I was driving my 1987 13 foot Scamp across ND in high winds and rains all day. I pulled into Spirit Lake CG and my front cushions were socked as well as the front storage areas and side closet. Wet wet wet. It took two days to dry out the cushions and I;m using plastic bags for all my clothing. I think the rain is coming through the original trim loc around the front window, I think the rivets are leaking and maybe the under carriage needs a coat of something? It's a mess. I love this camper: its low profile, its roomy interior, its large windows and its simplicity. It's stored for the winter in Gunnison, CO and next spring I want to tackle the waterproofing project. Please advise.
Sun, 11/18/2018 - 13:21
#1
1987 Scamp not waterproof
Well, since no one has chimed in yet (I'm surprised) let me welcome you and offer my limited opinions. The front window could well be one of the culprits. The rubber seals dry out and crack over time. It is not unreasonable to expect to have to remove the windows in an older trailer and re-install with new seals.
Also, check for loose rivets. If they all seem tight, then move on to checking the condition of the snap caps (the white plastic caps on the outside of each rivet) These also need to be replaced periodically. If all of the rivets seem tight, and there is no apparent wetness around the rivet on the inside, you can try removing the snap cap, adding a somewhat generous dab of Marine adhesive sealant to the rivet head, then put a new snap cap in place. This sometimes will stop a leak temporarily until you want to drill out and replace the rivet with an entire new snap cap base and cap. Most folks advise to avoid using silicone sealant on the fiberglass areas of the Scamp (even though the factory does use it in some areas). Most feel the Marine sealant is better.
Next, check the condition of the door seal and the door adjustment. If you still have the foam type door seal, I highly recommend ordering a new door seal from Scamp. It is only $25 and is a huge improvement over the old style.
Does your closet have a vent in it? If it originally had or currently has and air conditioner, it will be in a portion of the side cabinet. Driving in wet windy conditions can allow water into the trailer through this vent. Not much to do about it other than check the perimeter seal/caulk.
Finally, check the area where any electric lines and gas lines enter the front of the trailer. Make sure these are still properly sealed.
If the floor is original, I assume it is properly sealed. If you find any soft areas (check by the door and inside all of the cabinets around the perimeter of the trailer), that would indicate that the trailer has been leaking for a while. You may need to replace a section of the floor - a big job, but not insurmountable if you have moderate handyman skills.
Good luck with your new trailer, they are great once you get them the way you like and take care of past neglect. Again, welcome.
Hello and welcome!
Another reason the windows might leak is clogged weep holes in the window frames. I had that problem and found that the best way to clean the window channels is to take out the sliding pane. You have to remove the rubber extrusion channel first and then the pane can be lifted out. Then you can really get the dirt out of there.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado