Removing Water Tank: 13' Scamp

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Matt
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Removing Water Tank: 13' Scamp

Would appreciate any suggestions and hints in how to remove water tank from 13' Scamp (standard). It look like the straps can be unscrewed and the drain removed. However, the smallest dimension of the tank seems to be larger than the opening in the fiberglass bench. 

Greg A
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Water Tank

Hi Matt,

The bench is pretty easy to remove especially on the passenger side where the water tank is located. Just find all your screw points on the base and arount the outside flange, remove the screws, and lift out the bench. As you can see in the pic below it is very easy to replace the tank once the bench is out.

This is also a great time to plan to do flooring and add a water pump if you don't have running water and just the pump handle on the sink.

Adding a Shur Flo pump

I also use this time to run new braided water lines to the sink for additional protection against water pressure at the campgrounds and freeze.

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Snow Gypsy
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Looks Like Work!

Gosh, that looks like a lot of effort.  My thought was that I wonder if you could get a different shape on the fresh water tank when you bought a replacement, say one that might be more narrow, yet longer with the same capacity, if you could avoid having to take the bench apart when the tank failed again?  I am guessing the tanks generally last a long time.  Makes sense when you take something apart to go ahead and renew everything you can as we have done that with the houses and vehicles and it really does put you ahead on down the road.  Again though, it just looks like with a Scamp that you can handle so much of the maintenance yourself especially with all the great help that one can get from fellow owners.

Edit:  I was wondering if you could use a collapsible water reservoir since we have such things, like a sturdy bag.  As you can tell, I'm always wondering something.  Housebound with single digit temps gives me too much time to ponder.

Cathy

Greg A
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Really Not a Hard Job

Probably takes about 10-15 minutes to remove a bench, it may be a little longer the first time you take it out but it's not a hard job. After checking his profile, Matt's Scamp is a 2007 so I'm a little curious as to why he wants to replace the tank. Perhaps a leak, but I've had tanks on 30 year old Scamps that are still going strong and with good regular chlorine maintenance can go on for many more years.

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Matt
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Reason for removing; question

Thanks for asking, Greg. We would prefer to use the area for storage. Tank and water system works fine. Would rather deal with a little inconvenience and have more space. I appreciate pic of both sides out. Didn't realize the entire bench on both sides had to come out. I see caulking on the seam between the bench seat and closet. Assume that needs to be removed and redone. Plan to cap lines, drain. Anything else to look for?

Greg A
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Makes sense

Hey Matt,

You don't need to remove the bench on both sides just the bench on the water tank/passenger side to remove the water tank. (Only picture I had was with both benches out for the flooring project) Of course, you need all the table out of the way before you begin. Yes the caulking just carefully score with razor cutter and pop out when you remove the bench. Clean the residue up before reinstalling the bench. I personally don't recaulk it when I have reinstalled the benches because I tend to do projects quite a bit and find I remove the benches from time to time. Not sure what purpose the caulking serves, but never had an issue without the caulking. To plug the drain hole through the sub floor, I'd probably use something like correct size rubber stopper from the Depot specialty hardware selection, glue it in place and the slice it even with the subfloor after it sets.

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Matt
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Caulk, table removal, etc.

Thanks, Greg:

I appreciate the suggestions. My experience from other campers I have done is that the caulking would reduce drafts and outside air temps. I will likely insulate the bench when out with foil faced bubble insulation. May wire backup camera (for continuous use) at that time - using  quick disconnect through bench. Would like to add higher tail lights, but that is for another thread, I think.

 

One question: when I removed the table before to refinish I was reluctant to unscrew fittings from the back wall. Removed them from the bottom of the table. Back wall would likely be easier. Have you done that?

 

 

JerryJohn
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Removed water tank 13'

I did the same mod, i just cut the bench hole 1/4" bigger and it came right out. I ordered a baggage door to add to the out side for access. I always use the camp water, and I will be adding a Ensinkerator for hot water taped of the main line and reuse the old pump faucet hole for the new one.

Jerry Johnson

Matt
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Water Heater

Interesting about another access door. I ended up removing the bench. Easy access to tank and hoses. Also did some wiring then. Recaulked after replacing.  We're carrying 2 1/2 gal collapsible water carrier and some 1 gal. bottles. Works fine and lots more storage.

Been thinking about how nice it would be to have hot water available. Can you give some more details on hardware, plumbing, and wiring for it - esp. costs and link to heater?

Flyboyscamp
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My gosh! Butchering of Scamps

My gosh! Butchering of Scamps! I love the way the factory made mine, and it serves me well. 

<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>

Greg A
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Glad you Like

LOL, what you refer to as "Butchering" we officially call mods.

Glad to hear that your Scamp is setup well for you, but as you get more time out Scamping you''ll discover there are a wealth of great lil things you can do to it that really enhance the Scamping experience. A big part of the Hobby is that these trailers are so easy to work with and make changes to. I sometimes think I enjoy the rehab and modding of these trailers as much or more than getting out in them.

The access hatch I'm currently looking at for my next mod as well. Since adding the permanent mattress the storage areas are tougher to access from inside the trailer and the access hatch would be an awesome addition.

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