I finally got the Scamp hitched to the truck to see how things fit. I knew I'd need a relatively level, empty parking lot to get some measurements which was an illogical thought for Black Friday. The Baptist Church down the road had a reasonably level spot in their lot so that's where I went.
The truck settled about 2.5 inches with the 700 pound tongue load.
I was expecting 7 inches of bed rail clearance but ended up with 8.5 inches. I'm real pleased. When I started shopping I was working with a 6 inch minimum in my mind - really nice to have that extra 2.5 inches.
I set the hitch further back from the normal position for a fifth wheel hitch, but wasn't worried about that since the tongue load is less than the tongue load limit for a standard trailer with this truck. I've still got plenty of clearance between the tongue and the closed tailgate.
The mod of the
15K Reese hitch was super easy. Just pulled the pin that held the original fifth wheel and replaced it with a piece of 3/8" steel bolted to the structure using existing holes.
By mounting the hitch further back, we have tailgate clearance. Should have 1/2 inch or so even when the truck is at 45 degrees to the trailer.
I'm super please with how it's all fitting together. I drove it a few miles and like the way the truck pulls, the transmission shifts, and the temps I was seeing. The next big test will be a quick trip to Yuma. Time to go visit a Mexican dentist.
Lookin' good! Hope the dentist is as painless as the hitching up!
ReplyDeleteFirst steps at the dentist were quick and reasonably painless.
DeleteMore clearance is always good, as well as being able to lower the tailgate. We have plans for a couple of days in Yuma next month. Looking forward to that, as well as seeing you guys again.
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to seeing you guys! Where did you stay in Yuma last year?
DeleteI realize my name's not "Jerry," but Fortuna de Oro in the foothills was giving away 3 free nights last year...
DeleteLooks like they are this year as well, but they have a minimum length limit of 21' if I recall correctly.
DeleteWe stayed at some little "old" park between an irrigation canal and the river, a couple miles south of the interstate. Nice folks, but a nightmare to park even the Casita. Will be looking for someplace different that's still convenient to Algodones.
DeleteNice job John. Great to know that I can indeed purchase a new 1/2 ton to pull my 19. Interesting how far back you have placed the hitch. I was worried about that issue with a similar placement (back a few inches from the axle) with my 94 Silverado 1/2 ton when I first got the Scamp, but it has been no issue whatsoever. I just can't open the tailgate when the Scamp sits at about 60 degrees to the truck. But the combo tows beautifully.
ReplyDeleteThat's been my experience as well. Tows and handles beautifully.
DeleteHi John,
ReplyDeleteI'm about to mount the same style hitch you have into my 2017 Colorado. Besides using the bed mounting bolts, did you use frame brackets or just bolt to the bed?
I picked up the bed mount brackets
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