Purchasing a 13' Scamp

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Barb
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Purchasing a 13' Scamp

My cousin loaned me her 13 foot Scamp for the summer.  I've already been to the big 5 parks in Utah and a wonderful state park in North Park, CO.  I'm so hooked.  I'm using the Fiberglass RVs For Sale site.  I know what I want now, but it seems like it's hard to get people to respond to my requests for additional information or to find out if the campers are still for sale.  Are there other sites I should be using?  Do you have advice on years of Scamps that are still good--how far should I go back?  I want one that will be able to handle dirt roads (not 4-wheel trails).  Are there important questions to ask?  And how do you know how much to offer?  Ive looked at NADAguides.com and it seems like the Scamps are a bit over-priced from their suggested retail prices.  I'd love any information you'd like to share with me.  You've probably answered these questions a million times so if you want to refer me to other places that will be great too.  Thanks!

Barb

Greg A
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Welcome Barb

Welcome to the clubhouse!  You can use the Scamp Trailer for sale page here for the most recent listings. The trick is "fast."  The trailers are selling very quickly at very high prices in 2014 and normally the first person in takes them. You need to know beforehand what you want and be ready to offer and buy it immediately.

NADA is worthless for determining the prices on molded fiberglass trailers. The prices they show are way below what the trailers actually sell for. The best place to determine what a current price for any model molded fiberglass travel trailer is the Fiberglass-rv-4sale sold archives where you can research recent sold prices for any model trailer.

What years to look at is really determined by condition and your capability to repair and modify.  There are 1980 remodeled Scamps that are better than brand new ones, and there are older Scamps that need a lot of help.  The less you are capable of doing in the handyman dept the better condition trailer you will need to find. Of course, price is reflected by condition.

There are lots of posts here discussing things to look for in buying a trailer, a couple of recent ones with good info are:

  1. http://www.scampcamper.com/forums/what-does-it-cost-replace
  2. http://www.scampcamper.com/forums/older-scamp

There is a good buying tips guide on Fiberglass-rv-4sale as well that helps in determining a legitimate trailer and some things to watch out.for.

The best overall advice I can give you is to figure out the model, options, conditions and price range you are wanting and be ready to get in touch with the sellers right away, go see the trailer and complete it if it is the right one. Do not leave comments on a sellers ad if you are interested, you must call if there is a phone number and if only an email, email right away. If you leave comments for a seller, by the time they read them the trailer may be sold. If you are still in the mode of trying to figure out exactly what you want it is always a good idea to find a gathering on the event calendar that is near you and go over for the day. We love to show off our trailers and you will be able to see all kinds of molded fiberglass trailers and talk to owners.

Keep posting your questions here as you walk through the process. We've got a fantastic group of members and years of Scamping experience in the clubhouse.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Barb
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Scamp

Thanks!!  I'm getting clearer on what I want and I really appreciate your advice about calling/e-mailing right away!  I'll check out the prices in the archives and the other links you provided.  Thanks so much!

Barb

Barb
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Scamp

Greg, in the archives does it tell you how much was paid for the Scamp or the asking price.  I'm seeing the original ad, but might be missing the price paid. 

Greg A
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Sold Archives

Hi Barb,

The Sold Archives will show the listing price and there will be an "Editors Note" if we were able to confirm selling price.  However, after doing the molded fiberglass travel trailer listings for almost a decade now, I can tell you from experience that 90% of the time they sell within $500 of the asking price unless they have not priced it correctly. Usually, if they have priced it way over, by the time it sells the price has been adjusted down to where it finally sold, so you are looking at the final asking price in the archives. 

Right now, in the heart of season, most are selling pretty close to the price where they are listed.  This year has been the highest historical prices we've ever seen on resales.  I.E. Last month we just had a 1980 Scamp 13 standard that was in good condition, but nothing that special sell for $7600 confirmed. That made all of us go Wow when we saw that one.

We originally built the sold archives for two reasons:

  1. There was no resource on the web of Sold molded fiberglass travel trailers to accurately research prices for buying and selling.
  2. Hopefully, nothing will ever happen to your trailer, but if it does the insurance adjuster will try and settle for NADA pricing which is terribly wrong. They will ask you for 2-3 sold comparables to up your claim and molded fiberglass travel trailers owners have been able to use our sold archives to settle their insurance claims at appropriate levels.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

Barb
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Thanks!

Thanks so much for the time and thought that goes into these responses.  I just read the buying tips guide and that will be very helpful!  I'm so glad I joined this group!!

PhilipG
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There is a 1991 Scamp  13

There is a 1991 Scamp  13 foot  Standard in spring Texas listed at $6500. Since I stole mine for $3500 I was amazed to see the price. I may need to go give her a bath and some wax for being such a cheap date!!

mccownw
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The Scamp 13 has changed very

The Scamp 13 has changed very little in 40+ years.  IMHO...the condition matters more than the age (or year).  The other consideration are the amenities that you want (AC? refer? awning? etc.), most of which can be easily added.

Joy A.
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"......I.E. Last month we

"......I.E. Last month we just had a 1980 Scamp 13 standard that was in good condition, but nothing that special sell for $7600 confirmed. That made all of us go Wow when we saw that one........"

Greg....that is a WOW!!

I paid $8,000 for my 2001 13 Scamp new from the factory fully loaded with exception of a bath, hot water and an awning.  I always thought I could get my money back.  But with the above sell, I think if I were to ever put my Scamp on the market, I ought to ask $10,000 or better.  wink(Generator box and generator not included)

I've always known that these little babies hold their value but that is just crazy.  I might suggest the purchaser have his or her gray matter checked.

 

Joy A. & Olive

2001 13 Scamp "Puff"

Full-timer

2019 1500 Ram Longhorn

SOI #168

 

Greg A
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LOL - Eggs are selling like Crazy

Joy,

We even have many more "crazy" sold prices this season that just make you go WOW! Even with all the historically high prices there are still some diamonds if one digs hard enough, so as always, it is still a fun and interesting search when looking for these molded fiberglass gems.

Having seen "Puff" first hand and Lily too, I know you've got a great rig, especially with the things you've added over the years. yes

Barb appears to have found her Scamp 13 and soon I'm sure she'll be sharing quite a bit more of the details and pictures...  We're excited for her and soon to be new to her Egg!

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:

Fiberglass-RV-4Sale

GeneM
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prices

You can't go by year/price comparison.  You must see the unit.  It may be old but if it has been completely remodled it may be in such good condition it is worth it.  A new fridge for instance will cost $600 to over $1000 alone.