Scamp Trailers: Small Fiberglass Campers People Love

Have you heard of a Scamp trailer? If you travel solo, take a look at these. You may want a smaller camper to get you across the country, enjoying nature and connecting with the great outdoors.

A Scamp trailer may just be one of your best options. These lightweight, durable trailers work great for travelers in your situation. Let’s learn more about Scamp trailers, and then you can decide which model is best for you.

What Is a Scamp Trailer?

A Scamp trailer is a hard shell, fiberglass camper built to withstand the elements. Their aerodynamic design, rounded corners, and egg-shaped body make them easier to tow. Additionally, due to their lightweight body and size, owners of cars, minivans, and SUVs can easily tow a Scamp. Finally, you can design these adaptable trailers with whatever amenities you desire, from an awning or a hardwood interior to a furnace.

Who Makes Scamp Trailers?

In the early 1970s, the Eveland brothers, Duane and Gerald, and their sister Gladys Coffland started building Scamp trailers as part of Eveland Inc. By 1972, they had manufactured about 130 trailers. All of them were the Scamp 13-foot model. 

In 1978, the company produced the first Scamp 16-foot trailer. Three years later, they introduced the 19-foot option. Since then, thousands of Scamp trailers have hit the market, some owners keeping theirs for decades.

In 1983, Duane bought Gerald and Gladys’ share and ran the company himself. Finally, he retired in May of 1989 and handed over the reins to his son, Kent Eveland, who became the general manager and eventually president of Eveland’s Inc.

Pro Tip: Curious to know why a fiberglass trailer might be the best option? We took a closer look at 5 Reasons Why People Love Fiberglass RV Campers.

Why Do People Love Scamp Trailers? 

Some owners who bought their Scamp trailers decades ago still have them. With proper maintenance, Scamp trailers can last much longer than other brands. This is why owners love their trailers. 

Plus, the customizable options mean owners can create campers that fit their lifestyles and needs. And you can easily add a wet bath, an air conditioning unit, a backup camera, an outdoor shower, or a solar panel kit. But if you want just the basics, you can stick with the standard features and start hitting the road.

A Closer Look at Scamp Trailers

Scamp has two travel trailers, a 13-foot and 16-foot option, and one 19-foot fifth wheel. These lightweight and aerodynamic Scamp trailers come custom-built. The fiberglass travel trailer design is durable and easy to tow and maneuver, so drivers of small cars, SUVs, minivans, and trucks can enjoy a Scamp.

Models and Floorplans

The 13-foot floorplan comes in standard and deluxe options. Both models have a two-burner propane stove, kitchen sink, 12-volt water pump, tank monitors, refrigerator, and room darkening blinds. 

The 16-foot floorplan includes a larger 54-inch bed and your choice of oak or birch interior decor. The layout features a rear dinette with overhead storage, a sink, a stovetop, and a closet in the center. You can choose to make the front bed a second dinette that converts into a bed or a sofa/bunk bed option.

The 16-foot floorplan also comes in standard and deluxe options. Both models come with the same features as the 13-foot but give three additional feet for extra room in the center. The layouts also have a rear dinette and front sofa/bunk bed with a kitchen in the middle. Due to the additional space, you can also add an optional wet bath to the 16-foot unit.

The 19-foot fifth wheel features the same amenities as the travel trailers. However, the interior is much roomier. It has three floorplans equipped with a rear dinette and a front bed with a wet bath. The unit’s center is configured differently with the kitchen appliances among the three options.

Specs

The 13-foot Scamp trailer weighs 1,500 pounds without the optional wet bath and has a tongue weight of 200 pounds. The 16-foot Scamp trailer weighs 1,900 pounds without the optional wet bath and has a 300-pound tongue weight. Finally, the 19-foot fifth wheel weighs 2,000 pounds and has a tongue weight of 400. All of these are dry weights without added cargo.

Features

The biggest selling feature of the Scamp trailer line-up is the lightweight design. Owners don’t have to purchase an $80,000 one-ton truck to tow a Scamp trailer. Even the fifth-wheel model doesn’t require that heavy-duty vehicle. You can haul the 13-foot Scamp trailer with a sedan or SUV.

Additionally, you can easily maneuver them once you get to the campsite. You don’t have to back in and out to fit into your space. The aerodynamic design also increases fuel efficiency, so you’ll spend less at the pump.

Scamp trailers are also well insulated. Add the air conditioning option if you want to camp in the summer. But you can rest assured that the cool air will stay in and the hot air will stay out, and vice versa. If you want to camp in the cooler seasons, you’ll enjoy comfortable interior conditions when the night temperatures drop.

Do Fiberglass Campers Leak?

Fiberglass campers like Scamp trailers are less prone to leaks but aren’t invincible. However, if you follow proper maintenance and take care of your camper, you’ll have less chance of dealing with a leak.

Broken pipes, water accumulation on the roof, and the overall age of the camper can affect the condition. But if you regularly inspect your Scamp trailer, you’ll catch some of these issues before they become big problems.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a fiberglass camper, you might have a delamination problem. We uncovered How to Stop and Fix Delamination on Your RV.

Can You Live in a Scamp Trailer in the Winter?

Depending on where you winter, you can live in a Scamp trailer. Winters in Florida or Arizona are comfortable and enjoyable. But if you want to spend the winter in frigid Minnesota or Vermont, it’s best to leave the Scamp trailer in storage. Only a few RVs can withstand brutal winters and blizzard conditions.

However, if staying in the mountains of North Carolina, where temperatures may remain just below freezing, a Scamp trailer has good enough insulation to keep you warm and cozy inside. Just make sure you have the right furnace installed that you can control. You also may want to upgrade to special winter tires.

How Long Do Scamp Trailers Last?

Scamp trailers can last for decades. With proper care, consistent maintenance, and regular repairs, some owners still have their Scamp trailers 30 years later. The fiberglass shell is less prone to rust and leaks than an aluminum trailer. But most owners aren’t looking for a trailer to last that long. Most RVers want a camper that will give them a handful of good years to explore, and they get it with Scamp.

One owner writes, “The insulation is very protective to the elements, the fabrics and carpets held up beautifully, and the more I use it, the more I like it.” 

Another owner says, “It has been a wonderful 6-year adventure. We have towed our Scamp 52,002 miles. We have spent 362 nights camping in the Scamp. We have pulled it to the North, East, South, and West. We have towed our Scamp through 40 of the original 48 states.” 

Whether you want a trailer to get you from Chicago to Santa Monica along Route 66 or one you can pass down to your children, you can trust Scamp to deliver quality construction.

How Much Does a New Scamp Trailer Cost? 

Is a Scamp Trailer Worth It? 

If you want to camp a few weekends a year and just need enough space for one or two people, a Scamp trailer is a great option. It’s affordable upfront and easy to maintain. Plus, you’ll save money at the pump with its fuel efficiency.

Imagine pulling into a tiny campsite right on the Gulf of Mexico or pulling off at a dispersed campsite along the canyons of Utah. You don’t need a lot of space, so the opportunities for amazing scenery are endless.

Not sure if a Scamp trailer is the right fiberglass camper for you? Check out Casita’s lineup of fiberglass RVs: What’s So Special About Casita Campers?

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