"Hello!" from Reid

[AZ Reid]

Hello all!
Just joined the community to learn more about these great campers and, likely, purchase one.

I'm most interested in a Scamp 16 Deluxe, Layout D. Anyone have any idea when this floorplan was introduced? I would like to buy used, though I don't think this floorplan was / is very popular.

I have an ambitious modification plan that I'll describe in a different post.

Looking forward to being a part of the community!

Reid

[Jon in AZ]

The new 16' deluxe layouts (C and D) arrived with or sometime after the 2021 redesign. Layout C existed as an off-menu modification to Layout A before that. Layout D is brand new.

You may have to order new to get a 16-D layout. I've yet to see one "in the wild." Just a heads-up... I believe it shares a quirk with layout 16-B, in which the galley is cantilevered over the bed as shown in the photo. This was necessary to accommodate the larger 54" deluxe bed in layouts with a dinette on the street side. Coffee in bed?
Scamp Galley Overhang.jpg Views: 4 Size: 80.9 KB ID: 153366" style="margin: 2px" />

Layout 7 is more common and has been around longer, but of course it has the smaller 45" main bed.

I notice you're also from Arizona. There's now a sales and service facility in metro Phoenix off the 101W near the Cardinals stadium (10100 W Montebello Ave Suite 160, Glendale, AZ 85307). They might have some idea of how many of the layout you want are in circulation. New ones are rather pricey, but they have added some nice upgrades since 2021, and they might be able to make some changes or deletes to get a head start on your planned mods. I believe they keep a few units in inventory you could look at as you sort out your options.

[AZ Reid]

Thanks, Jim, for that info. My plan may not be feasible given the newness (and thus expense) of the layout D - not to mention it's probable scarcity.

I actually did visit the Scamp facility in Glendale about a week and a half ago. How great that it's right there considering how nearly the entire country is *not* near one. I spoke with a kind lady, Jessica, IIRC on the phone and when I arrived I was shown around by her very gracious husband, Lyle. According to Lyle, Scamp is a family business and they are part of the family.

At the time I thought my focus was on a 19 layout C...but I think I've pivoted for a multitude of reasons. So I didn't really discuss the 16 layout D popularity, at all.

I went and saw a friends '04 Casita today. So I have now seen the brand new, off the assembly line Scamps and an '04 Casita. I'm leaning towards the Scamp. Real fair comparison, huh?

Anyway, it's fun learning about them . Looking forward to the knowledge the group can share.

Thanks!
Reid

[Jon in AZ]

I’m curious about what you’re actually aiming for with your modifications… size, weight, features, type of camping, number of occupants…. What’s the end goal?

I’d love to visit the new Scamp facility, but we’re a solid 4 hours away in the White Mountains, and it hasn’t worked out yet.

[AZ Reid]

Yea, good question! The truth is, we want it all (right?)!

The criteria are:
We want a fiberglass trailer due to its longevity and what I perceived as better build quality throughout, not just limited to the shell (like the interior)..

My wife and daughter like sheets (not sleeping bags) so dedicated beds (a double for my wife and I, a single for my daughter). And if it's a Scamp, the "big bed" option (54", I think?) for the double.

But we still want a dedicated dinette for meals, playing cards, etc in inclement weather. Willing to have a 2 person dinette and use a stool at the head of the table to accommodate the 3rd person.

We want a toilet, though it doesn't really need to be a full blown bathroom. Showering could be handled by a combination of an outdoor shower and campground facilities.

But we want it in a fairly small package. We had a big Forest River RV and it was on the wrong side of the size / use curve (basically the idea that the bigger and more appointed the RV, the less, paradoxically, it gets used). Also we learned the quality of traditional RVs is appalling.

My idea for the Scamp 16 layout D (large dinette / bed; side 2 person dinette / single bed; front couch / bunks; no bathroom (for those who don't know)) was essentially to remove the lower bunk and use the space beneath the upper bunk for storage and a dry-flush toilet.

That way the beds would be dedicated, we'd have a dinette - and in the case of our daughter bringing a friend or one of our adult children tagging along, an option for 1 more bed by converting the dinette - and we'd have a toilet. All in a small fiberglass package.

The other option that crossed my mind is layout A with a bunk above the front dinette, perhaps?

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by AZ Reid

The other option that crossed my mind is layout A with a bunk above the front dinette, perhaps?

Something like this? This is a modified 13' standard layout 1 (not mine). But you do have to take down the bunk to use the dinette. There's just not enough headroom otherwise. I figure kids should be good with sleeping bags (with washable liners made from sheets if desired).


It will be hard to accomplish this with Layout A because (1) it lacks the upper bunk attachment ledge under the window, (2) the front dinette seat bases are raised higher and offset toward the door, and (3) there's a corner cabinet in the front street side corner blocking the full length of the bed & dinette.

Layout C would be an easier starting point. You'd have to modify the lower bench as shown with a center footwell, split the cushion, and make a pedestal table. Note that the side bath enclosure blocks more of the dinette than the galley shown in the photo.

Honestly, the side bath is not really a full-blown bathroom. It's tiny and height-limited compared to the front bath on other layouts. It's the perfect size for occasional/emergency use with privacy, but inconvenient for long-term, daily use. The tradeoff is side bath layouts have a much more usable galley without that awkward cantilever.

Layout D does have a cubby big enough for a small porta-potty under the front lower bunk, but no privacy. It fits a Thetford 135 or similar.

It's all about the compromises.

[AZ Reid]

Absolutely true!