I just bought a 2002 16 ft Deluxe. I pulled it home 212 miles. My hitch was 15 inches high on my uplander van. The trailer, 21 inch high The van sank 3 inch more when I hooked up. I weight 220 and can stand on the hitch and it only goes down about an inch or so. I think the tongue weight must be well over 300. I’m getting a 500 lb equalizing hitch. Does any one use a equalizer on a 16 foot deluxe? By the way I got 14 MPG average.
Fri, 09/12/2014 - 18:20
#1
new Hitch
This sounds like your Trailer is WAY Out-of-Balance !!
Your Tongue Weight is WAY Too Heavy !
Before you spend your money on a new hitch, which will only mask your underlying problem, you should determine exactly why your trailer is so Out-of-Balance. According to the Scamp Specs (listed under Resources) your Max tongue weight should be 225lbs.
I would investigate the following...
Check the tires, are they the correct size (based on Factory Specs)? Are they properly inflated?
Check the trailer for anything which would cause an obvious load imbalance. Did the previous Owner modify the trailer by adding a heavy alteration to the front end (2 x 4 wall, built-in entertainment center, a bookcase built with concrete blocks and wood planks)? Did the previous Owner remove any thing from the rear of the trailer which would make it lighter?
After you check out the above items, find a "Cat Scale" in your area and weigh your trailer (see link below) it only cost me $10 to weigh mine. Next, take your trailer to a hitch shop and ask them to weigh your tongue for you.
http://www.scampcamper.com/forums/scamp-trailer-weights (Note: scroll to "Weighing Your Trailer")
Now that you have your trailer weight and an accurate tongue weight, you can solve your actual problem (or problems).
Your first actual problem is that the hitch on your van is too low, it needs to be raised up 7 or 8 inches just to begin to pull your Scamp level (this could be contributing to the "Heavy Tongue" you are experiencing).
By the way, if you do decide to go with a Weight Distributing Hitch, I really like the design of the Reese "Steadi Flex" system for light weight trailers like the Scamp.
Here is a link to view the system:
http://www.etrailer.com/Weight-Distribution/Reese/66557.html
I hope this helps, please let us know what you find out and how you solved this issue.
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
As Always,
Happy Scamping !!!
The hitch is on it's way Pro Series 49901 Complete Weight Distribution Kit
This trailer has a heavy duty battery. 1LP tank , power lift jack, no water in the tank. I needed a new hitch anyway to get the 21 inch height. Remember the saying, (a fool and his money shall soon part)
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
Just wondering how the Pro Series 49901 worked out. I am thinking I may get one.
Russ & Cindy
2015 Scamp 16 Layout 4
Toyota Rav 4 6cyl
The Weight Distribution hitch is working just fine. I just bought a new tow vehicle and had to adjust the ball height to 3 inches lower it took 5 minutes. The only thing I had to do to the trailer was relocate the LP regulator 3 inches back so the trailer chain hook would fit on the left side.
The kit comes with everything you need except the 2” ball. You will need a 2” ball with a 1 ¼” shank. It also has a sway bar kit. What is nice about it is you can load you car and trailer any way you want. Your whole outfit stays level. It also keeps weight on the front wheels of the FWD vehicle. I have no regrets in buying it.
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
Here is a better view
2002. 16ft Deluxe layout A
2015 Chevy Traverse LT 3.6L
Thanks, I have been looking at a lot of different WDHs and was glad to find someone that owned the hitch I was looking at. There seems to be a wide range of prices and I didn't want to regret buying the Pro Series 49901. Again Thanks!
Russ & Cindy
2015 Scamp 16 Layout 4
Toyota Rav 4 6cyl