Hello, I just ordered a 2024 16' layout 4 Scamp and I'm excitedly doing research. I don't want to be redundant or bothersome with my questions, and I already see forums for some stuff I am researching (e.g. solar), so I will research there. For the other questions I have I would love any insight, ideas, and opinions. I really appreciate all of the help I have been receiving (Scamp Facebook group, Reddit Scamp group).
1. How much does the AC unit weigh? I have heard it's a bit overkill for such a small trailer. I know I need AC (I run hot even in winter), so I'm wondering if there are feasable alternatives.
2. What are the dimensions of the sink? I can't find the depth anywhere.
3. Is the front window cover/rock shield worth it? I'm leaning towards yes.
4. Has anyone riveted onto the rat fur (is there a better term Scamp folks use, haha?)? I'd like to add things like mesh pockets and hooks onto it.
5. Has anyone taken the cupboard doors off and used mesh netting? I saw it on a trailer video and cannot find it again.
6. Do the interior windows have a lip/ledge around them that some window covers could be put on with elastic? I'm in Alaska and we have so much summer light that I need to black out the windows.
I hope this is all in the appropriate place. Thank you in advance for any replies. :)
FYI i also own a Scamp 16 Layout 4. Mine is an older one.
1. You can forgo the roof unit and install a window unit in the back window, you will need to DIY a frame for it (i did for mine). i think a factory installed roof option is the best and would do that if i bought a new one.
3. Yes it's worth it.
4. No, it's best not to introduce new holes to the fiberglass as that adds potential leak points. Place items on the fiberglass using Command strips (3m?). For instance, use the fiberglass surrounding the bathroom, attach things to that for hooks. There is plenty of interior fiberglass that you can attach stuff to.
5. Seems like a problem in search of a solution. There are no shocks on the scamp, meaning every bump and pothole literally bounces it. A pasta sauce jar becomes a projectile, likely shooting through the mesh and decorating you scamp with a new red interior. Keep the doors on, they are sturdy and keep stuff from falling out. Why the mesh? Sorry maybe i don't get this.
6. Mine is old but there is no lip/edge. But, the frame is metal so you could do magnet covers to them. Not sure if the new ones are.
1987 Scamp 16
Thank you for the response. I will be getting the AC unit now that multiple sources have said it is worth it, including you. As far as the mesh covering on the cupboards, I recall it was part of a weight saving video and it saved like 30 pounds. The mesh covers were very lightweight and held everything in. I was curious if this was something people did regularly, but considering I can't find the video and no one else really does this, I have my answer.
30 pounds on a 2000+ pound RV? again, why? once you fill it with stuff (dishes, food, tools, etc) you will find that 30 pounds isn't going to make any difference. if you're worried about tow vehicle let us know what you have and what its rated for and we can tell you if it's fine or foolish.
1987 Scamp 16
The weight saving video I have tried to find had about a dozen things done that saved weight, not just the cupboard doors. I asked about them specifically because I have not seen it done anywhere else in my research and was curious.
1.) No idea how much it weighs, but I follow many older scamps on IG and they struggle to find A/C alternatives. A/C 100% worth it.
2.) The sink is small. Like, think a small bathroom sink.
3.) Get that front rock shield cover!!
4.) I used a hook pin that hangs decor and mesh pockets. It only goes into the rat fur. It's done no damage and holds things well.
5.) The doors are KEY for keeping items in place.
6.) There is a metal rim that could fit some type of custom blackout shower cap covers.
Hope this helps!
April Mae
Thank you, this is very helpful. :)
1) We live in a cool climate (but still south of you!) and we did not get the AC. The fan works well for us. I didn't want the weight.
3) The rock shield makes for excellent black out and insulation at night. During the day we hang it with bungee cords. We also use our when towing but have friends who never do and have not had a rock.
4) Look for velcro mesh pockets on line or at an RV store. I've only found them in black so they are not beautiful but very useful.
5) We have a 13 foot and a small TV. We consider every pound that we pack. But I can't imagine removing the doors just to save 30 pounds.
6) Consider Reflectix for your windows. You can buy it on line or at a hardware store and cut to fit. It doesn't have to be exact because it is flexible. It press fits into the windows at night and gives insulation, blackout and privacy. In the morning we take it down and store it under the cushions. But in answer to your question I think you could make elastic window covers work. My windows have a bit of a rim.
The over bed fan also lets in early morning light and we made a bandana covering with cardboard shims holding it in place for summer camping. But I have seen a cover on line made for camping vans that gives even more blackout and insulation and it is held in place with magnets. They say it really helps in cool weather to reduce cabin heat loss through the fan. I haven't bought one so can't give opinion but it might work.
1) We live in a cool climate (but still south of you!) and we did not get the AC. The fan works well for us. I didn't want the weight.
3) The rock shield makes for excellent black out and insulation at night. During the day we hang it with bungee cords. We also use our when towing but have friends who never do and have not had a rock. I didn't eben think about the blackout part. Thank!
4) Look for velcro mesh pockets on line or at an RV store. I've only found them in black so they are not beautiful but very useful. Velcro sounds like it will be quite useful as a Scamp owner. :)
5) We have a 13 foot and a small TV. We consider every pound that we pack. But I can't imagine removing the doors just to save 30 pounds. I saw a weight saving video years ago that I cannot find, and the cupboard door removal was one of about a dozen things they did, so it was a singular question fitting into a larger picture. I have not seen that done anywhere else and was curious if it was part of other weight saver techniques.
6) Consider Reflectix for your windows. You can buy it on line or at a hardware store and cut to fit. It doesn't have to be exact because it is flexible. It press fits into the windows at night and gives insulation, blackout and privacy. In the morning we take it down and store it under the cushions. But in answer to your question I think you could make elastic window covers work. My windows have a bit of a rim.
The over bed fan also lets in early morning light and we made a bandana covering with cardboard shims holding it in place for summer camping. But I have seen a cover on line made for camping vans that gives even more blackout and insulation and it is held in place with magnets. They say it really helps in cool weather to reduce cabin heat loss through the fan. I haven't bought one so can't give opinion but it might work.
These are helpful and I really appreciate it.
You can hold covers over the windows with velcro onto the rat fur.
Thanks!