Hi Laura .. get a cover for the scamp. It's worth it ! About $200 from the scamp factory. Or you could use a tarp with tie downs. I use the cover, and I don't have a garage to keep the scamp in, so it helped keep dirt and mold off the scamp. A lot less cleaning. I just use soapy water and a soft velvety microfiber scrub. Also for the rust, get rid of that rusty chain because when it comes in contact with the frame, it speeds up the rusting of the frame.
We have a cover...what happens is we tell ourselves we will be taking the Scamp out soon so we dont put it on as often as we should...which makes more work for us in the end going to the car wash 😂 we took the scamp to a welding shop and they replaced the chains for us...now to figure out what to do for the rust under the scamp🙄😬 an older RV sure is a lot of work!
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin pretty unfortunate. But have Patrick crawl under with sanding paper and a rust treater. Wipe clean and then spray on some black Rust-Oleum paint over it. The issue is when we drive, little debris like rocks and tiny pieces of metal get hurled up like projectiles and hit the scamp. The ones that hit the frame, scrape the paint off, exposing metal and setting off a rusting chain reaction. Periodically inspecting the trailer frame for rust and topping it up with black Rust-Oleum spray paint will ensure there is no rust and also eliminate the need for a large scale cleaning/fixing project.
We have been RVing for 20 years. We love small fiberglass trailers. We started with a 13' Compact Jr (1973) that we sold 10 years ago. The friends who bought it are still using it. We then bought a 1980 17' Bigfoot. We love it. You've touched on many of the items that we all face with RVs, especially older ones. Keep up the good work and great videos.
the longevity of the fiberglass trailers is awesome with a bit of regular maintenance! It really does have to be something you are willing to put work into & I totally understand why that would not be everyone's idea of a fun weekend 😂 But I really do enjoy (most of) the projects we do - Thanks for watching!
Hi from Tennessee. Very informative video. Yes I think that people don't realize how much work goes into taking care of your camper/rv. Thanks for sharing. Have a fantastic day.
It's going to be 110 sweaty degrees here in Dallas tomorrow. Hot in lots of cities, I guess. It might make me ask if adding a air conditioner might be possible. Happy trails.
wow thats hot! It is something we consider every summer- mostly because of Redford - its a possibility if we got a different tow vehicle so we wouldn't have to watch the weight as much. The Scamp's roof is reinforced so it is possible to install the AC in the future - until then we just keep an eye on the weather & pick our dates carefully
Very realistic outlook on the RV life style. I have a Casita which I love, but its a lot of work. Unlike my tents, I love being able to set up for a few days before a trip, rather than loading the night before as my truck is also my commute vehicle. Its all work but the RV spreads it out. I am still working on changing my mindset for packing with the Casita. I still find myself doubling gear and overthinking contingencies. I am getting there though!
It is work- thats for sure. Different work from tent camping & it has its strong advantages (as we were reminded the other night when a severe thunderstorm rolled through & we were protected in the Scamp!) we are also working on how to not over pack 😊 lots of skills to learn for RVing
thats a really good idea for an upcoming video- we have been doing even more work to get ready for a long trip so I will keep that in mind- Thanks for the idea 👍
Scratch remover works good on those black streaks with elbow grease.. Looks like your frame was repaired before. They are notorious for snapping in two. Slim potato head and Bex cat herder both have scamps, both had frame issues. They make plastic propane tank covers. There is a paint that encapsulates rust. Meaning, no prep before painting. Makes rust part of the metal and paint. Comes in a spray can. Have fun when you do go out!
sounds like we have more days of RV maintenance ahead of us! Ive seen videos of RVs with frame damage 🙈 camping is rough- they really need to make these things stronger!
My Canadian friend Slim has a Trillium, he had the frame replaced. He does a lot of back country boondocking. I have a 2014 Trillium Outback, with all the issues Laura is going over. After owning boats all my life, I find a 15ft Trillium is a lot easier.
Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax, Boat Wax and Polish gets rid of the black streaks while also waxing the camper. I use it on my scamp 13 ever year and its good as new.
Slim potatohead has an Outback Trillium made in Alberta, not a Scamp. Although it is similar--a fiberglass trailer. He replaced the steel frame with an Aluminum frame because of all the rust he was getting on Canadian roads. Before that he had an A-liner pop-up trailer.
Great video! We are actively looking for a 16 foot scamp (we are retired) and it’s nice to know what maintenance will be involved especially if we don’t do covered storage.
we will have an update video up soon...we are having some major issues with trailer rust on our 11yo scamp- keep an eye out as you are looking for yours. Good luck with your search 😊
I think the economy is the reason people are selling RVs. Luxury items are usually first to go. We love primitive camping during spring break with our kiddos. While we'd love an RV, it's just not in the budget for us right now. We live in Palm Beach FL and the cost of living has doubled in the last several years. 😢 Just to give you an idea, our home insurance is $16k a year alone. So primitive camping 🏕 for now. :) Love watching your travels!
I totally hear you! we are stuck in a tough spot now...the Scamp now needs MAJOR repairs $$...we dont have the budget for a new RV...so we may be going back to tent camping for a while. I love RVing but it is an expensive hobby that just keeps getting more expensive 😬 Tent camping can get us to some pretty neat places, but it's going to be an adjustment!
Hi Greg- that is a fold down table that the first owners installed- it is very helpful when cooking or doing dishes as there is very little counter space in the scamp. And we have to label the camper according to where it goes in the storage lot 👍 thanks for watching
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin thanks for the quick reply. Logical answers. I agree it looks like your front frame has already been augmented but take it to an expert. Safe travels.
Maintenance is essential but most people do not know what a truly maintained older RV looks like. Here's what it looks like: The sellers have lots of receipts for repairs for you to review, the axle has been changed in any trailer older than 20 years, or you will be doing that since the rubber goes bad and leaves the trailer essentially without the needed shock absorption and suspension. Windows have been properly resealed, as well as the belly band if it is a two piece molded fiberglass. The unit has been stored indoors or under cover. It had been regularly cleaned and waxed. I could go on and on. If you do not have all the evidence of a well maintained trailer you are buying a project no matter how cute it looks, how badly you want it or what the seller says (they actually may not be aware of leaks, dry rot, need for a new axle, etc). Be prepared to be uncomfortable, not being able to use your trailer and outlay of lots of money if you buy a used trailer that has not been properly maintained.
as far as timing and energy, we can relate. too bad you cant park it overnight at the house; that would make trip prep easier. by the way we decided to order our new 16 foot scamp with side dinette and bathroom (sticker shock as they really have gone up in price) and was given march 2024 when it will be completed, possibly earlier (hopefully a bit later since we still have to save the remainder of the money). i have also had some anxiety regarding : would we use it as much as we would like to, in order to make it worth buying; the money and time associated with wnd camping etc. i also worry about how quickly it seems that camp sites fill up around here regarding reservations (kansas city area, kansas and missouri) i would hate for it to just sit in the rv storage. we also both work fulltime and i can relate to energy issues and having enough "gas" by friday to do stuff. i am likely overthinking as i tend to do. we like watching yours and other scamp/casita channels, as they give us guidance and ideas. thx for the good content.
There is a lot to consider with taking on an RV, but chances are if it really excites you and you dont mind doing a bit of work then you will love it like we do! The fiberglass trailers in particular tend to be more expensive, but they do last longer so we see it as a better investment for our long term travel plans. We are having more difficulty getting out this year because we did not plan anything ahead (we were focused on the wedding & honeymoon) but what I have done in past years is book 1 weekend trip/ month and one larger trip for the season. That way if the trip is already planned we start getting ready a few days ahead & push to get out on Friday, which is hard, but totally worth it when you wake up at the campsite Saturday & get to enjoy a whole day of camping. If we have the energy to fit in a second trip that month we will look for a local spot that is open (without too much driving) or do a Harvest host which are great for a 1 night stay without planning too far ahead. Just keep watching videos and thinking about what you like- there is so much you can learn on UA-cam 👍😁
I think anyone who lives, allows others to dictate what you can or can't do are crazy!!! What happened to your own home. That's what wrong with today's world. People need to take their rights, life back!!!!!
Redford Is A Great Supervisor, He's So Awesome! Yearly Maintenance Is Extremely Important!! Hugs To All Of You!!!
He is so good at supervising 😂 Thanks!!
Hi Laura .. get a cover for the scamp. It's worth it ! About $200 from the scamp factory. Or you could use a tarp with tie downs. I use the cover, and I don't have a garage to keep the scamp in, so it helped keep dirt and mold off the scamp. A lot less cleaning. I just use soapy water and a soft velvety microfiber scrub. Also for the rust, get rid of that rusty chain because when it comes in contact with the frame, it speeds up the rusting of the frame.
We have a cover...what happens is we tell ourselves we will be taking the Scamp out soon so we dont put it on as often as we should...which makes more work for us in the end going to the car wash 😂 we took the scamp to a welding shop and they replaced the chains for us...now to figure out what to do for the rust under the scamp🙄😬 an older RV sure is a lot of work!
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin pretty unfortunate. But have Patrick crawl under with sanding paper and a rust treater. Wipe clean and then spray on some black Rust-Oleum paint over it. The issue is when we drive, little debris like rocks and tiny pieces of metal get hurled up like projectiles and hit the scamp. The ones that hit the frame, scrape the paint off, exposing metal and setting off a rusting chain reaction. Periodically inspecting the trailer frame for rust and topping it up with black Rust-Oleum spray paint will ensure there is no rust and also eliminate the need for a large scale cleaning/fixing project.
We have been RVing for 20 years. We love small fiberglass trailers. We started with a 13' Compact Jr (1973) that we sold 10 years ago. The friends who bought it are still using it. We then bought a 1980 17' Bigfoot. We love it. You've touched on many of the items that we all face with RVs, especially older ones. Keep up the good work and great videos.
the longevity of the fiberglass trailers is awesome with a bit of regular maintenance! It really does have to be something you are willing to put work into & I totally understand why that would not be everyone's idea of a fun weekend 😂 But I really do enjoy (most of) the projects we do - Thanks for watching!
Adventure Dog obviously loves sleeping in the Scamp ❤️
Redford's main objectives are to do adventure things & find cozy places to sleep 😂
He's happy to share his big doghouse! 😎
Hi from Tennessee. Very informative video. Yes I think that people don't realize how much work goes into taking care of your camper/rv. Thanks for sharing. Have a fantastic day.
It is a fair bit of work to make the trips happen- but we enjoy it overall 😁 thanks for watching!
It's going to be 110 sweaty degrees here in Dallas tomorrow. Hot in lots of cities, I guess. It might make me ask if adding a air conditioner might be possible. Happy trails.
wow thats hot! It is something we consider every summer- mostly because of Redford - its a possibility if we got a different tow vehicle so we wouldn't have to watch the weight as much. The Scamp's roof is reinforced so it is possible to install the AC in the future - until then we just keep an eye on the weather & pick our dates carefully
I also spied the side backsplash towel holder next to the stove. I wondered how people used a stove when cooking inside that is next to the bed.
It is a small kitchen but it works well - I cook inside often & it is great to make coffee on cold mornings
Very realistic outlook on the RV life style. I have a Casita which I love, but its a lot of work. Unlike my tents, I love being able to set up for a few days before a trip, rather than loading the night before as my truck is also my commute vehicle.
Its all work but the RV spreads it out. I am still working on changing my mindset for packing with the Casita. I still find myself doubling gear and overthinking contingencies. I am getting there though!
It is work- thats for sure. Different work from tent camping & it has its strong advantages (as we were reminded the other night when a severe thunderstorm rolled through & we were protected in the Scamp!)
we are also working on how to not over pack 😊
lots of skills to learn for RVing
I was sort of hoping to see what sort of maintenance is required: washing, checking for rust is all I got out of this.
thats a really good idea for an upcoming video- we have been doing even more work to get ready for a long trip so I will keep that in mind- Thanks for the idea 👍
This is a labor of love. I've never had a camper, so its interesting learning about it. thanks for sharing.
It surely is a labor of love- we are so glad to have the Scamp so we want to take good care of it 😁👍
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin Its fun learning with you.
Scratch remover works good on those black streaks with elbow grease.. Looks like your frame was repaired before. They are notorious for snapping in two. Slim potato head and Bex cat herder both have scamps, both had frame issues. They make plastic propane tank covers. There is a paint that encapsulates rust. Meaning, no prep before painting. Makes rust part of the metal and paint. Comes in a spray can. Have fun when you do go out!
sounds like we have more days of RV maintenance ahead of us!
Ive seen videos of RVs with frame damage 🙈 camping is rough- they really need to make these things stronger!
Bex has a older Casita😊
My Canadian friend Slim has a Trillium, he had the frame replaced. He does a lot of back country boondocking. I have a 2014 Trillium Outback, with all the issues Laura is going over. After owning boats all my life, I find a 15ft Trillium is a lot easier.
Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax, Boat Wax and Polish gets rid of the black streaks while also waxing the camper. I use it on my scamp 13 ever year and its good as new.
Slim potatohead has an Outback Trillium made in Alberta, not a Scamp. Although it is similar--a fiberglass trailer. He replaced the steel frame with an Aluminum frame because of all the rust he was getting on Canadian roads. Before that he had an A-liner pop-up trailer.
Great vid, you have done a great job with Doris !
Thanks Rick- she is such a great little camper!
Great video! We are actively looking for a 16 foot scamp (we are retired) and it’s nice to know what maintenance will be involved especially if we don’t do covered storage.
we will have an update video up soon...we are having some major issues with trailer rust on our 11yo scamp- keep an eye out as you are looking for yours. Good luck with your search 😊
Use Chassis Saver on your frame ... Brush it on ... prevents rust and looks new (Takes care of old rust)
sounds like another project for the list 👍 thanks for the recommendation!
LOCTITE EXTEND Rust Neutralizer is very effective for treating rust. Get the liquid brush on formula, not the aerosol.
thanks for the tip! we may need to dip the whole scamp in it 🙈
I think the economy is the reason people are selling RVs. Luxury items are usually first to go. We love primitive camping during spring break with our kiddos. While we'd love an RV, it's just not in the budget for us right now. We live in Palm Beach FL and the cost of living has doubled in the last several years. 😢 Just to give you an idea, our home insurance is $16k a year alone. So primitive camping 🏕 for now. :) Love watching your travels!
I totally hear you! we are stuck in a tough spot now...the Scamp now needs MAJOR repairs $$...we dont have the budget for a new RV...so we may be going back to tent camping for a while. I love RVing but it is an expensive hobby that just keeps getting more expensive 😬 Tent camping can get us to some pretty neat places, but it's going to be an adjustment!
Excited for part 2 when you wax it!
she really does need to be waxed...but i wanna go do fun things 😂😂
Two questions. What is the white angled square piece after the counter before the bed? What is B 10
? I’m stealing the elastic idea. Thanks
Hi Greg- that is a fold down table that the first owners installed- it is very helpful when cooking or doing dishes as there is very little counter space in the scamp. And we have to label the camper according to where it goes in the storage lot 👍 thanks for watching
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin thanks for the quick reply. Logical answers. I agree it looks like your front frame has already been augmented but take it to an expert. Safe travels.
Maintenance is essential but most people do not know what a truly maintained older RV looks like. Here's what it looks like: The sellers have lots of receipts for repairs for you to review, the axle has been changed in any trailer older than 20 years, or you will be doing that since the rubber goes bad and leaves the trailer essentially without the needed shock absorption and suspension. Windows have been properly resealed, as well as the belly band if it is a two piece molded fiberglass. The unit has been stored indoors or under cover. It had been regularly cleaned and waxed. I could go on and on. If you do not have all the evidence of a well maintained trailer you are buying a project no matter how cute it looks, how badly you want it or what the seller says (they actually may not be aware of leaks, dry rot, need for a new axle, etc). Be prepared to be uncomfortable, not being able to use your trailer and outlay of lots of money if you buy a used trailer that has not been properly maintained.
this is so true- its a lot of work to maintain an RV in order to preserve its longevity
I watch your video. What country do you make videos from?
Hi there- we are in the US- New Jersey. Thanks for watching 👍
@@LetNewAdventuresBeginok.
as far as timing and energy, we can relate. too bad you cant park it overnight at the house; that would make trip prep easier. by the way we decided to order our new 16 foot scamp with side dinette and bathroom (sticker shock as they really have gone up in price) and was given march 2024 when it will be completed, possibly earlier (hopefully a bit later since we still have to save the remainder of the money). i have also had some anxiety regarding : would we use it as much as we would like to, in order to make it worth buying; the money and time associated with wnd camping etc. i also worry about how quickly it seems that camp sites fill up around here regarding reservations (kansas city area, kansas and missouri) i would hate for it to just sit in the rv storage. we also both work fulltime and i can relate to energy issues and having enough "gas" by friday to do stuff. i am likely overthinking as i tend to do. we like watching yours and other scamp/casita channels, as they give us guidance and ideas. thx for the good content.
There is a lot to consider with taking on an RV, but chances are if it really excites you and you dont mind doing a bit of work then you will love it like we do! The fiberglass trailers in particular tend to be more expensive, but they do last longer so we see it as a better investment for our long term travel plans. We are having more difficulty getting out this year because we did not plan anything ahead (we were focused on the wedding & honeymoon) but what I have done in past years is book 1 weekend trip/ month and one larger trip for the season. That way if the trip is already planned we start getting ready a few days ahead & push to get out on Friday, which is hard, but totally worth it when you wake up at the campsite Saturday & get to enjoy a whole day of camping. If we have the energy to fit in a second trip that month we will look for a local spot that is open (without too much driving) or do a Harvest host which are great for a 1 night stay without planning too far ahead. Just keep watching videos and thinking about what you like- there is so much you can learn on UA-cam 👍😁
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin sounds like a plan. looking forward to it.
I think anyone who lives, allows others to dictate what you can or can't do are crazy!!! What happened to your own home. That's what wrong with today's world. People need to take their rights, life back!!!!!
we all have to make our own choices and live our lives 👍
@@LetNewAdventuresBegin yes ma'am