Well, my
Scamp is not new anymore, in fact its almost three years old. But I wanted to update this thread because I had some work done at the factory and wanted to report on that. I also made a trip over 4000 miles in 33 days and will provide some feedback from that experience.
Perhaps the best way to summarize my experience at the Scamp factory is to share part of an email I sent to Kent Eveland:
...I had some work done on July 23 and 24 at the Backus factory and I am very happy with the experience. I first had a few conversations some months ago with Jarrod about the possibility of having some fiberglass work done, and also having a furnace installed. He was great about working with my unusual fiberglass repair request and providing accurate estimates as well as working with my unique situation and needs, and with my schedule as I traveled from North Carolina (via New York and other points along a northern vacation route). I am happy with the quality of the work done. Also the cost, while not inexpensive, was very reasonable and I am sure it would have been more expensive to have the same work done near my home. In sum, I wish the factory was not so far away as I would prefer to have future maintenance done there, but the travel distance is a not trivial. Still, I will recommend to people that they have work done at the factory when possible, and when deciding on which brand of camper for a new purchase, to also consider the long-term support that Eveland’s provides to Scamp owners.
The last point is important I think. We can discuss various quality issues with Scamp (or most any brand) campers, but I would also point out that Eveland’s provides support for owners new and old, has been around for a long time and is almost sure to be there for owners for a long time.
As for the trip, it went amazingly smoothly and the Scamp preformed very well and was quite comfortable for my month away from home. I attribute the success of the trip to planning and preparation. I made reservations for twelve places over 29 days, and included a few extra days at a few select places in case of any minor delays. A major delay or breakdown would probably result in added expense from cancellation fees but as my vehicle and camper were well prepared and in good condition it was a minor risk. The last few overnights I left open. One of the places I had planned on but not reserved had closed completely due to flooding sometime after I did the trip planning, so its just as well I stayed flexible for the last leg of the trip.
I had one close call when another driver made a right turn from a left-turn-only lane, almost hitting me, and a few other uncomfortable moments, but defensive driving and a bit of luck saved me from any collisions. I did get a chip in the windshield from a rock I assume, which was repaired under insurance with no deductible (although is still visible).
And I found some water in the floor near the newly installed
furnace after I drove a good distance on the interstate through some of the heaviest rain I have ever seen. I never did figure out how the water got it. In retrospect I should have stopped but most of the time I would have driven through the storm about as soon as I could find a good place to stop for a while. Not this time though. In fact there was a flash flood warning the area I drove through. I don't think I have a leak that needs attention but will monitor it in the future.
4036 miles. Average MPG including a few hundred non-towing miles: 15.0
Gas prices (including any discount but not including credit card rebates)
Low - $2.289 (Thank for Virginia for the low gas tax)
High - $3.279 (Paradise, Michigan)
Average price: $2.809
Average price paid based on amount actually purchased: $2.787
Total fuel expense: $747.93
Scampy
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