Scamp 13 lowest real weight?

[OneTim]

How much does a Scamp 13 actually weigh?

I have a Honda CRV with A 1500 LB tow capacity and can't afford a different vehicle. How light can I configure a Scamp to be?

I am going from hardcore backpacker to big tent to travel trailer. I don't need much.

Is it do-able? I don't want to exceed the capacity of the vehicle.

Thanks.

[Lizbeth]

Welcome Tim!

I don't know if you have seen this or not but here is a list of real trailer weights http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...rld-43010.html

[Joe N]

My 2009 Scamp 13 basic configuration, no front or rear upper cabinets, no refer, no brakes, one propane tank, one battery, one heater (the only add on purchased), weighed 1200 lbs at the highway dept scales.
Clothing, bedding, and other personal items probably weigh no more than 200 lbs.
Add water and we probably are close to 1500 lbs.
That is for a basic no bells and whistles 13' scamp, most configurations with all the extras probably approach 2000 lbs.

[Cathy P.]

I'm wondering how much exactly you are wanting. Eggcamper makes a Teardropp which I think is really nice. They claim "nicely equipped - 1400 lbs" or maybe not so "nicely equipped would be a possibility. It is much larger than the usual teardrops and the interior is 67" at the highest point. We have tent camped and would consider this very luxurious after tent camping as unseasonable highs and lows always followed us along with rain! You can check it out if you like at: LIGHTWEIGHT FIBERGLASS TRAVEL TRAILER. My current vehicle would tow up to 2,000 lbs so I have did some looking around at lighter units of which there are few. Also, you might take a look at what the allowed tongue weight is on your vehicle. Good luck in finding something that will work!

[BCDave]

I'm thinking of going into politics, so my answer is "how much do you want me to say it weighs?"

[Nancy]

Hello Tim,

We are trailer number 12 on the list. We have an 05, the 13 is now a bit taller and may weigh more because of the extra height.

We do not have air conditioner, heater, and in place of the refrigerator we have storage. We only carry about one gallon of water in the trailer, requested no water tank.

our weight of 1400+200 tongue was fully loaded. We carry too many clothes and too many blankets. We also ordered a group 27 battery and have a full 20 lb propane tank. Doing it over I would just have the 24 battery and I want one of those fiberglass 10 lb. tanks.

We do have the extra front and rear overhead cabinets, screen door and fantastic fan, and extra kit window. I would order those items on any trailer.

We could pare down our weight a bit. Oh, we have the brakes so that added necessary weight too.

Look up the Weiscraft trailers. It might just weigh a bit less.

Nancy

[honda03842]

The typical Scamp 13 does not have brakes. I would tow a Scamp 16 with brakes before I would tow a Scamp 13 without brakes.

[DannyH]

The lightest weight for my scamp 13 was around 100 to 175 pounds, but that was frame only (bringing it to get the axle replaced before restoration). It was nice being able to man handle it around the garage. It's gained a heck of a lot since then, like 1800#, it must have been the holidays.

If you get a 13 foot scamp and you want to cut weight, you can go lighter by not getting things like an air conditioner and awning, among other things.

[mary and bob]

We tow our 13 foot Uhaul with a 2003 Honda CRV. The Uhaul title says 1250 lb but I haven't had it weighed, and it does not have brakes. It towed just fine on a recent 2500 mile trip. I did get a set of towing mirrors. Brakes can probably be installed on the Scamp. Bob

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Joe N

My 2009 Scamp 13 basic configuration, no front or rear upper cabinets, no refer, no brakes, one propane tank, one battery, one heater (the only add on purchased), weighed 1200 lbs at the highway dept scales.
Clothing, bedding, and other personal items probably weigh no more than 200 lbs.
Add water and we probably are close to 1500 lbs.
That is for a basic no bells and whistles 13' scamp, most configurations with all the extras probably approach 2000 lbs.

On the other extreme our front bath deluxe with every available option (except the second propane tank) is still under 2000# with gear for two weeks and 6 gallons of water. It is easily doable.
BTW I have towed much lighter SOB fiberglass trailers, which did not tow as easily as my Scamp, don't forget frontal area.

[mcbrew]

My '84 Scamp 13 weighs just about 1,200 at the scales. This is with full propane, no water, no battery, 3-way fridge, and only a few personal items. Not camp-ready.

When I bought the Scamp, the battery was no good. I needed to drop tongue weight (was 180 pounds without any camping gear on board), so I ditched the battery and just use a jump pack, which stays under the dinette seat and runs the 12v lights and outlets. The water system was in horrible shape, and I have just about ripped it all out. I use a Coleman hot water system outside the camper for cooking and cleaning. Can also be used for showers with a privacy tent. We usually only camp on weekends... These solutions may not work for those who camp for weeks at a time.

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Nancy

We are trailer number 12 on the list.

We do not have air conditioner, heater, and in place of the refrigerator we have storage. We only carry about one gallon of water in the trailer, requested no water tank.

our weight of 1420+200 tongue (1620 total) was fully loaded.

We do have the extra front and rear overhead cabinets, screen door and fantastic fan, and extra kit window. I would order those items on any trailer.

Look up the Weiscraft trailers. It might just weigh a bit less.

Trailer #9 on the list is a WeisCraft "Little Joe"
Axle=1380, tongue=180, total=1560
Only 60 pounds lighter than your Scamp.

My thought is that if you get just the base 13' Scamp with absolutely no add-ons/options...

• No refrigerator - just an ice box - or just cabinet space
• No air conditioner, only 1 roof vent/escape hatch, no Fantastic Fan
• No extra overhead cabinets across the front or back
• No awning
• No brakes
• No extra window
• No Screen door

... then you might meet your goal.

[honda03842]

Any Honda CRV can tow a Scamp13. However I would not buy a trailer without brakes. No matter the tow vehicle, having trailer brakes is important on thewse long, steep down hill runs.

As well trailer brakes can save you if you have a trailer break away.

[ruscal]

What Norm and Ginny said.
Trailer brakes I would guess add 25-30 lbs. but would shorten your stopping distance considerably. It's the last few feet that hurts!
You guys being backpackers know how to save weight in all areas and your rig will be lighter than most people's on this forum. I say gofer it.
Russ

[JohnF]

2012 Scamp 13' standard with bathroom & shower layout (no AC). Weighed at a truck stop on the way home from Backus. I weighed it with normal camping gear in it (sleeping bags, a bit of food, fridge full of stuff, couple of pans & kitchen items, key tools, propane tank about half full). Fresh, gray & black water tanks empty. 1600 lb + 240 lb tongue weight = 1840 lb total. Had a heavy 40 lb cooler in there that would be unusual so deduct that. I did get a Group 27 sized battery so that's a bit bigger than stock.