Advice on Buying a 1987 Scamp 16’ – First-Time RV Owner

[zazascamp]

Hi everyone,

I’m in the process of closing on a purchase for a 1987 Scamp 16’ and could use some advice. This will be my first RV, so I want to make sure I’m covering all my bases before finalizing the deal.

I’m currently in contact with a seller on Facebook Marketplace. What should I be looking for when inspecting the camper? Are there any common issues with this model/year that I should be aware of?

Any tips on what to check, questions to ask, or red flags to watch out for would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance for your help.

[Jon in AZ]

Scamp is constructed with a plywood or OSB subfloor, to which the shell is attached. Uncorrected leaks can cause it to rot, usually from the inside out. Check carefully inside all the lower benches and cabinets for floor damage. Probe where you can’t see. Look underneath as well. Floor replacement is a big project.

Check the frame for cracks or rust-through, paying special attention under the front of the cabin where it bends to form the tongue. Frame repair/reinforcement is often possible without removing the shell unless it’s severe and widespread. Lght surface rust is normal and not a cause for concern.

Check the axle by jacking one side of the trailer on the frame and noting how much the wheel drops as the cabin rises. Little or movement indicates a dead axle,. Also, visually inspect tire wear and wheel alignment. Bad alignment and/or uneven tread wear are signs of a worn or damaged axle. A new axle with brakes will run about $1200 installed.

Finally, check the door fit. Small gaps are pretty common, but large gaps at the bottom and/or top may indicate a rotten door core and/or loss of structural integrity.

Those are the biggies. But given its age, you can expect various leaks, wiring problems, and failing appliances requiring attention. Test everything you can during your pre-purchase inspection and hold back a portion of your budget for repairs. Unless you are handy, you may be better off increasing your budget and looking for something newer.

[mary and bob]

Are you sure it is a legitimate sale. Scamps are frequently used in scam ads on marketplace. Advertised at low prices, usually in multiple locations. Be careful.

[Keith2000]

The great thing is that the scamp is really simple. Frame and axle cover by OSB, fiberglass egg connected to the wood and supported by the interior fiberglass furniture.

As mentioned in the very good post above, the OSB floor holds everything together and is a bit of a pain to replace or repair. Crawl under the trailer and poke any discolored spots with a screwdriver. I wish I had done this.

Next for us was the axle. The price quoted above is about what we paid, it may be more now.

We never had any frame issues, but that same screwdriver would help detect the worst cases.

[Marty Smiltneek]

The scamp 18 for 1987 may be a tad lower than you expect. I recall someone stating they had to lift the body and frame almost 4" to clear their new truck as the trucks now are several inches higher than to 1987 version. These old traliers were never intended to last as long as they do. I have a 13' 1972 BOLER American. The body style is exactly an early Scamp as Evlands corp was the originl manufacturer for the Boler company.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Marty Smiltneek

The scamp 18 for 1987 may be a tad lower than you expect. I recall someone stating they had to lift the body and frame almost 4" to clear their new truck as the trucks now are several inches higher than to 1987 version. These old traliers were never intended to last as long as they do. I have a 13' 1972 BOLER American. The body style is exactly an early Scamp as Evlands corp was the originl manufacturer for the Boler company.

The OP is looking at a 16’ Scamp, which is a bumper pull. The 19’ Scamp is the gooseneck model.

Bolers were made in Canada from 1968 through the late 1980’s. Evelands was one of two manufacturers for the short-lived Boler American company. When it folded, Scamp used the molds to launch the 13’ Scamp.

[Tedster52]

I agree with all the comments that Jon from AZ already made to you in this thread. We have a 1990 16’ Scamp that would be very similar to the one you are looking at. We’ve owned it for 25 of its 30 years and still love it. If a scamp is well maintained, it will last. We have done some maintenance to it along the way, including a new axle, new door, new cushions, additional cabinets, etc. which we’ve always towed it back to Scamp headquarters in Minnesota to have done. Scamp is opening another service/sales location in Arizona soon as well. There have been some scamp scams on Marketplace so make sure this one is legit before sending money. I always like to see something in person before buying. Ask to see a copy of the title before traveling to see it.

[Jon in AZ]

Make that “has opened.” The Phoenix sales and service center is up and running!