SOLD: 1989 19' Scamp Fifth Wheel

[Isaac M]

We are selling our 1989 19' Scamp fifthwheel. Yes, two is just too many to have (they don't daisy chain well).

It is in very good condition, incredibly clean, and is ready for camping. It has the following features:

- New 3500 lb torflex axle and electric brakes
- New wheels and tires
- New battery
- Awning
- Rear stabilizer jacks
- Side bath / shower
- Front goucho couch
- Storage cabinets over dinette
- Storage cabinets over loft bed
- Silverware drawer
- Rear opening window
- Front window in loft with rock guard
- 3-way fridge (AC / DC / LP)
- Gas water heater
- 3-burner stove
- Electric range hood
- Gas furnace
- Electric water pump
- City water hook up
- fresh water, grey water, and black water tanks (yes, they are all separate )
- Power converter with battery charger
- New dual propane tanks (the old ones were not OPD)
- New flooring (how can you not do this after seeing Mike and Nancy's trailer)
- Replaced nearly all the exterior rivets and screws
- Hitch included for truck bed.

Other items to note:
- It does have a few spider cracks (surface cracks) in the gel coat, but they are not structural (you'll find these on almost any used fiberglass trailer).
- There are a few stains on the rear dinette cushions (look like spilled drinks from previous owner).
- It has curtain rods but no curtains in the loft (we bought material for them, but were afraid the new owners may not like the decorating scheme we were doing, so we opted to let the new owners decorate it. If you like the pattern, we will give it with the trailer).

The only options that this doesn't have are the screen door and roof AC.

We tow this with a 1996 Toyota Tacoma 4 cylinder PU and average 18-21 MPG (yes...even going over the Rockies).

We are asking $6500. If you want a used Scamp fifth wheel without having to do all of repairs / updates that come along with a used one, this trailer is for you. Please contact Isaac at 503-930-3405.

[Steve R]

Is the roof designed and built for an AC? How is the 5th wheel hitch attached to the Tacoma? I have an '04 Tacoma. Lastly, can you provide some additional pics?

[Isaac M]

- The roof is not designed for AC and I would not recommend putting a unit on the roof. There is a place in the lower portion of the side closet where an AC unit can go where it can drain out the floor (several other trailers have AC units here).

-I had custom brackets made and attached to the frame of the truck under the bed. Then the hitch is bolted through the bed into these brackets. I had the nuts tacked to the brackets under the bed so that I can easily remove / install the hitch without having to get under the truck. When the hitch is out, the bed is completely free. I can take some pictures of it tonight.

- The Tacoma rear suspension is pretty light and squishy (more like a car). I also installed airbags on the back which made a large difference in stabilizing the truck and making it very comfortable to drive when towing.

- Another note...my Tacoma is a manual transmission.

[Steve R]

May have gotten a little ahead of myself. A couple of trailer shops around here said they won't install a 5th wheel hitch on a Tacoma. Can't say I understand why. Maybe it's a California thing. Looks like I may have to stick with a standard tow behind trailer. I really like the Tacoma and may trade my '04 in for one of the newer models, which may make the 5th wheel option even more precarious considering the plastic bed.

[pjanits]

Isaac,
I am real interested in your hitch mod. I think it's the answer for the composite bed syndrome.

I ruled out the Tacoma because of that, but I saw your post somewhere else and it has revived my plan.
Yes, please post some pix!

Thank you.

[Isaac M]

Here are some pictures of the hitch in my Tacoma. Note the hitch mounts to the brackets under the bed of the truck. The brackets are attached to the frame.

There is a local shop in Salem that can make the brackets and install the hitch. I had this one done in California when we bought our first trailer, but the shop in Salem has replaced two axles for me and did very quality work.

[Isaac M]

I had a sale pending on the trailer, but it did not go through. So, it is still for sale.

[amadorj]

I had a sale pending on the trailer, but it did not go through. So, it is still for sale.

I'm interested in your 5th wheeler as I also have a Tacoma (99 2.7 PreRunner) but it has an automatic transmission. What are you thoughts on pulling the 19' with it?

[Isaac M]

I spent some time comparing the specs between your 1999 Tacoma Pre-runner (which I assume is an extended cab and was only offered with an automatic) and my 1996 Tacoma 2.4L extended cab manual transmission:

1996
Max HP RPM: 5000 RPM
Max HP: 142 HP
Max Torque RPM: 4000 RPM
Max Torque: 160 ft-lbs
Towing capacity: 3500 lbs

1999
Max HP RPM: 4800 RPM
Max HP: 150 HP
Max Torque RPM: 4000 RPM
Max Torque: 177 ft-lbs
Towing capacity: 3500 lbs


The pre-runner wins on the specs.

When I go up a large hill, I put it in 3rd and cruise up the hills at 50 MPH at about 3500 RPM. In four summers of towing my 1988 19' (which is heavier than the 1989 19'), I've only been passed once by a larger truck towing a trailer on a hill, but have passed many larger trucks (including passing Chevy's going over the Rockies I got pretty funny looks from the other drivers ). This was with the truck fully loaded with a lot of extra camping gear for a family reunion camping trip (I weighed in at 6500 lbs, which is the max GCVW of the truck). I've chosen the high MPG instead of having the most powerful tow vehicle.

Based on the specs and my driving style, I would tow with the Pre-runner. I think that you'd want to make sure that you had the towing package (transmission cooler, which you'd probably want even if you were towing a 16').

-Isaac

[Isaac M]

Oops...I have a typo above...

I go up the hills at 3000 RPM, not 3500 RPM.

[Phil Underwood]

Oops...I have a typo above...

I go up the hills at [b]3000 RPM, not 3500 RPM.

nice Scamp and nice price...

[Isaac M]

I have a sale pending with a very nice gentleman from Georgia.

Thank you to everyone who contacted me regarding the trailer.

[Isaac M]

: SOLD

An incredibly nice gentleman from Georgia just picked up the trailer. We spent yesterday afternoon getting his truck all ready to tow (hitch, brake controller and wiring installed). He was very pleased with the condition of the trailer (for which I am very thankful considering all the work that I put into it).

Thank you to Mike Gillespie for sending me photos of his hitch installation. That really helped speed the installation of the hitch.

-Isaac

[Ian Waymark]

May have gotten a little ahead of myself. A couple of trailer shops around here said they won't install a 5th wheel hitch on a Tacoma. Can't say I understand why. Maybe it's a California thing. Looks like I may have to stick with a standard tow behind trailer. I really like the Tacoma and may trade my '04 in for one of the newer models, which may make the 5th wheel option even more precarious considering the plastic bed.

Hello Steve: I have done some research into 5th wheel hitches for the Tacoma and the newe Tacoma with the composite box. All answers come back the same. The 5th wheel hitch is attacched to the frame (chassis) and the box is blocked between the underside of the box and the top side of the frame. We have a Tundra and tow an Escape 5.0. Our "Reece" hitch is bolted to the chassis and the two rails are blocked. We have no problems with this and have towed our 5.0 over 12,000 miles. Toyota will tell you that the warranty is voided if you install a 5th wheel hitch in teh box. What this means in simple terms is the warranty on the box is voided. Well, whoever had trouble with the box on a truck. Most manufacturers will tell you a similar story. The only real problems you have is when you overload the truck beyond its towing capacity, almost impossible if you are towing an Escape or a Scamp 5th wheel.

Shop around for a good installer of hitches and you will you usually find a good safe solution.

Happy Trails, Ian W.