Maintenance & Restoration

William L. · 10-22-2008, 11:48 AM

Okay, folks. I've been enjoying this website and learning lots. I was very much encouraged by the fellow who wrote that he checked this great website daily for three years and then drove 500 miles for his camper. That's probably what we'll be doing. My husband is humoring me : ) Anyway, we are currently driving a white 2001 Mercury Sable station wagon. (Won't it look cute pulling a an egg-shaped camper?) Our Mercury has the larger V-6 Dudratec engine that the manual says can tow 1450 to 1600 pounds. Am I nuts to think we might be able to handle a 13-footer? We are no frills campers and can travel light if need be. I really like the Burro, but the Scamp seems to run about 200 pounds lighter. I'd love to drive to Colorado from Pennsylvania in the camper next year, but we'd stop short of the Rockies. Would appreciate your input. Lorraine (Mrs. Bill)

brendadave · 10-22-2008, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Our Mercury has the larger V-6 Dudratec engine that the manual says can tow 1450 to 1600 pounds. Am I nuts to think we might be able to handle a 13-footer?

We used to tow with a 2002 Ford Taurus, with V6 Duratec. The engine was not the problem, has lots of power, it was the springs in the back, it sat low, the tounge maximum weight was only 170lbs, I had it down to 140lbs, but the load in the trunk added weight too. We only towed short distances for weekend camping. Now when we load up for a 2-3 week trip, the tounge weight is 240lbs, and lots in the back of the vehicle. The other issue to worry about is the transmission, not intended for towing, it is a lot different towing a low riding utility trailer that is 1600lbs versus a travel trailer at 1400lbs, there is a big wall that the air hits.

So, if you don't go too far, and don't carry a lot, you will be fine, and will have fun, and turn a lot of heads having a car tow a trailer.

Alf S. · 10-22-2008, 09:19 PM

Hi: All ...We towed a '77 Boler for two seasons with our '05 Taurus Wagon.(1250# tow cap.) V6 12 valve, all wh. anti lock disks!!! Added a tranny cooler and towed mostly in 3rd. not O.D. Short on power but we still had fun!!!
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

Reason for edit??? I forgot...Owners Manual states to add 5# of air to rear tires while towing

Ron Walker · 10-22-2008, 09:31 PM

We towed an 82 13' Scamp with a 2001 Taurus with the 3.0 V6 with no problems. Last June we towed it from Southeast Nebraska to Grand Marai, Mn (Lake Superior North Shore) and back. Our Scamp was a basic no options model. We generallly drove 60 mph or less and used 3rd gear when climbing and overdrive on the level terrain.