I don't think tongue weight by itself is a limiting factor...the idea is not not have your vehicle sag, and a set of Timbren Load Handlers or air shocks would solve that. My Wrangler has them on the front to handle a 400# commercial snowplow easily, and I'll put them on the rear before towing.
Visit a trailer supplier and ask.
Here's a good video on trailer towing dynamics that all drivers should see.
Tongue weight considerations are more than just rear-end sag. Excessive tongue weight can cause the rear axle to work as a fulcrum thereby reducing weight on the front axle/tires, which can significantly reduce steering performance. This can be really bad when trying to make an emergency movement, especially on wet pavement, etc. Too little tongue weight can contribute to excessive trailer sway, which causes its own set of hazards. I suspect that many of us who are new Scamp owners get the 13' because we already have a smallish tow vehicle, and in those cases tongue weight might come into play as a consideration more so than with larger vehicles. I agree that it's seldom the #1 limiting factor, but one shouldn't be to cavalier about it.
Sorry to hear this... but I totally understand your balancing act. It would be nice not to have to cut things so close. You last wrote in October, and it's now almost 6 months later. Did you find anything to meet your needs?
Edit: I actually meant this to be a reply to Salukispeed. Sorry I messed that up -
I've related my story to you as to towing our 13 footer with a 2015 Forester, 6 speed manual. Having to stop on a steep hill and then get the car and trailer moving again was not a pleasant experience and hastened my decision to trade the Forester in. You could still buy the Scamp, but I am quite sure you will be looking for a heftier tug, sooner rather than later.
Anthony, I'm curious as to what your new TV is? I'm looking at eventually moving away from my '09 Forester AT, but am just looking now. Thinking about a 2015-2017-ish Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 6-cyl, AT, and tow package to pull my '16 13' Scamp Deluxe with more performance headroom than the Forester gives me.
I wanted a vehicle that I could toss our supplies in like our screen tent, Coleman portable gas grill, cooler, Coleman two burner stove and can of white gas, camp rug (usually damp and sandy), chairs, etc. and I wanted them separate from the driving compartment, and I wanted the vehicle to ride like a luxury suv and have a "comfortable" back seat for passengers but I really did not want another truck! I have a Nissan Frontier as my bounce around town, go to the lumber yard truck! My wife and I took a Honda Ridgeline for a ride and we knew instantly that this was the vehicle for us. The ride far outclasses any truck I've ever owned, it has a proven V6 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission and I am averaging between 24 and 25 mpg cruising around northern Vermont. It pulls the camper effortlessly and gets between 22 to 23 mpg hauling the 13 footer. This is based on one 200 mile trip, none of it highway. My Forester averaged 17 to 19 mpg. We're taking it on a 600 mile trip next weekend, mostly highway, so we'll see how the truck does. And it is a truck, but unlike other body on frame trucks that have a solid rear axle with the body and bed fastened to the frame, the Ridgeline has unibody construction with independent rear suspension and a very spacious trunk underneath the bed of the vehicle. To access that, you simply drop or swing the tailgate open, it opens two ways, and release the bed latch and the back half of the bed opens into the trunk. The Ridgeline comes standard with the tow package and 7 pin connector. It is wired for a brake controller, so if you have one you simply mount it and plug it in. It's a really nice vehicle, and no, I do not work for Honda!! Before you buy a jeep, you should take a Ridgeline for a ride. Good luck! Anthony
I don't think tongue weight by itself is a limiting factor...the idea is not not have your vehicle sag, and a set of Timbren Load Handlers or air shocks would solve that. My Wrangler has them on the front to handle a 400# commercial snowplow easily, and I'll put them on the rear before towing.
Visit a trailer supplier and ask.
Here's a good video on trailer towing dynamics that all drivers should see.
https://m.facebook.com/groups/796708077030434?view=permalink&id=23739433...
If not now, when?
Larry
Tongue weight considerations are more than just rear-end sag. Excessive tongue weight can cause the rear axle to work as a fulcrum thereby reducing weight on the front axle/tires, which can significantly reduce steering performance. This can be really bad when trying to make an emergency movement, especially on wet pavement, etc. Too little tongue weight can contribute to excessive trailer sway, which causes its own set of hazards. I suspect that many of us who are new Scamp owners get the 13' because we already have a smallish tow vehicle, and in those cases tongue weight might come into play as a consideration more so than with larger vehicles. I agree that it's seldom the #1 limiting factor, but one shouldn't be to cavalier about it.
2016 13 Scamp Deluxe
TV: 2020 Subaru Ascent Premium
Minnesota
Sorry to hear this... but I totally understand your balancing act. It would be nice not to have to cut things so close. You last wrote in October, and it's now almost 6 months later. Did you find anything to meet your needs?
Edit: I actually meant this to be a reply to Salukispeed. Sorry I messed that up -
I've related my story to you as to towing our 13 footer with a 2015 Forester, 6 speed manual. Having to stop on a steep hill and then get the car and trailer moving again was not a pleasant experience and hastened my decision to trade the Forester in. You could still buy the Scamp, but I am quite sure you will be looking for a heftier tug, sooner rather than later.
Anthony Memoli
Anthony, I'm curious as to what your new TV is? I'm looking at eventually moving away from my '09 Forester AT, but am just looking now. Thinking about a 2015-2017-ish Jeep Grand Cherokee 4x4 w/ 6-cyl, AT, and tow package to pull my '16 13' Scamp Deluxe with more performance headroom than the Forester gives me.
2016 13 Scamp Deluxe
TV: 2020 Subaru Ascent Premium
Minnesota
I wanted a vehicle that I could toss our supplies in like our screen tent, Coleman portable gas grill, cooler, Coleman two burner stove and can of white gas, camp rug (usually damp and sandy), chairs, etc. and I wanted them separate from the driving compartment, and I wanted the vehicle to ride like a luxury suv and have a "comfortable" back seat for passengers but I really did not want another truck! I have a Nissan Frontier as my bounce around town, go to the lumber yard truck! My wife and I took a Honda Ridgeline for a ride and we knew instantly that this was the vehicle for us. The ride far outclasses any truck I've ever owned, it has a proven V6 engine and 6 speed automatic transmission and I am averaging between 24 and 25 mpg cruising around northern Vermont. It pulls the camper effortlessly and gets between 22 to 23 mpg hauling the 13 footer. This is based on one 200 mile trip, none of it highway. My Forester averaged 17 to 19 mpg. We're taking it on a 600 mile trip next weekend, mostly highway, so we'll see how the truck does. And it is a truck, but unlike other body on frame trucks that have a solid rear axle with the body and bed fastened to the frame, the Ridgeline has unibody construction with independent rear suspension and a very spacious trunk underneath the bed of the vehicle. To access that, you simply drop or swing the tailgate open, it opens two ways, and release the bed latch and the back half of the bed opens into the trunk. The Ridgeline comes standard with the tow package and 7 pin connector. It is wired for a brake controller, so if you have one you simply mount it and plug it in. It's a really nice vehicle, and no, I do not work for Honda!! Before you buy a jeep, you should take a Ridgeline for a ride. Good luck! Anthony
Anthony Memoli
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