While returning from a wonderful trip we were rear ended by an 18 wheeler in stop and go traffic on I-75 south of Atlanta. The Scamp played a sacrificial role, folding up a bit to save us and our Tacoma (mostly). The truck that hit us belongs to a trucking company in Calgary, Alberta so we have a bit of an international incident which makes an insurance claim interesting. The Scamp will likely be totalled and I've reached out to the folks at Scamp asking for help in coming up with a value. If any of you have any experience detailing with an accident and insurance claims I would be happy to hear from you. In addition to a value I'm also wondering if there might be a market for parts, depending on who winds up owning after the settlement (2007 19' deluxe).
Some of you might be interested to know that the mounting rails in the composite bed of my Tacoma didn't budge and the hitch stayed fastened while the steel box beams on the Scamp buckled. I can't say what another accident might yield but this one erased any doubts I had about the mount. Heck of a way to find out, though.
Sun, 05/07/2023 - 17:59
#1
19 foot Scamp in accident
OMG! Happy to hear and see you two walked away from any crash, but being hit by an 18 wheeler?! We have the 5th wheel/Tacoma setup and have wondered the same thing...again, happy to hear you two are OK
Thanks! We were barely moving and barely felt it in the cab. Our dog didn't even get thrown around. The Scamp literally sacrificed herself, absorbing the force of that heavy tractor trailer. I have examined the bed and can't see any evidence of harm or damage from the rail system or the bed. And the coupler held onto the ball. The flex point was the box beams under the loft bed. I shudder to think what would happen to someone asleep up there if the force had been a little greater.
So sorry for your Scamp, but so happy you're all okay! As a chronic worrier, I often wonder about our safety if we were in collision while towing. It's good to know how safe it kept you.
I’m Mary Hill, the creator of https://oldsouthpaw.com/
My husband, Matthew and I moved into a 13ft Scamp Trailer with our dog, Koda in March 2023. I am still on the road with my tiny family today and happy to share my experiences with you.