Installing a front dinette while retaining bunks, couch and porta-potti in 13' Scamp"

[Bill Nolen]

Thanks Jim!

Bill

[Christian in FL]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

Hello Lisa,

Thanks for the offer, I will keep your information for when I am ready for them. They would be very simple, just sew around the edges and leave some at the top to insert the rod. Just name your price.

Ian G asked and I have given him permission to do a write-up of my modifications with my photos for his Boler-related web site. It will be a little bit yet until I have covered all aspects related to the mods. I imagine he will tweek the information if necessary for adaptation to Bolers.

Since you have an earlier Boler, you may have the type with separate front bunks that have the indented ledge already formed into the top side of them. Wish I had a pair of them, would have saved a ton of time and work in modifying mine. Those front bunks could be worth some real money!

Hi Jim, the cost would cover shipping, materials and maybe enough for a fancy coffee at Starbucks. I love to create stuff and to tinker. Besides, I can use the design for my own new curtains when I do my reno, lol. I am thinking of insulated curtains with a Velcro tab on the corners. Looking forward to it

Sent from my C6530N using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Scamper Jim]

I have finished the project by getting the new curtains and cushions made.

Lisa, you are off the hook, but I will share the dimensions with you for your own curtains when you make them.

Jim

[Christian in FL]

Looks nice Jim

Sent from my C6530N using Fiberglass RV mobile app

[Bill Nolen]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

I have finished the project by getting the new curtains and cushions made.

Lisa, you are off the hook, but I will share the dimensions with you for your own curtains when you make them.

Jim

Jim, you have done a great job in installing all of the features of a much larger RV!

I have been studying the many construction details in your photos. One question I have: Is the "floor" or"lid" that covers the shower pan resting on aluminum angle material, when the floor/lid is in the down position?

I'm sure I will have other questions in the future, but that's all for today. I'm now in progress of removing the front bunk fiberglass. Having a bit of a problem with rusted screw heads not wanting to be removed!

Bill

[Scamper Jim]

Bill,

Have the camper out for the first time this spring and am on my way to CA. Stayed at the last casino on I15 before the CA state line. Weather great, traffic not bad.

There is a 1" aluminum angle on each side pop-riveted to the steel side pieces. Three rivets will handle it with no problem and is super solid.

Jim

[MRClaus]

Hi Jim
what did you use for the shower pan ? nice job

[Bill Nolen]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

Bill,

Have the camper out for the first time this spring and am on my way to CA. Stayed at the last casino on I15 before the CA state line. Weather great, traffic not bad.

There is a 1" aluminum angle on each side pop-riveted to the steel side pieces. Three rivets will handle it with no problem and is super solid.

Jim

Thanks Jim,

I hope you have a enjoyable time in CA!

Bill

[Scamper Jim]

Originally Posted by MRClaus

Hi Jim
what did you use for the shower pan ? nice job

Hi Rich,

The information on the pan options and companies is in message #27. You can either get a 20x20 pan, or have one custom made. I went with the 20x20 already available.

The white strips are anti-slip strips that I put in.

It really is made of an indestructible type of plastic. You couldn't break the sides even if you put your foot on it and pressed down. It's also easy to rinse out after a shower using the shower head.

Jim

[Scamper Jim]

"Is the "floor" or"lid" that covers the shower pan resting on aluminum angle material, when the floor/lid is in the down position?"


Bill,

I meant to add that the aluminum angle is faced down so that the sides of the "false floor" can get closer to the side steel panels, less of a gap.

Jim

[Bill Nolen]

Thanks Jim!

I have located the last (I hope!) leak in the front of my trailer, and have pulled the front bunk fiberglass unit out.

I've measured about 3 times, marked the cutting lines....and am trying to work up the courage to start cutting!

Maybe tomorrow...if we haven't floated away!

Bill

[Scamper Jim]

Bill,

I'm back in Wifi country.

Yup, that first cut is the one that gives you pause. But once you make it, the rest of the project is no big deal and those now two smaller pieces are much easier to handle and work with.

Are you planning to cut the fiberglass panels flush with the steel sides in the feet area, or are you planning to cut them about an inch back? Cutting them flush means you have to fabricate the top for the indent to support the table when in the bunk mode. I did it that way but it's definitely more work to fabricate the top indent. It would be easier to cut it back about an inch and place wooden or aluminum angle pieces at the top for the supports.

Jim

[Bill Nolen]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

Bill,

I'm back in Wifi country.

Yup, that first cut is the one that gives you pause. But once you make it, the rest of the project is no big deal and those now two smaller pieces are much easier to handle and work with.

Are you planning to cut the fiberglass panels flush with the steel sides in the feet area, or are you planning to cut them about an inch back? Cutting them flush means you have to fabricate the top for the indent to support the table when in the bunk mode. I did it that way but it's definitely more work to fabricate the top indent. It would be easier to cut it back about an inch and place wooden or aluminum angle pieces at the top for the supports.

Jim

Jim, I had marked the cut line so the panels would be flush with the steel sides. But, only because it appeared that is what you did. (I've never had an original thought in my life!)

However, after reading your good suggestion, I will now cut the panels back one inch! I'm now glad that I hadn't been able to do the cutting this morning.

I have made photo copies that show the wood reinforcements you made to the underside of both cut panels. The photos will be a big help after I get the panels cut.

Thanks again Jim, for your help!

Bill

[Scamper Jim]

During a couple of long trips with the new front system, I noticed that the cushions in the corners would move around and they slide when seated on them. That is because they are smaller than the previous single couch cushion and are not held in place by the folded down top bunk cushion.

To fix the problem, I first tried using Velcro strips, but found a better solution with the anti-skid shelf stuff. I cut a large piece out about the size of the seat but not large enough to stick out from under the cushions. That works perfectly and don't have to try to put them back in the exact spot for the tape to match up.

[accrete]

i'm a bit late to the Kudos Party : )


Wow Jim, well done on the bath/shower mod!!
Your thread is nearly famous. I found it while doing some "RV bath" research on google.


Thom

[Scamper Jim]

Thom,

Thank you for your feedback. I can understand the delay in seeing the post as the signal has to bounce off all those fir trees and find it’s way through them to get to Astoria. Do the mountain men still trap beaver up there too?

I see there has been a fairly steady number of views of the modification of about 5 per day, a few more on weekends, and the total has just passed 5,000. I was curious as to where the visits were coming from since I assumed that that most of the others on this site had already seen it. So they are coming in through Google, that’s great knowing it is of interest to so many others and from who knows where. I should have attached a note saying Send Money!

It would also be nice to know if anyone has decided to make all or part of those modifications, and if they have made some of their own improvements to it, especially to the shower curtain system.

I used the camper extensively this summer and it worked as well as planned. With the higher seating, I like looking out both the front window comfortably as well as the side door to view interesting scenery when dining. The only change I have made is to replace the short piece of green hose from the shower drain pump to the gray tank with a piece of clear hose so I can see when the pink antifreeze has passed through the pump.

I was about ready to winterize the camper for the season but them saw that Scamp Owners International (SOI) is having a Scamp Camp Southwest “Christmas in Sedona, AZ” gathering December 11-13. Since it is practically in my backyard, hey any excuse to make one more outing with it this year. I can always pour a little antifreeze in the water tank again before heading back to Denver.

[accrete]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

...Do the mountain men still trap beaver up there too?

I see there has been a fairly steady number of views...I was curious as to where the visits were coming from ...So they are coming in through Google

...Scamp Camp Southwest “Christmas in Sedona, AZ” gathering December 11-13...

; ) Do Nutria count? Got them in the stream near the yard. Scared the heck out of me first time one bumped the kayak...some are quite large!



Google is great for research. And yes, many of our FRG pictures show up there.

Sedona. Oh Yea. beautiful this time of year.

Best wishes,
Thom

[Scamper Jim]

Nope, they are not even close. I can't see the Astors setting up shop in Oregon just to trap glorified rats on steroids and try to make hats from them as they did with beavers for their top hats while strolling along 5th and Park Avenues.

[Bill Nolen]

Hi Jim,

I'm still slowly...very slowly...copying your front dinette modification. Had to quit for a few months to have a knee replacement, but am back at work now.

Now that you have had time to use the modifications you made, is there any major or minor changes you wish you had made?

Best wishes,

Bill

[accrete]

Originally Posted by Scamper Jim

...try to make hats from them as they did with beavers for their top hats while strolling along 5th and Park Avenues.

That big'ol rat tail is creapy!!

My mom had a knee length nutria fur coat. It was quite nice back in the day.