Hello! We will be putting money down on a brand new 16 footer this weekend and were wondering if we can expect any surprises when we finally get to use it. Any minor or major issues we can expect? Also curious to know if Scamps are easy to maintain and if the transition from tent camping to Scamp camping is a worry free one. We have never owned or used a camper and of course we're sort of nervous about the change. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Thu, 02/21/2019 - 12:58
#1
First Timers!
ALL RV companies have quality problems, not just Scamp. People have paid $100,000 plus and had MAJOR problems. Inspect the Scamp completely when you pick it up and ask again at the time for what others have found. Scamp is a smaller RV with smaller problems, any of mine were easy to fix.
Plan on camping to test it before you leave the northern Minnesota area, I went to Itasca state park and loved it. The second night was free boondocking at Six-mile lake.
I think you will love the Scamp over a tent especially in bad weather (not wishing that on you!). My first thought as I read your post was, are you familiar with driving with a trailer. If you are not that will be your biggest challenge. You never had to back your tent into a tight camp site! I'm sure you will do fine. Good Luck.
Your assumption is correct, neither one of us has experience driving with a trailer and the backing up part will be a little overwhelming at first, but I'm confident in my and my girlfriends abilities. We are super excited about the step up from tent camping!
Maybe you can head to a empty parking lot and even set up some cones or boxes to practice with. No damage or harm that way. Backing is certainly different but even going forward is a little different since the trailer will turn a smaller circle than the car when going around a corner.
2019 Scamp 13 standard
I'm a do-it-yourselfer and enjoy learning all the little ins and outs of all the systems on our 2016 13' Deluxe Scamp, and I suspect that many of the folks on this forum are similar. But that doesn't mean you have to be in order to enjoy your Scamp (or any small travel trailer), but in my opinion you do need to learn the basics of the various systems (water, propane, electrical). These systems are not as care-free as in your home, and if something goes wrong while you're out Scamping it helps to know at least where to start with a possible fix. For example, a basic knowledge of battery maintenance can help avoid problems while out. You can learn an awful lot of practical knowledge from this forum.
Backing is simply a matter of learning by doing. You'll get the hang of it. I highly recommend practicing in an empty parking lot (Sunday afternoons at the Jr. High School). When doing it real time at a camping spot, the key is to not get frustrated and don't be afraid to stop, pull up and reposition, and try again. Everybody you see pulling a trailer of any kind had to learn at some point!
Happy Scamping!
2016 13 Scamp Deluxe
TV: 2020 Subaru Ascent Premium
Minnesota
You bring a nice perspective to the new experience for many
2019 Scamp 13 standard