I have been looking for a Scamp 13' for some time now. While some are in quite good shape, others are less so. So for all you experienced 'Scampers' here are some questions about fixing up stuff:
1) What does a new set of cushions cost? Do you order them from the manufacturer? Do you order from a local upholstery shop? What materials are best?
2) Can you retro fit a heater? What brand? What does it cost? Or is it better to have a separate, free standing unit, like a catalytic unit?
3) Can you retro fit a 3-way refrigerator? Cost? Brand? Is wiring it up easy?
4) What does it cost to have the exterior figerglass professionaly reconditioned? Gel-coated?
5) I have often seen fine hairline cracks in the fiberglass of some, particularly around the corners of the windows. What should be done about these, if anything? Are they a major issue?
Ok, I'm going to stop at 5 questions, though I have sooooo many more.
Thanks everyone for your feedback/wisdom. -- jon
Welcome to the Clubhouse Jon!
I can ballpark most of these for you and others can add in.
1. Upholstery can order from Scamp Factory for approx $300 for set with foam I think it is approx $650.
2. Heater is probably better in a 13 to be free standing unit. I use a Mr Buddy when we have no hookups and a 1500 W cube heater when plugged in. Lot's of folks use the Cat heaters as well when no utilities.
3. Fridge most use Dometic and it is about $5-600 for the 3 way depending on sales. If you only had the icebox, there is a fairly large cutout that needs to be made for a vent behind the fridge. Not difficult if experienced in cutting fiberglass. Even if experienced, must be very careful. Wiring is not much, propane lines have to be run if not replacing an existing fridge. Since you don't have a trailer yet, and if you want a fridge, I'd find one for sale that had a working fridge. The fridge is very common in Scamp 13 resales.
4. I have heard quotes on gel coat, that are very expensive. Most have them repainted by professional shop and not sure the cost. I personally won't buy a trailer that isn't "sound bones" because it is an expensive fix, but some don't mind that type of restoration expense.
5. There are marine repair kits that can take car of hairline cracking. Usually, more of a cosmetic problem than serious, but if it spreads probably a good idea to fix. Toughest thing with the repair kits is matching gel coat color especially with fading.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
HI Greg, Thanks for the speedy response. I'm looking at a 1977 Scamp that needs some TLC. More questions:
1) Are there patterns/dimensions for the cabinet doors?
2) How easy/difficult is it to redo the floor -- assuming there are no holes?
3) Is it easy to add a 2nd LP gas tank up at the front of the hitch?
4) If the original water system needs updating/replacement, is it hard to replumb with new materials? Is the tank easy to replace? Do these have a pump?
5) What about upgrading interior lights & taillights to LED? Costly?
Scratch five more questions off the list... :)
2005 Scamp 13'
Jon:
Greg has given you good responses to your first 5 questions. I will only add, from recent experience, that (as Greg has suggested) repainting the exterior fiberglass shell can be expensive. I got estimates from two auto shops exceeding $2000. In the end (through a series of unusual circumstances), I got a nice job for only $600 including $300 for the paint materials.
On your second set of 5 questions(!), I can tell you from recent experience, that all of these items can be addressed in relatively simple and inexpensive ways (although you can take a more complicated and expensive approach!).
Wayne