I just joined SOI, I'm new to trailer camping (have tent camped my entire life) and I ordered my 13 foot Scamp two days ago. There's so much good information on this site I'm a bit overwhelmed so please bear with me. My trailer is pretty basic; no AC, furnace or bathroom. I went with the 45-inch bed, water heater, awning and extra cabinet plus a few other small things (extra interior light, outlet, etc) but nothing that would add weight. I'll be pulling it with a 2000 Chevrolet S10 pickup, automatic, 4x4 that's in immaculate condition with 48,6000 miles. The bumper hitch will be replaced with a receiver hitch. My two questions are: 1) Do I need trailer brakes? 2) Do I need sway control? Thanks in advance for any help / suggestions you can share!
Most I know of don't have them. I did not order them on my 13 footer. I live in the Mountains of the West not hills like the mid-West so I travel steep winding roads. I decided that after several years I wanted brakes before going on my Alaska trip, it being the longest trip with unknowns, to that date. I could always feel the Scamp pushing my Jeep while braking, I don't notice that anymore since adding the brakes.
My Scamp is fully loaded with exception of the bathroom. I carry my mountain bike on the back plus the fresh water tank is always full. I had sway when picking up speed going down mountains gaining speed up to around 60 mph. Lots of sway has to do with weight distribution, obviously I was tail heavy. I added an anti-sway bar. Oh yes, sway is also caused by speed. I generally travel 55/60 mph while out on relatively flat highways, not risking higher speeds. About 7 years ago I added a box which holds the generator and propane tank to the tongue of the Scamp. I notice with the added weight of the generator and box that the Scamp rides great without the anti-sway bar.
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168
Like Joy,we did not order the brakes or sway with our 2015 13ft Scamp,we live in the west and like she said,we have mountains,not hills and we never did have any problems at all,and I drive a little faster,never over 70 but do do the speed limits unless they go above that,have never had a problem.Everyone will have differant ideas,this is just mine
Launey and Earlene
Very helpful information. Thank you Joy and Earlene.
MLB54
I always thought I never needed a anti sway device, until I began to tow our 16 all over the place. I routinely noticed sway as I changed lanes or abruptly moved back into my lane. It swayed uncomfortably. Now we have a anti sway hitch and it was not at all expensive. It now tows straight as an arrow with absolutely no sway!
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Can that be rigged with a 8 onch rise on the ball?
Yes, the bar can be connected to any size as it attaches to the ball of the hitch, and the arm of the V coming off the trailer.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Could you enlarge the pic and give a link to the make and model?
Vehcile is a 2012 Ford Escape, 6 cylinder model. I cannot make the picture any bigger. If you have a iPad and can view this site, you can enlarge with the sweep of your fingers. Its about a $55.00 sway bar and installation was some welding and it was rather inexpensive. RV shop did it all.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
It would be a good idea to have the trailer brakes. Depending on where you want to go, a few states in the east require brakes on trailers over 1000 lb, more states in the West want brakes if over 1500 lb etc. Check the state rules as to where you want to travel. When we ordered the trailer I asked and was told the weight of the 13 foot was 1220 lb. but we weigh 1530 or more depending on the load. Note that we have a stripped Scamp 13 (no water,no AC, no toilet, no awning) but We have the brakes and the sway bar.
Yes, we have trailer brakes and a controller under the dash. Trailer brakes work great!
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
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