The first thing I think of is the credibility of the seller, dose he have a title and documentation. Is the title clear and is it out of state for you? That's the first hurdle you have. Now looking at the camper in general does it look to have been abused or neglected? Does everything work, refrigerator, toilet, AC,lights both in and out? If it looks to be a sitting low it could mean the axel rubber is deteriorated or is a southern California custom low rider. (: Don't worry about the tires they will need attention after you buy it but you can use it as a bargaining tool to help get the price down. Consider your tow vehicle and research the the tongue weight as well as towing ability. If the price is acceptable, go for it! I had one and loved it.
I think I would get the brakes fixed, then use it for a year or two to see if you think it needs a new axle.
I just replaced the axle on my '99 13 footer, but the original didn't have brakes. Since it was getting NEAR the end of it's life, most folks agreed, including Scamp, that it was probably best and most cost effective to just go ahead and replace the axle with one that had the brakes rather than adding them to the old axle. If I hadn't wanted the brakes, I'm quite sure the axle could have made it another few years.
If the brakes did not work may mean that they are not worn out, but need adjustment. I would start there. The mechanic should be able to feel the bearings at the same time, and if in doubt, pull the drums and inspect the whole shebang.
Thanks Paul, the brakes are shot, we are going to replace them. I'm not sure about the axle, it looks good, no cracks. Going to replace tires before we take it out. Good cleaning and a wax job,
The first thing I think of is the credibility of the seller, dose he have a title and documentation. Is the title clear and is it out of state for you? That's the first hurdle you have. Now looking at the camper in general does it look to have been abused or neglected? Does everything work, refrigerator, toilet, AC,lights both in and out? If it looks to be a sitting low it could mean the axel rubber is deteriorated or is a southern California custom low rider. (: Don't worry about the tires they will need attention after you buy it but you can use it as a bargaining tool to help get the price down. Consider your tow vehicle and research the the tongue weight as well as towing ability. If the price is acceptable, go for it! I had one and loved it.
KVJ
Does it smell musty? A sure sign of neglected water leaks which may have resulted in rot.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
I wish I had gone underneath and checked the floor before I wrote the check on my 2000 5er.
Floor repair is a lot of work, not impossible, and I'm proud of the work, but it was a lot of work.
Everything on the camper seems solid, could not find any leaks, floor looks solid, the 1 big question now is should we replace the axle?
Not necessarily, I would take it and decide after having used it on a few trips.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
His last trip with it, also the brakes are not working on it.
I think I would get the brakes fixed, then use it for a year or two to see if you think it needs a new axle.
I just replaced the axle on my '99 13 footer, but the original didn't have brakes. Since it was getting NEAR the end of it's life, most folks agreed, including Scamp, that it was probably best and most cost effective to just go ahead and replace the axle with one that had the brakes rather than adding them to the old axle. If I hadn't wanted the brakes, I'm quite sure the axle could have made it another few years.
If the brakes did not work may mean that they are not worn out, but need adjustment. I would start there. The mechanic should be able to feel the bearings at the same time, and if in doubt, pull the drums and inspect the whole shebang.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado
Thanks Paul, the brakes are shot, we are going to replace them. I'm not sure about the axle, it looks good, no cracks. Going to replace tires before we take it out. Good cleaning and a wax job,
You might consider that for very little extra money you can get self adjusting brakes, but you are probably already aware of that option.
-Paul
2004 Scamp 19 Deluxe,
2021 Tacoma, Double Cab, 6 cyl. 4WD
Colorado