Hey all. I got a 1999 Scamp 13 this past fall. It does not have brakes (or flanges), so I'm seriously considering taking a road trip to the factory to have them install a new axle with brakes and a Fantastic Fan. I spoke with their service department, and they say then can do it most any time, just call for an appointment. I'm thinking the second week in March. Get it all ready for more "fun" camping in the spring.
My question, since I will be driving from Michigan, I will need to take a couple of days, and would like someplace near the factory with hook-ups to spend a day or so. Does anyone know if there would be any place close that is open this time of year?
I'm sure when I call for an appointment the factory may be able to suggest a location, but I'm just thinking things through now.
One thought, is that I'm nuts! First extensive trip with my Scamp, and I'm planning a winter trek across the upper peninsula of Michigan and northermost Wisconsin! I do have winter backpacking experience, so I think this will be quite fun. Hopefully the roads are clear.
Well, across the street is a gas station, restaurant. They welcome Scamp folks to spend the night. Camp ground up there have the water turned off now until warmer weather. While at the factory, get some neat options in addition, like a 12 volt charge socket, new door seal, maybe a TV antenna. These options are not expensive and can be done fast. I had mine done in addition to many other mods.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>
Thanks Doug.
I decided to fore-go the trip to MN for now. I ordered an axle from them just this afternoon. They will ship it out on Mon or Tues of next week, should have it by the end of the week. I found at least one local shop who has quoted me a price of $110 to cut the old axle off and install the new one. Wiring for the brake upgrade will be extra, based on an hourly rate.
I am planning a trip to North Dakota in Sept of this year, so the plan now is to stop by the factory on my way home to get the fan and any other extras I determine I want installed then. In Sept I won't have to worry about the weather and will have plenty of opportunities for camping along the way, just seemed to make more sense.
OK the factory does a great job installing them and not expensive at all. You will surely like the raise of the trailer with the new axle, and of course, new brakes. When the time comes for a new axle, it will go to the factory for us. Ours is like new, and I jack up the trailer all winter, to extend the life of the axle. When it is behind the tow vehicle, I can still see the top of the tires. Let me know how the axle install goes.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>