Lifting a Scamp Trailer?

[adrenaline503]

Due to some unfortunate military assignments my wife may have to live in an RV or trailer part time over the next few years. Of all the available travel trailers we have the Scamp seems to stand out. I like its fiberglass clamshell design, and she thinks they are cute. They pop up on c/l from $500-$5000 pretty often. So, back to my question, does anyone know how easy it would be to lift one? I imagine putting in a solid axle with shocks would be the way to go.

If I have to buy a trailer I would like one I could drag around to some more remote locations, but nothing beyond somewhat maintained forest service roads.

 

[JackW]

I had a 13' Boler (predecessor to the Scamp) and I towed it behind my Defender up smooth dirt roads with no issues. The Bolers have trailing link style axle and you can purchase the axles in different drop angles which will effectively raise the trailer a couple of inches. I've also seen instances where the link style axle has been replaced by a leaf sprung axle for even more lift.

The weak spot in this whole idea is that the frame itself is not very stout. For very much dirt road exposure one could remove the shell from the frame and build a heavier duty replacement frame like this guy did with his German Eriba Puck travel trailer. He replaced the stock Eriba frame with a modified motorcycle trailer - pretty cool.

 

[adrenaline503]

That is EXACTLY the stance I had in mind!

 

[JackW]

I know - exactly what I'd like too...

here are a couple of more pictures to fan the flame....

 

[rusty_tlc]

My wife and I were considering the Scamp. I'd read some on-line reviews before you pull the trigger.

 

[justfred]

I would think that a bumpy dirt road would shred the fiberglass, no?

 

[adrenaline503]

I would think that a bumpy dirt road would shred the fiberglass, no?

It doesnt shred a boat hitting waves at 45 knots... If it was braced (by the frame) correctly I dont think it would be a major concern. I know that it wouldnt be perfect, but since it would be used for a long period of time comfort trumps durability.

 

[jagular7]

Go visit their plant in MN. The fiberglass is not designed to take many forces. The floor is not secured to the sides. It is fiberglass in and over to attach to the sides. There are actually 2 shells put together as well. The compartment are fiberglass shells as well and get revited to the outer shells. For light weight, pulled on the road, you really can't beat a Scamp or Casita. As for today's all fiberglass campers, there are many more out there as well. There is even a forum specifically for any fiberglass camper.

A lt of the campers in an offroad environment (take a look at those Swags of Australia), they are basically a lower center of gravity frame with a box that opens up with slide-outs, swing-outs, etc for kitchen, bedding and living space. Most to all will have canvas material as it folds to nearly nothing compared to the covered area they do.

 

[haven]

A member here who uses the name "dontpanic42" mounted a Casita camper on a Fuso FG 4x4 and used it on several extended trips. Send him a personal message to hear his experiences.

 

[wesel123]

I'm in the process of doing this to my 96 17' Scamp. Had a couple quotes from local trailer shops to change out the Torflex axle to a 3500 lb. solid trailer axle for about $1000. Not bad but I am worried about how the body will hold up. And even though this trailer only weighs 2000 lbs. its a land anchor. Another concern is overall height.

 

[adrenaline503]

I'm in the process of doing this to my 96 17' Scamp. Had a couple quotes from local trailer shops to change out the Torflex axle to a 3500 lb. solid trailer axle for about $1000. Not bad but I am worried about how the body will hold up. And even though this trailer only weighs 2000 lbs. its a land anchor. Another concern is overall height.

Cool! Hopefully it goes well. I know it isn't the best idea for an off road trailer but a balance has to be reached. Is the frame beefy enough to accept the spring mounts for the 3500 lb axle?

 

[STREGA]

There is a member on here Ace Brown I think is his username, he has a escape (canadian made all fiberglass trailer) that has a lift on it, looks nice. Maybe he can give some comments on it, I will pm him about this thread. He travels all around the usa with it so he should have some useful ideas/thoughts about it.

 

[adrenaline503]

There is a member on here Ace Brown I think is his username, he has a escape (canadian made all fiberglass trailer) that has a lift on it, looks nice. Maybe he can give some comments on it, I will pm him about this thread. He travels all around the usa with it so he should have some useful ideas/thoughts about it.

Thanks! Any ideas are appreciated.

 

[wesel123]

Cool! Hopefully it goes well. I know it isn't the best idea for an off road trailer but a balance has to be reached. Is the frame beefy enough to accept the spring mounts for the 3500 lb axle?

No not really. I plan on beefing up the frame... Although looking at what the guy did the Eriba I may do that instead. I have a built up cargo trailer I may take the box of and mount the scamp on that. I need to take soem measurements this week.

 

[adrenaline503]

No not really. I plan on beefing up the frame... Although looking at what the guy did the Eriba I may do that instead. I have a built up cargo trailer I may take the box of and mount the scamp on that. I need to take soem measurements this week.

Would it be possible to enlarge the wheel wells on the Scamp or is it all molded together without room for expansion?