Measured the tongue weight on our new to us 2010 Scamp 16' standard layout 4. Fresh water tank about 2/3 full, otherwise empty. We are targeting a tongue weight of 200 pounds or so.
At level the weight was just short of 230 pounds. I then stood on the rear bumper (all 180 pounds of me) and Michelle said the weight was 110 pounds. I said "are you sure it is not 210?" Then she stood on the bumper (quite a feat in itself!!) and I read 130 pounds. I was surprised at how much that rear weight changed the tongue weight. Probably means no bikes on the back of the Scamp.
The good news is we can manage our packing load to reach the 200 pound goal. We will have to be careful and I will weight the tongue before departing.
So does this mean Michelle will be strapped to the rear bumper when towing??
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Strapped is the operative word!!
<p>Roger and Michelle</p>
Checked the tongue weight before heading out for our first weekend trip. It was at 174 pounds with the trailer loaded so I "assumed" all was okay. About 20 miles down the highway I noticed a slight but disconcerting sway of the trailer. We stopped and moved some of the load from the back of the trailer and put it over the wheels. It was smooth sailing from then on!! Good lesson for future trips!!
<p>Roger and Michelle</p>
Having the camper sway on you is a scary thing. Carrying all that water in the back is doing much good for the tongue weight. You don't need to carry all that water a long distance. Get water closer to your destination or better yet at the campground. At 8 pounds a gallon it makes a significant difference. Don't forget if you got your holding tank filled with liquid, get rid of most of it before your motor. I carry a five gallon fresh water container in the front bath to add weight to the tongue.
Take an adventure while you can!
Thanks for your insight. I find it is easy to get focused on one item (tongue weight) and not look at the big picture. I am sure I will learn new things with every trip we take!!
<p>Roger and Michelle</p>
We have a brand new 13 with a big bed. Our problem is getting enough weight to the rear. The tongue weight when normally packed (light food and clothes in the closets, empty tanks) is 250 pounds. We need to get it down to 200 for our Outback. We end up throwing whatever is available on the bed and if that doesn't work, adding fresh water to the tank. Any suggestions?
Clyde & Cecile Bentley - C2B2
Is the trailer setting level or is it nosing down on the hitch? If it's level, then you need to shift some weight around. Drag it empty over to the truck scales like they have at the Kingdom City exit and get it weighed empty. It could be your just need to load one side and not the other. Anything you can get on top or just behind the axle will help, but if you are front heavy you will be able to see that from the measurements. You may need to start packing everything in bins that are stored beneath the table while traveling, and setup once parked.
If nosing down, you might need to change your receiver to a flat one or flip it over for a slight lift.
I am at exit 222 and would love a chance to see your new baby if you would like to show it off. Columbia is not that much of a drive for me. Hint, hint.
Air
We are on the road in Colorado, but I'll have to make a point of getting to St. Peters or having you by when you are in Columbia. It would be fun to have a mini gathering of Missouri Scampers. I know of at least four in Columbia and the friend who gave us the "bug" is in KC.
I use a small bathroom scale between two 2x6 blocks holding up the front jack. My hitch is slightly elevated. There is a noticable improvement in towability when I get the tongue weight between 195 and 225. But that usually means putting a lot of gear on or under the bed. I'm considering a box that fits on the bike rack adapter on the back bumper. It would be nice to more easily use those closets in the front.
I will, however, try the truck scale.How would I tell the need to load one side or another? Shouldn't that just balance at the axle?
Clyde
Clyde & Cecile Bentley - C2B2
Those roadside scales run by the troopers are to detect overweight and badly balanced loads. They will make truckers move things around to balance the weight. A paid truck scale would be able to tell you if your rig is not balanced. Chances are, most of your weight is on the drivers side and if you load it with most of the added weight on the curb side you might be able to balance it better and take some of the tongue weight off.
Air
Remove one tank, dual regulator and tank tray. You will need to order single tank straps, single tank regulator and regulator mounting bracket . You can reuse your hoses, Not hard to do. Get a vented battery box and put it under rear dinette. If you have a goucho take out the seat back/ bunk you won't miss it it's pretty heavy. Then the wife can buy some pillows.
Eddie
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