We have been retired for a while and decided we needed a camper. Lots of looking and research brought us to the Scamp. We bought a used 2006 16' Scamp with a Layout 6 last week. It was used twice and is essentially like new. It sat in a carport and had regular upkeep. We replaced the tires, had the brakes checked and packed the wheel bearings. However, we do not have a tow vehicle. From what I gather here in the Forum, we should consider a V6. It'll just be the two of us and Daisy, a 54 lb.Goldendoodle. We are looking to buy something used and considering a Subaru Outback or something similar. We live in the northwest so there will be some elevations to pull through. I'd love some recommendations for a used tow vehicle. We are very excited to get started but we have time to find just the right affordable vehicle. ANY advice of any kind will be appreciated. Thank you!
Tue, 08/02/2016 - 14:56
#1
New to Scamping But No Tow Vehicle Yet
Since your options are wide open, here are a few things I would consider:
First, don't look for a close match in towing capacity; in other words get much more towing capability than you need. Too often people try to match a heavy trailer to an undersized Tow Vehicle.
Second, consider how far from home you will be traveling; there aren't too many Subaru dealers in the middle of Wyoming or Montana, if you need repairs you may be in trouble. You are much more likely to find a Ford or Chevy dealer almost everywhere around the country.
Don't discount the convenience of a pickup truck (with crew cab); a covered truck bed makes a great place to store a generator or extra comforts for camping or recreating while on the road.
While Gas Mileage is a consideration, it should not be the deciding factor. A pickup truck with a V6 engine is almost as economical as a little Subaru. Consider exactly how many miles you will be traveling and factor a few miles per gallon difference and you will find out that the actual costs of a few mpg is more affordable than you might think.
With your Large Goldendoodle, I would seriously look into a Van as a tow vehicle; more comfort for both you and Miss Daisy. Additionally, you can use the extra storage space in the van for those comfort items mentioned previously.
Speaking of vans, the newer vans have very good gas mileage and they are built to last.
Consider vans like the Ford Transit Connect or one of the Nissan vans, the Sprint vans could also be an attractive option. I am not suggesting you get a stripped-down Cargo Van, there are several model vans that are finished on the inside complete with rear seats and such.
By-the-way, don't be put-off by a truck or van that has over a 100,000 miles on it, many trucks are just getting broken-in at the 100,000 mile mark.
From our personal experience, we really like the van and trailer combination, it lets us drop the camper and go exploring around the area to visit all the sights while being very comfortable in our van.
Good Luck and keep us informed about your decision; to help others decide on their Tow Vehicle.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
Thank you for your wonderful response. So many things to think about. We had not really wanted a van but having second thoughts on that now. Since we'll be replacing our regular car, we want something we can also use on a daily basis around here, thus the idea of an Outback. Is there one place here that talks about pulling capacity and ease of use of the different pull vehicles?
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
We just finished a 5,500 mile trip from Backus to MT and back to WV including Yellowstone, Big Horns and Black Hills with a 2016 13' and a 2012 Outback V6. The camper's tongue weight is 240 or so pounds with twin propane tanks and standard battery and no water in the tanks. The Outback tongue weight limit is 200lbs. Towing was OK, even in the mountains getting about 18mpg (vs 28 w/o camper). Never went over 60mph. All to say be careful of using the Outback for a TV. It worked for us because we did not want to buy a larger TV, but the Outback is not made to tow anything but a small utility trailer according to three Subaru dealers we talked to to try to get them to install the 7-pin connector. We finally went to an RV dealer to get the 7-pin, but not the charge circuit. There is a company in Backus that does install the full 7-pin connector on an Outback.
billinwv
bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD
Thank you Bill. Sounds like you had a great trip. We love those places but haven't been there in a while. The Outback is looking like less and less of an option. We would be pulling an even heavier load with the 16' but I'm with you in not wanting to buy a larger TV.
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
The main issue with the OB is the tongue weight limit of either the 4 or 6 cyl. is 200 lb. I have only seen one S-16 that had a tongue weight of under 200 lbs. and it did not take much for it to get the trailer and fishtail and sway. A S-13 with elec. brakes can meet the towing specs of an Outback and do an acceptable job towing on flat land. Myself and two other owners of Outback's that have towed S-16's do not recommend towing S-16's with an Outback. If you are going to buy a vehicle buy one that can handle the load with a good safety margin.
Thank you! This pretty much puts the nail on the coffin for an OB for us. Traveling on mountains is already a trying prospect, don't want to add to that. We're still researching the perfect car-like TV. Ideas are still being accepted!
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
we tow with a 6 cylinder Ford Escape and towing in the middle of America it does fine. Our mechanic told us the transmission is a bit on the small side. So, in about 2 years we are getting a Ford F-150 3.5 6 cylinder, with a tow rating in excess of 9000 pounds. The reason we are choosing this is because we are making a western trip when my bride retires. The Ford Escape does fine but not suited for extreme elevation changes, and mountain driving with our 16 ft. Scamp. So, consider a F-150. Huge transmission and get one with a tow package. We are getting ours very late in the year when the new ones are coming in, and getting huge discounts on the older one.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Thank you for your thoughts. By any chance do you travel with a dog? That is one of our concerns. We anticipate somewhat longer trips and I don't think she'll do well in a truck, even with an extended cab. Trading her is not an option. :)
Gary and Diana
2006 16' (New to us 2016)
2010 Ford F-150 (Harley Davidson model)
Our choice to replace the Outback is the Honda Pilot. Has a tow package, transmission cooler (as I remember) and rides like the OB. And its the base for the new Honda Ridgeline pickup. We traveled with the dog and agree the truck is not the best. Anyway, happy searching.
bill & valerie
bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD
We tow our 13 foot Scamp with a 2014 4WD Honda Pilot. It came with the towing package which included a transmission cooler, 7 pin outlet and a 2 inch receiver. The brake controller was easy to install as it plugged into existing wiring under the dash. It tows well (18-19 mpg) and is a comfortable riding car. There is plenty of room in back with the seats folded down.
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