Help W/ Potential Scamp Purchase

[kyraandfam]

Hey All! Newbie to the market here. Looking for a lightweight, quality trailer for my family - 2 adults, 1 toddler. Really interested in fiberglass builds for durability and style! Found a 2007 13ft Scamp for sale on Facebook marketplace - Small Travel Trailers group. I would love more experienced opinions on if any of the following are red flags:
-Missing the bunk and bathroom area (not particularly important for us as we have a toddler and would convert this to a toddler bed and play area) - price is reflective as it’s listed for $10K
-missing the original fridge, says that previous owners used a mini fridge?
-The current owner seems to just have taken ownership of the Scamp (says mom purchased, then changed her mind)
-Current owner also has a 2017 Scamp, a Jayco pop up, and a Corvette for sale! I saw a post awhile ago talking about people making a buck from flipping trailers but not meaning remodeling/upgrading them. I don’t completely understand the concept of flipping in this context- is that term used to describe a seller buying a less than ideal trailer for cheaper price (possibly due to known issues) and then reselling for a higher price without disclosing those issues?
-No list of specs or stats on the listing (considering if I could ask the current seller for a paper trail to the original listing if they bought it recently)
-Does say that he has the title for it


Any advice or help appreciated. I can share Facebook link if helpful, but honestly does not have much info on it. We want to go see the trailer in person and check it out - anyone have specific issues to look out for with that year and model of Scamp?

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

[Jon in AZ]

Family of four here, and years of fun with our 2008 Scamp 13 layout 1!

Regarding a 13'er... You need to decide if a bathroom is important for your style of travel. Will you be okay making a middle of the night trek to a campground bathroom? Will you be okay using campground showers with young kids? If you need a bathroom, I would strongly recommend looking for a 16'. I like the side bath layout (#4) for a family. Bath is small, but galley is larger, more beds, and it offers a larger fridge.

If you don't need an on-board bathroom, then you will be fine with a 13'er. Our kids were older when we started out (5 and 8), so we were okay using campground facilities. Personally I would want the original factory sofa bunk. It's sturdy and easy to convert to seating. On a rainy afternoon, our kids liked to play in the big rear bed and my wife and I relaxed on the front sofa. When set up as bunks, the lower bunk makes a snug hideaway for a young child, while the upper bunk can be used for storage- at least until #2 comes along... .

I do see some red flags with this unit. Lack of fridge and -if I understand correctly- nothing up front reduces value. I'm wondering if it has the lip and ledge for the factory bench and bunk. Short ownership means there may be leaks, electrical gremlins, and other surprises. I agree it does feel like a flipper. I think $10K is a bit high. Last year, maybe.

On the other hand, you could search all summer and not come up with a better one. Kids grow fast, and every season counts. Ours are 16 and 19 now and between school, friends, sports, and jobs, we aren't doing much family camping these days. Our Scamp is parked, patiently awaiting some empty nest travel.

On any used Scamp, inspect the floor very carefully for signs of water damage. It's exposed below, but since most water damage happens from the top, look inside every bench and lower cabinet where the wood is exposed. Pay particular attention under windows and around the water tank. Also, check how well the door fits and seals in the opening. Small gaps are pretty common and not a cause for concern, but large gaps at the top or bottom can indicate bigger problems.

Do you have an intended tow vehicle? If so, what's it rated to tow?

[kyraandfam]

Hi Jon! Thank you so much for the quick and thoughtful reply. Helpful to hear a perspective especially from a Scamp family!

I think between our two vehicles- ‘13 Subaru Outback w/ towing capacity of ~3000 lbs and ‘22 Hyundai Tucson w/ 2000lb capacity we are in the market for a 13ft. Bathroom is not terribly important although I suppose it could be convenient? I’m used to backpacking and digging holes in the ground �� I think we’d likely get one of the outdoor solar shower systems or just get river clean!

Thank you so much again- really appreciate the input!

[Jon in AZ]

Agree on the 13’. Your Outback is limited to 200# tongue weight, and that’s a 13’ for sure. Front bath model only sleeps two, so not an option.

Scamps do have a compartment for a small porta-potty, and you could set up one of those pop-up shelters to get it out of the trailer when you’re in camp.

[kyraandfam]

Super helpful! If there were to be issues with water or propane, is that tremendously expensive to fix on a Scamp?

[Jon in AZ]

WATER: If you mean a leak in the plumbing, no. Scamp plumbing is extremely simple on non-bath models. You can do most things yourself.

PROPANE: Depends on what the problem is. If it’s an internal component on an LP appliance, that can get expensive, other than that is pretty simple. I would recommend a pressure drop test of any new-to-you used trailer, then have them test all propane appliances and install safety detectors if yours doesn’t already have them (mine came from the factory with none).

Neither are particular troublesome in general. Testing of the propane system is just a precaution.

Electrical, especially the 12V wiring, is far more likely to cause trouble.

[Jann Todd]

Originally Posted by kyraandfam

Hey All! Newbie to the market here. Looking for a lightweight, quality trailer for my family - 2 adults, 1 toddler. Really interested in fiberglass builds for durability and style! Found a 2007 13ft Scamp for sale on Facebook marketplace - Small Travel Trailers group. I would love more experienced opinions on if any of the following are red flags:
-Missing the bunk and bathroom area (not particularly important for us as we have a toddler and would convert this to a toddler bed and play area) - price is reflective as it’s listed for $10K
-missing the original fridge, says that previous owners used a mini fridge?
-The current owner seems to just have taken ownership of the Scamp (says mom purchased, then changed her mind)
-Current owner also has a 2017 Scamp, a Jayco pop up, and a Corvette for sale! I saw a post awhile ago talking about people making a buck from flipping trailers but not meaning remodeling/upgrading them. I don’t completely understand the concept of flipping in this context- is that term used to describe a seller buying a less than ideal trailer for cheaper price (possibly due to known issues) and then reselling for a higher price without disclosing those issues?
-No list of specs or stats on the listing (considering if I could ask the current seller for a paper trail to the original listing if they bought it recently)
-Does say that he has the title for it


Any advice or help appreciated. I can share Facebook link if helpful, but honestly does not have much info on it. We want to go see the trailer in person and check it out - anyone have specific issues to look out for with that year and model of Scamp?

THANKS SO MUCH IN ADVANCE!

There's someone in OR wanting to sell a 13 ft Scamp. Check out this thread and see if it is something better. For a newbie I'd be afraid of an unknown trailer with all the things you've mentioned. Especially for the price.

[kyraandfam]

Amazing info! Thank you for all the intel. This is such an awesome community!

[kyraandfam]

Just found the other 2007 13ft Scamp on Facebook - it’s a Deluxe and listed at $14k.

“Original Owner, Electric Brakes, 3 way fridge, 20 amp power converter, Screen Door, 2 overhead cabinets, front and over sink and stove top, 3 speed vent fan, gravel Shield”

Does $14k seem high?

[Jon in AZ]

Not if it’s a deluxe (custom wood interior) in good, original condition. The PNW is a prime market.

However, know that deluxe 13’ers without the front bath have a small 2-person dinette in front instead of the regular sofa/bunk. That means only a single bed, and it’s not full width, so kids will outgrow it pretty quickly. You can see it on Scamp’s website. They now offer the bunks as a third deluxe layout, but in 2007 it was an off-menu, special request item.

On the plus side for mom and dad, the main rear bed on deluxe models is bigger, at 54” deep vs. 45” on standard fiberglass interior models. The wider bed didn’t become an option on standards until 2014. The wider bed means the galley and storage closet are smaller.

One option not mentioned that I’d really want is the factory furnace. Ours has saved a number of off-season trips when nighttime temps dropped into the 30’s.

It’s worth noting that 2007 brought the first post-fire units. A fire destroyed the factory in January, 2006. It was rebuilt and production resumed in December of that year.. When they built new molds for the 13’ Scamp, they increased its height by a few inches to match the already-taller 16’. Interior headroom went from 5’11” (pre-fire) to 6’2” (post fire). Something worth knowing if either of you is tall.

[Jon in AZ]

2007 Scamp 13 Deluxe front dinette

I have seen the one in Oregon. It is a standard (layout 1) not a deluxe. This one is a deluxe. It is a much better value, but farther away and as I said, you only get one smaller bed in front.

Weird that they all happen to be 2007s.

[Jon in AZ]

This is a super deal. It has just about every option and the desirable crank-out windows. No old trailer issues.

2016 Scamp 13 Standard Layout 1

[kyraandfam]

Jon! Thank you for sending- I just found that one on Fiberglass RVs and just emailed them last night. It looks fantastic. Now just eagerly awaiting an email although I’m planning to call when it’s not too early! Thanks again for all your help it’s been so valuable. Fingers crossed for the Boise Scamp!

[Bryan L.]

The one you originally mentioned has sketchy written all over it. He's sold another Scamp a year ago and has another one listed for sale as well, besides the pop-up they “never used.” Honestly, not so much sketchy as smarmy. He's a quick flipper. Buys, surface cleans, and sells. I would have more respect if he showed before pictures and told you what he's done. I think $10k is too much for what he's offering. You can do better.

[lisantica]

Hope the 2016 that Jon pointed out is available for you kyraandfam.
I think it is a great deal as well and all those upgrades!
The crank out windows are not available any longer from what I understand. Crank out windows allow you to have the windows open during the rain.

[kyraandfam]

Fingers crossed! We just went to look at the slightly sketchy Scamp and all agreed it was a pass - not worth it for the uncertainty. The 2016 in Boise looks awesome, so I’ve left a voicemail and emailed now just waiting (somewhat impatiently). This group is awesome, super thrilled to have found this site and forum.

[kyraandfam]

Thanks so much, Bryan. I agree and just don’t feel confident in the quality or risk of maintenance issues. Love having the opinions of this group - so helpful to hear from more experienced fiberglass owners.

[Stephen_Albers]

These two CRUCIAL decisions that will determine what you ultimately can do with your new trailer should be decided FIRST.
Is it to be used only on improved roads or do you want to tackle unimproved roads (eg. forest service roads) as well?
How many seasons will you want to be comfortable in (2, 3 or 4)?
Few prospective owners consider these dealbreakers until they are locked into a purchase.

[kyraandfam]

Never heard a word from the 2016 Scamp in Boise. Not even to say that it sold! Such a bummer, but I feel like that one must have been scooped up so fast. Probably the best deal I’ve seen around all the marketplaces for Scamps.

We are now reconsidering looking into non-fiberglass trailers as the market for seems to be pretty tough and the quality ones are going for a slightly higher price point than we originally budgeted. Considering Aliner and other A-Frame pop up trailers. To your point , Stephen—we want the ability to go on forest roads and we also want heating and A/C with how extreme the fluctuations can be during a PNW “summer.”

Thinking that we could go with the Aliner for now and then in a couple of years save for a more quality Scamp or other FG trailer. Open to any feedback especially from anyone who previously had an A-frame style trailer!