The Scampulance

[haulit2]

After camping a bunch in our slightly modified 4WD ambulance we decided we wanted to pull a self-contained camper that had "all the stuff" built in that we were considering adding to the ambulance for a 3 month trip this summer.

We set our sights on a fiberglass camper for the size, durability, weight and resale value. In that order. We want to be able to go wherever with little restrictions because of size but still, sleep all (5) of us.

The Scamp 5th wheel seemed to check the most boxes for us.

After locating a 2012 up to TN and bought it. 

Slight problem, we needed to bumper pull the 5th wheel behind our ambulance.

Soooo...

I welded on a hitch to the ambulance before we left and the previous owner knew a welder down the road from him. After we exchanged the PO pulled the (then) 5the wheel over to the fab shop and we chopped off the stock gooseneck and welded on 3.5" ID x 1/4" tube and re-welded the stock hitch.

We first saw our Scamp at 3:30PM, by 7:00PM we had a bumper pull Scamp 19’! Can't do much better than that!

Here are some pics of the bumper pull fabrication.

Pre-Cut and ours for about 30 Minutes

Where to cut?

After the Cut

 

[mp_tx]

Pretty awesome. I like that trailer--what does it weigh?

 

[danfromsyr]

like the scamp 5th wheel
but
I'm not a structural engineer. and it's always easy to armchair QB
but I don't like the looks of the adaptation/extension. as is you've shortened the gusset lengths and lengthened the primary 'shaft'

it'll probably be fine.

though I'd at least also PIN the extension to the top & the bottom original pieces with a grade 8 or better 5/8" bolt.
like they do on the tongues of tow dollies. it'll keep them together if the welds crack.

you didn't really ask my opinion but I'd envision something with a plate and ring-pintle on the bottom.
that would get alot more purchase on the downward tube than you have.
i.e. http://www.wholesaletrailerb2b.com/...jpg?fv=3877D389F2D2802E3340E3753EF27A2A-12413

 

[MattF350]

Those scamps are nice. Casitas are pretty sweet too!

 

[haulit2]

like the scamp 5th wheel
but
I'm not a structural engineer. and it's always easy to armchair QB
but I don't like the looks of the adaptation/extension. as is you've shortened the gusset lengths and lengthened the primary 'shaft'

it'll probably be fine.

though I'd at least also PIN the extension to the top & the bottom original pieces with a grade 8 or better 5/8" bolt.
like they do on the tongues of tow dollies. it'll keep them together if the welds crack.

you didn't really ask my opinion but I'd envision something with a plate and ring-pintle on the bottom.
that would get alot more purchase on the downward tube than you have.
i.e. http://www.wholesaletrailerb2b.com/...jpg?fv=3877D389F2D2802E3340E3753EF27A2A-12413

Thanks for the input! Planning on doing something like this and reinforcing the gussets as well. Got us home.