Hi, I'm shopping for a Scamp and I was looking forward to some experienced input. I drive a 2020 Rav4 Hybrid in Colorado I'm looking forward to a trailer I can get up the mountain.
Furnace - I'm hoping our family will be expecting soon so originally I wanted to get the OEM furnance so I knew it was safe carbon monoxide wise. In reading the forums here, I didn't realize how quickly it drains the battery. Someone said 2 days max runtime even with it set to 50 degrees. At that level I'm thinking of ditching the built in furnace for an electric powered off solar. I don't think I'd use a portable propane in an enclosed space. Thoughts and input?
Air conditioning - I was going to stick with the max air fan since I'm mostly looking forward to non-plugin locations. How unbearable does a Scamp heat up on a 78 degree day in full sun.
Bed size - the 54" certainly sounds nicer but the closet reduction seems like a big loss. I was thinking of going with the 43 just so we can keep some extra storage space.
13' vs 16' - The rav4 tow capacity is 1750. I think the 13' is the right way to go but the 16 with the dinnete and the bunks sounds like a nice amount of space for down the line. It'd be nice to be able to sit at the dinnete and drink coffee while the wife and kids oversleep the alarm. I worry though with the awning and additional storage that the 16 footer might be too much for the rav4 on 7% grade going thru Colorado.
13' delux layout with 2nd dinnete - I didn't want the delux cabinets because of the extra dryweight but the dinnete layout seems interesting. For me and the wife it looks ideal. For kids, it seems less helpful but curious if the 2nd dinnete folds down to a bed. Might keep us covered until the 2nd kid is big enough for a bed. Thoughts?
We like spending "Other Peoples Money"
Yes the blower motor can run down a battery, but a solar panel can quickly recharge it, I also carry a small generator for extended cloudy days but have not had to use it. (It will also run the air conditioner on hot days in the south.) I just found panels for under 1$ / watt. I have spent some hot nights in the Scamp, but I add a "truckers fan" blowing on my face and with the night air coming in the window it works.. I have run the air conditioner on a Honda 2200 but I do not know if it will last long term. Starting is a heavy load for a small generator.
Table can be dropped down for bed. Probably could have two,small children or one larger for sleeping. Before kids, timid nice to leave rear dinette down as bed, and front left up for dining.
If you don't get the A/C in a S13 at least ask for the extra roof support so it can be added later. It comes already in a S-16. Trying to run a 700W elec. heater and inverter off the battery will only run for less than an hour. Get the propane furnace. If you get the front dinettes in a DLX either a S-16 or 13 they put a cabinet on the kitchen wall so the bed will only be about 5 ft. long. Scamp will build 6 ft bunks in their DLX models.
Eddie
We have owned our 13' SCAMP 45 years, and have towed it with multiple cars. Our current tow vehicle (TV) is a 4-cylinder Toyota Venza rated to tow 1000#. Our SCAMP is a basic model, with no amenities. It tows like a dream.
Since the RAV-4 is your TV, your choice of "options" should be limited to a 13' non-DLX model with no bathroom (porta potti only). I also recommend no AC and no heater (as needed, you can use portable heaters and fans to heat and cool). Any and all options add weight.