I am looking at buying a 13 scamp and driving to Minnesota to get it. Never hauled a trailer before but I'm confident that won't be an issue. What I am wondering is what I need to do to be prepared when I go to pick up the scamp. I have a 2000 Ford expedition 4X4 Eddie Bauer with tow package.
So I opened the tow parts package that came with my vehicle. It has a few things in it:
1) A wiring harness I'll call it that I can see is for electric brakes, i.e. the vehicle is equipped on the drivers side with a plug there that I can see this harness will plug into and then connect to a brake controller. Great - looks easy enough for me to hook up or have them throw in at a shop for me.
2) It has two "relays" that I guess I put in an electronic box in my engine compartment. It says something about the trailer lights, etc. not working if I don't put those in. Again, it's a great map they have that shows where to put them and they appear to just plug in. What are these? I'm assuming it's basically the part that makes the electrical connection between the vehicle and the trailer so the trailer wiring works?
3) It has a 7 prong connector that plugs into the back of my Expeditiion. Once again, I can see how it plugs in, gave it a shot and it works. Once I do plug it in, the other end of it, i.e. the end not plugged into my tow vehicle, has 3 'holes" side by side that look a lot like the hole on your phone you would plug an earphone jack into. They are labled as RH stop turn, LH stop/turn, and Running Lamps. next to those three is what I'll call a male connector that is labeled "ground". So is there something else I need to buy or do on this piece in order for it to be ready when I roll into the scamp factory? i.e. does the scamp come with some kind of connection cord to connect the trailer into this part that will be connected to my tow vehicle, or do I need to buy some kind of cord to attach to this part that will then plug into the scamp?
4) FInally what else do I need to bring to hook the Tow vehicle to the scamp? I.e. I know I need safety chains, are those included with the scamp or do I need to bring those myself.
Thanks! Sorry these are such basic questions, I just don't know how all this stuff hooks together!
OK I just realized the last item I was describing is actually a 7 prong to 4 prong adapter so I wouldn't use it. So does the scamp come with a cord that is connected into the scamp that then has a 7 prong connector on the other end to plug into my tow vehicle?
I can help with a few. I had a 1997 f150 and installed a Tekonsha brake controller. It came from e-trailer and I also bought a cable from them that just plugged in on both ends with no wiring needed and did not use the Ford wiring harness in the kit.
Mine already had the relays installed. They allow a small control wire to switch the relay that will in turn control the higher current load.
I think all of the Scamps now have the large round 7 pin connectors. You will not need that adaptor with the 4 wire hookup. It is for smaller trailers with out brakes.
The safety chains are part of the trailer. DO you have someone nearby that will let you hook to theirs* to check out the hookup before you drive to Backus? Good luck. And can anyone add to this or fill in the blanks??
*It need not be a Scamp, you could plug in a 35' 5th wheel and the wiring would be the same.
Something you did not mention was your hitch and ball. Check out the posting on Scamp hitch heights to determine if you will need a "drop down" hitch to tow the Scamp level. Also be certain you have the correct size ball.
The Scamp has an "umbilical" cord attached to it that plugs into your 7-pin connector that powers the trailer lights and brakes.
Take a tire gauge and check the tire pressure before getting on the highway. While you are at it, make certain the lug nuts are tight.
I would suggest you have a pair of wheel chocks for the trailer along with a set of pads to set under the tongue jack and stabilizers.
Have a safe trip and congratulations on your new Scamp !!!!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!