Buying Just a Shell

[kontiki]

I really want the shell of a Scamp, or Casita, or? 13 or 13.5 foot fiberglass trailer. But just the shell. I want to be able to build out the interior as I want. Sadly they refuse to sell them that way, and insist that you buy them with their frustrating designs and products. Big Sigh.

Yes, this fits with the request for two beds, as then I could design it that way myself.

I thought about buying a really old one, and ripping it apart, but then often the floor is rotted out and has to be replaced, and even the metal trailer support frame, plus there was probably mold or mildew, to which I am highly allergic, etc.

Does anyone know how to talk them into just selling one basic?

[Glenn Baglo]

You need to do more research. Much of the interior of a trailer is structure. It keeps the egg from collapsing on itself.

There are many other build considerations; weight distribution for instance. It's not that easy.

[kontiki]

I am perfectly willing to take into account build/structure necessities and weight distribution.

But not their choice of products, fans, bed cushions, tables, fabrics, colors, cabinet surfaces, etc. And it makes no sense to pay full price for their products that I do not want and then rip them out. Ugh.

[WaltP]

Have you considered the Happier Camper? It seems they could come close to what you want.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by kontiki

I am perfectly willing to take into account build/structure necessities and weight distribution.

But not their choice of products, fans, bed cushions, tables, fabrics, colors, cabinet surfaces, etc. And it makes no sense to pay full price for their products that I do not want and then rip them out. Ugh.

I suspect if business at Scamp was slow, they might be more amenable to a request such as yours. But as it is, with a full build schedule stretching well over a year out, they have their hands full making more profitable full builds.

Relic Trailers and Happier Camper both sell empty shell versions of their 13’ models for around $20K. No idea what current wait times are.

You could order the most basic Scamp for under $15K and part out the interior. And wait over a year to get started.

Or pick up a project trailer for under $5K and plan on doing the frame and floor. You could probably find one and get started in a lot less than the wait time for new.

[steve dunham]

Originally Posted by kontiki

I am perfectly willing to take into account build/structure necessities and weight distribution.

But not their choice of products, fans, bed cushions, tables, fabrics, colors, cabinet surfaces, etc. And it makes no sense to pay full price for their products that I do not want and then rip them out. Ugh.

If Scamp and Casita are that inept at building , designing and equipping a FG trailer then I would believe they would have gone out of business years ago yet they continue to thrive and prosper
I would also assume that if everything in the trailer is CRAP then the FG body , trailer frame , axles and tires must then be suspect .
Is everything on our Escape exactly as we desire ? NO but we’ve learned to accept that our perfect doesn’t exist and it’s probably a good thing .

[New Orleans John]

Originally Posted by Glenn Baglo

Much of the interior of a trailer is structure. It keeps the egg from collapsing on itself.

As others have said; You just need to become a 'Happier Camper'. An empty shell (except for the needed structural stiffeners, as Glenn noted). Add your own modules, or buy theirs.
Happy camping.

[Donna D.]

Buy a fiberglass cargo trailer. Then you can create the interior you desire and even put the windows where you want.

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Buy a fiberglass cargo trailer. Then you can create the interior you desire and even put the windows where you want.

Here’s one…
https://chariotmanufacturing.com/

[parmm]

Buy a new one and then you can strip everything out of it and start over. Wait in line for a year and a half to get it like every body else!! Get a 13' Standard without any options. After you pay for it you can do anything you want to it! Just remember, a sheet of plywood that use to cost $20 is now costing $90!!!

[Joe at Outback]

Hello Susan, we here at Outback Trillium trailers have being building trailers for well over 21 years, and we sell many rolling shells, on steel or aluminum frames, many are being fitted out for concession trailers for food sales and gadget sales, we even build the for inside bars and turn them info serving station with a vintage look. We are in Canada, so with the exchange rate good savings to be had.
Joe

[jokra]

Hi Susan, just a couple of issues to consider, most of the FG have trailers have been built for the 90% useful layouts and still provide weight savings and structural rigidity. I "built" my first T1300 from a used one that was pre-official T1300 and came without gelcoat outside and only the original FG interior for frame. My frame was pretty rusty and there was no cushions or interior wall covering. I found it best to start fresh and remove the FG body and have the frame reinforced with new axle and wheels/tires. Remember that frequently home built trailers end up being heavier and harder to resell later. If you increase the weight that the axle/frame were designed for, you may need to add brakes and stiffer springs. These little FG trailers are more complex than many homes due to the plumbing, 12v and 120v electricity and propane and wiring for the vehicle travel lights.

[Mikmay]

Originally Posted by New Orleans John

As others have said; You just need to become a 'Happier Camper'. An empty shell (except for the needed structural stiffeners, as Glenn noted). Add your own modules, or buy theirs.
Happy camping.

No structural stiffeners or supports needed for the HC1

[dblcola]

I agree with Donna do a cargo trailer.

[Bing M.]

PARMM: I heard the authorities found a million dollars of lumber being smuggled inside a shipment of cocaine.

[parmm]

Here's one, but no frame. "Scamp trailer body shell - $550 - Pine River, MN - - This is NOT a complete trailer, there is NO frame. Shell only. This is the old body common to the original 13 Scamp, Boler, Casita. (The actual shell is about 10ft x 6.5ft) This has been gutted. It could be rebuilt into a travel trailer again, used to repair an existing trailer, or repurposed. There is small damage at the front and rear bottom corners. (See pics)I have a 20a converter and roof fan that go with. You will need flat bed to haul. "

[CarlD]

You might want to take a look at Snoozy 2. I purchased an original Lil Snoozy shell and finished the build my self. I posted some built information in another thread. I am very pleased with what I have and put over 45,000 miles on it in the last 2 years. The shell is a double wall design and is self supporting unlike the other manufactures. The only thing the factory installed is the rear door. I am not sure if Snoozy 2 is selling shells but you can ask.

https://snoozy2.com/