I'm looking at used Scamps and since I live in the desert Southwest, AC is a must-have. I've been told that the Scamp's roof needs to be reinforced to handle the weight and vibrations of a roof mounted AC. I've also been told that at some point in time, Scamp started reinforcing the roof of each Scamp, whether or not the original purchaser requested AC. Can someone confirm these statements? I'd also like to know what year they began the standard practice of reinforcing the roofs, if they did. I did look through the tables of contents and I see posts about the options for wall mounted ACs, but for now, I'm just asking about roof mounted ACs. Thanks!
Sat, 08/26/2023 - 17:52
#1
Adding Roof AC to Used Scamp
Can roof air conditioners be added to older Scamp trailers?
When a roof air conditioner is installed, it is necessary to reinforce the roof to support the added weight and stress. To accomplish this, a thick fiber mat is rolled into the ceiling. In most cases, the Roof Support can still be added after the fact and an Air Conditioner installed. The trailer will typically be at our shop three days to complete this procedure.
As of 2010 all 16ft and 19ft trailers come with the roof support by default.
As of 2018 all 13ft trailers also have the roof support by default.
For many years, if air conditioning was not ordered with a trailer, the support was optional and the buyer would choose whether or not to have it. This is indicated in the buyer’s paperwork as an item line “Roof Air-Prep Only”. Another way to check for this is to look for a 120 volt NM-B type wire tucked behind the ceiling fabric strip. This wire will be on the same side of the trailer as the breaker panel.
https://www.scamptrailers.com/ask-scamp/faq-s
Thanks for the quick reply and showing me where else to look for answers.
Pati
Pati
I just finished adding a roof A/C to my 2013 Scamp 13. I'd be glad to share my project and I have a few photos that might help others that are thinking of adding a roof A/C.
Yay, I found the wire! That means I should have the reinforced roof.
No turning back now. The bag taped to the ceiling worked well to keep fiberglass dust out of the trailer. Then I created a channel through the bubble-wrap insulation for the wire using a length of plastic scrap. The piece that I cut out of the roof shows the reinforcement layer. It appears to be about 3/16" thick and is made of ABS or PVC plastic It has a thin layer of fiberglass covering it. If you were to reinforce the roof on a trailer that didn't already have this feature, you would need to use a vacuum bag technique to assure the panel is completely epoxied to the roof
Panel removed from roof. To lift the A/C unit onto the roof, I put my 20 ft. Extension ladder on the roof of my garage over the trailer. I put weights on the end of the ladder to offset the weight of the A//C unit and pulled it up with a block and tackle.
I found that not only was the wire pulled in place for the A/C, but a circuit breaker was in the panel, also. The whole job took about 2 1/2 hrs., including time for all the head scratching.
I hope this helps everyone thinking of adding A/C.