A friend is interested in purchasing our 2006 16' Scamp. They took it out for a drive and said the suspension was not keeping the Scamp stable. It has not been used in over a year (We've actually used it very little because of health issues.) and has been parked and maintained outdoors but is otherwise like new. Is this something that needs immediate attention by a professional or does it just need some maintenance we may have overlooked. Not sure I would know where to look for an issue. Thanks for any help.
Diana
Make sure that the trailer is NOT loaded too heavily behind the axle. It MUST have 8 to 10 percent of the trailer's loaded weight on the drawbar or it will be very squirrely going down the road.
Bob D
2005 13' Scamp "Lil Critter"
Brenda, AZ
Thank you for your response. Good to know. It was empty except for some linens and a foam mattress on the bed when they took it out for a trial drive. Maybe there wasn't enough weight on the drawbar.
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
Are the propane tanks full/ installed also is the battery installed since it has been stored. With dual propane tanks and battery the tongue weight should be around 250 lbs. or greater. You should be able to verify your tongue weight with a bath scale (non glass). Also is your water tank empty. With a 2006 trailer your axle should be good. Check your tires for low pressure and age stamp.
Eddie
Good Points. There is only one tank and it was empty. No water in the water tanks. I'll check on the tires but I think they are fine since we having used them since they were last serviced.
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
Did they say what they meant by the term "not stable"? They may see some slight rocking back and forth side to side as they go down the road, but that's because Scamps and Casitas don't normally have shock absorbers to dampen the roll. If they mean that it was swaying, then that is usually a symptom of not enough tongue weight or too much speed. Their is some good advice in the posts above.
John Dave
John/Dave and Marilyn Haggerty
2005 Scamp 16 standard side dinette
04 Dodge Dakota Quad cab 4.7
17 Dodge Durango 3.6
19 Ford Ranger Supercrew Ecoboost
Thank you. Frankly I think this was the problem. Yes, I always find great advice on this site.
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)