Hello, I want info about tow vehicles for scamp

[1515frank]

I have towed trailers before but am expecting to go from Indiana to Florida and want to get good choices for a used tow vehicle. I'm thinking a pickup with a bed cover might be good and affordable, maybe an F150, or Nissan Frontier. Might move up to 16 foot scamp at some point but no bigger. Don't need fancy but like dependable and comfortable.

[piperjim]

A lot depends on your personal needs and preferences. I like the idea of a pickup, myself, and the bed cover or a topper makes it even better....in my book.
My wife says our '99 Dodge Ram 1500 is still the most comfortable ride we've ever had. It's got plenty of power and comfort. But, I know many look more for economy, and that's certainly a good choice, too. We had our Dodge before we got out Scamp, and it's long been paid for, so it was a no-brainer to keep using the truck.

Good luck,

[Rubicon Rednecks]

We just brought our 16' Casita from way down in Louisiana to the coast of Virginia with our Jeep (4 1/2" lift on 35" tires). 17 1/2 hours stopped for bathroom breaks, gas and a cat nap. Only problem was when tractor trailers went by we had a wiggle wagon but we are installing a sway bar. Now along with people checking out our Jeep, they are also checking out our camper!

[garycarolyn]

We had a 1996 GMC Jimmy that seemed to be under par so got a 2008 Chevy Trailblazer this winter to pull our 16' Casita SD. (We love the inside bathroom!) It is so much less a truck and better a TV, very comfy and stable on our first trip with it this spring. We haul kayaks on top and bikes inside so the SUV model is our choice rather than a truck with open bed.

[Uplander]

Suggest you read up on choices thru the Consumer Reports automobile buyers guide. They have a section for trucks and list recommended best buys for used vehicles...they also list what to avoid. Also look up tow capacities before you buy. I trust the professional ratings from experts before strangers on the Internet.

Depending on your budget you might consider a "Certified" used vehicle from a dealer...they come with a 100,000 mile power train warranty...they do cost more but sometimes that pays big dividends.

[Wayne Collins]

We have pulled our 16 ft DLX SD Scamp (2850 lb) with 3 different Honda Odyssey's and 2 Toyota Highlanders, a hybrid, and a regular, all with V6 engines.
Just about anything with a V6 should work for you. If you need/want a truck for other purposes, go fo it. We use our TV as a second car all year long.

[k corbin]

You might also consider a used van from a Fleet Sales lot. There can be good bargains among them most especially in the month of January. A lot of companies buy new vehicles in December to take advantage of the tax break before Jan. 1st. The fleet sales lots do expect potential buyers to send them out for independent inspection therefore they often will help arrange that by having their own driver deliver it to a mechanic and then return it to the lot after the inspection.

[Carl Pa]

I use a Rav4 6cyl to tow our 16` scamp, does a great job. However sometimes I long for my 2002 ford crew cab f150 which we gave to our son before we bought the scamp because we retired and only wanted one everyday car. I am looking for one now, if i get lucky. Those years are the most comfortable. You can fit a lot of stuff in a truck and not be crowded in. Good luck,, Carl

[1515frank]

I appreciate the input. I'm currently looking at Kia Santa Fe, F150, Nissan Frontier and Nissan Xterra. Any thoughts on those? Or better alternatives?

I'm thinking outside furniture, heavy duty cooler, and extra clothes in truck with topper might work well. No kids or grandkids expected to travel with us, although one or another adult son or daughter might like to from time to time.

What differences do extended cabs make? And 4 wheel as opposed to rear wheel drive?

[charlsara]

One very important step not to ever skip. Before unhitching the tow, put your chocks in front and rear of the wheels.

[Cybercuban]

I tow my Scamp 16 ft with my Toyota 4runner 6 cyl. The Scamp has a sway bar. It tows beautifully. The 4runner has a towing capacity of 5000 lbs.

[MoScamp]

I pull a Scamp 16' with a 2012 V6 RAV-4 and anti-sway bar....... tows great, I always tow with Scamp tanks empty and minimum on board weight. Depending in headwind / tailwind, can average anywhere from 10 to 18 mfg. I have been told a V8 would really improve the fuel economy.

MoScamp

[sharon_b]

I use a 2008 GMC Canyon for TV. The Scamp goes hoppin' & boppin' more than I like if its empty, but when loaded I have no issues, not even with passing tractor-trailers.

[honda03842]

We have a 1991 Scamp 16 with side bath. WE average over 200 days a year on the road. We have been all over North America.

We initially towed with a 2004 Honda CRV, 4 cylinder with manual transmission. We traded the CRV in on a 2014 Honda Odyssey after putting 250,000 miles on the CRV.

We use an anti-sway bar. We keep our trailer tires at 50 psi and elevate the pressure of our tow vehicle tires. The CRV did well, was very reliable and had great mileage. The Odyssey is more powerful and hopefully is as reliable.

We don't carry a lot in our tow vehicle, we carry no coolers, no screen rooms, no extra clothes. Only things we really carry are things in the tow vehicle we need when out exploring.

[pete_britt]

You asked: "What differences do extended cabs make? And 4 wheel as opposed to rear wheel drive?"

When selecting a pickup truck, you have lots of choices to make.

1. 1/2 ton, 3/4 ton, 1 ton.
2. long bed, shorter bed, short bed.
3. uncovered, tonneau cover, camper top.
3. conventional cab, extended cab, crew cab.
4. 2 wheel drive, 4 wheel drive.
5. gasoline engine, diesel engine.
6. bench seat, bucket seats.
7. and more.

From my experience:
1. No one with a 1 ton wanted to downsize to 1/2 ton.
2. No one with a long bed wanted to downsize to a short bed.
3. No one with a camper top wanted do do without it.
3. No one accustomed to being able to recline the passenger seat wanted a conventional cab.
4. No one was willing to give up their 4 wheel drive.
5. Gasoline engines have improved almost enough, but diesel is still stronger.
6. Bench seats with the movable center arm rest are almost as comfortable as bucket seats, and will allow for 3 across seating.
7. No agreement on brand or color