Front bench to dinette conversion?

[Robert Johans]

I'm looking for ideas on how to convert the front bench of my 13' Scamp into something more utilitarian. More storage, dinette, etc. Just me and the Missus, so I'm not worried about losing the "sleep" function of the original design. Can anyone point me to other restos or threads here on this forum. Thanks.

[floyd]

I'm looking for ideas on how to convert the front bench of my 13' Scamp into something more utilitarian. More storage, dinette, etc. Just me and the Missus, so I'm not worried about losing the "sleep" function of the original design. Can anyone point me to other restos or threads here on this forum. Thanks.

Here is a photo of a recent conversion that we did on a Scamp 13....

[Raya]

There have been three or four good threads on this fairly recently, with photos. I found them (not today, but recently) by searching "front dinette."

I have not figured out how to effectively use the search here, but I typed the following into a Google search box*:

front dinette site:fiberglassrv.com

Raya

*Of course you may be able to use the search here just fine.

[Raya]

Floyd,

Your photo got my attention as I've thought, on occasion, of a Scamp 16. Thing is, I'm not fond of the "rat fur," which limits me (I thought) to older Scamps (not sure when they changed over, but seems like very early 80's).

But I see you have an '04 Scamp Deluxe, and it looks like the upper section of wall is not rat fur. Are there some newer ones that don't have it?

Raya

[Robert Johans]

Thanks for the links.

What about extending my driver's side "kitchenette" forward to create more storage? Yes, I'd lose one of the seats, but gain a lot of room for "stuff." Anybody done anything like that? Got photos?

[floyd]

Floyd,

Your photo got my attention as I've thought, on occasion, of a Scamp 16. Thing is, I'm not fond of the "rat fur," which limits me (I thought) to older Scamps (not sure when they changed over, but seems like very early 80's).

But I see you have an '04 Scamp Deluxe, and it looks like the upper section of wall is not rat fur. Are there some newer ones that don't have it?

Raya

I do have a 2004 Scamp 13 deluxe front bath., but it is not the one pictured.
We do turnarounds on older fiberglass trailers as a retirement hobby,my wife calls them "Fiberglass Rescues".
The front dinette was done on a 1978 Scamp 13, that we finished earlier this year.
I have a Compact Jr. in the garage now; with a Companion , a Cadet and another 13 Scamp waiting for a turn.

To answer your question, 1986 was the last year for "ensolite" AKA "elephant hide".
"Rat Fur" can be found on all subsequent Scamps. Of course as with all things Scamp, there may be a blur line on the change over.The lower wall covering in the picture is a ruglike material from Manards, like the stuff commonly used in the lofts of motorhomes . It is applied over elephant hide.
What is your objection to Rat Fur? seriously it is a synthetic! No Rats were actually harmed in it's manufacture[ unless they wandered into the factory uninvited I assume!

[Raya]

Floyd,

Thanks, that explains why it looked like I saw Ensolite seams above, and "fur" below.

Here's why I like the Ensolite or another smooth wall covering (such as gelcoated fiberglass):

1) I like to be able to wipe down the walls.
2) I like that it's lighter in color and more reflective of light.
3) I like that it's less able to absorb odors (especially vs. carpet).
4) I like that hair doesn't stick to it (car carpet is one of those places that really likes to hold hair).
5) I like that it is closed-cell so nothing can migrate through it.
6) I like that it is paintable should one want to paint it.

That said, I know that other people could probably come up with a similar list of why they prefer "rat fur" or carpet. It all comes down to personal preference.

Do you ever post photos of your restorations? I'd love to see the Compact Jr. (and it's just fun to follow along on these projects).

Raya

[Robert Johans]

I'd like to hear more about your "fiberglass rescues".

Do you find it easy to turn them over once "rescued"?

[Pamela S.]

Yes, I'd love to see pix of the rescue process, not to mention getting a look at the actual campers. So many of these I have only seen in photos, not in person. We live in Illinois, too. What part of the state do you live in?

[floyd]

Yes, I'd love to see pix of the rescue process, not to mention getting a look at the actual campers. So many of these I have only seen in photos, not in person. We live in Illinois, too. What part of the state do you live in?

Morris, Exit112 off I-80...... stop by we can always offer an extension cord and garden hose along with a place to park for the night! better yet come to our ScampCamp on the 23rd...

"Starved Rock ScampCamp"



All Scamps, and any other fiberglass campers, come to the
"Starved Rock ScampCamp"
September 23, 24,& 25 [Wed,Thu,Fri] at Hickory Hollow Camp Ground.
Conveniently located just east of the junction of I-39 & I-80 in
North Central Illinois.
Enjoy the many attractions in the area, Explore the beautiful parks
or I&M Canal Corridor, with JC Whitney and plenty of shopping nearby.
Relax at the campground and enjoy good conversation around the campfire
or go to nearby Utica and the park to enjoy the trolley ride, the Buffet
at beautiful Starved Rock Lodge, or even take a Scenic Cruise on the
Illinois River aboard the "Belle of the Rock"
We hope you'll come to see old friends and meet new ones!
Don't forget to mention the "ScampCamp" to receive our group discount.

For RESERVATIONS
please contact....

Hickory Hollow Camp Ground [at]
www.hickoryhollowcg.com
PH(815)667-4996

For any other questions, or to let us know you've made reservations
please contact....

Floyd or Debbie [SOI#659] yahoo.com]

[floyd]

Yes, I'd love to see pix of the rescue process, not to mention getting a look at the actual campers. So many of these I have only seen in photos, not in person. We live in Illinois, too. What part of the state do you live in?

Here's one I'd love to see up close!!...

[Kevin K]

Robert Johans
Maybe something like this.

[karen lm]

Here is a photo of a recent conversion that we did on a Scamp 13....

[karen lm]

I love what you have done. What kind of fridge is that you have? I think I see a air-conditioner also..... correct. Great ideas.

[Judith K.]

I have to work the ScampCamp days, otherwise I would figure out a way to drop by. Does it happen every year? I live in the Chicago area and I hadn't realized that there was an event nearby.

Judith

[floyd]

I have to work the ScampCamp days, otherwise I would figure out a way to drop by. Does it happen every year? I live in the Chicago area and I hadn't realized that there was an event nearby.

Judith

This our first attempt, repeat performance depends on reviews![lol]

Keep looking here , Yahoo Scampers, and maybe join S.O.I. to see all events , many in the midwest!
We're only about 75miles from the Loop, so come for Friday night and /or Saturday night!several of us plan to stay until Sunday!