OK, "bowing" is a new term for me and I came across it on the FB page. I just can't believe I had not heard of it before. In this case, the unit was new and they were coming off the assembly line like that. If I remember correctly, it was the 16' with a side bath. There is a story that goes with the post, in short, buyer pointed it out at the factory, was told they did that with the side bath, showed other units like that and they were the same way, buyer takes it home, buyer posts on internet, factory picks it up to fix it. I would have to say that I really don't understand what it may have looked like or the effect that it might have. For us, if we buy new, this will be a major purchase so this really has caught my attention. I'm going to do some further searching on the "bowing" in general to see if it is limited to a particular process involved and watch carefully the promotion video. I would appreciate any input on this if anyone understands it better than me and will ask my husband later to give me input.
Currently, we are considering the Scamp 5th wheel and as a back-up choice, the Eggcamper as these two seem to offer the most space unless one goes with the much more expensive units that are nearly impossible to locate used especially anywhere near the "sticks" and more than we can justify spending on a new unit.
So "bowing"? Dealt with it? Understand fiberglass construction enough to explain to someone that doesn't?
EDIT: What I am learning is that the molded fiberglass is a totally different animal than the stick built. Different care, different repairs and different issues when it comes to the body.
I watched that FB thread as it was unfolding (or unraveling). There is a picture somewhere. If you looked down the side, there was an obvious indentation or "bowing" in of the side. The woman asked them to fix it, they said all the 16ft with side baths were like that. So she drove it home to Oregon. After she complained on FB, they sent someone to pick it up and they fixed it. I haven't read anywhere else that someone picking one up since then have had the same problem. Makes me wonder if it was a new builder or something. She unfortunately didn't make a big enough stink about it while she was there, being from so far away and having to go back to Oregon. Also (and keep in mind I am a woman), she may have gotten the old "This is how it is, little lady" treatment. I think the lesson learned by those of use that followed that thread is to no take something that isn't right. Due to the extra travel from Oregon to Minnesota and back to Oregon, her little Scamp got a lot of extra mileage and wear and tear. I pick up a 13ft in August.
I did track down the post with the 2 photos. I was surprised that Scamp found this "satisfactory" because I would have thrown a fit they probably never would have forgot. I also don't see myself accepting the trailer that way. I know another remarked at FB that he didn't think it was a big deal. I would have seen it as a big deal. When paying a premium price when working with a smaller business, I expect top notch customer service.
Know all about the "little" woman deal and it is worse in some areas and/or ages of those involved but I carry the checkbook and I have the final word.
Learned the Eggcamper dinette bed is only 23" x 68" so that won't do. Having issues with bed lengths and height issues complicated by 3 adults and 2 large dogs.
Cathy
For what it is worth, this incident you are referring to is the only time we have seen major "bowing" on a Scamp. This certainly is not a chronic design problem or issue. We have had many members of SOI pick up 16's recently and no report of bowing.
www.ScampOwners.com
My Scamp 16' is on order for a spring 2015 delivery to my home which is a 1450 mile trip one way. It would certainly be bad business for Eveland to haul a trailer that distance with a manufacturing defect requiring me to refuse the delivery.
One of the things I wondered was that the woman who bought the trailer, if I remember correctly, said they had to order parts to fix it. I can't help but wonder if they ran out of a certain part and decided to try something "inventive" in order to get the trailers out on schedule. I seen and heard about things with other manufacturers, worse things. Hopefully, Scamp learned their lesson with this one. I just didn't know what "bowing" was. So much to learn and so little time to do it anymore.
Cathy