What's reasonable for a gutted Scamp?

[Sarahm]

I am looking at a 1980 Scamp 13 that is completely gutted. No plumbing, no fixtures, no electrical, no appliances. Nothing inside. It is on a new trailer with higher clearance and driving lights that work. Fiberglass, door and windows are in good shape. Owner is asking $4200 for it, which seems high to me. I have been looking for a project Scamp and like that it is has the higher clearance, what do you think is a reasonable price? Looking for advice from those of you who have done total remodels of a Scamp!
Thanks <3

[k corbin]

The price is right where it should be if it is bolted to a good quality new frame that has wheels and tires as well a working lights. That is certainly not a rip off price or price gouging in action.


Frames are not cheap items. There was labor needed to remove and put the shell on a new frame. There was the cost of the as-is fiberglass trailer. It takes time to source and arrange for a new frame for a vintage travel trailer. Then there is the transporting of it home. Also the time to remove and scrap the old frame, wheels and tires. That price sounds like they are just trying to get out of it what they have into it rather than making a substantial profit.

[alan H]

In my opinion ( and you know what they say about opinions )
That seems high remember you will need appliances /cushions/water/electric/gas systems

[thrifty bill]

Put me in the high priced camp as well. Finishing it with none of the original parts is going to be very expensive.

[Donna D.]

There are two prices. What the seller is willing to sell for and what the buyer is willing to pay. It's between the two to decide the actual price. Everything beyond that is speculation by those that aren't buying nor selling.

[alan H]

While Donna ( as usual) makes a good point
I’m more of glass half empty guy.... maybe just pointing out the obvious
Good luck in whatever you decide

[floyd]

If you look at prices around the country, Oregon would be a good portion of that price.


I will advise you as I often do old car buyers....


Go to your kitchen table.
Bring along a photo of the trailer.
Bring along a stack of 200 $20 bills .
Place the two items on the table next to each other.
Choose the one you want the most!

[Darral T.]

If you're planning on adding "appliances" to this trailer...possibly new axle, tires/wheels, not to mention electrical condition, battery, converter, plugs, 120 cord to plug in pedestal, etc, then I HIGHLY advise you to read my quote below before purchasing this trailer! It's going to get expensive QUICK!:

If I can use the quote from the best-selling Book of all time:

"For which of you, desiring to build a tower, doesn't first sit down and count the cost, to see if he has enough to complete it?"

[Rzrbrn]

To refurbish you need not buy new. You said it is on a new trailer. If this means new axle, brakes etc. then it may be worth the money. Offer less, say 1/2, but expect to pay asking price. $4200 is not unreasonable.

[bojetty]

I may be way out of my league to even comment, but it seems high to me. I bought my 1985 last year for $4500 in pretty good shape but I don't have a new frame. Just throwing my thoughts out there to you.

[Darral T.]

I think you are SPOT-on. I would NOT give $4200 for a "gutted" trailer...with a new frame...it's still an old gutted trailer. But, that's just me...wouldnt want that much work starting off having that much in it already!

Originally Posted by bojetty

I may way out of my league to even comment, but it seems high to me. I bought my 1985 last year for $4500 in pretty good shape but I don't have a new frame. Just throwing my thoughts out there to you.

[Darral T.]

Out of curiosity, do you have pics of this trailer? I'm curious about the "higher clearance". You know that when you add all the items I mentioned earlier, that it's going to be weighted down some...right? Just make sure they're not telling you "More clearance" when you can actually SEE it but not realizing it's EMPTY and may not have that much more when it's loaded! Just something else to think about. A pic would tell alot more though.

Originally Posted by Sarahm

I am looking at a 1980 Scamp 13 that is completely gutted. No plumbing, no fixtures, no electrical, no appliances. Nothing inside. It is on a new trailer with higher clearance and driving lights that work. Fiberglass, door and windows are in good shape. Owner is asking $4200 for it, which seems high to me. I have been looking for a project Scamp and like that it is has the higher clearance, what do you think is a reasonable price? Looking for advice from those of you who have done total remodels of a Scamp!
Thanks <3

[Ttocs M]

Hmmm, a rotting Scamp in West Linn, OR, was listed at that price. Price is too high. Suggest if you want a major rebuild, offer less.

[mszabo]

Run don’t walk! Not worth pulling home. Spend a couple more bucks and buy something that’s road worthy.

[jokra]

I think that is too high for an empty trailer, just a frame and body with door and windows. I have bought 2 trillis in the past that were shells on a frame with lights. I purchased both of them a lot cheaper and still would have been better to buy one in finished condition. Just remember that it will be a long project requiring specific tools, access to cheap parts, specific expertise, and all the travel cost and time to accumulate. Think of a all the expertise that goes into building a home, only 12 volt and 110V wiring, gas lines, and AC all in very close quarters.Good luck with your decision and let us know how it turns out...

[tractors1]

I'd offer what the new frame cost. Consider the shell as a freebie - how the heck would one sell just a shell?

[SteveV]

For a fair assessment of this camper a few pics especially of the frame is needed.

What concerns me is you say it has a new trailer under it & the first thing that came to my mind is someone replaced the original rusted out Scamp frame with a 5'x10' utility trailer. That may be where the "extra clearance" came from. Now if it has a proper new frame under it that's a different ballgame. Pics would be a big help here.

[jerrybob]

My two cents....price seems high for what you are getting. Take a look at the classified section here on Fiberglass RV....seems you could get a lot more for your money. It will cost thousands of dollars to replace the components.....plus lots of labor hours...just doesn't seem worth it unless you are bored....lonely and have no place to go for a few years. Good luck....whatever you decide.

[Eric Frye]

In my opinion the gutted shell is worth $1000. Assuming a proper new or refurbished Scamp frame $1500 and a new Axle and tires $800. The only time you really take labor into account is when you are dealing with a dealer or shop that is trying to make money.

[jpd51el]

Price is too high. Also always double check if the fiberglass closet, countertop, etc are in tact, because they supply support to the structure. If they are gutted too, more work to support the exterior of the camper.