Scamp 13' long-term owners - Fiberglass RV
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Old 10-20-2020, 05:05 PM   #1
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Name: Eric
Trailer: In the market
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Scamp 13' long-term owners

I'm in the market for my first trailer. The Scamp 13' is very appealing, especially since I don't need to purchase a dedicated towing vehicle. I plan to opt for the layout with a wet bath (I'm single, no children). I plan to live in the trailer long-term, potentially one or two months. I would like input on what you have changed. I have a few of my own thoughts to start.

Starting with the convertible bed, Berthaduniverse built a very utilitarian table. Here's the link:
https://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=93942

Having prep space is very important. I love to cook. I spend most of my time in the kitchen. What modifications have you made to the kitchen/prep area? If the weather outside is favorable, I would cook outside with my Coleman stove.

I would prefer a deeper, stainless steel sink, like the Dometic va800. Having a cover over the sink and stove is essential. The 1.9 cubic foot fridge seems a bit small and doesn't have a freezer. Have you swapped it out? How do you like to store dry foods and large appliances? (e.g. organizers, modular storage, bins, etc).

I live in the Pacific NW so having a heat source is important during the shoulder season. Some owners of the trailer note that the standard furnace is poorly placed. Additionally, 16,000 BTU seems a bit overkill. Would I be better served opting to install either a Webasto or Propex heater? I like the design of the Propex HS2000 and it seems it would be a space saver.

I'm an avid backpacker and roughing it is part of my language, so the toilet is a luxury (honestly, I would be happy with just a hot shower). I have read some pros/cons of having a black tank. I would consider either a cassette toilet or a composting toilet instead. The Thetford C220 looks like a great alternative or the Nature's Head composting toilet. I like the convenience of these designs and would consider just using them for urine.

Last, about electronics. I'm not a heavy user. But I would wire the trailer for solar. I might consider mounting a small television with a Chromecast to stream media, or just use a laptop. What other modifications have you made? What other things would you wish you knew before buying your Scamp?
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Old 10-21-2020, 11:16 AM   #2
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Name: Nigel
Trailer: Scamp 13
Minnesota
Posts: 88
You have clearly done some research on this forum! I get the impression that you are not considering buying a new built-to-order Scamp. It took me several months to successfully buy a 1997 Scamp 13 in decent condition – in that price range (5-7K) they sell the day after they are advertised. I don’t know what proportion of trailers have a shower but that requirement might delay your successful acquisition.
I lucked out because I bought a Scamp with a solid floor and frame. Those are the things I should have known to first look for in an older model.
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Old 10-21-2020, 10:23 PM   #3
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Name: Gilda
Trailer: 2011 Scamp 13'
California
Posts: 1,445
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Oh my goodness! Where to start in response to your request? We too, were avid backpackers in our younger days. We are now in our 70s and love our 13' Scamp which we bought new in 2011. It was our first, and only trailer which felt luxurious compared to backpacking and tent camping. We thoroughly enjoy it for trips up to 3 weeks. Any longer and we miss our separate spaces and the activities we love to do at home. We actually sleep better in the very cozy small bed than we do at home in regular-sized beds! The SCAMP kitchen is a challenge as it is tiny. Some people modify the bunk bed area for more meal prep and food storage. When camping, my amateur chef husband prefers very simple meals prepared outdoors on the picnic table with our 1 or 2 burner camping stoves. We're with you on the porta-pottie. 'Keeps that function simple. Most campgrounds do have at least an outhouse and many have nice showers and toilets. To us, it's a waste of space to include a toilet and shower in the 13'.

Personally, I can't see living in a 13' full-time. The SCAMP is just not made to do it. While a 16' SCAMP will give you more room, I find Casitas seem to be better made. You are also talking about making a LOT of modifications! A modified van* might even work out better for you. I'm sure you are doing a LOT of research and it's evident you have already done so. I think you'll make the right decision for your needs and you may even start out with one trailer and "progress" to another as you have more experience.

Check out this (one of many) website for a company that makes and sells modular systems for vans. Of course, you are handy and can make these systems yourself. The beauty of this method is you can remove your modular units and have an empty van for your use. https://wayfarervans.com/walt-camper-kit/
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Old 02-01-2021, 09:01 PM   #4
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Name: ScampGirl
Trailer: Scamp 13'
Colorado
Posts: 2
I live full time in my 13' with my bf and our dog in the winter. Sooo, it can be done. We're in our twenties and thirties, not seventies though. The boomer perspectives are adorable
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Old 03-12-2021, 11:10 AM   #5
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Big fans of doing that!
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