I have an idea that won't help me, but could make Scamping easier for future owners.
Eveland makes a good product at a remarkably low price. But that combination requires some corners to be cut. One that I have noticed is quality control. Little (or big) things aren't always the way they should be on a new Scamp.
I don't want to bear the costs of a Rolls Royce QC inspection, but maybe we can help.
Would it be possible or helpful if a few knowledgeable old timers put together an inspection check list -- what some industries call a punch list -- of items the new owner should make sure are working properly before leaving Backus? Sort of a Buying a Scamp for Dummies approach.
I think this could be done with a shared Google Doc, but I'm sure wiser minds can come up with a better system.
Any interest? I also posted this on the Scamp Trailers Facebook page.
Clyde
Yeah, I agree. I'm still in the build queue and would love to see a punch-out list like that before going to pick it up. The Scamp is a hand made, custom, product. Not turned out by robots. Each one is bound to have some character about it that isn't perfect. I'm ok with that. I don't mind fixing things that aren't the way I want. You really should expect that if you're planning to have any fun with camping. But just so, it would be nice to know if there is anything that I can't handle before leaving the Backus area so I don't have to deal with it when I'm back in Virginia. A punch-out list from some people who've come upon the unexpected would be handy. Not the obvious stuff like "bring TP" but more of the structural stuff. For example, one guy was saying that the wire diagram for the fuse box wasn't correct. There are some really good reviews out there but a checklist is really what would work. Along with his own review, John Holderfield gave a couple of really good videos on the factory and how they build them and I love to replay them from time to time. I keep seeing things I missed before just watching those. (Thanks John) But I've also read that when you pick up your new scamp they give you a "101" on how ever thing works. That stuff would be nice to know in advance as well. Anybody have a video or notes on that part?
--Thx.
Randy.
WE made our own checklist and when the Scamp sold, it went with the new buyers. Since buying our Lance, we have come up with yet another checklist. We are often updating it, and it is sealed in plastic. I had checklists for the aircraft I flew, no matter if was single engine birds of high speed jets.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Please, by all means, this would be the greatest help!! In late April I purchased a 2018 Scamp 13' and had such visions of fun and excitement. I was just sure that Scamp headquarters would be a fun and happy place with very helpful staff to make the entry into the world of Scamping go smoothly. Boy, was the bubble burst!!! The owner's manual could have been assembled and written by a Jr. High Student. Useless! But the worst experience was my trip (11 hours one way) to Backus to have A/C and a power hitch installed.
Like everyone, I arrived all excited to see the factory, learn about my trailer, and of course took a bunch of pictures of the Scamp on a pole out front. I was treated so poorly, (Other than the very nice young man named Ryan!) and the 2.5 hour wait became 6 and no communication was provided, my trailer was left a huge mess, they dinged up the screen in the screen door (See Photo), nobody would even help me hitch back up, nobody would show me how to work the new A/C or power hitch, they had stomped gritty dirt all over the owner's manual for the new items, and never was I offered a place to come inside and wait. It was 92 degrees outside and I had my small dog with me, so I had to sit in the parking lot with the car running all that time. I left feeling so bad about this. I also left realizing I was completely on my own. It was so disheartening! Even car dealers offer friendlier service after the sale. This unit was not cheap!
I am a 59 year old female travelling solo, but as a 100-ton US Coast Guard Captain, I am quite mechanically inclined, so it is not as if I can't understand the basics. It just would have been great to have someone explain things like how to clean the filters, what maintenance the power hitch might need, or why a brand new Scamp has a dent in the side where there is a bolt that was apparently tightened too much...
So, I will rely on the experts on this site to provide advice and ideas and am so very grateful for anything you can share. I am enjoying all the great things everyone shares. I am not ready to give up on trying to make this a fun venture.
<p>Captain Kathy</p>
Well, it is disappointing to hear of issues due to a lack of quality control. With major manufacturers, I have heard that they just "let the dealership deal with the issues", but with Scamp.......... It is unfortunate that pride in workmanship is a lost concept for the most part.
When I worked for a direct-sales 5th wheel manufacturer, I noticed that the QC inspector had a list of items that he checked before each unit went out. That doesn't mean they actually corrected issues though to his satisfaction. We bought a used TT, and on the inside of the cabinet, I found a list of items that were to be completed and checked off prior to being put on the market. I wonder if Scamp has a QC check list that they use, and if they don't, well I guess it is "buyer beware".
Cathy
Captain Kathy,
Sorry you had such a bad experience at Scamp, but you have us now!
We have a lot of very seasoned Scamp experts here and with your mechanical ability someone will help you with any questions you may have. Once warranties have expired or even sooner, this group of hobbyists is kinda a DIY group and tinkering on these trailers is half the hobby.
The main thing is to get Scamping and the enjoyment will start to mount up with your adventures in your new lil Scamp.
Welcome, and hope we see you Scamping for many years to come.
Our Trailers:
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Greg A, you made my day! I'm gonna head North at 5p today to play in the intermittent storms and rain...that's half the fun because it gives me permission to stay in the Scamp and read a book, right?
<p>Captain Kathy</p>
Cant wait to hear about your trip.
I just got back from a week in S UT. Storms and flash floods all over the area. Great trip, just had some rain off and on, but some of the towns got flooded with the Monsoon storms.
Be safe
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
We're in line waiting for a 13', due next August or Sept. I would love any pointers on what to look for when we pick our "egg" up. We've been tent campers, so this RV thing is new to us. I love lists, so send them my way ! : )
At one campground it worked. At the next campground is won't even turn on when I plugged in the electric to the Scamp. Can anyone help?
Deb Baird