We picked our new Scamp 16' Oct. 3 and pulled it home to Cent. Michigan. Winterized and stored in a pole barn so snow free.
First major trip began in January when there was a break in the snow. The fiirst 2 days almost everything rattled and loosened inside.
I tightened everything and had the wheels balanced (badly out of balance) but the key bad design item is the aluminum brackets the held the microwave in place. Both broke and we had to store it in the back of the tow vehicle between stops. These were about 1.5” wide and looked sturdy enough but when I examined the broken parts they were chewed out like with a Dremmel tool to fit around the rubber feet in front and that left < 1/8” of metal on each side.. One mounting wood screw was found under the microwave embedded in the carpet so if it was loose then it could bounce up and down and flexing broke the extremely thin anchor.
Poop. Very poor design. On the road I bought a package of brass hinges as that was all I could find.
I used those as temp mountings to hold it in place. Now that we are stationary at an RV camp for 14-21 days I will see if I can find some better sheet metal screws to put in the base of the microwave and perhaps some solid metal strapping.
Other than that issue we have ferreted out fixes for all other issues.
Loving our Scamp.
The one lament was I did not, repeat did not either order the propane tank with gauge or twin tanks.
Even though we were heading south from Michigan (hoteled it first 3 nights as it was winterized) when we finally hit Texas we stayed 2 nights in San Antonio KOA. We continuted to Ft. Stockton TX and ran out of propane in the wee hours of the morning. No heat! We broke camp at first light and moved one with the assumtion I could get it filled at our next stop.
When we arrived in Las Cruces I could not get my tank filled so had to get an exchange at a grocery store. Ooops… it was not only not full, but barely had gas for two nights of heat.
So in New Mexico at the KOA it was still into the mid 20s at night. However the @#$%&*E&% propane ran out around 02:30 the second night at 23 degrees. Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.
Live and learn.
All that said…
We love our Scamp.
Sorry to hear about the issues.
As to the propane tank guages, unless they've changed I've always found those to be pretty worthless. The best I've seen are the new fiberglass propane tanks which are semi-transparent and you can actually see the propane level. Until then I use the tap-ring sound and weight method, or of course the run dry method.
I think you definitely have good information for folks looking at the options on a new trailer or a fairly simple and inexpensive mod to a used trailer is to go with twin propane tanks. This also allows a setup for external BBQ, etc. to be added without worrying you'll run tanks dry too quick.
I added my own microwave to the closet of the 13 Scamp so not familiar with the factory microwave mounts, but never had an issue with the microwave. Are those covered in the warranty??
One of the known issues with not only Scamp Trailers but a number of the brands, especially if you do any off-road, rough road is that the cabinet doors are not installed sufficiently for that type of use. One of the first mods I've done on both my Scamps and my Escape as well is to get new cabinet hardware (I'm partial to chrome hardware) then drill and rivet with backing washers on all of the hinges. You could use SS bolts, washers and nuts as well, but for this internal application the rivets and backing washer have been sufficient for me. Never had anything come loose after this. Another option that probably wouldn't be as good would be to add some glue to the threads of the hinge screws and then reseat them and let it set.
Yes, Las Cruces, NM is pretty cold in the winter months. We were stranded there two Thanksgivings ago and I-10 was shut down with snow from there to El Paso. Never knew that happened that far south, but apparently is pretty common in the winter.
Glad you're still loving your Scamp.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
We have dual tanks, and I installed gauges on each tank. I then got a vinyl cover to cover the tanks and take wandering eyes off of them. Our experiences with the LP gas and the heater is that is just sips LP. We noticed very little gas usage when fueling the heater. Now in parks with full hook ups, we use a electric ceramic heater.
<p>Doug Allen 2016 Ford F-150 2018 Lance 1575</p>