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Old 05-30-2017, 05:53 AM   #21
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There is a vent hole cut in the side. It looks nice tho.
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Old 05-30-2017, 07:27 AM   #22
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There is a vent hole cut in the side. It looks nice tho.
One or two? RV fridges (2- or 3-way) typically require two vents- lower intake/controls and upper exhaust.

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...Also, can somebody tell me why all molded trails are sold direct to customer and stick crap boxes are sold through dealers. I am honestly now absolutely disgusted by stick campers. I will never buy one again.
That's not a simple question. One factor is cost. Molded construction is inherently more expensive, and dealers add middleman costs- buildings, inventory, staff, marketing, discounting- and profits on top of that. To accommodate those added costs, dealers expect manufacturers to sell to them at cut-rate wholesale prices. Traditional molded manufacturers like Scamp and Casita find they can sell all they make at full retail through direct sales, keeping prices reasonable for buyers and margins profitable for the company.

Another factor is production capacity. Dealers require lots of speculative inventory to facilitate the "tow it home today" expectation of their customers. Expanding molded production requires more time due to the mold-production phase and greater cost because of the specialized equipment needed. That makes expansion riskier because the RV industry is notoriously cyclical. By the time they ramp up production, the market may well have gone soft. Molded manufacturers have found they can better weather the cycles by maintaining a modest but sustainable output.

A third factor is choice. The molding process limits the number of models and variations that can be offered and increases the time and cost to make changes in the offerings. Dealers typically expect "new and improved" designs every year and many variations of length and layout, all available "right now" for instant gratification, many of which go unsold and are eventually heavily discounted. Molded manufacturers have found they can offer the most choices without costly speculative builds by letting the customer make the choices when they order their trailer.

All that said, there have been a number of past and current attempts to sell through dealers. Bigfoot is currently one, but they only have 5 or 6 outlets in all of North America. Relic, a recent start-up making a single vintage-style 13' model, sells through one dealer in Norman, Oklahoma, as well as semi-custom through the factory.

The most ambitious current dealer experiment is Parkliner, which recently announced plans to suspend direct sales and sell through the Little Guy dealer network. The cost will rise significantly, partly justified by design improvements. They will start with only one model but plan to add a second later. It will be interesting to see how they fare.

I would not completely write off all conventional trailers as equally bad. Some are better than others, and any trailer, molded fiberglass included, can become a mess if it's abused and basic maintenance is neglected. I am sold on the advantages of molded fiberglass for myself, but a larger family with a modest budget is going to have a hard time finding anything molded to fit their needs. I also like the idea of dealing directly with a small, family-owned manufacturer, but not everyone wants to wait 4-12 months for a new trailer.
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Old 05-30-2017, 07:42 AM   #23
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One, or two? RV (2- or 3-way) typically require two vents- lower intake/controls and upper exhaust.

As to why most molded fiberglass manufacturers sell factory-direct rather than through dealers, that's not a simple question. One factor is cost. Molded construction is inherently more expensive, and dealers add middleman costs- buildings, inventory, staff, marketing, discounting. Dealers expect manufacturers to sell to them at cut-rate wholesale prices. Traditional molded manufacturers like Scamp and Casita find they can sell all they can make at full retail price through direct sales.

Another factor is production capacity. Dealers require lots of speculative inventory to facilitate the "tow it home today" expectation of their customers. Expanding molded production requires more time due to the mold-production phase and greater cost because of the specialized equipment needed. That makes expansion riskier because the RV industry is notoriously cyclical. By the time they ramp up production, the market may well have gone soft. Molded manufacturers have found they can better weather the cycles by building a modest but sustainable output.

A third factor is choice. The molding process limits the number of models and variations that can be offered and increases the time and cost to make changes in the offerings. Dealers typically expect "new and improved" designs every year and many variations of length and layout, all available "right now" for instant gratification, many of which go unsold and are eventually heavily discounted. Molded manufacturers have found they can offer the most choices without costly speculative builds by letting the customer make the choices when they order their trailer.

That said, their have been a number of past and current attempts to sell through dealers. Bigfoot is one, but they only have 5 or 6 dealers in all of North America. Relic, which makes a single vintage-style 13' model, sells through a dealer in Norman, Oklahoma, as well as semi-custom through the factory.

The most ambitious current dealer experiment is Parkliner, which recently announced plans to suspend direct sales and sell through the Little Guy dealer network. The cost will rise significantly, partly justified by design improvements. They will start with only one model, but plan to add a second later. It will be interesting to see how they fare.

Thanks a lot for the explanation. I am honestly not understating why anybody would buy a stick camper. They seem to be absolutely awful to deal with.

As far as the holes i think i could only see one bigger one at the bottom.


Also, what do you guys think about this deal https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...147579709.html

I have family in Minneapolis and if this is a good deal we might consider flying out and driving it back.

Thanks!
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Old 05-30-2017, 08:58 AM   #24
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I saw a small 3way fridge on eBay for $350. Probably questionable quality tho.

Also, can somebody tell me why all molded trails are sold direct to customer and stick crap boxes are sold through dealers. I am honestly now absolutely disgusted by stick campers. I will never buy one again.
Why give a dealer 10 to 20% of the profits when you can sell direct, are out of capacity and sold out?

Dealers make sense in a typical business where you are running well under capacity, have lots of competitors, and customers are unwilling to buy unless it's available locally.

The molded FG trailer business is wonderful right now and until one of the big guys, like Forest River, enters the business, they don't need dealers. But imagine if the RPod was molded FG! That would change everything!
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:02 AM   #25
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Assuming the floor is solid and no damage, and no smell, a UHaul for $5k is almost a no brainer. You can use it for a few years and as long as you take care of it, sell it for what you paid for it or more.
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:26 AM   #26
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Thanks for all the input guys!

Here is another option https://minneapolis.craigslist.org/h...147579709.html

I have family in MN that lives only about 15 min from this guy. They can go check it out. Also, he said he is willing to drive this thing to denver for us.

What are your thoughts? Uhaul for 5k that only has a heater, stove and hand pump sink. Or this 16 foot scamp for pretty much 9k?

The owner of the scamp said the thing is totally solid and he had the AC just installed by Scamp up north at their factory.

Let me know what you think?
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:27 AM   #27
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Thanks for all the input guys!

What about this scamp?

I have family in MN that lives only about 15 min from this guy. They can go check it out. Also, he said he is willing to drive this thing to denver for us.

What are your thoughts? Uhaul for 5k that only has a heater, stove and hand pump sink. Or this 16 foot scamp for pretty much 9k?

The owner of the scamp said the thing is totally solid and he had the AC just installed by Scamp up north at their factory.

Let me know what you think?
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:37 AM   #28
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If the Scamp checks out as described- everything works and the floor is solid- you could hardly do better. Better hurry...
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:43 AM   #29
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If the Scamp checks out as described- everything works and the floor is solid- you could hardly do better.
awesome thank you Jon.

What should i really be focused on checking out? I will use the checklist on the forum but are there some trouble spots aside from window leaks and floor rot?

Thanks!

T
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Old 05-30-2017, 09:59 AM   #30
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With an older Scamp, check the frame carefully for cracks or deep rust (surface rust is normal). Near the front corners where the frame bends to form the tongue is a potential trouble spot. Check door fit, which can be a sign of structural issues. And given the age, check axle condition by raising the frame with a jack just behind the axle. Look to see whether the axle arms and wheels drop as the frame rises. Little or no movement means the trailer is due for an axle replacement (typical lifespan is 15-20 years for rubber torsion axles). The seller mentioned new trailer brakes, so that may or may not mean the axle has already been replaced. If it does need a new axle, the Scamp factory is probably the best place to have it done before you bring it to Colorado. Cost is around $600 and they should have them in stock.

To check the floors, look and tap inside all the cabinets and benches around the perimeter of the trailer. That's where rot is most likely to happen. Get a hand or stick back behind the water tank if possible. The center will be covered with finish flooring, so you have to feel for soft spots as you walk around. Look underneath as well for staining that might indicate a problem. Check around the door carefully.

I'm not suggesting any of this is likely. But you sure want to avoid another nasty surprise!

Best wishes!
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Old 05-30-2017, 10:01 AM   #31
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Make sure all appliances work, on all possible sources. Example, if the frig is three way, try to run it on battery, then 110, then propane. Run the furnace, AC, water pump, and hot water heater. Walk all over the floor testing for soft spots. The nice thing with Scamp is the floor is exposed underneath, so look there too. Bring a flashlight!

At this price it is not going to last long. I wouldn't count on the seller delivering. Once they get inundated with interest, all of a sudden, delivery goes out the window. Better off getting over there NOW.

The Scamp will be 200% more useful, larger, more/better appliances, AC, bathroom, etc.

+10 Beauty of picking up in MN is you can have Scamp fix anything if it needs it. Scamp rate on axle replacement is outstanding (cheap)! I had an axle fail on the road, and the cost of a repair (not replacement) was DOUBLE that amount! I would check with Scamp on having a fantastic fan installed. Worth the $$ if it doesn't have one.
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Old 05-30-2017, 10:36 AM   #32
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...been reading this thread with interest..., while the U-Haul would make a nice project, giving you a rare trailer with no factory backup, the Scamp would be the way to go...I would JUMP, DRIVE and buy TODAY as it could easily sell tomorrow...Scamp is located in your neck of the woods and can provide you with info and reasonably priced services on any needs you might have...JUST GO GET IT (or send relatives) NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 05-30-2017, 10:48 AM   #33
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...been reading this thread with interest..., while the U-Haul would make a nice project, giving you a rare trailer with no factory backup, the Scamp would be the way to go...I would JUMP, DRIVE and buy TODAY as it could easily sell tomorrow...Scamp is located in your neck of the woods and can provide you with info and reasonably priced services on any needs you might have...JUST GO GET IT (or send relatives) NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Father inlaw is going to see it today at 4. If it looks good we are putting a deposit on it and arranging a delivery or flying out to pick it up.
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Old 05-30-2017, 10:53 AM   #34
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The original Uhaul furnace can be temperamental, doesn't work good on battery power if at all.
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Old 05-30-2017, 11:01 AM   #35
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yeah the neighbor was a bit wishy washy on the furnace when i asked him if it works.... Do you still think 5k is a good deal for one?
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Old 05-30-2017, 12:59 PM   #36
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Father inlaw is going to see it today at 4. If it looks good we are putting a deposit on it and arranging a delivery or flying out to pick it up.
That is very exciting, good luck and let us know how it goes.
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Old 05-30-2017, 01:03 PM   #37
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Hard to say on this one about price. May be a little high. All depends on condition and quality of the modifications. Worth it and what they are selling for may not be the same. Because of the proprietary parts and common issues I tend to not recommend Uhauls over Scamps. In the "files" section of the Facebook group is a list of common problems, plus a lot of other good info. You have to request to join and get approved by an administrator. Our Uhaul, in plain language, was a big pain in the A to resolve all the problems, and then after using it a few years we bought a Casita 17. Still use the Uhaul occasionally, and our teardrop too.
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Old 05-30-2017, 01:24 PM   #38
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I just called Scamp and asked about issues with the floors and the guy said they see them very rarely. I guess they are fiberglassed over plywood. So that is good news. Also they said that they do very commonly install the ACs and i should not be worried about leaking.

If it all checks out i will see if the guy takes $8500 delivered. At least half way to Lincoln NE.

Ill keep you guys posted.
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Old 05-30-2017, 01:59 PM   #39
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In my Scamp only the underside of the floor is treated with fiberglass resin, and it's OSB, not plywood. The top is painted where it's exposed inside benches; don't know what it looks like under the carpet. I'm not sure when they changed from plywood to OSB, but if this one is indeed plywood, that's another plus.

As to seeing rotten floors "very rarely," he's probably telling the truth. When it gets to that point, most owners are not going to return to the factory for repair. But we've seen more than a few here!

Even so, 1999 is not that old as Scamps go, and this one appears well-maintained. I have good hope it will prove to be everything you're hoping for!
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Old 05-30-2017, 02:14 PM   #40
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In my Scamp only the underside of the floor is treated with fiberglass resin, and it's OSB, not plywood. The top is painted where it's exposed inside benches; don't know what it looks like under the carpet. I'm not sure when they changed from plywood to OSB, but if this one is indeed plywood, that's another plus.

As to seeing rotten floors "very rarely," he's probably telling the truth. When it gets to that point, most owners are not going to return to the factory for repair. But we've seen more than a few here!

Even so, 1999 is not that old as Scamps go, and this one appears well-maintained. I have good hope it will prove to be everything you're hoping for!
My fingers are crossed. Really hope we can get it.
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