Can I do this? Scamp 5th wheel w/ Sierra 1/2 ton P/U

[Steve M K]

I have sent two info requests to Scamp without response, I will call next. My question is whether I can pull the Scamp fifth wheel. I have a 2011 GMC Sierra half ton P/U regular cab, with standard bed. Max tow capacity is rated at 4700 lbs, I have the 4.8 liter V8 with 3.23 axle. I would think weight wise I am ok, but in the trailer towing chart for GM it says this vehicle is not rated for goose neck towing. Is the fifth wheel considered goose neck towing and if I did would I be violating the law and putting myself is some sort of liability. We love out little 13 footer, but need more room as we move into extended camping stays, and thought this might be a way to go.

[Roy in TO]

Historically, Scamp is not known for responses to emails. Phoning is best.

Does the trailer towing chart say your vehicle is OK for 5th wheels?
If so what does GM say?

I received a PM from Brian B-P with respect to another thread on the Scamp 19. If I understand him correctly the hitch is "oddball" as it is not a true gooseneck nor is it a true 5th wheel.

[Steve M K]

Does not say I can not pull a fifth wheel, on the chart for max weights it just says gooseneck trailer N/A. So I am assuming that they do not want this truck pulling a fifth wheel. That being said I think the Scamp fiver is quite a bit different from the conventional fifth wheel.

[Darwin Maring]

We pulled the Scamp 5r with a Chevy S10, V6 with no problem. With your larger truck it should pull like a dream.

[Steve M K]

That is good to hear that a S10 was able to handle this unit. Does anyone have pics of what the Scamp fiver hitch looks like?

[Darwin Maring]

It does not look professional at all. Looks homemade and not finished off. Side plates bolt to the inside of the fender wells and the floor and a beam spans from one side plate to the other with the Ball in the center. Mine had sloppy welds, weld splatter and sharp corners.

[BCDave]

Originally Posted by Darwin Maring

It does not look professional at all. Looks homemade and not finished off. Side plates bolt to the inside of the fender wells and the floor and a beam spans from one side plate to the other with the Ball in the center. Mine had sloppy welds, weld splatter and sharp corners.

Sounds like the kind of welding I do !

Gorilla welds! Super strong, but really ugly!

[Rvicsvol]

They now have a new hitch which is a commercial product. Still not a standard gooseneck or 5th wheel hitch but looks to be more substantial and better built. It also allows you to easily remove the hitch when not needed so you have full use of you truck bed. If you're on Facebook they have a picture of it here: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6801610&type=3

Actually it's a public post so you should be able to see it anyway. I'm going to have it installed for my 5er when I pick it up on the 28th.

It is $350 though. They'll throw their version in for free.

Nick

[Greg H]

1/2 ton trucks are grocery getter's in the truck world. 3/4 and 1 ton trucks are for work and can pull or carry more. The Scamp 19'er will work fine with your 1/2 ton because it will not be that heavy.

[peterh]

That hitch is much nicer than the hitch I got with my (used) 5er.

[floyd]

For many years, Scamp has used a 3.0L Ford Ranger to deliver 5ers.

[Steve M K]

Thanks all for the responses, It looks as if I will have no problems pulling a fiver. My next step as suggested on another post on the forum is to attend a rally to get a view of a fiver up close and personal. I hope to be able to make a more informed decision after actually seeing one.

Thanks again

[Roy in TO]

Steve,

I know there is a 5'r in Ypsilanti (sp?), where in MI are you?

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by Steve M K

Thanks all for the responses, It looks as if I will have no problems pulling a fiver. My next step as suggested on another post on the forum is to attend a rally to get a view of a fiver up close and personal. I hope to be able to make a more informed decision after actually seeing one.

Thanks again

You should also give Escape trailers a call to see if they know of one of their 5th wheels in your area that you could go see, so you have something to compare the Scamp to.

[Steve M K]

I am about 40 miles from Ypsilanti Mi, I will have to try to find that one.

Thanks
Steve

[john warren]

yes, they pull them with 6 cyl, ford rangers all the time, yours should do even better