I plan to see a 2003 13' Standard Scamp this weekend. Sounds like it has spent most of its 12 years sitting and acting as storage. I know it's been outside for the past year in Northern California. I'm green in my maintenance abilities.
1. What are the biggest things I should look for. How should i evaluate these things?
2. The price is right at $3500 and it looks and sounds good from photos. What would be a deal breaker if I am unwilling to dump thousands into it?
3. Suggestions on best wheel or hitch locks? I live in the city and this will be in my driveway.
4. Has anyone used a Trailer Valet? I have a tight fit through my fence - 2 inches each side.
5. Do I really need a 1 7/8" ball? I have a 2" ball on my hitch.
Feel free to redirect me to discussion threads. I'm having a challenge navigating this site on my iPad.
Thanks.
Caution, that is highly likely a Scam. If you can send me the ad info @ info@scampcamper.com I'll be able to give you a better read on it.
I use an iPad mini quite a bit on the site and not having bad issues. Have a bigger problem trying to use the iPad on Amazon.
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Hi, Greg. The trailer is not being sold through an add. Someone is offering it up on a Scamp Facebook page. I'm 99% certain it is legit. It has sat as storage for most of its life and the sell bought a year ago and is now selling it because she hasn't used it and doesn't think she will be able to in the future.
We've been doing this a long time and this is major red flag for several reasons. An 03 13 in rough shape sells for quite a bit more than $3500. If it is legit, the price is indicative of the condition, and it's late model, you don't want it. Part two if it is legit and in the N Cal area at that price it would have sold in under two hours, so if it is still available that's another red flag. We have a saying on these when they are legit. "First one to get there leaves with it on their hitch."
Sitting for several years unused really doesn't hurt these trailers except for needing fresh tires, battery, and thorough cleaning, not a reason for the value to be drastically reduced. There is more to the story that is worrisome as well.
Occasionally a rockin deal pops up, but it's rare and very difficult to be the one that gets it. All I can do is offer you advice to be very careful on this one. If you actually get to see a trailer, evaluate it carefully and match VIN to title and to owners drivers license. Know all the parts of these trailers and how much each element costs to replace/rehab. We've got some very experienced members here who can guide you in this process.
Our Trailers:
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Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
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That is classic "$3500" scam. When I cruise the listings, I always "flag" those listings. I see one and then I run it on google and sit here and report them all. I don't know why people have to be that way.
Cathy
I keyed in on this statement: "it has spent most of its 12 years sitting and acting as storage" and I expect the price is reflective of what was stored in it, and how it was used as storage. It might not be much more than a shell with decent foundation.
I also noted the statement, "I'm green in my maintenance abilities." In that case I would think you would not want a fixer-upper that needs so much work that it is priced so much lower than a comparable model in decent condition.
Most scammers do not allow a personal inspection so if they let you come see it, that make the red flag much less colorful. Of course a dishonest seller is still a possibility.
Anyway hope you let us know what you find.
Did you get to see this trailer this weekend?? If so, what did you find?
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
It was not a scam! However, I could have put my hand through the rotten floor board from underneath. It had simply sat outside, neglected and alone for years. It's current own had never used it and seemed genuinely apologetic about me traveling so far to see it.
May not have been a scam per se, but it was exactly what I said it would be in post 4. These are difficult trailers to find and they don't last very long when they are properly priced, and in usable condition. That would still be a good trailer for one of us to do a frame-off restoration however, her price is way too high for that condition, but that is the reason it was still even sitting there weeks later for you to see. There were just too many red flags on that Scamp.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
Is there a specific forum on the site covering major restoration: frame reinforcement, replacing floors, new axle+lift, complete rewiring, total fresh/grey/black water re-line, etc? The more we dig, the more problems we are finding! Even though it means we won't be camping anytime soon, we have decided to put everything right before we ever hit the road. We would like guidance on where to start first and what order to proceed (so we don't have to uninstall something we just did to complete something else). Advice on the quality of different parts and products based on real-world user experience would be helpful. We are learning so much from everyone's contributions to the site, but it is a lot of info for a newbie to absorb and apply to a major rehab! Greg, Thanks for doing a great job as site Admin!
Bernie
Bernie & Bob,
Newbies needing Mentor(s)
1984 19' 5er PROJECT "Boreggo"
1999 Dodge Ram 4x4 2500 "Thunder Buggy"
Tallahassee, Florida & Poway/Rancho Bernardo, California
Readers Digest version Inst.
First fix all leaks unless you have the trailer in a shop. (If you have a shop don't repair windows until floor repairs are done.) It may involve pulling and replacing windows and hatches. Next start at the ground and work up. Inspect and note frame issues. Next repack bearing and work on brakes. If your axle is dead don't worry about orig. bearings and brakes just replace axle. Check and repair floor sections, It's best to repair floor sections in place and do frame repairs while the floor sections are out. Scamps are not built for off frame rebuilds but it can be done if the frame has extreme issues. Next wiring and plumbing then reinstalling cabinets. Then painting, trim work, cabinet doors and Hwd.
Most parts can be had from Scamp. Order all the parts you can at once to save on shipping cost. The Dexter axle can be ordered from Redneck Trailer Supply and installed locally. I think there is a shop in Pensacola that will take care of everything dealing with the axle.
Good luck
Eddie
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