A Scamp Travel Trailer gets restored

[QRP20meters]

Nice video. Good job on the trailer!

[HawkKI4HEE]

"Wet weight" (trailer loaded with gear) would run around 1100 -1200 lbs. if the tongue weight isn't too much, it should pull fine behind a 4 cyl. Other considerations to take into account would be where you would be towing it...flat-land vs' hills, and if your Toad has stuff like a tow-package. Generally, a 4 cyl. pulls a 13' Scamp just fine.

[luckycraftsammy]

could a 4cyl. toyota pickup pull one of these??

[airassualt100]

@luckycraftsammy I highly doubt it! Can a 4 cyl Toyota haul anything? lol!

[mompood]

Good job.Thanks for posting this.

[tubeadelic]

Just strip out all those old cramping fiberglass cabinets down to just the shell, and start over like we did. Re-insulate the interior shell with carpet, build custom cabinets, then add a rear cargo door for handy scooter/motorcycle/atv access too.....NOTHING like a vintage 13' Scampin' Toybox.

[wargamecop]

I just got a 85 fixer-upper... any advice?

[HawkKI4HEE]

1.Get a cheap digital camera and take pictures before, during & after you've worked on it. Then make a simple slideshow and post it...It is a joy in itself just to see your work serve as an inspiration for others.

2. Keep all and all pieces of fiberglass you may saw off your trailer...it's reusable.

3. HAVE FUN!!!

[supremebeing1212]

@HawkKI4HEE the dog?????

[HawkKI4HEE]

Absolutely the dog! He maintains my sanity.

[HawkKI4HEE]

Absolutely the dog! He maintains my sanity.

[HawkKI4HEE]

I didn't need a rear window...but the first thing I did was get real friendly with the Scamp Factory Parts Store...It's worth the cost of going to the source. The AC is a Fridgidare 5000BTU unit I got from Lowes for $98. Thanks for your question & good luck on your restoration project...I know you'll have a blast making it "your own".

[funlookin]

Thanks for your reply and the idea on You Tube, my husband and I are going to do the same exact thing and didn't think of it till seeing your restore! GREAT IDEA!!!!! I will now have a closet A/C!!!!!

[vivitar45]

i like the idea of haveing it as a back yard hang out if i get one i just might do that im still at home with the parents but i rent there but there is lots of room to park one of these things i can put the lcd tv in it and playstahon in it when my buddys are over we can party in this the my parents place and we stay up late we can just crash the next mornning like nothing will happen and if we like to party i can just hook it to the car and move it to a camp ground

[HawkKI4HEE]

It sure beats the tiny old aluminum garden shed me & my friends fixed up into a party room with a junked sofa a thrown out rug and a bunch of day-glow posters. That was way back in the seventys when I was a "hard-partyer".

[vivitar45]

why the air condishoner then if you go campping you need to get a spot with a plug for it i think a small fan will do the job and take up less space and youse the space ware air condishoner is for better youse

[HawkKI4HEE]

I live in South Carolina, and use this trailer most everyday. It serves as my computer room and ham shack in the backyard when I'm not out on the road with it. In this neck of the woods you NEED A/C in the summertime. I installed a microwave oven above the AC, and two shelves above that. I might not have a place to hang up clothes, but I'm using the space very efficently for my needs. I also have a electrical generator that serves me well when I go "roughing it."

Thanks for your question.

[acadianfever]

Looks good! keep up the good work. I hope you keep it, they're a classic. I have a '74 Trillium which I'm going to restore this spring

[HawkKI4HEE]

It's needing a good pressure wash right now, but its working for me just fine right now. I'm out in it as I type this and work my ham radio rig.

[876234ABC]

I am very impressed with your restoration skills! That's a swell dog, too! Five stars!

PS--The muzak is fine; we're not here for the tunes, anyway...and, yes, the YT overseers are a bunch of toads.

[Floridacyclist]

Speaking of bathrooms/showers, I've seen on some teardrops where they have an outside curtained room. It would be very easy to put that on a scamp so that you could set your marine porta-pot outside.

I may still have to go with a teardrop because of the weight. While my trooper diesel could easily handle the Scamp, the Ford Fusion Hybrid that she (KI4JOL) is looking at is not rated to tow anything although the dealer says we can pull up to 1K lbs without voiding the warranty.

Gene, AI4KK

[HawkKI4HEE]

I've thought about one of those porta-jon tents. I haven't had the occasion of needing one, but they would be real handy.

[Zebra902]

Very nice! I admire your skills and ability to restore this.

[HawkKI4HEE]

Thank You! It was a very positive endevor, well worth the time and effort.

[escapetogo]

why not a roof air instead of a 110 window unit?

[HawkKI4HEE]

Thanks for your question. This 1983 model Scamp wasn't built for a rooftop AC,  Nowadays, there are additional bracing added to the fiberglass ceiling by the factory that can carry the additional weight of a rooftop AC. The 50-60 lbs load on the ceiling would of caused the roof to crack & fail without adding additional support. The closet location meanwhile, puts the AC directly over the axle, almost at floor level, greatly minimizing any load stress.

[macaronipop]

Wow....very interesting work there!

I'm looking to purchase a used travel trailer, but never heard of a "scamp". I like it. So, nonethe less, I've been scouring the web looking at all kinds of different makes and models.

Thanks for sharing this video.

mike

[Christopher711]

Hawk , did you isulate it , and also , how much does it weigh?

[HawkKI4HEE]

No work on the insulation, not much need to 'cept spraying & wiping down using diluted bleach water, & a stiff brisle brush.

The Scamps of this era have a "elephant skin" cladding of 1/4" foam insulation glued to the inner shell. It's white pebbled surface is pretty impervious, and in this case, was in dirty, but good shape.

As for the weight...13'Scamps dry weight is 950'sh lbs. & "dress out" around 1350+ lbs.

Thanks for your questions!

[HawkKI4HEE]

I had to change the music track, Youtube claimed a copyright infringement on the song I originally had used. It's ironic since the song was included in the Apple iPhoto application that I used to make the slideshow.

Oh well. Can't fight the power. Please don't fall asleep to this new age "Muzak". It's about the only thing Youtube had available that was royality free & wasn't some techno dance mix.

[HawkKI4HEE]

There was a comment here asking about structurability along the door side of the opening. Unfortunately, I accidently deleted it when I was trying to reply, I'm so sorry.

To answer, I didn't find any weakness to the door area when I bought it, although the opening was cut to 1/4" of the doorwell. (Too Close for me!) But I definately think that putting the two corner radius's helped. Thank God the prior owner kept the cutout section, I still have what's left.

[assphincter]

That thing doesn't have a shitter in it?

[HawkKI4HEE]

Nope, but a port-a-pot fits neatly under the front couch. If I'd be "roughing" it, I'd get one and stick it under there, then move it outdoors and set it up in a "privy tent".

[assphincter]

Thanks I am looking for a small travel trailer but really would like to have a toilet and shower.

[HawkKI4HEE]

This 13' Scamp also is made with a full bathroom replacing the front goucho seat. You can order them from the Scamp Factory or find them for sale used. The Bathroom option makes it a bit pricer. Thats the price of convience.

[carbo59]

I have just picked up an AC unit and would like to install it the same way. Do you have any more detailed info for me? thanks

[HawkKI4HEE]

Have a 5/8ths" decline for condensation to run to the back of the unit, a good catch basin, and a drain out of the trailer. Have a airtight seal separating the front of the unit and the inside of the trailer, from the back of the unit and the outside air. Allow plenty of outside air to get to the condenser intakes along the top and sides. It helps to add a small deflector to send hot exhaust air blown out the condensor up and out to keep it from mixing back around the intakes along the sides.

[carbo59]

Just started the install, one more question. Where did you find the vent cover you used on the outside?

[HawkKI4HEE]

I ordered it from Scamp. If I remember right it cost $35. It's the access door normally used for the Refridgerator.

Please note, it is wider than the closet, so about 6 inches will extend past your opening, you'll have to trim that edge flush for it to seat.

You might find a access door that fits better at a RV dealer that stocks parts, you only need one 12" or 14" wide.

Also, fit it so that it hinges down instead of up. I wish I did. I may still change it around yet.

Good Luck!

[sputsyhawk]

You did a wonderful job. My husband and I just picked up a camper similar to yours. The outside shell and trailer are in good condition, however, the interior is in poor condition. We were wondering where you were able to purchase the replacement parts. Do you have any advise? We're considering totally gutting the inside. Any advise you have would be appreciated.

[HawkKI4HEE]

I've sent a direct reply...I think Youtube doesn't like comments with hyperlinks, I tried several times and couldn't get anything posted.

Most parts are industry common, you can contact the Scamp Factory too. Check local RV dealers, they'll have parts for most things.

My simplest advice I can give here is keep everything you take out until you have replaced it. You'll be surprized how something you tossed out will become invaluable further on...(like seat cover or rug patterns) Good Luck!

[kemmich]

very nice! we are about to buy one about 10 years older - may i ask: how much did you get it for? how much did you put into it? what would you expect the value to be today? thank you!

[HawkKI4HEE]

Thanks for your comment!

I went a bit overboard and sent you a rather long reply directly. It's actually in 4 parts, I'm sorry if I flooded your message box. I thought I'd offer advice as to what I've learned and maybe help you get the best deal you can on one of these trailers.

To answer your questions here, I'll say...

1. A lot less than I should of.

2. Not a whole lot.

3. A lot more than what I paid for.

I'll add a answer to the next logical question...no, it's not for sale.

[willysjeepparidon]

that a/c aint going to vent right

[HawkKI4HEE]

It may seem so,but I have outside air coming in from both sides and over the top, and exhaust going out the center, with the same sq. inches of area for both intake & exhaust. The baffle does the trick.

Since this video, I've added another part to the baffle to direct hot exhaust up and away from the sides. The hatch stays open when I run the AC. It's been working great here in sunny SC for two seasons so far. I use it everyday too...it's my computer & ham radio room. Thanks for the comment!

[willysjeepparidon]

oh really you operate hams

[skaterking54]

I used to pull something liek that behind my 1974 Bronco. Good work.

[markal774]

How'd ya like to spend a week w/Mr. T in that?

[carbo59]

Excellent Job, I was thinking of adding A/C to my Boler, Great ideas...

[gabbott20]

hey i live right next to the only scamp factory in backus, mn haha its cool

[pickupcamper]

Well-done!! Nice to know that someone shares the similar type of enjoyment.

I have embeded your video in my blog(it's about my hand-made pickup camping cabin) so that my fellow can watch&enjoy. Many thanks!!

[HawkKI4HEE]

Thank you for the complement. I'm honored that you have added my video to your blog, I hope it provides much inspiration. Good Luck in your indevors & Happy Camping!

[k6tpl]

Very good work!!! My Black Lab Bentley and I aare working on fixing up a Aladen travel Trailer! You have given me some ideas!! So Bentley and I thank you for this video! Peace!

[spartanbilly]

It's nice to see someone take something well used and bring it back to life. Says something about the character of that person I think. Liked the music as well and anybody that likes dogs has got to be decent!