Hi all,
We were interested in scaling up to a 16' Deluxe (Model A) from our current 13' model (we're realizing the need for additional space / bathroom). We currently have a Toyota Venza V6 with tow package with a 3500 lb towing capacity / 350 lb tongue weight. It tows the 13' very well.
The V6 Venza has the same engine as the Toyota Sienna, and I've read from other forum members that they've successfully towed 16's without issue. That said, I've looked at 'trailer weights in the real world', and see that we are looking at a borderline situation for a Scamp Deluxe (say 2600-2800 lbs unloaded).
With clothes, food, gear, etc. for 2 adults and 2 kids, we're edging up there. What are your experiences / opinions on this. Should we change our TV to something more robust, like a 5000 lb towing capacity?
Thanks for your thoughts.
It will probably handle the trailer Ok with two occupants, but four occupants and gear your probably exceeding payload. Take a pic of the sticker on your drivers side door frame which should list the weights, etc and post it.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Thanks Greg... good suggestion. here's the door panel specs. what do you think?
GVWR=5270 less curb weight 4045 payload = 1225 lbs less tongue weight Scamp 16 Deluxe 250 = 975lb payload remaining. Now you have to weigh all four occupants and subtract that from the 975 and you'll see if you can carry anything else in the Toyota.
With a loaded 16 Deluxe you'll be approaching 3000+ so you probably aren't leaving much margin on towcapacity or payload.
Just me personally, while it might pull it, I wouldn't look to tow the 16 Deluxe without something beefier. The four occupants pushes you up pretty tight on bringing any gear in the truck and if you put that stuff in the trailer you start running the weight up on it. If you have a family dog going along your payload numbers get even more marginal.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Thanks Greg. I appreciate the sound advice. We'll likely save to upgrade to a new TV as part of the plan.
This isn't the excellent math answer Greg A posted previously, but for what it's worth for a comparison, I pull a 16' with a Tacoma V6 / 6 sp manual. It has no problems pulling on the flat at any legal speed (75 here in WY) , but add wind or mountain conditions, and the truck is working considerably harder than normal. If you can't accept that your max speed under other than flat conditions will be 60-ish, and dismal fuel economy, you might want to consider a bigger TV. I've driven a variety of vehicles and trailers over the years, and this is about the smallest vehicle drivetrain I'd hook up to a 16' Scamp and consider it reliable.