Help us make a decision Aliner or Scamp - Fiberglass RV
Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×


View Poll Results: Aliner or Scamp
Aliner 1 2.70%
Scamp 36 97.30%
Voters: 37. You may not vote on this poll

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
 
Old 09-13-2014, 10:32 AM   #1
Member
 
Name: G K
Trailer: Scamp
Virginia
Posts: 39
Help us make a decision Aliner or Scamp

Hi everyone! We're looking to buy a compact trailer/camper and have narrowed it down to the Scamp and the Aliner. Would like to hear what seasoned campers like you have to say. This is our first camper of any sorts.

Scamp Pros:
1. We like the look of it -- solid, fiberglass, round.
2. It has more headroom (when standing).
3. It's fully sealed, which means rain, bugs, etc., won't come in.
4. No assembly is required - it's ready to drive!

Scamp Cons:
1. It won't fit in our garage, so we'd need to pay to park it in an RV lot. Time spent to get to to house and pack it, and do the same when we return. Can't park in our community due to HOA
2. Used ones aren't typically available in our state (VA), so we'd need to either pick it up or have it delivered.

Aliner Pros:
1. It has more room in general - longer, more spacious.
2. It has a microwave (classic) - good for morning tea, etc.
3. It will fit in our garage, which makes it easier to just get up and go. We tend to be spontaneous, so it's more likely we'd use the camper if we had it readily available.
4. It's easy to tow since it's more compact.

Aliner Cons:
1. We don't like the look of it as much when it's up.
2. It's not fully sealed, which means bugs and water might come in.
3. It requires a simple assembly.
4. Reading that the floor starts leaking

Thanks in advance.
reachg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 10:44 AM   #2
Senior Member
 
Name: J Mac
Trailer: 17b Escape
British Columbia
Posts: 125
Here's another thought, have you checked out www.escapetrailer.com yet? You didn't mention trailer length yet. Escape has 15' 17' 19' 21' and a 5th wheel.
J Mac is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 10:47 AM   #3
Moderator
 
Frederick L. Simson's Avatar
 
Trailer: Fiber Stream 1978 / Honda Odyssey LX 2003
Posts: 8,222
Registry
Send a message via AIM to Frederick L. Simson
Aliner isn't molded fiberglass, Scamp is


I think our opinions will be greatly biased due to the mission of this website.
__________________
Frederick - The Scaleman
Frederick L. Simson is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:05 AM   #4
Senior Member
 
honda03842's Avatar
 
Name: Norm and Ginny
Trailer: Scamp 16
Florida
Posts: 7,517
Gaurav,

It is possible to park a Scamp in a garage. David B(rown) parked his in his garage by changing the tires before storing it.
__________________
Norm and Ginny

2014 Honda Odyssey
1991 Scamp 16
honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:21 AM   #5
Senior Member
 
Bobbie Mayer's Avatar
 
Trailer: Trails West Campster 1970
Posts: 3,366
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by honda03842 View Post
Gaurav,

It is possible to park a Scamp in a garage. David B(rown) parked his in his garage by changing the tires before storing it.
That kind of kills the spontaneity factor, though it does save the expense of storage fees.

I have friends with Aliners and Chalets who like them a lot, but they are pretty new so long-term issues are just popping up. (No pun intended.) Friends with Scamps, too. Have you looked at where you'd have to store it and how much $$? Storage fees for ten years might pay the difference between a Scamp still being usable and an Aliner needed to be replaced or repaired. And storing in the garage probably helps the lifespan of an Aliner.

I bought my Campster (very old) due to being able to store it in a garage and i think that is a big plus. Best of both worlds. But not as spacious inside as a Scamp, and harder to find (though used is a given..)
Bobbie Mayer is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:23 AM   #6
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,926
Registry
Help us make a decision Aliner or Scamp

Seem to recall there's one forum member who previously had a FGRV and now owns an Aliner. If you did a search for "Aliner" you should turn up his post about it. You could send him a PM asking for his thoughts. Unless you've used both, it's mostly speculation. FWIW, I'd choose the egg for wind stability, leak resistance, and (most of all) resale value. The latter could offset the cost of storage, though not the inconvenience. I did look at an Aliner. BTW- Norm's suggestion might work, but only on the 13' models and not with roof AC.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:28 AM   #7
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,926
Registry
I'll second Bobbie's suggestion of a Campster or a Hunter Compact. But only for two people.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:37 AM   #8
Raz
Senior Member
 
Raz's Avatar
 
Trailer: Trillium 2010
Posts: 5,185
We had a Chalet. Loved it. Much roomier than our Trillium. It towed well and like an egg you are always giving tours. But....

1) every time you stop and want to go into your trailer you have to open it up. A quick bathroom break is not as quick.

2) Until you lock it, the only thing holding the roof halves together is a bungie cord. Wind is an issue.

3) Lots of moving parts to wear out.

4) what keeps the water out at the joints is foam. It always needs attention.

5) there are very few 20 year old A frames on the road.

We had ours for 4 years. We replaced it with a molded fiberglass trailer because it addresses all these issuses. Good luck, Raz
Raz is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 11:57 AM   #9
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
Using an inexpensive electric impact wrench and a floor jack, changing two tires is a 15 minute operation with a Scamp. Then it can often be fitted into a garage.

With the "A" liner, to get ready you will usually have to pull it out, set it up, stock everything you need and then put it down to tow, then repeat when you get home.

With the Scamp it is always ready to stock and go, even including having the refrigerator cold and stocked and, in a pinch it can double as a spare bedroom for unexpected company.

As mentioned, Campsters and Hunters are another choice and they garage as-is. For two of us I find ours perfect.



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 12:04 PM   #10
Member
 
Name: G K
Trailer: Scamp
Virginia
Posts: 39
Thanks for all the replies. We need room for 3 and looking at scamp 13 and Aliner 12/10. Hope this helps.

Rv parking here is around $1100 a year closer and about $600 a little farther out.


Sent from my iPad using Fiberglass RV
reachg is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 12:54 PM   #11
Senior Member
 
Bob Miller's Avatar
 
Trailer: Class A Motorhome
Posts: 7,912
As you will find out, spontaneity doesn't happen all that often. If nothing else, depending on where you want to camp, you will find that reservations, sometimes months in advance, are often necessary. And, to save $100 a month, I can change a pair of tires several times and keep the Scamp in the garage and not out in an RV storage yard, exposed to that lovely VA weather. (I lived in Springfield for 10 years)

And Ya, three peeps is a deal breaker for the Campster and the Hunter FGRV's



Bob Miller is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 01:10 PM   #12
Senior Member
 
ColoRockiesFan's Avatar
 
Name: Lisa
Trailer: Former Escape 19 owner
Virginia
Posts: 218
Registry
Not being able to park my trailer at home can be a PITA, but I've learned to manage. I live in northern VA and park the trailer about 30 minutes away for about $600/year. I am not limited to a particular size as the storage lot will take any size trailer or RV. Another plus is that the storage area is on the way to the vast majority of the places I like to camp so it really is not out-of-the-way.

I second the notion of checking out the Escapes. They are wonderful trailers. I've had mine for over a year and have had zero issues with it. Escape offers a 15 foot trailer and will build it with or without a bath.
__________________
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
ColoRockiesFan is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 02:29 PM   #13
Senior Member
 
Timber Wolf's Avatar
 
Name: Tim
Trailer: '88 Scamp 16, layout 4
North Florida
Posts: 1,547
I can't fathom not being able to park my trailer at home nor paying big bucks to store it (somewhere else). Personally that would kill the whole deal and I would just do without. But more to the topic, my Mother had a pop-up, a brand new clean one. She used it and enjoyed it but the experience was still enough to convince me that I did not want to pop, slide, or tip any dadgum thing, ever. I stopped at a second hand store today (Saturday) I had driven by a million times but had never stopped at before. Out back they had a real classic, a Scotty "Sportsman". It was clapped out (rotten) and not worth saving, a real shame. They also had an Avion that was a Cadillac camper in the day, but was now just a mess. I see stuff like that and think about how good a shape my 26 year old Scamp is in, and will still be in years from now, and feel pretty good about the old egg (sitting in the backyard). Anyway, you pays your money and makes your choices, just be aware with the Aliner you may be buying a depreciating asset.
Timber Wolf is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 03:07 PM   #14
Senior Member
 
David B.'s Avatar
 
Name: David
Trailer: Former 13’Scamp, now Snoozy
Arizona
Posts: 2,316
Registry
Quote:
Originally Posted by honda03842 View Post
Gaurav,

It is possible to park a Scamp in a garage. David B(rown) parked his in his garage by changing the tires before storing it.
Here is how I did it.
Attached Thumbnails
DSC01352.jpg   DSC01355.jpg  

David B. is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 03:32 PM   #15
Senior Member
 
honda03842's Avatar
 
Name: Norm and Ginny
Trailer: Scamp 16
Florida
Posts: 7,517
David, Apparently the Scamp 16 is 4 inches taller than a Scamp 13. Would a Scamp 16 fit in your garage? Does the Snoozy fit in your garage?
__________________
Norm and Ginny

2014 Honda Odyssey
1991 Scamp 16
honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 03:46 PM   #16
Senior Member
 
Jon in AZ's Avatar
 
Name: Jon
Trailer: 2008 Scamp 13 S1
Arizona
Posts: 11,926
Registry
Post-fire (2007+) 13' Scamps are a few inches taller. Could be deal-breaker in terms of garageability.
Jon in AZ is online now   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 04:12 PM   #17
Member
 
starfighter's Avatar
 
Name: Allan
Trailer: Lil Snoozy
Oregon
Posts: 61
Have you looked at Lil Snoozy ?
Our Hunter 1 fit nicely in the garage.....but.......now we have Snoozy.
We hate to pay for storage but..........found a friend w/ lots of room next to their trailer in the back yard...........End up giving them a $100 every 3 or 4 months and we're all happy.
Best of all they don't mind us plugging the charger into their elect.
And their dog discourages "visitors."
__________________
Allan
starfighter is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 04:17 PM   #18
Senior Member
 
floyd's Avatar
 
Trailer: 2004 13 ft Scamp Custom Deluxe
Posts: 8,520
Registry
Advantage Scamp...
Stopping for lunch and a nap, or to change clothes and freshen up.
Staying overnight at Walmart or a rest area.
Arriving late at campground or staying in the staging area... set-up can wait, simply unlock the door grab a snack and get some sleep!
Staying where hardsides are required (often A-liners count as soft sides).
floyd is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 04:28 PM   #19
Senior Member
 
Wallo's Avatar
 
Name: Alice
Trailer: 2018 Casita SD - Kondo A-Go-Go
Utah
Posts: 502
Registry
I have a 13' Scamp, no A/C on roof. It fits in the garage with 8' door. I can back it into the driveway, lining it up to the garage door, unhook, and push it into the garage. Very convenient to load/unload. Can be used as a spare bedroom for loud snoring relatives. Has all the comforts of home, TV, electric, water, bathroom. Can be used as an office when not on the road. Go Fiberglass.
__________________
Alice

KONDO A-GO-GO - I GO WHERE I'M TOWED
Wallo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 09-13-2014, 04:30 PM   #20
Senior Member
 
honda03842's Avatar
 
Name: Norm and Ginny
Trailer: Scamp 16
Florida
Posts: 7,517
In part it depends what kind of camping you plan. If you're a weekend camper, it may not matter.

If you're a long range camper, as Floyd states, it's nice to be able to stop anywhere and use your rig. I remember driving across Labrador and stopping in the highway for Lunch, no rest areas, no restaurants, just stopping in the road, opening the door and have lunch or a short break.

It's nice to stop in a campground in a pouring rain and just go inside, no real set up required.

We view our trailer as a little house on wheels, always ready for occupation.
__________________
Norm and Ginny

2014 Honda Odyssey
1991 Scamp 16
honda03842 is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
scamp


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Trying to make a decision...Help! papa-t Towing, Hitching, Axles and Running Gear 34 03-05-2013 09:46 PM
17' Burro vs 13' Uhaul, buying decision Lindl Problem Solving | Owners Helping Owners 14 11-01-2012 02:39 PM
Scamp Decision Jerry Chapman General Chat 14 08-31-2011 09:18 PM
SOLD - 2003 Aliner for sale! Randya Classified Archives 3 08-22-2008 08:14 PM
Cabin A / Aliner versus Trillium theresa p General Chat 9 10-06-2006 08:06 AM

» Upcoming Events
No events scheduled in
the next 465 days.
» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 07:23 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.