Thoughts

I am curious as to what ya'll think about this rig that is being advertised on craigs list. Specifically the bumper tow set up.
My first imression is that it would appear to be prone to failure. Maybe not!
Fire away!!

https://dallas.craigslist.org/dal/rvs/d/1998-scamp-fifth-wheel-19ft/6655465802.html

 

I like the trailer. No clue if safe

 

That is bizzare looking.

Tongue weight, wet weight and brake type (if any) need to be known.

 

I know those fiberglass eggs are popular but 7800 dollars for a 20 year old 19 footer? That's crazy

 

Let me do a little digging on the specs.
Will post as soon as I find out.

 

Hitch weight 400 lbs.
Weight about 2800
Big ten inch electric brakes

 

Sticking it on a hitch kinda defeats the purpose of 5th wheel.

 

^ this. I would get an old dually to tow that thing with for a proper 5th wheel connection or shop around for a different trailer that the Tacoma can pull.

 

These are actually really nice trailers that hold value really well..Known to be hauled easily with a small truck.There are folks I believe on this site who haul these with a Tacoma fifth wheel setup.One guy on here mounts the fifth wheel plate using the factory bed bolts..

 

Scamps are pretty lightweight. That adapter is unconventional but overall the weight is probably in spec for any class 3/4. Its one of the few that are light enough to go that route. Swap the adapter and go back to a pin. No idea on the price.

 

https://eugene.craigslist.org/rvs/d/scamp-19-5th-wheel/6678651399.html

 

Interesting seeing this post. I just made a road trip from San Diego to PA about a month ago and I saw this exact camper two different times.
One was being pulled buy a Ford Explorer and the other was a Nissan frontier I believe. Both on regular tow hitch set up. It did look goofy with the gap between the truck and camper but it worked!

 

that looks bad ass! need more details as of the 5th wheel set up in the bed.

 

My 1998 5-Lug v6 5-Speed for God know's what reason had a full sized fifth wheel hitch and a brake controller installed. It probably hasn't been used since the Clinton Administration judging by the amount of cured concrete and mortar that was on top of it, but nevertheless it was there.

You have a 2017 so you won't have an issue towing that. But my 1998 did have a fifth wheel hitch so it's not totally unrealistic.

Whatever the hell sketch class 3 tow hitch is installed on that truck, however, I don't trust that. If you have a fifth wheel trailer, use a fifth wheel hitch. No exceptions.

 

That trailer came from the factory equipped with a fifth wheel hitch system. Now it has whatever the hell sketch Class 3 conversion it has now. I wouldn't buy a fifth wheel trailer if I had to use something like that.

 

Tomayto, Tomahto. They're both used interchangeably. You can call it a Fifth Wheel camper or a Gooseneck camper. In this context I'm referring to the shape of the camper itself, the frontal section is designed to go over the bed - as can be seen in both variations of the hitch.

I feel like connecting a camper like that to a Class 3 hitch defeats the purpose of it.

 

Sure. That camper was clearly designed in different time from today. I can see damage from a trailer that jackknifed on my 5-lug cab.

IMO, I wouldn't buy a fifth wheel camper if I can't hitch it in the bed. Defeats the purpose of the design if you tow it from a Class 3 hitch. Either lift the camper, or find a more modern one.

YMMV. That's just me.

 

Interesting. As someone who tows a lot I would return that to it's original configuration to tow. Otherwise your changes from the manufactures specs affect in ways that make it less safe for you and others around you when towing. Nice clean camper, wish I could find one like that near me.

 

Oh I see. Thanks for clearing that up for me.

 

Mini tanks for the input guys.
After downloading the pic of the hitch and enlarging it with photoshop, it seems that the hitch used in the pic is upside down. I am no rocket scientist but, it would seem that given the right circumstances, the hitch would shear. Maybe. Too risky for my personal tastes. I will have to "Plead the fifth" wheel on this one and go with a bed setup. Gooseneck of course.
Happy trails.