First a bit of introduction: I'm new to FG trailers but not new to FG construction and repair. For many years I owned and lived aboard a 31ft cruising sailboat, performing all repairs and maintenance, many of which were FG and Composite related.
That said, as a probable future owner I'm very new to this forum. We looked at a Scamp 16 today and came away very impressed except for one area. The pressed wood flooring on the underside of the trailer is basically unprotected. I know the builder utilizes a sealer on the wood but it still has me a bit concerned. The sheet metal screws that are used as furniture and cabinetry hold downs are protruding way the face of the wood. Also except for a deflection plate, the head plumbing is unprotected as well. My initial thought would be to first seal all protruding fasteners then coat the entire area with thickened epoxy. Also fabricate an aluminum shroud to cover the exposed gear hardware.
Has anyone else considered this? Am I being overly concerned? Many thanks in advance.
Ralph
Glad to have you in the clubhouse With your experience in fiberglass working with these trailers will translate very easily. I'm sure your input and assistance will be invaluable to our members.
You have discovered one of the achilles heels to these trailers, although they have stood the test of time and use with minimal or no issues from the wood sub-floor. I certainly wouldn't be concerned about buying a Scamp because of the sub floor as long as it was in good condition. Some manufacturers encase the wood sub-floor in a full fiberglass shell, but there are pros and cons to each method.
One of the big items when evaluating a used trailer for purchase is the condition of the sub-floor. One needs to check the prospective trailer sub-floor very thoroughly for rot, etc. The sub-floor isn't that difficult to replace and sometimes it is just a section, but it is labor intensive.
I have seen many folks add an undercoating to the sub-floor on the Scamps. Easy to do and it certainly would add quite a bit of both protection and some insulation value. I have also heard of some owners wanting to build enclosures for the plumbing/tanks, but that is usually for cold weather camping concerns.
I have considered doing very similar work on my Scamps over the years, however, being in Arizona we don't have the concern with rot like one would have with a trailer in the Pacific Northwest, FL, or more humid areas of the country.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Hi Greg,
Many thanks for the welcome as well as your response. I'm looking to buy new vs. used. My apologies for not being more clear in that regard.
When doing initial research I was surprised to find how many FG trailer manufacturers there are out there. I guess that's a good thing. Seems to me that Scamp and Casita are the most popular manufacturers, dependent upon area of travel I suppose.
The Scamp, right now anyway, seems to be what I'm looking for; a relatively inexpensive unit that tows easily with little maintenance requirements.
I've owned several trailers over the years, albeit many years ago, all of which were stick built units. Never again !!
I noticed in your signature line that you have an Escape 17B for sale? Or am I misinterpreting?
Ralph
Hi Ralph,
No, the Escape 17 isn't for sale, probably confusing our link to our for sale site. That is our families main trailer and just found that one not long ago.
I have the 13 Scamp as well which I use when I need for my work to get into some rural areas in Arizona. As Donna D would say, I'm double-yoked.
Glad to hear you are moving into the molded fiberglass trailer arena, but just a caution it is an addictive hobby!
What is the lead time on a new 16 order right now??
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Over concerned over nothing. Been in the Forum for years now and no one,but no one has had issues with their flooring. The sealer seems to hold up well, and no issues what so ever with our 2008 16 ft. Scamp. You have nothing to fear.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Hi Doug,
Thanks for your reply. Since posting this topic seeking comment we've ordered a new Casita 17 SD, taking delivery late May.
I do plan to lurk on the SOP as I can see there are many experienced and knowlegable folks here.
Thanks again,
Ralph
Awesome! Glad to hear you have an egg in the hatchery! Casita looks like they have a quicker delivery available right now then the other manufacturers.
If you haven't already joined, make sure you sign up for the Casita Travel Trailer Forum Very good friends of ours over there and a great group of people like SOI. We'd love to have you keep a finger in over here as well. Fiberglass is fiberglass and the same concepts apply across the board on all of these trailers. Hope to meet you soon at a Scamp Camp or at one of the other Molded Fiberglass events in the years ahead.
Put some pics up of the new trailer when you get her back home!
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale