Well, without the benefit of knowledge and experience, my purchase of the Scamp has been a truly “Ohhhhhhhhhhhh……” kind of deal. Like, just because it looks good and functions at the point of sale does not mean it will function once you drive off into the sunset.
Missed malfunctioning trailer brakes: wasn’t able to test them, and didn’t take to a trailer expert to assess it for me, which likely would have provided me with a lengthy repair estimate. Had to repair them or they’d damage my SUV brakes, especially with the added weight of the upgrades, water, etc.
Water system: water with strings of algae coming through the hand pump, didn’t see that when going over the trailer. Didn’t smell bad. Well, prefer only the bacteria my gut likes so it’s gotta go.
Do I want actual hot water in the kitchen sink? I like clean hands. Do I need a shower in the camper? I have to have a hot water shower, so I may as well plumb for hot water in the dry bath. Well, since I’m doing that I may as well convert that to a wet bath, or go the way of outdoor tent shower. Either way, new plumbing and it really doesn’t make sense to put the same leak-prone braided hose when the nylon sturdy and solid PEX will be easier to run through tight spots. Water heater, gray water tank, toilet change, shower buildout, OR- water heater, outdoor shower from water heater on external hose to shower tent. The former choice is preferred: I like my privacy. The latter, is better than nothing and I need to get on the road.
Did I need repacked wheel bearings? Only if I’m driving somewhere that requires wheels that turn and stay on the camper. Greased up and ready to roll.
Sketchy tail lights missed. They were indeed sketchy when I took the trailer home, and did have an RV shop fix them but by the time I got home, they didn’t work again. Did I need tail lights that work? Only if I don’t want to be pulled over, hit by a semi truck, or worse. As I jerry-rigged the new bulb receptacles for the tail lights and replace with LED, I’m seeing that the wiring itself is becoming stiff, brittle. Just stripping it was difficult, and this could be causing problems elsewhere. They work now, but those corroded original backing plates that the receptacles used to be tack-welded to are corroded to the point of losing circuit (ground). Do I rewire everything? It’s not that much really, but time consuming.
No air conditioning. Well, I thought I had it but the UltraKool from 1984 was not doing the job. I don’t like roasting in a box, even if it is vintage. In 80 plus weather sleeping with air running is a must. So $900 and weeks later I’ll have my 12 volt compact roof air conditioner. Oh, that draws up to 50 some amps? The old 20 amp power converter isn’t gonna handle it. So, here’s the upgraded 75 amp 3 stage converter/charger. Gonna need more battery for the converter when house power is charging. When I’m not in an RV park, will I have air? See the next item?
Need for 12 battery to run house power, air conditioner. Do I need Solar? I have a 4300 watt generator that runs off propane or gas. I do plan to stay in some site that have power, but most will not if I’m doing this “rent averse” travel. Generators annoy the hell out of people too. Mine isn’t the $2k Honda. A nice Anker system with 200 watt panel is on sale now
These change in direction from “get in the camper that’s almost perfect” to “you’re going to be living and working in that space…really has opened my eyes. I need to balance “vintage Scamp” with “comfortable and reliable Scamp”.
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