Hi. We are picking up a 19' fifth wheel scamp and want to have everything ready. They have a hitch already that we can get installed in out truck. It looks like two plates on either side of the wheel well with a bar going across. It bolts to the bed of the truck. I looked on the scamp site and the hitch looks like a typical fifth wheel connection with a ball. What is different about these two assemblies and what would be better. This will be our first camper and we sure could use some advice from those of you with experience.
Thanks in advance.
TTNEL,
The hitch Scamp sells is the way to go. I had a 19' Deluxe and used the old system they had and it worked but I couldn't remove the two vertical supports when not using the camper. The one they offer allows you to easily remove the assembly and give you full use of your truck bed. Let them put the hitch in your truck and you won't have any issues. I have a 16 standard now, my wife misses the 19.
Here is a picture of the old style. Compare it to the one on Scamps website in the parts dept.
KVJ
Ok. That's what I was wondering. Thanks. Can I order the one from scamp and have it installed here as we are in Alabama?
If you order it from Scamp and have sent to you, the cost of shipping will be high. Location installing it on your truck is critical and best would be to do it with the trailer to check all dimensions. Like I said, if you are going to pick it up at Scamp, I would have them install the hitch but I would call and tell them the make and type of truck you will show up with. They have been making these trailers for years and will make every effort to to do it right. It would not be good if you installed it ahead of time and when you got there to have to reposition it.
KVJ
Best to have your hitch mounted by Scamp at the factory. These guys know these trailers and knew exactly where to install the hitch on my Jeep Gladiator. I had a lot of difficulty finding anyone that would install the hitch locally. So I just drove up to the factory and it was done in a couple of hours.
peterjschaffer. Tell us how it feels towing it. I have a Gladiator now and use it to pull my 16' Std.Scamp. Also post us a picture with the 19 hooked up to it.
Kenny
Hi Kenny. It drives great with no strain or hesitation on the Jeep. Tow's like it's not even there and way too easy to speed up too fast. The hookup doesn't put any undue weight on the bed. The 5th wheel mount eliminates any trailer sway. I love the 19 with the comfortable bed on top and a bit more space. I'd do it all over again.
Thanks for the picture peterjschaffer I appreciate it. I got my Gladiator with the Max Tow package that includes a 4:10 rear end. It has plenty of strength to tow. I also put Suma Spring bump stops the prevent any sags. Super easy install. Happy Camping!
The task is to select one of two different trailer hitch systems, the Scamp fifth wheel and gooseneck-style hitch for the truck you have. The setup that has two plates and a crossbar, for example, being a gooseneck-style hitch, is known to give you extra bed space and it is also much easier and quicker to install and uninstall than a traditional fifth wheel hitch. On the other hand, a traditional fifth wheel hitch utilizes a ball-coupler system, which is more stable and less inclined to disconnect, consequently providing a safer line of sight for towing control. In fact, the gooseneck hitch is also taken for simplicity and instead of offering more stability than the fifth wheel hitch, it might be the safer way to go for you, especially if this is your first time towing heavy loads. Being a starter camper owner calls for you to analyze how often you are planning to tow the camper and the confidence with either kind of system. Furthermore, it is also noteworthy how the hitch system might affect the mechanical steering system of the truck, concerning the addition of the weight on the bed and the resultant vehicle dynamics and steering response. Ascertain your truck being duly equipped so as to cut the risk of accidents.