Quote:
Originally Posted by Paul PDX
Hi there,
I'm a complete novice, have never towed anything. I have a Toyota Highlander 2017 with trailer weight rating of 5000 pounds.
I'm deciding between a new Scamp 16 standard or Escape 17B. Although both trailers fall within my tow vehicle's stated capacity, the Escape is longer and heavier.
I live in Oregon and would use on mountain passes and forest service roads.
My question is: Is it significantly easier (or safer) to tow the Scamp 16 (not sure what GVWR is, but dry weight is 2000 pounds) as opposed to Escape 17B (dry weight 2500 or GVWR 4000)? Should the towing differences factor into my decision making process?
Any advice appreciated.
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Paul,
I've towed a
Casita 17D and an Escape 21, which are not as similar as the two options that you are looking at. However, I'll go out on a limb here and say that I think there's always a balance to be found between travelling a bit lighter on one hand, or alternatively living with a bit more room and storage when you arrive.
Additional to being heavier, the current second-generation Escapes are boxier and will have more wind resistance than the
Scamp, but the Escapes are consequently equipped with nice, large, square upper cabinets, and have a more spacious feel. Both companies enjoy good reputations and are very accommodating. In either case you will need to study and select from a large number of options if you are ordering new.
Your tow vehicle has a good reputation for accommodating even heavier trailers than you are looking at, such as the Escape 21, so I think you can focus your attention on which trailer would seem to offer the kind of experience that you would like to have.