Well...I want to thank everyone who helped weigh in on our decision to purchase the 86
Scamp 13. It was a long distance meeting. When I got there and saw "her" I knew we had to bring her home.
She definitely needs some TLC but we look forward to the transformation. Grant, a carpenter by trade, is already planning out the cabinet, table and storage cover rehab. He wants to tear out the original upper cabs and closet door and the horrible use of pressed board(heavy/ugly) someone used to replace lower cabinets and stove hole cover. He is figuring on replacing with cedar which is relatively
light and thankfully aromatic. Unfortunately there have been previous
leaks that have left the camper smelling like a mildewed boat hull.
Previous
leaks and present...The journey home was accompanied by an all day rain. When we arrived home and began really inspecting our new addition, I found multiple areas of leaking. There were small amounts of wetness under front and rear
windows and at some rivet sights, as well as a not-so-nice caulking job around the roof vent. How often and for how long had this camper been subjected to leaking?? Now mind you I was surprised by the
leaks b/c I had been told the only leaks the previous owner was aware of was around the roof vent and they had been fixed. The smell of the camper the first time I entered it was a little "off"--age,mildew?? The pre-owner had said she steam cleaned the carpet the night before. Ummh, yummy smell of 23 yr.old wet carpet. They had also given it a hefty pressure wash treatment the night before as well. When I talked to them the day after, they felt maybe the pressure washing could have loosened some cualking or such contributing to the moisture leaks??? If I would have inspected a little closer beforehand I would have found that there was what appears to be mildew under the bunk storage compartments, rotted wood where the upper bunk connects, and possible mildew on one of the seams in the back. I would like to know if I can use a bleach/water solution on the insulating liner and in the storage and closet areas where the
fiberglass is more vulnerable. Will the lining harbor mold/mildew b/w it and the
fiberglass? What else should I be concerned with? I have included some photos of the condition of the trailer--overall I don't think is bad for age-and perhaps used by people that weren't real mindful of care and maintenance. ((I found I could only upload two photos for the allowable attachment space)) I also already have plans this week to purchase new foam and fabric to make new cushions. There was absolutely no way I could keep the old-not only did they smell horrendous but I'm sure they had some mildew or other biological growth, yuck.
As for the cosmetics I feel so comforted in knowing that I have resources like this forum and parts supply at Scamptrailers.com I have already ordered some small items there and they were really helpful. We will be doing most of the rehab work out West(read on). Some of the minor work like replacing rusted inside door handle, cushions, water inlet cover, wheel bearings, and leaks etc. will be done now. The rest will be done out west; flooring, treat rust on frame(appears only superficial), trims, water tank and hose, etc., etc.,
I had really set my mind on purchasing a small
fiberglass trailer and I was anxious b/c I was'nt sure another would show itself in the next month or so. My family and I are moving out West..again..and I know how great it will be to travel there with our
Scamp in tow-allowing us to make a real journey out of the long trek. Also where we are moving has incredible opportunity for exploration of forests, ocean, mountains, rivers and lakes. I know we will be thankful to have our little
Scamp.