about 100 miles of returning home. Dealer said both times it was some sort of oil sensor, and both times was covered by original warranty, and not an effect of towing. Hope that helps.
Jonathan Rockey
I had a 2008 Highlander.. maybe a different generation, I would have to check.
I was happy with it until I started getting Check Engine lights and to make a long story short, the seal on the timing belt cover was leaking oil... its a $20 part but to replace it they have to pull the engine out.. total estimated repair cost was just under $2,000. (I had No warranty). I don't think that is a common problem.. but if it happens to you better have a warranty or deep pockets.
Thanks for that, Gordon2. Just wondering what engine you had on that '08 Highlander. Mine (2013) is a 3.5L 6-cyl. This is what Toyota said about its "tow package":
"V6 Towing Prep: includes 5,000-lb. towing capacity, heavy-duty radiator with engine oil cooler, 200- watt fan coupling, transmission oil cooler, 150-amp alternator"
Do you recall any of the specs of your '08 model? It would be helpful for me to know.
thanks again
Jonathan Rockey
Thanks for all the thoughts and insight. The Highlander is a bit big for our needs, but we are considering the RAV4 Adventure Model as well as the Ford Escape with the factory installed tow package (thanks to another thread on here). Since we are a family of three, we would prefer smaller and economical right now. Leaning toward Escape at this point as it has some nice features that aren't available on the Adventure model.
Hope we're not forgetting any other crossover/small SUV vehicles with a tow capacity of 3000+...
Dont have the engine code, but also 3.5 L six.. see https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/2008/engine/timing_chain...
Pages