 |
|
01-25-2021, 03:50 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Questions about Scamp 16
I just purchased a 92 Scamp 16 and am slowly getting it sorted out. I have already gotten some good info from existing threads and thank those who take the time to help out. I have many questions, but here are a few:
From previous threads I found the two 30 A fuses. One was corroded and the cause of no interior lights. Why not run a wire from the battery to the inside of the camper and have the fuse(s) out of the weather? Also, can I eliminate one? Why 2 fuses?
The screws that hold the cooktop in place vibrate out in a few miles. Any reason not to use blue locktite on them?
I am replacing the interior bulbs with with LED. I am also considering replacing the taillights with LED. Do I have to change flasher in my Explorer tow vehicle?
The white exterior finish is dull. Polishing compound and wax? How about the metal rims around the windows?
That is a bunch, but hope I can get some help.
Cheers, and thanks in advance!
|
|
|
01-25-2021, 04:20 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Name: Floyd
Trailer: 2004 13 ft Scamp Custom Deluxe
IllAnnoy
Posts: 7,794
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
I just purchased a 92 Scamp 16 and am slowly getting it sorted out. I have already gotten some good info from existing threads and thank those who take the time to help out. I have many questions, but here are a few:
From previous threads I found the two 30 A fuses. One was corroded and the cause of no interior lights. Why not run a wire from the battery to the inside of the camper and have the fuse(s) out of the weather? Also, can I eliminate one? Why 2 fuses?
The screws that hold the cooktop in place vibrate out in a few miles. Any reason not to use blue locktite on them?
I am replacing the interior bulbs with with LED. I am also considering replacing the taillights with LED. Do I have to change flasher in my Explorer tow vehicle?
The white exterior finish is dull. Polishing compound and wax? How about the metal rims around the windows?
That is a bunch, but hope I can get some help.
Cheers, and thanks in advance!
|
1] There should be one fuse on the positive post of the battery.
not sure about the second(aftermarket?)
The converter under the inside bench left side rear should have the interior fuses.
2] The screws that hold the cooktop are usually held in place by clip nuts which can be reflattened or easily replaced.
3] LEDs are agood choice for interior and taillights ... No need to change the flasher on your Explorer.
4] get some liquid carwash soap and make a thick solution with water (just a bit slimey) then use purple scotchbrite as a sponge to scrub the outside. Works great! then wax it.
|
|
|
01-25-2021, 11:13 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
Two fuses
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
I found the two 30 A fuses. One was corroded and the cause of no interior lights. Why not run a wire from the battery to the inside of the camper and have the fuse(s) out of the weather? Also, can I eliminate one? Why 2 fuses?
|
SOme of the older Scamps had two battery fuses. One on each side of the wall. There needs to be a fuse as close to the battery as possible. I'm not sure why there is one inside, it would fuse the tow vehicle power.
|
|
|
01-25-2021, 11:49 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Name: Lynn
Trailer: '06 Scamp 16
Rochester, New York
Posts: 168
|
The outside fuse on our '06 corroded. I tucked it into the battery box 10 years ago. Problem easily solved.
Our stovetop also unscrewed while traveling. I ran bolts up through the lower brackets, held at the correct height with two nuts each. The top is now held on with plastic washers and wingnuts. Another problem solved.
Also, make sure your tires are balanced. Everything stays together better.
|
|
|
01-26-2021, 09:35 AM
|
#5
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Thanks for the info! Will buy purple scrub pad today. Going to put fuse inside camper unless I hear reason not to. Tire balance is so logical, but I never thought about it.
Anyone try to brighten up the anodized metal around the windows? I have clear silicone caulk along the aluminum beltline that has yellowed. Any ideas there?
|
|
|
01-26-2021, 10:34 AM
|
#6
|
Senior Member
Name: Alexander
Trailer: 1979 Boler B1300
New Hampshire
Posts: 857
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
I have clear silicone caulk along the aluminum beltline that has yellowed. Any ideas there?
|
Silicone caulk remover and a LOT of elbow grease! I have the same problem on my 13 foot Boler. A previous owner was Silicone happy.
|
|
|
01-26-2021, 07:40 PM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Name: Gordon
Trailer: 2015 Scamp (16 Std Layout 4) with '15 Toyota Sienna LE Tug
North Carolina
Posts: 4,513
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
...
From previous threads I found the two 30 A fuses. One was corroded and the cause of no interior lights. Why not run a wire from the battery to the inside of the camper and have the fuse(s) out of the weather? Also, can I eliminate one? Why 2 fuses?...
|
You put a fuse close to the battery because ANY wire BEFORE the fuse is unprotected. If you have 12 inches of wire from the battery positive terminal before the first fuse, and part of that 12 inches gets the insulation scraped off and touches the negative (ground) post or the frame (if it is "grounded" as it usually is) then you will have a disaster.
Now that means that sometimes the fuse is in the battery box. But the interior of the battery box with a non-sealed lead acid battery is corrosive. Lead + acid.. get the picture? And that means that the fuse holder and fuse contacts can corrode, causing increased resistance among other problems. Routine cleaning and repair as needed is called for.
A fuse holder right on the battery post offers the most protection since there is NO length of unprotected wiring. Corrosion is still an issue, but an AGM or sealed battery will reduce the corrosion problem by maybe 95-98%.
Can you eliminate of of the fuses? Perhaps, but the first fuse is sized to carry all of the current for the camper and there is wiring matched to that value. At some point the wiring branches out, and the wire size (gauge) of the branches usually becomes smaller. The smaller wire can carry less current and requires a fuse with a lower rating to protect it.
So I would not start making alterations to the fusing unless you are sure you know what you are doing. Just maintain them in good condition.
|
|
|
01-28-2021, 06:01 PM
|
#8
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Thanks for all the help. I started out figuring a way to hold the battery box in place as there was just one piece of angle iron when I bought the trailer. I fashioned a bracket out of some scrap and it surrounds the box enough that I don't think it will move.
Then I addressed the fuses. If I knew for certain that the fuse just inside the camper was the same wire that entered from outside I would have just moved the outside fuse indoors. However, I couldn't be sure and as Gordon stated, I could do serious damage if I was wrong and something shorted near the battery. So I decided that what had worked for 20 years was probably ok and just replaced both with modern fuses in waterproof holders.
I also repainted what I could. I used a purple Scotchbrite to remove overspray and it worked great. I can't wait till it is warm enough to do the whole rig as it is very dingy.
I plan to order the factory decals once I get it polished up. Anyone done that job? I think I may take it to a shop for that one!
Anyone have experience with oversize tires? I'm thinking 15 inch, but would appreciate insight.
Thanks again![IMG][IMG]IMG_0260.JPG[/IMG][/IMG]
|
|
|
01-28-2021, 06:05 PM
|
#9
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
I tried to post pictures but it isn't working
|
|
|
01-28-2021, 07:46 PM
|
#10
|
Senior Member
Name: Gordon
Trailer: 2015 Scamp (16 Std Layout 4) with '15 Toyota Sienna LE Tug
North Carolina
Posts: 4,513
|
I cant imagine that 15 inch tires would fit. I guess some have gone to 14 inch and some of those were OK.
As for decals.. I think more people remove Scamp decals then add them. They make it harder to polish and leave shadows when they wear out.
|
|
|
01-28-2021, 10:38 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
14" tires
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
Anyone have experience with oversize tires? I'm thinking 15 inch, but would appreciate insight
Thanks again![IMG][IMG]IMG_0260.JPG[/IMG][/IMG]
|
14" did not fit well on my 2017. I added a lift kit. Also, the two wheel openings were not the same shape, so I made a pattern from the one I liked and cut the other to match. BTW: Has your axle ever been changed? I like to see all of the wheel showing, if lower than that it may be time to have the axle checked.
|
|
|
01-28-2021, 10:43 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
decals
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
I plan to order the factory decals once I get it polished up. Anyone done that job? I think I may take it to a shop for that one![IMG][IMG]IMG_0260.JPG[/IMG][/IMG]
|
Scamp can sell you decals in gold or red. Also a good truck lettering and graphics company can do a the job. See the bottom of this page for my graphics. https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/registry/3511/
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 11:27 AM
|
#13
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Can you tell me more about the lift kit? My axle is welded to the frame, so not sure how I could lift it. BTW 15 inch from my son's trailer weren't even close!
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 12:37 PM
|
#14
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
Lift kit
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
Can you tell me more about the lift kit? My axle is welded to the frame, so not sure how I could lift it. BTW 15 inch from my son's trailer weren't even close!
|
Weren't even close to fitting or hitting. If yours is welded it may be an original. Later years Scamp bolted them on and when people change the welded axles they get bolted/welded on. If you do need to change the axle you can get the lift from changing the angle of the arms. E-trailer sells a lift kit for bolted axles.
I changed to get better tires, the originals are rated for 60MPH max, my new tires are rated for 81 mph max. and the larger tire turns slower for the same speed.
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 05:04 PM
|
#15
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Thanks for the quick reply, and photo! 15 inch were way too big. Lift kit seems like huge deal if welded in axle has to be cut out. I will go with the best 13 I can get, for now I guess. I was looking for a little more clearance, plus better tires.
BTW how did you get pic to download? I am used to being able to click and drag, or the site opening my photos. This one asked for file number which I gave, but the number just transcribed.
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 05:08 PM
|
#16
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Also, in looking at the axle, It definitely has a bow in it. But the entire tire still is visible in the wheel well. Is this a sign that it needs replacing? Ballpark estimate to have that done? I am good at mecanics but have never cut out a welded in axle.
Thanks again!
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 05:15 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
AXel bow
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
Also, in looking at the axle, It definitely has a bow in it. But the entire tire still is visible in the wheel well. Is this a sign that it needs replacing? Ballpark estimate to have that done? I am good at mecanics but have never cut out a welded in axle.
Thanks again!
|
All of my trailer of any kind have had a bow (center up ward) in the axle. If all of your tire is showing you are already higher than many. Most are lucky to have all of the wheel showing. It is had to find GOOD 13" RV tires but they are out there. I just ran across a photo posting thread and now can not find it, Ill look harder.
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 05:47 PM
|
#18
|
Junior Member
Name: Tim
Trailer: Scamp
UT
Posts: 10
|
Growing up all the compact cars had 13 inch tires. They did well at any speed. I wonder why its harder now.
Etrailer lists a few radials with 81 MPH ratings. We need that here as we have speed limits that high. I brought it home from Vegas last weekend and arrived safely but with one tire shredded. Turns out they were 7 years old although they looked new. I was very lucky
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 05:48 PM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Name: Gordon
Trailer: 2015 Scamp (16 Std Layout 4) with '15 Toyota Sienna LE Tug
North Carolina
Posts: 4,513
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tkemple
Also, in looking at the axle, It definitely has a bow in it. ...
|
Torsion axles do have a bow in them.
As for judging if it needs to be replaced, see https://www.boler.ca/2017/05/19/torsion-axle/
That page is for older campers but still very helpful.
|
|
|
01-29-2021, 06:15 PM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Name: Kenneth
Trailer: Scamp
Wisconsin
Posts: 915
|
posting pictures
[QUOTE=Tkemple;803783BTW how did you get pic to download? I am used to being able to click and drag, or the site opening my photos. This one asked for file number which I gave, but the number just transcribed.[/QUOTE]
When posting, go down the page then:
Click on manage attachments, click browse, double click on the file from your drive, click upload, close that window, (I preview post at this point), then click submit.
|
|
|
 |
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
» Upcoming Events |
No events scheduled in the next 465 days.
|
|