Scamp Gravel Shield for Burro

[Brad W]

Was wondering of anyone has bought and installed one of these Scamp Gravel Shields (https://www.scamptrailers.com/produc...eld-20-x44-1-2) on their Burro. Seems like it would fit, as it appears to be the right dimensions, but would be more comfortable spending the $200 for it if I had the benefit of someone's experience with this. Thanks for the help!

[Jon in AZ]

Scamp replacement gravel guards used to be flat, but recently I was told the replacements are now contoured for the front shell of a Scamp (like the OEM guard, which uses the actual window cut-out). You might want to check with Scamp. I believe the front window on a Burro is flat, so the Scamp guard might not lay flush, which could create issues with mounting hardware and airflow. The curve is not extreme, but it is noticeable.

In any case, unless you live close to the factory, shipping will eat your lunch.

As an alternative, you might be able to source a piece of the flat composite material used on conventional laminated RVs- maybe at little or no cost from a wrecked unit. The cut edge is trimmed with Trim-Loc, available from a number of suppliers. Because the Burro window stands out from the shell, you will probably have to engineer a different mounting system than Scamp uses anyway.

[Brad W]

Thanks Jon for the response. Did check with the Scamp folks, and they responded..."The gravel shields that we have are not flat but do have a slight curve to them. It might work but it would have some curve to it. And as you were also correct that the Burro has a flat front window opening, I guess its on to plan "B"...Given that a notable number of Burro owners on this forum have mentioned that they would very much like to acquire a new (or replace their old) gravel guard for their trailer, I am somewhat surprised that no one has begun fabricating an aftermarket unit. There have been many creative alternatives proposed, such as your suggestion to use a suitably sized composite sheet edged with trim-loc, or the snap-on fabric types, but it would be worth the money to me (and perhaps others in a similar search) to buy a gravel guard that is purpose-made and fits appropriately. I have been looking for a unit from an RV salvage yards, but finding that few places actually have them available (or as you suggest, the shipping is often more costly than the actual item being shipped). Don't know if I even really need it (my Burro has a a full-size - no sliders - lexan window, that while a bit hazy, does not have any pock marks from rocks), and have other renovations that should perhaps be a higher priority, but once you're "on the hunt", it's hard to walk away empty handed. Thanks for the excellent advice, and will continue to look for a solution.

[Donna D.]

If the gravel guard for a burro is truly flat, why not get a piece of flat fiberglass at a big box store. It's used to build out shower stalls. You could fashion a template from cardboard, trace it on the back and using a jig saw (with appropriate blade) or dremel-type tool and cut it out. The edging is TrimLok and available from a number of sources. The only thing I'm not certain of, is the mounting hardware. I don't even know what the original Burro hardware looks like. But Burro didn't manufacture it. So, it's probably available somewhere....

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

If the gravel guard for a burro is truly flat, why not get a piece of flat fiberglass at a big box store. It's used to build out shower stalls. You could fashion a template from cardboard, trace it on the back and using a jig saw (with appropriate blade) or dremel-type tool and cut it out. The edging is TrimLok and available from a number of sources. The only thing I'm not certain of, is the mounting hardware. I don't even know what the original Burro hardware looks like. But Burro didn't manufacture it. So, it's probably available somewhere....

Actually is the scamp mounting brackets and latches available separately? I think I would be more comfortable with that working than the shield itself.


PS I am pretty sure the top part of the hardware is for hanging old fashioned wood storm windows on an old farm house. Those I know are available from a real hardware store (big box need not apply).

[mglyons]

I just rebuilt the rock guard on our '99 Escondido Burro. It is indeed entirely flat. Let me know if you need any photos.

//Marcia

[Brad W]

Thanks to everyone for the useful advice...I put a straight edge across the front (and back) windows and confirmed both are flat...as a result of the way the fiberglass is raised around the window(s). So, the stone guard available from Scamp, which has a slight curve, would not fit correctly. I am working on a design for building one using a flat composite/fiberglass sheet (still looking to source this at a reasonable price - flat, smooth, white, like a tub-surround...does not seem to be available at Home Depot, Lowes, or other big-box stores in my area) and some specialty "trim-loc"-type trim with a tubular rubber seal attached to the side (tubular seal would be positioned between the edging and the window frame...just looking for some of this edging with a large enough tube to seal over the 1/2" rim of the window). With this edging, could make the stone guard with radius corners to match the window. Still working on the design, but if I go with this, will post a picture. BTW, Scamp does have hardware available for their stone guard ($26 on their website), which (as "computerspook" has mentioned) is very much like the wood storm window hangers on old houses, only considerably fancier. Vintage Trailer Supply also has some interesting stone guard support arms ($39 on their website) that might also be useful if I can find a way to work them into my design. Moving on to other more high-priority projects (like resealing these windows, which seem to be leaking after the recent rain we had), and installing the equipment and wiring for the AC and DC power (which is overwhelmingly complicated for someone with little experience with such things...but this forum and the web have been quite helpful in demystifying this stuff...). Like the question as to how you eat an elephant ("one bite at a time"), I continue to take small bites...just enjoying the meal! Again, many thanks to all who responded, and glad to be part of the "community" of Burro owners who generously share their experience and insights.

[computerspook]

Originally Posted by Brad W

Moving on to other more high-priority projects (like resealing these windows, which seem to be leaking after the recent rain we had), and installing the equipment and wiring for the AC and DC power (which is overwhelmingly complicated for someone with little experience with such things...but this forum and the web have been quite helpful in demystifying this stuff...). Like the question as to how you eat an elephant ("one bite at a time"), I continue to take small bites...just enjoying the meal! Again, many thanks to all who responded, and glad to be part of the "community" of Burro owners who generously share their experience and insights.

On thing I do on the DC wiring is use heat shrink tubing to seal the connection which a solder. In my experience wire nuts and crimp connectors are a "great" way to end up keeping doing the work over again.


Also get a muti meter, and a good one.


It never hurts especially on wiring projects to take pictures before you start of the area and wires to be worked on. Never know when you will need to know "Now how was that connected when a started"

Gorilla tape is also your friend.


I always have a plastic grocery bag handy when I work on these projects to collect the trash as I go.

[Brad W]

Thanks to "computerspook" for the excellent suggestions. I do use shrink wrap tube on all crimp connections, and also use shrink wrap crimp connectors I found on Amazon ("belt and suspenders"), which I think makes a pretty good seal on the connections (takes a bit of experience with the heat gun to get them shrunk completely, but getting there). Used this process when I rewired the trailer lights, which I converted all to LED. I have a pretty good multimeter, but the probes have short tips, which makes good connections with the wires being tested challenging, so I may replace it with a better one. The internal AC/DC wiring is a bit challenging to get my head around, but getting there. Doing a lot of research on how the system should be configured, but making some progress. I plan on sourcing a Progressive Dynamics 4100 power center, which seems the right size and complexity for what I intend to install - which is not much, just some 12V LED lights, power for my newly installed Fantastic Fan, and USB charging capability, and on the AC side, a few GFI duplexes and the OEM-style florescent light over the sink (which I still have but may replace). Still trying to figure out how to connect the tow vehicle 12V feed, through the 7-pin plug, so that the batteries (plan on using LiFPOE batteries) will charge when I am towing the trailer, but am making progress on understanding this. Also plan on adding a portable 200W solar panel to this system, but a lot of good info on the web to inform this addition. Modeling this system on one described in an excellent video series on the renovation of a Burro I found on YouTube posted by "Adachi Adventures". The system they installed was a bit more complex than what I might want or need (do I need an inverter?, for example), but otherwise very informative. Will take some time to sort all this out, but I have the windows to address, and many more things to do to get my Burro fully functioning. Winter is coming here in New England, but have a few more months to continue renovations, and after a lot of time to do the necessary research when the snow flies. Just enjoying the process, and taking my time to do things right the first time...greatly appreciate the opportunity to share and exchange information on this forum with more knowledgable folks, ask questions, and very grateful for your taking the time to offer suggestions. BTW, the plastic grocery bag is something always handy when working on projects...am a bit OCD about clutter while I am working on something...and have discovered Gorilla Tape, which seems far superior to both regular duct tape and even gaffer's tape in many applications.