We're just back from our "shakedown" trip in our "new to us" 2002 Scamp fifth wheel. I found a few items that need attention (flush valve leaks, microwave quit working, a rivet in the awning needs replacing), but nothing major (I hope).
One concern I have is a "crack" in the bathroom wall, just where the 5th wheel "overhang" starts. The crack pictured is not at the bathroom floor, but about halfway up the bathroom wall. The shelf where the pen is sitting is at the joint between the bottom half of the Scamp body, and the top half of the Scamp body, just below and forward of the bathroom window. The previous owner used a lot of caulk, especially in the bathroom, but this "crack" developed while towing this trip, I have not seen it previously.
I'm wondering if there is some flexing occurring here where the overhang starts? Is this a structural problem, or one to be repaired with a more flexible sealant? I'm not sure about the wall material....probably some plastic, not fiberglass? Is this something to be concerned about, or is it just cosmetic?
How would you approach this repair?
Any ideas or suggestions?
Thanks,
piperjim
I just checked to see the year of your trailer: 2002. So it is not new. Apparently, this crack just began to develop recently (during your "shakedown" cruise?); I do not see evidence of earlier repairs in the photo.
We have the 13' SCAMP trailer, not the 5th wheel. So I do not have THE answer to your problem. But, I agree that the crack, esp. given its location as you describe it, was probably caused by flexxing. Personally, I would fill it with caulk...and see what develops next. If the crack does not open up again: it was simply cosmetic. If it does: address the problem as structural.
One advantage of the SCAMP 5th wheel is that the structural members of the overhang are all exposed. Personally, I would make a thorough inspection of the overhang structures. If you find even a small crack there as well, you may have diagnosed the source of the crack in your bathroom.
Don't let this small issue spoil your enjoyment of your new (to you!) SCAMP. Ours is 41 years old. As I told one cancerned fellow-Scamper, you can not expect these trailers to be trouble-free. But compared to the big 5th wheels, the problems are typically small, and the repairs quite inexpensive. Blessings.
Thanks for the reply and advice.
I've started removing the previous owner's caulk from this damaged area. I pulled a fist-sized ball of caulk from the area and now have a better picture of what I'm dealing with. See attached pic.
Looks like there's been some water damage in this area. A fellow Scamp owner on the Fiberglass RV forum suggested it could be due to a leak around the bedroom window just forward and above this damaged area. I'll be checking that today. For the existing repair in the bathroom, I think I'm going to fill the area with the foam rope that is sold in the "weatherstripping" section at the hardware store, then caulk over it.
And thanks for the wisdom you're acquired over the years of Scamp enjoyment. As you mention, I was somewhat bummed out by this revelation, but it's nothing that can't be repaired and I will do so, and have fun!!!
Thanks again,
You are cetainly welcome. Hope all goes well with your repair.
Many SCAMP owners (as evidenced on this website) enjoy "messing" around with their little trailers, as well as camping in them!
Couldn't have said it better myself!
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Just kickin out some thoughts. The crack looks just large enough that caulking over the rope caulk will just keep cracking as it flexes. Due to it being a wet area that could lead to long term issues. What about a 90 degree pvc angle trim glued onto the entire joint and then caulk the top and bottom seam.
Comes in lots of sizes which would thoroughly cover that situation. I'm pulling both my bedroom side windows and resetting them with fresh butyl as they are a bit suspicious. Will also reset the bedroom roof vent with fresh butyl. Last thing I figure you want in the Scamp 5er bedroom is leaks. Could make for a long night.
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