Jacking up the trailer: On the trailer there are two min beams made out of 3 inch by 1 ½ inch tubing, one on each side. Either of these can be used as a point to jack up the trailer. Jack should be placed close to the axle or toward the rear of the trailer, so that the whole weight of the trailer is not on one point. WARNING: The rear bumper jacks are not intended to be used as a jack for changing tires. A scissor jack, hydraulic jack, or a floor jack should be used. A jack is not supplied with the trailer.
Changing a Tire: 1) Jack up the trailer. 2) Remove the wheel using a Ύ inch wrench, (the lugs and spare tire nuts are half inch nuts). Ooften the lugs will need to be loosened before the trailer is jacked up. 3) Remove the spare tire, again using a Ύ inch wrench, and mount it on the trailer. Wheel should be tightened on by using a alternate pattern on the lug nuts. Tighten one, skip one, tighten the next one, etc. until all lugs are tight. 4) Lower to the ground. Again, check lugs and tighten if necessary. Lugs should be rechecked after 200 miles of travel.
Hitches: Bumper or receiver hitches can be used with the Scamp trailer. Consult tow vehicles owners manual for information on towing capacities for the tow vehicle. Dry weights of Scamp trailers are 13 foot 950 pounds, 16 foot 1550 pounds, 5th wheel 2000 pounds. These weights do no include optional items, water (fresh or waste), and any personal items added by owner/operator. Generally, after additions many trailers will weigh several hundred pounds more, just water (with all possible tanks filled) can add over 400 pounds to the trailer weight.
Hitch ball height: Ball heights are relative. Suspension of the tow vehicle, storage of personal belongings in trailer, water kept in trailer, etc., will affect necessary ball height.
13 foot trailer 18 inches to top of ball
16 foot trailer 21 inches to top of ball
5th wheel trailer 40 inches to top of ball. If the sides of the truck are higher than 48 a raised axle may be needed.
Installing 5th wheel hitch: The most critical measurement is the center of the ball on the hitch cannot be more than 60 from the corner of the bumper, otherwise the bumper may hit the trailer when turning corners. Hitch consists of two L brackets installed beside the wheel wells. Two 3/8 bolts are used to fasten the bracket to the wheel well. Some trucks have wheel wells that are not vertical so that spacers are needed to be placed between wheel well and L brackets. Then mark the bottom of the leg bracket (look underneath truck to make sure that marked holes will not damage any lines or be drilled through an inconvenient spot.) Drill four holes through the bracket and the bed of the truck. Fasten legs to the truck with 3/8 x 1 1/2 bolts. (different trucks may need various sizes). Cut cross member to correct length and drill 9/16 holes in each end, making sure they will align correctly with the holes in the L brackets. Then fasten cross member in place with ½ x 4 ½ bolts. Two inch ball should be used mounted in center of cross member.