Newbie to RV world

[sokhapkin]

I need help to decide... I'm new to RV world but I want to join the RV community. I'm looking for a travel trailer which will satisfy my requirements.

1. Light weight, below 2K pounds. I'm going to tow it with 2001 Mercury Grand Marquis which is rated up to (sic :-) 2000 pounds towing capacity. I know the rating is BS (political game) and the vehicle can easily tow twice the weight. But... You know what I mean if an accident happen.

2. 2 Separate beds, going to travel occasionally with my daughter.

3. Bathroom with a shower.

2013 Scamp 16' standard floor plan 4 looks very good to me, but the dry weight is high. I wonder why 10 years old Scamp trailers weigh 400-500# less, why is the difference?

I appreciate any advise. But changing the tow vehicle is not a good option to me.

[carlkeigley]

to the Forum Sergey.
Glad you have joined us.
I know many knowledge people will chime in.

[David B.]

Welcome to FGRV forum. I think the reason older trailer weights appear to be lighter, is because newer claims had better be more accurate or someone may sue them You may want to look at this link to some postings from one of our members that weighs trailers for free whenever there is an "egg gathering" in his area. Check out the differences even within the same brand and model. Everyone packs a little differently, so weights vary accordingly. Just click on the "search" heading, and type in trailer-weights-in-the-real-world, and click "go" Good luck.
Dave & Paula

[sokhapkin]

The only "trailer-weights-in-the-real-world" shows is that I'm out of luck There are no "2 beds/1 bath" trailers below 2K#.

[honda03842]

A scamp 13 has the rear dinette bed and the front couch that can be used for sleeping.

[sokhapkin]

But no shower/bath.

[David B.]

I'm wondering if a 13' Scamp with front bath couldn't be modified to have the standard couch/bunk placed in the rear with a removable/portable table, that way it could still sleep two separately, and still be under 2,000 lbs.
Dave & Paula

[sokhapkin]

Hmm, sounds like an idea... Thanks!

[Thinh]

IMO, to have separate beds with shower facility and weighs under 2Klbs, one must modify a 13footer. In order to achieve your need, either keeping front bunk bed with reinforcement to handle 2 adults and replace rear dinnette/big bed into shower OR convert rear dinnette/bid bed into bunk with front bunk converted to be shower. Other than that, I couldn't see how one could have separated beds with shower and weight below 2thousands pounds. Just my thought....It could be some other opinions to have 16footer with shower and weighs under 2thousands of pounds and I love to see this modification...

[honda03842]

Does anyone believe that a Grand Marquis in good condition can not tow a Scamp 16?

[sokhapkin]

Originally Posted by honda03842

Does anyone believe that a Grand Marquis in good condition can not tow a Scamp 16?

Before 1998 GM was rated at 5000# towing capacity.To sell more profitable tracks and SUVs Ford lowered rating to 2000# and even to 1500# in 2003. Funny numbers, taking into account body on frame construction of the car and the fact that V8 Engine/transmission are shared with F-150 truck.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by honda03842

Does anyone believe that a Grand Marquis in good condition can not tow a Scamp 16?

Apparently the people who manufactured it do not.

Very possible one might find a few lawyers and judges that agree with them.

[honda03842]

Sergey,

It seems you understand the reality of the situation and can decide what meets your needs.

[floyd]

The practice of law, like driving, requires "passing" the bar( and maybe a little "sober" reflection!
Moog makes great varible rate springs for the Marquis for under a hundred dollars (last I checked)
The CrownVic/Marquis stock chassis is sprung a little soft in the rear which makes it too squishy for my taste even without a trailer.

I do know of several folks who tow 16ft Scamps with this chassis.
At least one of them is a trusted shop owner who has been turning wrenches and building cars longer than 90% of our readers have been alive.

I am perplexed by those(present company excepted of course) who are more concerned about being sued than being safe...

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by floyd

I am perplexed by those(present company excepted of course) who are more concerned about being sued than being safe...

Not much to be perplexed over Floyd, some are simple concerned equally with both.

[floyd]

Originally Posted by Carol H

Not much to be perplexed over Floyd, some are simple concerned equally with both.

True... being paranoid doesn't mean they're not out to get ya!

[Pam Garlow]

Let's keep this thread focused on the OP's search for a trailer that will meet his 'shopping list' of under #2000 weight, with separate beds, and a bath with shower.

[War Eagle]

I appreciate the moderator wanting us to stay on topic, but I hope she will indulge a related quick trip down memory lane. Google "tow camper 1960s" then click on "images" and scan down to look at what all those brave souls of "the greatest generation" drove and towed to take their baby boom families on family vacations back in the day. My wife is the youngest of four, and she and her family still talk about the Summer of 1971 when all 6 of them piled into a Chevy station wagon and towed a 24(?) foot Franklin camper trailer from West Virginia to California and back taking in all the tourist sites along the way. Great family memories. And none of them recall worrying about gross vehicle weights and such. Those were the days....
Dale

[Pam Garlow]

Yes. War Eagle, we have many times been down that memory lane of older cars being able to tow behemoth trailers of gargantuan weights without spilling a drop of transmission fluid on the highway.... we just can't go there now.

[Donna D.]

Ah the days of Rose Colored Glasses. Big ole trailers, Big ole tugs.. made of steel, got crappy gas mileage.. but, fuel was 28-32 cents a gallon. Road were two lanes and slow maximum speeds. A whole lot fewer vehicles on the road.... Weren't those days wonderful? Now only a memory. Fast forward to today and all the things now....