When connected to tow our Scamp, we have no choice of using or not using trailer brakes. They are connected when we hook up our 7 pin connector and we have no choice but to use the trailer brakes when needed.
There is a catch-22 for “never been an RVer” people. The options you should get are really dependent on your style of camping, but if you are new to it then you won’t know what style you will end up with. In particular, some people prefer the “all electric, just like home” style while others prefer getting back to nature - doing the boondock thing and forgoing the conveniences of shore power. From his post, it appears that Jack Freed is in the former camp, and his suggestions likely reflect his style of RVing .
There are many discussions about the pros and cons of showering in your trailer as opposed to using campground facilities, truck stops or a quick jump in the lake. Not surprising, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a bathroom with anything more than the porta-potty then the standard option package is the way to go (IMHO).
I am likely in the minority of folks who prefer to not have the factory installed awning. Its big, expensive, has to be stowed when it gets windy and just more trouble than its worth to me. Others however would not leave home without one. Personal preference.
I also passed on the factory installed furnace. It’s a power hog if you are running on battery (boondocking) and some people say it smells. Like Jack, I use a small, cheap ceramic heater when on shore power.
I did get the bike rack hitch on the rear of the camper but with the full knowledge that many people have run into problems with trailer sway when putting even relatively lightweight loads on the rear hitch.
The backsplash might be the only option that everyone here will agree you should not get. If you want one, you can DIY.
I hesitate to even mention air conditioning as that generates many opinions that again come down to one’s individual requirements and style of RVing.
Keep in mind it takes 4-6 months to get a new Scamp, and they don’t start actually building it until about 30 days from delivery. Within reason, they can add or subject options before the build starts, so I would make the basic decisions about which size and layout, and then get it ordered. If you need to change up a few options, you can do it, although my salesman always seemed to get depressed when I did that. Still, I ended up with four or five revised quotes.
In the mean time consider renting a camper (any brand) and going out to see what you like and don’t like in the way of options. Try camping off the grid and see how it goes. You might not like the lack of a microwave oven, or you might fall in love with the solitude of a campsite with no services.
Here are some of the options I am getting for the trailer that is tailored to my style of RVing:
Well, I would absolutely add the awning. One MUST get out of Scamp, and doing so let's the other have room for making beds, meals, or other needs. I would also opt for 2 LP tanks. The side dinette option really works well for us and we are two that would never NOT have a potty/shower. The extra outlets are very handy inside and out. A 12 volt charger is also very handy. Again,,the new Fiama F45 awning is truly wonderful, the best awning Scamp has ever put on. Yes, it is pricey, but then the Scamp is a long term process and to be enjoyed over a great deal of time. This is why many nice options are worth it!
Gordon brings up an excellent point. Everyone camps differently and it helps tremendously to know ur camping style, but that is not always possible so learning all you can on the forum and/or going to a nearby gathering are the best ways to learn quickly. A boondocking trailer is setup quite different from a campground trailer and a blended trailer is a combination. Money will drive most people's option list ultimately as well.
This is great information in this thread to help you decide, and keep asking questions!
Yes, there are several different ways for people to camp. However, whether you are a "boondocker" or a "shore power hookup type" the two things I would definitely get are the Screen door and Awning. The screen obviously keeps the bugs out and the awning gives you virtually an extra room without having to carry something else in your tow vehicle. I have had my awning for over 12 years and always have it out. It is so easy and quick to put in and out that I rarely stake it and never leave it out when I'm not in camp. Some people might say "what 12 years" Scamp hasn't been putting that awning on for 12 years. That's right, I have the Horizon awning which is the predecessor to the Fiamma 45 that Scamp puts on. The only difference between mine and theirs is the fabric. Also I'll take credit for the Scamp factory changing to the Fiamma 45. It was I that showed the Scamp factory my awning and suggested strongly that they start putting it on their trailers as their customers would be much happier with an awning that is actually not difficult to use.
All other items/appliances are by personal choice whether you want them or not, whether you Boondock or not.
We have taken "the road less traveled"! Our old (1974) SCAMP 13' has no amenities. It is light weight, roomy inside (with nothing in the cabinets), and simple. We bring along (as needed or desired) such amenities as awning, AC, microwave, TV, radio, and refer. So we have most of the amenities named above, but they are not "built in."
Joy’s comments reminded me of just how individualized the RV experience is.
She says that “the awning gives you virtually an extra room” yet my experience is that this “extra room” is first, not bug proof, and second, not very dry, especially if there is any wind. In most rains, I find better shelter in the camper, and I always find the camper or a screened room to be more free of pesky insects.
In addition, she says that she will “never leave it out when I'm not in camp.” That is part of my issue with it. You have to always worry about the weather, and if the awning is out and the wind kicks up, you start to worry and maybe you go back to camp to secure it.
There are times I would have preferred to have an awning but in sum, I found it more of a hassle than it was worth. I carry a small screen canopy that takes up little space and weighs only 17 pounds for those occasions when I want an outdoor shelter. It works for me but to be honest I would not want to set it up in the rain, and like I originally said, I think I am in the minority in not wanting an awning.
So my point is that you can get a lot of helpful information here, but it might not apply to you and your style of camping. Hopefully the pros and cons will be spelled out so you can better decide but ultimately only time and experience will tell.
PS, Joy is dead on about the screen door. Individualized style of camping has no effect on the need for that option ;)
We have a 2014 scamp 13 foot and are very happy with the options we have. In short we were tent camping and the scamp is great. We just got back from a 4000 mile round trip from Oklahoma to Maine and would make few changes. Our Scamp has NO air, No propane, NO water tanks(black,grey or fresh). We did opt for the 54 inch bed, door screen, extra outlet, vinyl floor, fantastic fan, frig, and trailer brakes. So far we have added sway control, hanging storage and added counter space. Very happy.
The only real necessity was air conditioning. We dont always take our dogs if we do it is important to have if things get too hot. We also wanted the option of camping in the dead of summer in some hot and/or humid locations like florida tx arizona new mexico.... we wont be caught dead without ac in those states especially in summer.
The fridge is nice but a cooler and ice goes pretty darn far too...and for days for about a buck fifty.
We will be doing some winter camping but a mr heater propane stove should serve our needs. We will not be roughing it in the middle of winter too often so a furnace was not something we required and if there is electric a ceramic heater is all ya need.
We dont mind not having a toilet. Yet....maybe as we get a little older and the kids get bigger we may have to upgrade to a 16.
Some may find this a helpful tip. We have mounted a small (2 gal?) plastic "jerry can" beneath our trailer for the gray sink water. We found one that fits in the space between the outside wall and the frame. It is held up against the floor and in place by two rubber straps. A short length of 1/2" hose feeds the water directly from the sink drain through the floor into the jerry can. At rest stops and the like, this keeps us legal, as there is no drainage onto the ground.
When connected to tow our Scamp, we have no choice of using or not using trailer brakes. They are connected when we hook up our 7 pin connector and we have no choice but to use the trailer brakes when needed.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
There is a catch-22 for “never been an RVer” people. The options you should get are really dependent on your style of camping, but if you are new to it then you won’t know what style you will end up with. In particular, some people prefer the “all electric, just like home” style while others prefer getting back to nature - doing the boondock thing and forgoing the conveniences of shore power. From his post, it appears that Jack Freed is in the former camp, and his suggestions likely reflect his style of RVing .
There are many discussions about the pros and cons of showering in your trailer as opposed to using campground facilities, truck stops or a quick jump in the lake. Not surprising, it comes down to personal preference. If you want a bathroom with anything more than the porta-potty then the standard option package is the way to go (IMHO).
I am likely in the minority of folks who prefer to not have the factory installed awning. Its big, expensive, has to be stowed when it gets windy and just more trouble than its worth to me. Others however would not leave home without one. Personal preference.
I also passed on the factory installed furnace. It’s a power hog if you are running on battery (boondocking) and some people say it smells. Like Jack, I use a small, cheap ceramic heater when on shore power.
I did get the bike rack hitch on the rear of the camper but with the full knowledge that many people have run into problems with trailer sway when putting even relatively lightweight loads on the rear hitch.
The backsplash might be the only option that everyone here will agree you should not get. If you want one, you can DIY.
I hesitate to even mention air conditioning as that generates many opinions that again come down to one’s individual requirements and style of RVing.
Keep in mind it takes 4-6 months to get a new Scamp, and they don’t start actually building it until about 30 days from delivery. Within reason, they can add or subject options before the build starts, so I would make the basic decisions about which size and layout, and then get it ordered. If you need to change up a few options, you can do it, although my salesman always seemed to get depressed when I did that. Still, I ended up with four or five revised quotes.
In the mean time consider renting a camper (any brand) and going out to see what you like and don’t like in the way of options. Try camping off the grid and see how it goes. You might not like the lack of a microwave oven, or you might fall in love with the solitude of a campsite with no services.
Here are some of the options I am getting for the trailer that is tailored to my style of RVing:
Well, I would absolutely add the awning. One MUST get out of Scamp, and doing so let's the other have room for making beds, meals, or other needs. I would also opt for 2 LP tanks. The side dinette option really works well for us and we are two that would never NOT have a potty/shower. The extra outlets are very handy inside and out. A 12 volt charger is also very handy. Again,,the new Fiama F45 awning is truly wonderful, the best awning Scamp has ever put on. Yes, it is pricey, but then the Scamp is a long term process and to be enjoyed over a great deal of time. This is why many nice options are worth it!
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Gordon brings up an excellent point. Everyone camps differently and it helps tremendously to know ur camping style, but that is not always possible so learning all you can on the forum and/or going to a nearby gathering are the best ways to learn quickly. A boondocking trailer is setup quite different from a campground trailer and a blended trailer is a combination. Money will drive most people's option list ultimately as well.
This is great information in this thread to help you decide, and keep asking questions!
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Yes, there are several different ways for people to camp. However, whether you are a "boondocker" or a "shore power hookup type" the two things I would definitely get are the Screen door and Awning. The screen obviously keeps the bugs out and the awning gives you virtually an extra room without having to carry something else in your tow vehicle. I have had my awning for over 12 years and always have it out. It is so easy and quick to put in and out that I rarely stake it and never leave it out when I'm not in camp. Some people might say "what 12 years" Scamp hasn't been putting that awning on for 12 years. That's right, I have the Horizon awning which is the predecessor to the Fiamma 45 that Scamp puts on. The only difference between mine and theirs is the fabric. Also I'll take credit for the Scamp factory changing to the Fiamma 45. It was I that showed the Scamp factory my awning and suggested strongly that they start putting it on their trailers as their customers would be much happier with an awning that is actually not difficult to use.
All other items/appliances are by personal choice whether you want them or not, whether you Boondock or not.
ps: nice picture Jack.
Joy A. & Olive
2001 13 Scamp "Puff"
Full-timer
2019 1500 Ram Longhorn
SOI #168
We have taken "the road less traveled"! Our old (1974) SCAMP 13' has no amenities. It is light weight, roomy inside (with nothing in the cabinets), and simple. We bring along (as needed or desired) such amenities as awning, AC, microwave, TV, radio, and refer. So we have most of the amenities named above, but they are not "built in."
Joy’s comments reminded me of just how individualized the RV experience is.
She says that “the awning gives you virtually an extra room” yet my experience is that this “extra room” is first, not bug proof, and second, not very dry, especially if there is any wind. In most rains, I find better shelter in the camper, and I always find the camper or a screened room to be more free of pesky insects.
In addition, she says that she will “never leave it out when I'm not in camp.” That is part of my issue with it. You have to always worry about the weather, and if the awning is out and the wind kicks up, you start to worry and maybe you go back to camp to secure it.
There are times I would have preferred to have an awning but in sum, I found it more of a hassle than it was worth. I carry a small screen canopy that takes up little space and weighs only 17 pounds for those occasions when I want an outdoor shelter. It works for me but to be honest I would not want to set it up in the rain, and like I originally said, I think I am in the minority in not wanting an awning.
So my point is that you can get a lot of helpful information here, but it might not apply to you and your style of camping. Hopefully the pros and cons will be spelled out so you can better decide but ultimately only time and experience will tell.
PS, Joy is dead on about the screen door. Individualized style of camping has no effect on the need for that option ;)
We have a 2014 scamp 13 foot and are very happy with the options we have. In short we were tent camping and the scamp is great. We just got back from a 4000 mile round trip from Oklahoma to Maine and would make few changes. Our Scamp has NO air, No propane, NO water tanks(black,grey or fresh). We did opt for the 54 inch bed, door screen, extra outlet, vinyl floor, fantastic fan, frig, and trailer brakes. So far we have added sway control, hanging storage and added counter space. Very happy.
The only real necessity was air conditioning. We dont always take our dogs if we do it is important to have if things get too hot. We also wanted the option of camping in the dead of summer in some hot and/or humid locations like florida tx arizona new mexico.... we wont be caught dead without ac in those states especially in summer.
The fridge is nice but a cooler and ice goes pretty darn far too...and for days for about a buck fifty.
We will be doing some winter camping but a mr heater propane stove should serve our needs. We will not be roughing it in the middle of winter too often so a furnace was not something we required and if there is electric a ceramic heater is all ya need.
We dont mind not having a toilet. Yet....maybe as we get a little older and the kids get bigger we may have to upgrade to a 16.
Charles & Martha (1990 Scamp 13)
Some may find this a helpful tip. We have mounted a small (2 gal?) plastic "jerry can" beneath our trailer for the gray sink water. We found one that fits in the space between the outside wall and the frame. It is held up against the floor and in place by two rubber straps. A short length of 1/2" hose feeds the water directly from the sink drain through the floor into the jerry can. At rest stops and the like, this keeps us legal, as there is no drainage onto the ground.
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