I'm new here, and have zero experience with very small trailers (we did, on several occasions, stay for 1 - 2 weeks at a time on our vacation land in SW Virginia mountains in an old 20' travel trailer a few years ago). I want to identify the minimum Scamp configuration that would be suitable for a retired couple with a medium sized dog to live in for 2 (possibly 3) weeks at a time in a warmish climate (Florida Gulf Coast). My wife and I are looking to relocate our permanent residence from NJ to that area sometime in the next 2 - 3 years, and we want to first spend some time in a few different locations there to see which ones seem to be the most suitable. After some initial review, it appears to me that a Scamp 13' with the front bathroom option (including shower) would probably suffice, especially if we were able to expand the effective living area by use of an awning (and possibly screening that in). I expect that we would be in parks or campgrounds the entire time. Tow vehicle would be a 2017 Toyota 4Runner V6 4WD. I'd welcome comments on model choice, and general observations and caveats in regard to the proposed scenario. In the event that the discussion gets overly long and involved, I would have no problem splitting it into additional topics. Thanks in advance for your insights.
Wed, 10/28/2020 - 12:40
#1
Which model (and other questions)?
Just me personally, after having done 1/2 the country in a Scamp 13 with two toddlers back a few years ago, I wouldn't do anything less than a 16 for your situation. We would do a month at a time and we all said if we did it again it would be a 16 for extended trips.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
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Scamp, and most other fiberglass trailers, are measured from ball to rear bumper, unlike conventionally built trailers. A 13' is only 10' inside and a 16' is 13'. See some in person and get inside before making a decision.
First, I’d go 16’, I enjoy the elbow room and also have a Clam six Pack tent for longer weekends. My deluxe weighs about 3000 with a 300 lb hitch weight. Second Fiamma sells a privacy room for the awning. I do not stay in one place long enough to take the time to set one up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ipRZgRpx5wk&feature=emb_logo
Our 2019 13 footer with bath is enough to get out of the rain and bad weather but as a month long hide away it would quickly get cramped. We are rarely inside when we go camping but We have no experience with the 16 or 19 so cannot comment. As much as we love our 13 the water and waste tanks are small too.
2019 Scamp 13 standard
Perhaps I should clarify the purpose of the trailer a bit. We would use it for sleeping, showers and (sometimes) dining while we explore an area and attempt to catch that area's "vibe" to see if we might want to live there. The purpose isn't camping, per se, it is more an alternative to spending the time, effort, and money to secure a motel room at these locations, and one that accommodates dogs, no less. Also, we replaced the old travel trailer in our vacation property with a 192 sq ft cabin. While I know that is far in excess of the interior space of the 13, the point I'd like to make is that we are somewhat accustomed to cramped quarters. I'd also like to minimize the wear and tear on the tow vehicle, as we don't intend to "use it up" in this endeavor. Given those considerations, do the posters who recommended the 16 over the 13 continue to do so? I'm a bit surprised for the apparent lack of love here for the 13, which I thought was Scamp's mainstay product...
We're all experienced Scampers and all had/have at one point a Scamp 13. No one said anything about we didn't love the 13, great trailer. From experience I responded to your question and what you were going to do and still would respond the same with the info you've given.
You didn't mention in your post if money is an issue then that would factor in, but if not, definitely would go 16 for long stays. Gulf Shores/FL west coast can have terrific storms that can go for several days. 2 people and a dog would not be fun for inclement weather in a 13 and pretty crowded for long trips in general. Your tow vehicle is rated for 5000lbs and a 16 is well within it's capabilities and would cause no issues to tow a 16 vs a 13.
I would second the suggestion that you go see some of the different models before deciding. Most owners will be glad to give you a tour.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
I think Greg A has a good point about inclement weather. The 16-ft would be less confining. We took our 16-ft Deluxe to northern Alabama and got stuck in 5 days of continuous rain. Fortunately, we spent much time visiting our friends, who were spending the winter in their huge motor home. We travel with a medium-size dog and a 19-pound cat and his litter box. One of the biggest challenges is to keep the floor clear, except for animal food and water dishes (which get knocked over), so we can navigate our way to the bathroom or outside. But, it is still crowded maneuvering around each other. You won't feel as confined in nice weather, if you get much of it, because you can be outside under the awning or in a screened-in tent/enclosure. You could free up more space in the trailer by storing things in plastic containers under the trailer. I would choose a 16 ft Scamp for long stays.
I have a 13' without a bath. It is perfect for me as I only use it for short trips by myself. My husband and I have stayed in it together (once with a dog too!), but it is a PITA making/unmaking the bed every day. You won't have the couch to sit on either. A friend has a 16' and it is much better for long trips--she has logged thousands of miles in it and loves it! Both of us tow with Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 dr version) towing capacity 3500 lbs. With a 16' you can leave the bed set up and still have the side dinette for indoor seating in bad weather. Go look at both before you decide...a 13' with a bath is really, really small.
Rhonda Riebow
One thing you don't mention is when you decide on the model, are you planning to order a new one or try and pursue a used one?
Just FYI, it is currently over an 18 month wait at Scamp Trailers for a new order as well as all the Molded FG manufacturers and used trailers are very difficult to come by the last 5 months, sometimes selling in 20 minutes or less.
From the dealer feedback we've received, it isn't much better on the stick built models and inventory. Folks have decided this is the new way to travel with the Pandemic and it's caused trailer shortages and campground space can be very difficult to come by.
Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape
Buying or Selling Molded FG Trailers:
Fiberglass-RV-4Sale
So, the 13 is well-engineered and built, but very cramped. OK, I get it, thanks for your patience. Money (as in trailer cost) wasn't the issue pointing me toward the 13. We had quite a bit more than the cost of a new 16 budgeted for a gently used 24-27' Class C motor home (however, I'm not really interested in obtaining and supporting a new tow vehicle exclusively for the trailer, given our intended temporary use). I do want to minimize excess wear on the existing vehicle, and driver fatigue. However, a review of the "Trailer Weights in the Real World" sticky thread in the General FG-RV forum suggests that a fairly well optioned out 16 Standard (A/C & shower at minimum) would probably come in at little more than half of the 5000 lb. limit, so I'm OK with that. A >18 month wait time for a new unit could be a major issue. Is that true across all models? OTOH, I don't think we will have time to do a trip this year, and it is likely I will need some surgical joint repair and rehab during Fall/Winter 2021-22, so maybe that could all dovetail. I assume that with an >18 month wait, used prices are significantly higher than would be true with a shorter wait?
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