Truth be told I am trying to convince my wife that the Scamp 13 with Front Bunks is the way to go. My kids are teenagers now so lets face it the days of them going camping with us is dwindling. We have had an old Jayco Pop-up for 20 years and Its time to get something that would work better for current situation but more for the future. We use the pop-up as sleeping quarters only. No water or Cooking inside. We use Coleman Grill and bring jugs of water. Wife doesn't want to deal with bathroom or emptying tanks.
So that leads me to a few odd and specific questions. She says where would we put all of our stuff we normally take camping? So I am asking you is there enough storage and room inside for a weekend trip? How big are the cabinets? How much weight can they hold? Where do people store Sheets blankets and pillows? We have a coffee maker that we currently store in the unused icebox so where would something like that go? Chairs, rug, shower caddy and misc games, frisbee/football and fire/wood tools.
Now I believe there is room just from watching the videos and I believe we should cut down on some of that stuff anyway. I foresee it just being the wife and I until grand kids someday come along and maybe just me as I look forward to retirement in 10-12 yrs (Wife is 7yrs younger). In general what and where does everyone store in their camper?
One last question (Maybe two) - I heard that we could order a fresh water tank with manual pump without the gray water tank. If so then where does the water go once down the sink? How difficult is it to empty the fresh water tank for winter or between trips? Do I still need to use RV antifreeze and if so then maybe we should get both tanks or none at all.
Thanks for any help figuring this stuff all out. _Darrin
I travel heavy, three hobbies and the camping equipment. The Scamp can be ordered with optional cabinets, but they are not large. I haul most of what you named in the tow vehicle.
Water drain is side discharge in the old Scamps, may be the same in a new one.
Maybe Too Much Information, but here goes anyway. My Scamp has the same set up you are describing. I don't have experience with storage space in pop-up campers, but I have had people "tour" my Scamp and say, "It's set up just like my pop-up" so I'd guess the storage space will be at least somewhat comparable. I find that I change what I carry and where on about every trip. I don't always camp in the same way. Sometimes I'm at official campsites, sometimes I'm on private property, sometimes I'm mostly traveling and don't sit in one place. The mat for outside the door and the chairs ride in the closet or under the bed/table. I have a flat tote that I keep my "kitchen" in that travels under the table/bed along with the Coleman stove then is outside on a picnic table or tucked under the camper when I'm on the campsite. I still keep a few dishes and utensils handy in the cupboard so I can grab a sandwich etc. when it's raining and I'm not going to cook outside. I have yet to figure out the best place for clothes. Food goes under the sink and in the fridge. "Other" goes in the vehicle.
If I think I'm only going to use the camper once or twice, I often don't put water into the freshwater tank. I find that a small jug on the counter is easier, but does suck up valuable counter space. I haven't used RV antifreeze since I drain (easily) the freshwater tank completely, remove the hand pump and take it inside for winter, and blow air through the hose between the 2 to remove water. I also remove the drain hose. I forgot that this year so we'll see if my casual attitude about it backfires on me! I've been considering a modification to remove the 12 gal. fresh water tank and instead put a 5 or 6 gallon jug in it's place and would take up less storage space. It would take a very long time for me to use up 12 gallons with a hand pump and a portable gray water tank, especially when I cook outside.
Happy Scamp daydreaming and good luck convincing your wife!
Sarah
Check out John Holdsfields - My Scamp Travel Adventures. He has a video on how he arranges storage in his 13 ft Scamp. He is on the road for months at a time and has a neat arrangement for him and his dog"Little Man"
Cap'n Rick
We (2 of us) have the 13' with bunks and removed the top bunk b/c not needed. We have used it for two, 2-month trips out west with a dog (and many weekend trips). We would say plenty of storage space. Overhead cabinets on sides, front and back, under seats, and clothes closet are plenty if you pack it correctly taking advantage of all the space. We leave the big bed down so there is added space under it. One sleeps on it, the other on lower bunk (not top bunk is removed to keep the camper an open fee)l. We pack camping chairs, rug, generator etc on the floor when traveling.
Just open the small valve to drain the fresh water tank and let gravity do its thing. Antifreeze is good insurance regardless. Opening one valve drains the gray water tank. Easy-peazey!
You can reinstall the top bunk when grandkids begin camping.
Bottom line, buy it and you will figure it out as you go. We stopped taking lots of stuff after we used it. And there is always the tow vehicle for backup!
B&V
bill & valerie 2016 13' 2017 Kia Sorento EX V6, AWD
Darrin,
Lilly and I have a big bed 13' standard with a front bench. Getting the big bed was a bit of a trade off. We lost 10 inched of cabinet width. What we gained was a space under the table for the bedding. With the table up, the bed extension board can be positioned at the rear of the camper as a shelf, this creates a lower space big enough to store our bedding and pillows. Other items can be stored on top of the shelf.
We store our clothing in a suit case in the tow vehicle. We don't like to have things piled up in our camper. The bench is for sitting not storing. Think of the things that you take camping that you haven't used, leave them at home. For us, simple is best.
BobH. one of the Scamper Campers