Tongue Weight Issue

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twojacks
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Tongue Weight Issue

I am hoping that someone is knowledgeable in this area and can provide some guidance. I planned on towing my new Scamp with my Subaru Outback. The problem is that the Subaru has a maximum tongue weight of 200 lbs. The Scamp, as configured, has a tongue weight of 290 lbs. I can reduce the tongue weight on the Scamp by removing the propane tanks to 240 lbs. Further reduction could only be achieved by placing weight behind the axle. My concern is inducing sway because the tongue weight would be too light. Any insight on this issue?

billinwv
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Joined: 09/29/2015 - 17:25
Tongue weight

We towed a 13' with a 2012 Outback for several years. We learned from 4 different after a few years that the Outback is not made for towing despite its image. Be sure to find a mechanic that will install a "flat 4" or 7 pin connector before you commit to Outback. We went to 3 mechanics before we found one willing to install one. My advice is to avoid towing with the Outback especially at 290 TW

bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD

scamp01 (not verified)
I would go with a tow vehicle

I would go with a tow vehicle that has a better tow rating. It is safer not to max out the tow vehicle. 

https://scampowners.com/forums/scamp-trailer-weights#:~:text=2013%20%2D%...

markjazzbassist
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the easiest way to reduce

the easiest way to reduce tongue weight is to put weight in the back to offset, iE the bed area.  you could put a bike rack on the bike that offsets the weight.  instead of front loading your weight spread it out.

1987 Scamp 16

salukispeed
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Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
which one

Which trailer are you hoping to pull. the 13 with bath has under 150 tongue weight but the 16 would be more.  Also which year outback.  We have a 2021 outback Onyx XT and rated at 3,500 and 350 and we pull a 2022 Casita 17 SD with bath and are up near max rated 2,900 and 310 and it pulls like a dream and the mileage only drops to 15 mpg at 65MPH . Our 2018 Crosstrek pulled the Scamp 13 for three years and we could squeeze 18 mpg at times. So with the right hitch and weight adjustments it can be done if done carefully and good forethought.  Never exceed the car or hitch stated limits as you can be held accountable if something goes wrong.  another necessary item is properly working trailer brakes and brake controller or dont do it.   

2019 Scamp 13 standard

Mr.T
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Couple thoughts on 13' tongue weight

Looks like yours is a 13'.  Are you measuring the weight at the ball coupler with a good bathroom scale and a wood block?  Measuring weight at the jack will give a high reading because it's closer to the trailers center of gravity.  One propane tank is plenty, and a marine aluminum tank will save a few pounds.  A lithium battery will drop maybe 30 pounds off.  Personally, I wouldn't worry about being 40 pounds over on tongue weight as long as the rear axle weight is a at least that much under its weight rating when connected up.  My 13' (w/ bath) is about 230 with a full propane tank (single).  Moving stuff from the front to rear can help, just make sure you're measuring it accurately because a light tongue promotes trailer sway -- 10% is good, about 200 pounds on the ball.

185driver
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Tongue weight

Your sway concern is valid, and the best way to avoid the issue is to balance your trailer such that you have the standard 10-15% of the trailer's current weight on the tongue. You'll want to consider adding weight behind the axle (either inside the camper or on a cargo tray attached to the rear hitch receiver) to achieve the desired balance (15% will be more stable than 10%, but anywhere in-between is acceptable).

twojacks
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Joined: 10/07/2022 - 13:12
Tongue Weight Issue

Thanks everybody! Sorry for how long it took me to respond. I have been trying to log in for days and all I get is an “Error 403 Access to Server is Forbidden”. Hopefully they will get the problem fixed as it continues to recur.

I decided that spending the time continually monitoring the tongue weight and shifting things around until I find the sweet spot is not worth the effort. So, I purchased a Subaru Ascent with a 500 lbs. tongue weight limit and a 5,000 lbs. towing capacity.

 

Jack Sheldon