Jackknifed 13 foot '77 Scamp.

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jimcarroll
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Last seen: 5 years 2 months ago
Joined: 06/19/2019 - 13:38
Jackknifed 13 foot '77 Scamp.

Hi

Bought a '77 used and towed it home.  I suck at backing up.  It was dark.  I jackknifed the damn thing.  Not very hard, but it doesn't take much.  Door won't open this morning.  Door has a gap between it and the rest of the body opposite the lower hinge.  The weird thing is that the jackknife should have affected the side opposite the door--that is where the contact occurred.  Hope I didn't bend the frame; would rather tow it to the junkyard than pay for a flatbed. 

So I was a Scamp owner for about 400 miles and six hours.  

I am thinking about taking it to a salvage place for them to part it out.  

I am 72 and have been driving since age 16, and I have NEVER been able to back up a trailer.  I don't know why I thought I could back one up in the dark from a narrow street into my driveway.  Expensive lesson, but I suppose I should be grateful I didn't trash a 2019 model.

So--my first and probably last post.  If you can't back a trailer, don't have a trailer.

 

salukispeed
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Last seen: 1 year 6 months ago
Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
Sorry

Sorry to hear of your dilemma.  Backing is certainly a learned skill and dark and late is not your friend.  I hope and Maybe  there is a easy answer as to where the misalignment is coming from.  If the frame just steel box tubing and if it  is tweaked it may affect the door opening. and a good frame shop might be able to tweak it back.  without spending a large amount of money. All is not lost yet!

Let us know how you make out. 

2019 Scamp 13 standard

Greg A
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Joined: 11/02/2013 - 20:45
Sad News

Sorry to hear about the trailer. I agree that it may be repairable, I’d check that out before throwing in the towel. If you can send me some pics of he damage at info@scampowners.com I’ll see what I can tell.

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jimcarroll
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Last seen: 5 years 2 months ago
Joined: 06/19/2019 - 13:38
Update

Evidently I didn't actually jackknife it.  Near miss.  I have since gotten a dolly for tight spots pending better backing skill. Frame is fine, thank goodness.  Took it to an RV dealer with a great reputation.  The downside of that, if any, is that they are crazy busy.  Anyway, the door issue is due to a crack that goes through the area of the door opening, upper corner of the hinge side.  The dealer inspected it, and put it on the work list.  I will post a photo to the poster that asked about it.  Turns out the guy I bought it from has impressive expertise about these little Scamps and has been quite helpful and encouraging, great suggestions.  The more I learn about the Scamp community, the more happy I am to have joined the forum.  I will keep you posted. Thanks for the replies. 

 

  The crack in the gray area is partially concealed by the closed door (the dealership had locked it by this time).  Doesn't 't look like much, but the concern was that it went through the full thickness of the door frame.  

jim

salukispeed
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Last seen: 1 year 6 months ago
Joined: 08/20/2018 - 13:45
Great to hear

Great to hear you are still in the herd.  You might plan a camping trip near Backus Minnesota and let the factory take a look  at the door issue.  Good people there and lots of experience to pull from. 

2019 Scamp 13 standard