We are in the exploratory phase, thinking about a 16 layout 6. Our Toyota Tacoma is rated for 3500 pounds and I guess we would be pushing right up against that with trailer, cargo, etc. Just wondering if anyone has any experience with this arrangement, especially for extended travel time. Thanks.
Mon, 11/09/2015 - 14:07
#1
scamp 16 and 4cyl tacoma
I am in the same boat (actually Tacoma) as you are. I have a 4cyl Tacoma which I dearly love and I am thinking about moving up to a 16' Scamp. From what I have been told by the Scamp people, I should be well within the Tacoma's towing capacity. I am currently towing a 13' UHaul and the Tacoma does fine, except on steep inclines.
Obviously, the v6 would be a better TV.
Thanks for the confirmation. "Stay off the mountains" would seem to be the message.
A word of caution! I feel the 16 is demanding of a 6 cylinder! The weights come close to 2000 pounds when loaded. We had a 4 cylinder Ford Escape and it would in no way tow our 16. The newer 6 cylinder model does this admirably. Be careful about towing with a 4 cylinder.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Our Tacoma (2016 2.7L) does just fine with our 13' but the weight (scale certified) is about 1600 lbs, loaded to go. We could well move up to a 16' in the coming years, don't know. What I do know is this. The Scamp 16' in the real world is often going to weigh 2200 pounds (some even higher) and we will still have extra gear inside the truck and under the tonneau in the bed. It just all adds up. The 4 cyl Tacoma doesn't come with a factory tow package (the V-6 does) and there's a reason. The truck itself is no longer light. Add passengers and gear and there just isn't residual power to climb long or steep grades when towing.
If we do move up to a 16' we would also upgrade the truck. No worries, really, Tacoma's return the highest resale percentage of ANY vehicle in the US.
We have a 2015 Nissan Frontier 4 cy. 2.5, 5 speed stick with a canopy that is rated at up to 3500 lb. tow weight. We had a Scamp 13' (about 1300 lb. loaded) and moved up to a 16 (about 2200 lb. loaded).
We love the way the 13 towed and were worried about the wight of the 16. But guess what? The 16 tows exactly the same as the 13. If it was dark out and someone hooked me up to either a 13 or a 16, I would have a hard time figuring out which model I was towing.
My truck is a stick shift, yours in an auto...I don't know if that makes any difference but your truck has a larger motor, more h.p more torque and you reach your maximum torque at 600 r.p.ms sooner than mine. I would think your truck should be much better at towing than mine.
I have to use my gears to make up for my lower hp and higher revving engine. If I am driving back roads I usually use 3rd and 4th gear.
We usually run in 5th on the freeway at 65 mph if the ground is flat, any upgrade and I shift down to 4th. If it gets steeper, (big hills and mt. passes) I will shift int into 3rd and try to keep my speed close to 60 mph or above. Maximum torque is at 4400 r.p.ms about 64 mph in 3rd.
This motor loves the higher r.p.ms. It is more like a Japanese car or motorcycle than like a truck engine.
If there is a sharp curve and I have to slow down to 40 mph. on an upgrade, I totally don't have enough torque to get rolling again in 3rd. But no problem, just hit 2nd gear and rev it up to 50 or 55 and put it back in 3rd.
Sometimes I have to do a lot of shifting, but it gets the job done.
We had our 13' Scamp for 12 years and loved it. Our new 16' is a side dinette model and much much bigger inside with gobs of storage and a bathroom. We are very glad we moved up to the 16. We sold our 13 in the middle of September to the 1st person that called about it. We had lots of calls.
If you get a 16 check the height of the floor at the door...you will probably need to order the step.
Also you may need the wheel that goes on the bottom of the trailer jack. If you don't get it you may not be able to jack your trailer up high enough to put the tongue on the trailer hitch ball. The wheel is 6" tall and allows you to raise the trailer tongue an additional 4" higher
Dave
I've been towing my 16' Scamp layout 4 with my 2013 Subaru Outback 4cyl for a year now without a hiccup (13,800 miles). Perhaps the Subaru CVT (continuously variable transmission) is key. Also, I pay attention to what I tote along with me and do not exceed the speed limit, which in most states, especially California, is 55 when towing anything. At the risk of sounding like a cliche maybe it's because being retired allows me to enjoying the journey as well as the destination. Recently I traveled down Hwy 101 from Bandon, Oregon to Paso Robles, California and yes, many travel trailers were being towed at 65+ mph. One had acquired the attention of the CHP and was receiving an official document.:)
Evaluating if my Subaru was the right tow vehicle required a lot of time and effort and now a year later, I’m satisfied with my decision. However, every rig combination is unique. The upmost criteria is the vehicle tow capacity and what you pack. I’m a solo traveler who thankfully does not require much to travel. During this past year I’ve eliminated many items I originally thought I needed. Yeah, another of my favorite cliches, less is more! I will admit that if I had it to do over again, I probably would by th 6cly Subaru just to eliminate the concern about extra sporting gear weight.
Happy Scampin
Krestine
We tow with a 6 cyl Ford Escape, and I would never attempt to tow with anything under a 6 cylinder. Weights are just too much for a 4.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
According to the Subaru specifications and every authorized service department I've used during the past year my 4cyl Subaru is more than adequate to tow my Scamp. Just had 60K mile service with not an issue and still running like a well maintained top. Really, one does not have to have a pickup truck to safely tow a travel trailer. Many, many factors come into the equation, not the lease of which is driving habits.
Happy Scamping
Krestine
Yes, no matter the speed limit, I am generally 5 under. I let others go, and stay in the right or center lane. Since getting my anti sway hitch on, towing is now just great. Glad the 4 cylinder is working out well for you.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Our Nissan Frontier with the 4 cyl. 2.5 engine and standard trans does well with our Scamp 13. We do have to shift a lot at times. I call that driving !!! On a 5,000 mile trip from Maine to Florida and back we averaged 20 MPG. Pretty good we think.
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