Does anyone have actual experience towing a 13' Scamp (or similar trailer) with a 2009 Honda CRV? I know that is pushing it in terms of safety, but I'm sure I've seen pictures of that combination. I hate to comporomise miles per gallon by buying a bigger vehicle, since I can't afford to own more than 1 vehicle plus the trailer. Am I dreaming of something beyond the realm of possibility? Thanks, Judy
Mon, 07/07/2014 - 20:19
#1
crv and scamp
Towing a Trailer is Serious Business with Serious Safety Implications for you, your Family, and other Motorists !
Just because you can get your tow vehicle to move the trailer out of the driveway and onto the Public Streets Does Not Mean You Are Doing it SAFELY !!!
Your question about anyone else being able to tow a Scamp 13 (or similar camper) with a Honda CRV is absoutely the WRONG Question to ask. Because, their CRV may have had a Factory Tow Package installed which could have included a Beefier Spring Package, A Transmission Cooler, a slightly Different Transmission model than your vehicle, and even things as simple as a higher output Alternator to handle the increased demands of charging the Trailer Battery while traveling.
Your answer can be found in the Towing Specifications for YOUR Vehicle and ONLY Your Specific Vehicle. This information can be found in your Owners Manual or you can contact your Dealer for information on your Exact Vehicle.
Think of it this way, an empty Factory Scamp weighs 3/4 of a ton, loaded for a trip you will be pulling (and STOPPING) close to a full ton behind your little Honda. In other words, Your Trailer will weigh almost as much as your Honda CRV.
As far as the economics of keeping your fuel efficient Honda and not wanting to trade-up to a bigger vehicle goes, I think you are looking at False Economics. Your 4 cylinder will be working it's little butt off trying to pull a trailer and propel the CRV at the same time, so, your fuel economy will drop significantly (50% +/-) while towing and the added strain on the engine, transmission and electrical systems could cause you increased repair costs (big $$$).
By-the-way, I checked Honda's website and the towing capacity for all new models of the CRV's is 1,500 lbs., that's the weight of an EMPTY Scamp 13 coming from the Factory floor.
If you want a practical example of the problems of towing a Scamp 13 with a small engine, read Gary Lee's blog about his Alaska trip in the "Travel Corner" section of this website.
http://www.scampcamper.com/forums/alaska-trip-pros-cons-scamp-blog-infor...
If you do decide to tow a Scamp I strongly recommend you get a Transmission oil cooler installed on your CRV (if not already installed).
As far as you Dreaming beyond the realm of possibility, I don't think so. You may simply need to prepare differently for your Scamp Adventures yet to come.
If you determine that your CRV's Towing Capacity is limited to 1,500 lbs (like the new CRVs) your 2009 CRV still has Great Value, you can easily trade up to a different model (and/or make) with a larger Towing Capacity. If you purchase a vehicle with a Factory installed Tow package remember there are several upgrades included with the Tow Package that may not be visible from the outside, i.e.: Transmission Cooler, Plug-N-Play Brake Controller Wire Harness, larger Radiator, higher capacity Alternator, Beefier Suspension, etc. (features vary by Make and Model).
Trading up to a vehicle with a Factory installed, Tow Package would not cost much more than preparing your existing vehicle to tow a trailer. Considering the costs involved with installing a "Receiver Hitch", Wiring harness, Transmission Cooler, etc. you could easily justify a trade-in/trade-up to a better tow vehicle.
Good Luck and...
Happy Scamping !!!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
I've seen folks tow these lil trailers with almost anything over the years, but as the post above states, not always is it safe. The biggest consideration outside of the safety factor for all involved is the Insurance Company. Claims are getting increasingly difficult to settle and if you knowingly exceed the specifications of your vehicle towing capacity it could give them an "out" if something were to happen. We don't recommend here on the forum ever to tow outside your vehicle specifications, even if they make different claims in Europe.
Just an FYI, our 1981 Scamp 13 when we were out for a month weighed in with gear at almost 1800 lbs. Each Scamp will weigh out differently based on the options that have been added to the Scamp and whether water and propane tanks are full. You'll see some claims out there that the 13 Scamp weighs under a 1000lbs, but I've never met one of those Scamps unless it was just the shell. Scamp travel trailers lists out the standard 13 at 1200-1500 lbs dry weight (without gear, propane or water loaded) depending on options. The Deluxe Scamp 13 is listed at 1300-1600lbs dry weight. Water is 8lbs per gallon @ 20 gal tank 160 lbs + Propane and you are at or over 1500 lbs before adding clothes, food, etc.
For all SOI members it is a very good idea to weigh your trailer loaded if you get an opportunity just so you are aware of how much weight you actually have back there. Some gatherings will weigh your trailer, I know the Bandon, OR gathering had a fellow that would bring scales every year and weigh it for you. He would also figure out your tongue weight as well, which is an additional factor in towing safely. Also, some states like OR leave their digital scales on 24/7 and you can pull in after hours and weigh which is what we did that year.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
As suggested, you should weigh your trailer at least once so you will know what YOUR Trailer weighs (preferably loaded).
This can be done easily by finding a commercial scale. One of the biggest and most convenient Scale Operators is "Cat Scale", the nearest location can be found by going to their website and entering a Zip Code (there are three scales close to me).
http://www.catscale.com/
These are "State Certified" scales and they only cost $14 ( according to their Website ).
The more you know, the Safer You, and Your Family, will be on the road.
Stay Safe and...
Happy Scamping !!!
PS: I just verified that Cat Scales can weigh your Tow Vehicle and Trailer. They can weigh any configuration (Class A, Truck and Trailer, Truck and 5th Wheel, Class A with a towed Automobile, etc.).
For more info go to Cat Scales website (link above) and ckick on the "How to Weigh" tab.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
I decided to research your CRV's towing capacity.
According to Edmunds.com, your 2009 Honda CRV has a Towing Capacity of 1,500 lbs.
This matches the Towing Capacity of the new 2014 CRVs.
One of the reviews I read on your 2009 CRV indicated that the Toyota RAV-4 with a 6 cyl engine gets "Almost Identical" gas mileage as your CRV but the RAV-4 has a Towing Capacity of 3,500 lbs.
Read the full review here:
http://suvs.about.com/od/honda/fr/09_HondaCRVTB.htm
I think that you could Trade in/Trade up to a more capable tow vehicle without spending too much money if you really shop around for a GOOD Deal.
Please let us know how your quest turns out.
As always, Stay Safe and...
Happy Scamping !!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
I'll let you know in a few weeks when I pick my brand new 13ft up at the factory with my 2013 CRV. I'm not too worried about the weight. I think if I were planning long trips over mountains and I need to pack a lot of things, I would trade-in the CRV for something else. Maybe when I retire.
Let me know how it goes.
Judy Coon and Golden Zoey
about to hit the open road