We love our Scamp and it has done very well for us. It fits the Tacoma, and it fits comfortably into boondocking spots. Even so, there have been some "what if" thoughts wandering around in my head. The Tacoma is approaching 240,000 miles so I'm thinking about potential replacements. But should a replacement be Scamp sized, or should it be more capable?
Since we were "just down the road" from La Grande, where Northwood builds the Arctic Fox and Fox Mountain 5th wheel trailers, we headed there to get a brochure and specs list. How capable should a new truck be - just in case?
The area around the factory was parked full of rigs, from pickup campers to large 5th wheels and everything in between. If we ever replaced the Scamp it would have to be a true 4 season unit, be no more than 30' long, and be capable of boondocking.
A review of the specs indicated that all of these units would require at least a 3/4 ton pickup, so if we were serious about a future trailer upgrade, we shouldn't be looking at 1/2 ton pickups as a Tacoma replacement. On the other hand, if we stay with the Scamp, a new Tacoma could be a logical choice.
More research to come.
As a long time Arctic Fox owner of two AF trailers, I recommend that you only consider diesel trucks for your travels with a fifth wheel. Gasoline trucks on heavier trailers are sure sluggish compared to diesel. And yes I have trailered with both and diesel is my extreme preference on full size trailers. I am in a AF 22H now and still prefer diesel for towing it. By the way 240k on a Tacoma is not major mileage normally. An engine and transmission rebuild is a lot less than a new truck.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the input. I honestly hadn't been considering diesel until I looked at the weights for the Arctic Fox 5th wheel trailers.
DeleteWe have a 2005 27F AF trailer, and pull it with a 2005 Chevy Crew Cab Duramax truck. We have lived in it and towed it for many years, in all kinds of conditions, and after having that 4 season trailer, we will never go back to a regular trailer. Before the truck, we had a diesel Surburban for many years, and put over 200,000 miles on it, many towing, before deciding we wanted the truck. I don't think you'd be disappointed in either an Arctic Fox, or a diesel truck! (and I will say our AF trailer has held up quite well, and the company has been wonderful to work with, for any need we have had to call them, even if it was just for advice). There is an AF forum, afnash.com, you can join and get more information regarding AF.
ReplyDeleteAnother diesel vote. Thanks! And thanks for the mention of the AF forum. Sounds like a great place to lurk while we decide if this is a dream or a nightmare.
DeleteWho could resist reading a post entitled "What If"?
ReplyDeleteI have no firsthand knowledge about Northwood's products, but I have heard only good things about them. As much as you travel, a comfortable RV sure would be nice!
I've done a little what iffing, too, but doing anything about it will be down the road a bit. :)
As I anticipated, the "what ifs" just kept stacking up "ya, buts" making a change from any part of our current setup very unlikely!
DeleteAnother vote for diesel, John. I have had the same 31' foot Cougar for 10 years and still love it, but my new Chevy 2500HD Duramax diesel is the perfect fit. True, diesel is more expensive, but the durability, mileage, and ease of towing far outweighs the cons. Trailer choice is very much a matter of personal taste or opinion. You do lots of research so I don't think you'll go wrong regardless......but I would strongly recommend giving diesel a long look.
ReplyDeleteThe next thing you know, I'll be pencilling out how the ultimate flat bed would be configured. :-) Always fun to have a project to think about.
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