new member - looking to buy

[biw314]

Hi guys, this is an amazingly informative forum and you all seem particularly kind to newbies to here goes:

Looked at a 1988 Scamp 16' (A/C, bathroom w/shower) yesterday. Condition was not perfect but seemed good for an '88. No water damage anywhere that I could see. All appliances and bathroom and shower supposedly work, though I would try them all before buying. The outside fiberglass was not clean and seemed cloudy. There was a bit of a smell inside but cushions and carpet were in good condition so I'd guess some bleach and scrubbing would fix it up. There did seem to be some mold growing on what seems to be the insulation of what seems to be the hot water tank. It's directly under the sink if memory serves.

Anyway, asking $4200 and I'm hesitant but after searching classifieds and forums these things seem to hold their value and are hard enough to find that it may be worth it.

Advice?

Thanks in advance, Bill

[Brian Bran]

Welcome to the forum.It's really hard to say anything about the value without seeing the camper but it sounds like a good deal to me.And as you mentioned,these things are hard to find so if it fits your needs and its in your budget I say go for it.

[Donna D.]

Hey Bill, welcome to FiberglassRV! I too have a 1988 Scamp. It's been mine for 10 years now and I love it. Brian gave the same advice I would. The other question to ask, is when was the last time you saw a trailer for sale in your area and within your budget? A 1988 trailer is 23 years old and minor issues are to be expected.

Let us know what you decide.

[Orlen Wolf]

Have you downloaded the buyer's checklist? It's on the left side sidebar. Lots of useful items that you might not remember to check when you are looking at a potential purchase.

[biw314]

Thanks for all the help guys. I asked the seller to have the systems ready for inspection so I can give it a thorough look before buying. He just called and reported that there is a leak in the insulated tank under the sink (i mentioned it above) and is willing to reduce the price accordingly. Assuming worst case scenario, for negotiating purposes, can you give me a sense of a reasonable price reduction?

Once I have it home I am confident I can diagnose and repair it, just hoping for some input on price.

Thanks again,
Bill

[Donna D.]

Insulated tank? The one in my trailer is located under the curb side rear bench so I can't help you there. But, if it's been leaking for a while be sure to double or triple check the flooring in that area particularly well.

[Bill K]

That sounds like the Hot water tank.

Bill K

Originally Posted by biw314

Thanks for all the help guys. I asked the seller to have the systems ready for inspection so I can give it a thorough look before buying. He just called and reported that there is a leak in the insulated tank under the sink (i mentioned it above) and is willing to reduce the price accordingly. Assuming worst case scenario, for negotiating purposes, can you give me a sense of a reasonable price reduction?

Once I have it home I am confident I can diagnose and repair it, just hoping for some input on price.

Thanks again,
Bill

[biw314]

Originally Posted by Bill K

That sounds like the Hot water tank.

Bill K

Indeed it is. Brought it home yesterday for $3500. Tank burst open right at the bottom.

So it's official, I'm a fiberglass RV owner!

In other news, the fridge does not get very cold (55-60) but the little freezer freezes ice. It is currently running on electric, have not gotten it light via propane yet.

[Lizbeth]

Congratulations William!

As for the fridge they take quite a while to cool down since the freezer is making ice I would think that is a good thing. There are several things that can help the fridge work better. First off just running it, especially if it hasn't been used lately. You can buy a battery run fan for the inside to help circulate the air. Many people have added external 12 v computer fans in the outside compartment to help dissipate the hot air off the coils.

Good luck in the fix up, clean up process!

[biw314]

Got the burner barrel out today and found some kind of insect coccoon in there. Put it back together and the fridge runs on propane now. I'll give it some time and see if it cools any better in gas than it did on electric. After that I'll try the electric fan.

[Bill K]

While you had the burner out were you able to look up the chimney and make sure it was clear ?

Bill K

Originally Posted by biw314

Got the burner barrel out today and found some kind of insect coccoon in there. Put it back together and the fridge runs on propane now. I'll give it some time and see if it cools any better in gas than it did on electric. After that I'll try the electric fan.

[biw314]

Originally Posted by Bill K

While you had the burner out were you able to look up the chimney and make sure it was clear ?

Bill K

I did not. Would I need to take the whole cooling unit out to see up there or does it come off? Is this a common problem?

[CindyL]

You know, that is a great price. Just fix what needs to be fixed and mod it in your style and enjoy.

CindyL

[Bill K]

To be honest I can not answer your questions, I have read of other people having rust flakes on older units. If you have access to a air compressor shoot some air up there.

Bill K

Originally Posted by biw314

I did not. Would I need to take the whole cooling unit out to see up there or does it come off? Is this a common problem?