Scamp Trailer Weights

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Greg A
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Scamp Trailer Weights

It seems of late we're getting lots of questions about pulling Scamp Travel Trailers with various tow vehicles.  I've started adding to our resources the current Scamp Travel Trailer Specifications and floor plans for referral.  There has been a persistent rumor on 13 Scamps that they weigh 950lbs dry and while that was probably true at some point back in the 1970's with a stripped down standard Scamp, they generally weigh more in the 1200lbs and up depending on what options and modifications have been added.

We weighed our 1981 13 Scamp in 2009, fully loaded for 30 days out on our San Diego to Washington trip, on the Oregon scales late one night and it came in at just over 1700 lbs. (Tip: Oregon leaves their digital scales on overnight or at least they did in 2009)

Here are the new Scamp 13 Spec/Floor plan pages that have been added. This is the information currently listed by the Scamp Trailer manufacturer.  (These can also be found on the menu under Resources--Buy New Scamp--)

13 Scamp Standard Travel Trailer Specifications and Floor Plans

13 Scamp Deluxe Travel Trailer Specifications and Floor Plans

While tow capacity is important on your tow vehicle you must also consider hitch weight, hitch height, and wheel base as well as the GVWR as well in determining whether you can pull a trailer with your vehicle.  Towing a trailer can be very dangerous, and while towing sometimes can be accomplished with a vehicle, we would highly recommend towing safely and within the published limits of the tow vehicle.

I'll be adding the floor plans and specifications for the Scamp 16 and Scamp 19 in the days ahead to the resources.

 

Flyboyscamp
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Scamp towing

Yes indeed, the appropriate tow vehicle is essential for safe and proper towing. This is why we are upgrading our Ford Escape to a beefier 6 cylinder model, to tow our Scamp 16.

<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>

scampbellj
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2.5l Outback as a tow vehicle?

I have a Jeep Wrangler but will be purchasing an Outback for my wife.  Do you guys think it can pull my 13 footer?

Jay Campbell
Proud Scamper

Bob and Beth
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Towing with Outback 2.5i

Last week I drove 3800 from NC to Backus MN and back for delivery of a Scamp 13. My outback was great! I got 30 mpg going up driving 65 to 70 mph.Towing the Scamp comming back it was 18 mpg at 60 to 65 mph. I was aware I had a load because engine was running around 3000 rpm vs the usual 2000. There was no sway at all which surprised me. There was some bouncing on bad roads. Smooth ones were great. I was definately a happy camper.

If we found that we wanted to do long cross country trips I would think about a larger vehicle to cary more stuff but maybe we will learn to do a good job of minimalist  packing. I am very happy with the 18 mpg at 60 t0 65 mph and the ride of the Outback. Their are just two of us so keeping weight even using the back seat area may help.  

Bob

 

Bob and Beth

2014 S-13 (del 6/23/14) "Little Dude"
2013 Subaru Outback 2.5i

rfklapper
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Towing with Outback 2.5

We towed our Scamp 13 from Green Bay to Portland OR.  You really don't know it's behind you until you're in the mountains.  Gas milage drops to 18-19 at 60 and the rpms go up some.  We were really pleased at how well it towed behind our Outback. 

ManWithaVan
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Matching the Tow Vehicle to the Trailer

Note: I decided to repost this comment from another thread because this thread is being read more often and this is such a very important subject...

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...

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 !!!!

PS: The 2009 CRV is limited to 1500 lbs Towing Capacity

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

ManWithaVan
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Towing vs Towing Safely

Note: I decided to repost this comment (by Greg A)  from another thread because this thread is being read more often and this is such a very important subject...

BTW, Greg makes an important point regarding your Insurance.

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. surprise

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.

Greg

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale.com 
1996 13 Scamp
2005 Escape 17B
 2007 Nissan Titan

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

ManWithaVan
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Weighing Your Scamp Trailer

Note: I decided to repost this comment from another thread because this thread is being read more often and this is such a very important subject...

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 click on the "How to Weigh" tab.

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

ManWithaVan
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Cat Scales Update

Hey Everybody,

I just weighed my rig at the local Cat Scales and they only charged me $10.

What a Deal !!!!

Happy Scamping !!!

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

PhilipG
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while not disagreeing iwth

while not disagreeing iwth any of hte above, I am very comfortabel towing my 13 footer (1999 model) with my 2000 modle Jeep Wrangler. straight six with a five speed. I do how ever do the foloowing:

1. aded brakes to the scamp

2. no water or propane tanks

3. 25 lb of towels and shets. period

4.no more clothes than witll fit in a wal mart bag

5.dry food only.

6.I use only a tablet for internet and reading, no TV

7. Portapotti with about 3 gal. of water on  board

 

and that is it.

Tows super straight. I keep my speed to about 55. I don't drive on the Interstates. I would want a bigger rig for interstate travel. PG

ManWithaVan
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Towing within your Rated Capacity.

Dear Phillip:

You should be comfortable pulling your Scamp.

Based on your 6cyl engine and a 2000lb. rated Towing Capacity (2000 jeep w/6cyl per Edmunds.com) you are towing well within the specs for your vehicle.

Your decision to add (or buy with) Brakes is a NO BRAINER, in my opinion. You need to Stop and Control the Tow Vehicle and the Trailer needs to Stop and Follow the Tow Vehicle. Without Brakes the Trailer will Push the Tow Vehicle or, Sway/Swerve the Tow Vehicle during an Emergency Stop (or Evasive Maneuver).

You might consider weighing your Scamp to give you peace-of-mind that your self-imposed weight limitations could be loosened a bit to make your Scamping experiences more enjoyable.

After All, there's nothing quite like a good steak cooked out in the woods !!!!

Happy Scamping !!!

 

 

 

As Always,

Happy Scamping !!!

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