SCAMP Death by Rust! Our 2012 RV is no longer road worthy...HOW did this happen? Salt corrosion LNAB

[@stevecolby6505]

I would suggest that you move the Scamp to Florida by using a U-haul flatbed car trailer or you just pay a service to move it. Then once it is down there you could live in it on your property while you work on getting the tiny house ready and in the end you have the Scamp as a guest house on your property for visitors.

[@j.a.b.9976]

Hahaha, just saw your post after I posted, we think alike.

[@lisareynolds5973]

0:34 "

[@Mikeman07825]

your speaking voice and your attention to speech 'detail' makes me feel you were an english major... ☺ very calming - thank you for that...

[@annjohnson4776]

I’m glad you contacted Retro Reno. They have a great Metal fabricator. We have used their fabricator to change our 19 foot scamp fifth wheel from a 5th wheel truck bed pull to a bumper pull. Asked them to show you picks of that job to show the craftsmanship.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

thats awesome! I didnt even know it was possible. I fully believe if anyone can fix it- It is their welder 😎

[@deborahlh7747]

What a pickle! Have the scamp transported to FL and carry on with your exciting plans!

[@ragemodels]

Hello Beautiful people hope you guys are SAFE and we'll and that MILTON didn't affect you !!! WE miss your Adventures !!! Be Safe well and Happy !!!!🎉

[@Squarekn0t]

Cap'n Rick, your Lower Slower Delaware neighbor. I have a lot of experience with boat trailers. Since you live along the coast ---- find out the weight of the scamp, take off a few pounds for the axle and tires--(100 to 150). Look on craigs list for a used boat trailer, one with "Bunks" as opposed to one with roller's . If you could find one at a reasonable price, you could go to a boat yard that has a lift---- remove the tires and cut off the axle on the scamp, with a saws-all, when it's up in the slings, Then back the bunk trailer under it and lower it down and secure it with cargo straps. Once you get to Florida you could figure out how to put some through bolts from the Scamp base into the trailer bunks. The weight should almost be the same as what you were towing. Look under trailer's, Not RV's on craigs list. I have to say that it must have been road salt that was the cause, and not rinsed off after a winter trip.

[@ChrisJankowski]

U-Haull may have a car trailer that you can put the scamp on to bring to Florida and then just do local trips with it until property is ready. Or find a local welding and fabrication shop in NJ and see if they can fix or rebuild the frame.

[@coldstreams]

This, yes. I've towed a Subaru on a trailer, behind a pick up truck, when we moved across our large western state. The Scamp weights far less than automobiles (we have our own Scamp 16). It should be possible to back it up on to the trailer ramp, and the trailer, and then secure it for travel to Florida.

[@Robert-ex2qp]

FL will have many more resources for RV or Boat frame repair or replace. Flatbed ship the Scamp to your lot and drive a 6' standard residential grounding rod into to ground and ground the scamp to that. Then you can take it to multiple places to get estimates. Use an undercoating like Fluid Film or Wool-Wax and reapply, those sprayed permeant undercoating break down over time and traps moisture making things worse.

[@tommorrill3873]

Go with option B. Trailer the Scamp to Florida and have the retro shop see what they can do.

[@ursinidaho]

Hi Guys. I sure am sorry to hear about your Scamp. Boy, I learned so much just now listening to you talking about the rust and how important the undercarriage really is. And the comparisons with your other vehicles and the tiny house not having rust. Hmmm 🤔 I do know that you are both very resourceful and look on the positive side of things. You will be fine, it will work out, it always does. Do some praying and things will go your way because you are really trying. They say God helps those who help themselves. Thats where I got that idea 😉 Love from North Idaho❤️ Happy Holidays and A very exciting New Year!!!

[@Alohasheree]

Thanks for being honest. Sorry the 3 of you are having trouble with your Scamp. Good tip though. The undercoating suggestion 👍

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

Hopefully it saves someone else from running into the same problem 🤞

[@kathym5307]

I feel so bad for you both. Praying things work out for you.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

Its a tough one after all the work we put in, Thank you Kathy

[@creativedesign3657]

Hi guys I am watching this 8 months after it was posted but I also have had many campers motorhomes etcetera and other trailers the thing is if you live in a very moist area the ground will do damage on chassis I have experienced same problem you're going through with a couple other my stuff come to find out you have to put a barrier between the ground and the bottom of the vehicle I personally don't think it was the one or two times that the trailer was exposed to salt guys I own 14 vehicles and they are parked on the dirt I separate the wheels from the ground by putting some boards down and also a sheet of plastic to reduce the moisture I'm telling you I think that's what it was it was exposed to a very moist area before you got it the other thing is I happen to be I have modified 4 x 4 trucks etcetera etcetera you can actually build a frame over the existing frame and then use what's left of the old frame to secure the new one well whatever you guys end up doing I wish you the best and may God bless you

[@krisgarren5735]

I love your video’s and am so sorry to hear about your Scamp. I’m like you and would hate for the Scamp to go to the junk yard and, as I thought about it, any RV would probably cost $10k or higher. And you do need a place to stay in while the property is being built out. If you could just get the Scamp towed to your property and lived in it until the tiny house was ready, then you could save up money to have the frame replaced. I know it is a lot to deal with along with the move, I wish you the best of luck!

[@michaelstubblefield22]

I would take the chance and take it slow to Jacksonville and let the weld or even rivet or screw an exoframe to the existing one and weld where the pieces meet. I did the front of my 16 works great. Work enev better if you can spring for aluminum. No more rust or corrosion

[@JacksWebb714]

Undercoating is for sound deadening, not necessarily for corrosion protection. You won't have to worry about these issues in Florida. I have a 1999 Casita and there is minimal rust on the frame. As far as fixing your Scamp goes. Anything can be fixed. It's a matter of what are you willing to put into it.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

Im glad to hear the Casita is in good shape! yes, the big question is how much $ we can put into it at this point & this just so happens to be the most expensive year of our lives with the work we are doing on the new property 🙈 so we will see what is left

[@barbarab7702]

I’m sorry to hear about your beloved scamp. The timing couldn’t be worse, but isn’t that kinda how life sometimes unfolds. If I remember correctly, you paid about $12,000-$15,000 for the used scamp. Four years of use at $3,000 a year is really quite reasonable for an RV. We have lost far more on several RV’s over the years. I think it’s time to look at other options. (Incidentally, I find it hard to believe that the extent of damage is due strictly to road salt exposure. The level of destruction reminds me more of a vehicle that experienced significant flood water damage in a saltwater environment, similar to cars that are destroyed by tidal flooding in coastal towns.) I hope you guys can catch a break and somehow be able to relocate to Florida soon. It would be so much better to be closer to your property as you need to oversee the work being done before you run into possible problems there.

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

I think that this is sage, and seasoned advice.

[@Bristow1680]

So sorry to hear this, praying for you both. I was looking on marketplace just putting in different areas and I found some somewhat decent replacement options for not a horrible price. I know it’s rough not wanting to just let go of scamp/giving up on it. 😢 Was thinking maybe another trailer but instead of scraping the old incorporating salvageable parts. Yall did an amazing job a few videos back repurposing cushions into better bedding.

[@bertkelly7650]

If you're hell bent on keeping your trailer, I suggest buying a dual axle utility trailer and putting your scamp on that. Take the tires off, strap it down and haul it to FL. Might be able to find one used, but I'd buy a new one. Shouldn't be anymore than 2k new. If the jeep can tow the scamp it should be able to tow the utility with the scamp on it. Maybe rent one?

[@emp482]

Just get a new frame! The shell can be lifted off.

[@trentcarbino921]

That is one of the options she talked about. After getting the frame and then moving the shell onto it it becomes too expensive to be an option.

[@herbdavidson7242]

If the scamp is done, because of the type of camping that you guys enjoy, might, I suggest you consider a pop-up camper to get you through the next year or two. We Used a pop-up camper for 25 years before we bought a micro Minnie. We found it quite enjoyable and miss it. I wish you well in your endeavors.

[@Theweldingmillennial]

If the scamp is still around the northeast let me know. I work on all kinds of stuff and doing a frame swap is right up my alley.

[@nikij.6058]

Yes, I’ve heard Scamps come with wood or fiberglass bottoms. It’s ideal to have the fiberglass. Not sure how it would affect the axle…

[@outoftheboxwoodworks7560]

Sorry for your loss. I am a diy kind of guy. Im near San Diego, ca. Can offer you $3000 for the scamp if you want and take it as is, its about 5500 miles round trip. I am mostly retired but my wife and I really want to do camping and were both motivate, lol. I would make the drive myself and can come anytime. Its a good 3 day drive each way but very willing to do it. I would probably bring a big flatbed trailer and tow the scamp on that. Its another option for you. I would probably cost $2k in fuel alone, not sure really. I don't have my hopes up though, lol Anyhow been watching you guys for a few years, keep up the good videos, Mike EDIT: I know its not going to happen (the scamp) but I used to make youtube videos but stopped because of too much work. Its been years but I would make a video about traveling and buying your scamp, lol. It would get me back into making videos again. My channel is called Mikes DIY projects and more if you are curious.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

I will keep that in mind for sure! If we decide to put it up for sale I will let you know. Hopefully we will have our plan sorted out in the next month as we get all the basics done on the florida property 👍

[@outoftheboxwoodworks7560]

Yes please, Thank You 😀@@LetNewAdventuresBegin

[@WhereRVGoing]

Oh no, I'm so sorry to hear the problems with Doris... I hope you can get it resolved with minimum damage to your budget... a quick idea: how about looking for a 16ft Scamp that's currently is either for sale by a different owner or one that is in a junkyard that you could potentially salvage the trailer or axel from? Good luck...

[@nataliedavies69]

I am so sorry that you and Patrick are having to deal with this right now, so unexpected that the Scamp would not be roadworthy. I’m sure it’s extremely frustrating and annoying. I wish I had a solution for you, but I suspect once you are able to live on your property (have the Scamp hauled down to FL, as others have said) you and Patrick will forge ahead with a new plan. I’m thankful you found out how unsafe it was before undertaking any further trips in it 🤗

[@FredPerryUSA]

Putting the scamp on a flatbed to the renovation people in Jacksonville where they might remove the egg, sandblast the frame then repair (new metal where needed and welded in place) and repaint it, and finally replace the egg. Is this a feasible option?

[@nikij.6058]

Take it to a weld ship..your old Holiday Rambler was built like a tank! Had one myself. They have superior axles.

[@vinnykeenan6355]

Hi, Laura and Pat. Sorry to hear about your dilemma with the Scamp. It came at the worst time for you two. I wish I knew 2 months ago. We traded in our 2017 Jayco 195rb for a larger camper. I think it might still be for sale. We kept it in very good condition and put in some modifications. Not sure if it's something you'd be interested in. If you are, it's at Blue Compass RV in Newtown, CT. If you want more info please let us know. Kim and Vinny in CT

[@lancerevell5979]

Too many years on salt-strewn northern roads. 😢 A trailer frame is rather simple. A good custom welding shop would be able to build a new frame, with a new axle. This has been done before But any option will cost money.

[@matthewpruett8745]

Have you thought about removing the axle and setting the entire camper on another trailer then when it’s time to retire the scamp you still have a trailer once you remove the scamp

[@bobhorne8410]

This is a good idea, dollar-wise.

[@louvin5671]

For now, can you put the scamp on a trailer(perhaps rented) to get it to Florida? Is your truck big enough to be able to do that? Once down there, if you have it in an RV park near where your tiny house is, then when you get into the tiny house you can bring the scamp home and figure out what to do. As for the frame, I think you should get in touch with a professional welder who may be able to reinforce the frame. Once that is done, then you can replace the axle. Those are my thoughts. I hope they are somewhat helpful for you.

[@Squarekn0t]

Just saw a bunk trailer in Brick, NJ listed under boat parts and assuries on Crais list for $500. Not sure it's the right weight match but it will give you an idea of what I am talking about. Just make sure the bearings are in good shape and greased!

[@annjohnson4776]

Option you haven’t considered is do not drive down I 95, but drive through the more rural roads that were used before major interstate transportation. Traveling 45 to 55 miles an hour will take you longer but will give you an adventure and maybe allow you to see some of the sites you were planning on going to. My hubby says “she” The scamp is worth saving.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

That would be another option & it would be so nice to be able to get her down to Florida for some repairs- I will keep that in mind, Thanks Ann!

[@GG-yo4nu]

Oh my gosh, I can’t believe this is happening to you. I agree with other comments; trailer it to FL so you can at least stay in it. The Covid camping craze is winding down so there’s a LOT of trailers for sale. You’ll be busy with the tiny house, your new property and gardens so you won’t have to rush into anything right away. It will work out. 🙏🏼

[@arnphawk]

any updates? i would like to know how things are going. i like your channel as well.

[@trentcarbino921]

Hire a hotshot to move the Scamp to Florida. Once here you can put it in a campground as you originally planned and avoid living in a tent. That doesn't solve the frame issue but it does give you a place to live until the tiny house is ready. If that idea doesn't work then maybe you can find a cheap, used travel trailer for sale close to the town you are moving to. Facebook Marketplace might be the place to look. That obviously means the Scamp has to stay behind, possibly with a relative or friend until you figure something out. Good luck.

[@DaveK84]

I agree that the previous owners probably started the process of the rust. Unfortunately, when you guys did the diy undercoating it could have made the problem worse by locking in the rust/moisture. Usually these open box frames rust from the inside out though. I sold my 2013 and it was in perfect shape, but for my 2021 I am spraying a protectant inside and out on the frame!

[@j.a.b.9976]

Hey guys, for now I would rent a U-Haul flatbed trailer and get it to Florida, checked at Metro and if the worst-case scenario is if it can't be fixed right away, I'd put it on the property as ''Guest'' tiny home. Another option is ship it to Scamp in Minn. after getting a quote on repairs. In the end it may be cheaper, oh, and don't forget to ask about an aluminum frame.

[@VanGoWanderlust]

This seem unusual, even for an exposed frame. Think about all the cars that don't rust out like that. I would bet anything it was parked over grass, which would have kept the frame wet for long periods of time.

[@michaelhorton6166]

Can you camp on the property? If the manufacturer undercoated the frame, they would sell less towable RVs because less would break down.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

we have to wait for all the utilities to be installed before we can stay on the property...but yes, I have a feeling there is a reason they choose not to protect the frame out of the factory 🙈

[@ruby055]

Exactly road salt and the salt was left their , with no undercarriage wash, the salt has had 5'years to eat the metal. Every trip to salt air locations and salt roads right to the car wash. You figured it out. Schrzingers welding in Danbury CT can build you a new frame. Also no the manufacturers want you to buy a new one not have it last forever. Good luck. Also look for a local welder not necessarily one who specialized in RVs it will save you money

[@stephennowicki7158]

Oh my. This is a big problem. We looked at property in Florida and we were told we could not put any home on a tiny home on a property .

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

It depends on the county- we got property that is zoned agricultural in a rural area where they still allow RVs after you go through the permitting & utilities installation

[@stephennowicki7158]

@@LetNewAdventuresBegin Thank you. We are still looking.

[@brettlawson9488]

Maybe get a cheap popup for now,better than tent

[@stuartstuart866]

As I understand it, even after a protectant is applied to a frame, it has to be reapplied every year or so in harsh climates. The RV industry is winding down since pandemic sales frenzy, maybe used trailer prices will come down like used car prices are. It looks like Retro Reno is is Jacksonville, is it reasonably close to your property? Even if it’s cost prohibitive for repairs, maybe they would buy it for the salvageable materials? I wonder if some other frame could be used by just modifying it? Even if the frame was a little longer, you could just attach a storage box or something like that?

[@Reef169]

Just a thought......how about maybe buying a used camper...might be able to get a good buy......sorry to hear about the scamp.....good luck !

[@joshualeesherman]

I work at a machining and fabrication company. I'm almost certain a fabrication and weld shop in your area could resolve this for you. I think they would be able to help you get some additional support under your trailer. Adding some steel tubing or C channel would not be an issue I would think. I hope you can find some solution, your scamp looks great!

[@annjohnson4776]

Did Scamp say they could put on the new frame at their facility?

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

Scamp didnt really seem to keen on doing anything about it...It was Retro Renos that has worked with us to try to find a solution

[@danarobotmaker3396]

That looks to be pretty bad news. Assuming the RV Reno Company could repair the frame and replace the axel was there a cost estimate to do so? I would assume they could ballpark minimum to maximum estimate. Then there is getting the Scamp to FL. I assume you considered renting a car carrier and towing it yourselves. I also assume you would have looked into local metal working welders and restoration auto body shops. If there is enough metal left on the frame, then either of these two options seems possible. Especially auto restoration shops.

[@sharonb.9128]

So sorry to hear about your Scamp. Instead of RV repair shops, maybe going straight to metal works companies would help. I watch a couple of car channels that rebuild old cars and they frequently use companies to repair, fabricate metal frames and create parts that are no longer in existence.

[@trentonjohnson2948]

Sub frame the scamp at a welding fabrication shop. The bonus or issue would be the increased camper height from the road.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

I would love to, Its just less than ideal timing as we are dumping money into the property we just purchased & had not budgeted for a major RV repair on top of all that 🙈

[@itchingtogo7362]

Sooo sorry to hear this. I follow Slim potato head’s channel and although not as scamp, I believe he replaced the frame on his fiberglass RV to address Canadian winters. I didn’t do all the math, but if $30k for similar new, you might look at option A in segments. Not do all at once. Would prolong use of the scamp, but you’ll have lots to do with the property anyway. This will work out…just stay focused.

[@johndagricola]

If you are renting a U-Haul to move your things to Florida, could you rent a trailer one-way to haul the scamp to your property? Then you would at least have it to live in while you get everything else settled on the property. My heart goes out to you and I wish you the best❤

[@ursinidaho]

See! I would have never thought of that! Nice idea!

[@dannyharrison8240]

My idea for whatever it is worth...me not seeing the frame in person. My idea is to buy a trailer that can safely haul the Scamp, cut the axle, and brackets off. Attach the Scamp and frame to the new trailer and head out on your next adventure! It looks like it can work in my head and on paper....good luck on this!

[@Picturedave]

Maybe hire a camper moving company or someone that has a pickup and trailer that can haul it to To Florida to your property you were going to park it on and set it up there and use it while you're setting up your property.

[@reubenj.cogburn8546]

I was afraid this is where you were headed when you showed us the pictures of the frame a while ago. So I went over to fiberglass RV and looked up a couple of frame repair / redo. I don't see easy options here, these are custom frames. Also noted, were the removal of the shell from the frame not being a straightforward process. Unless you've got family members that do metal fab, I see no economically viable way of getting out of this, sorry. I did not look into ordering a frame from the manufacturer, I suspect the time and dollars involved are even larger than I'm guessing they are. My suggestion is to come to terms with the investment loss of time and effort. Make your plans for what you can afford, and what you like to get into next and chalk it up as a life lesson. In short, no I don't think it's worth the time or money required to reframe. How about the last thing you kids need right now in your life is another project. Perhaps a conventional camper trailer that only has to serve a temporary Duty? I have heard that some Florida RV places do not allow vehicles that don't meet their standards to stay with them, so there's that. Maybe look into renting an RV / trailer locally in Florida? Good luck And don't worry, it's going to work out.

[@roycew8218]

Contact Scamp and order a new frame and axle. That is what another youtuber did. His frame broke in half. Hope that works for you. Another choice is have a metal fab shop make a new frame.

[@BikesBoatsBivouacs]

Could you save money by having Scamp replace the frame at their facility?

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

they would do an axel swap, thats about it 🙄

[@filobetobaby]

You're asking people that are afraid of a liability. Pull it to Florida and worry about repairs later.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

that is so true...thats why I dont get a call back from most places around here

[@SkyNet-ty1tm]

I heard scamp like one hundred times 😅

[@deborahlh7747]

KZbinr, Slim Potato Head took his used fiberglass camper to the manufacturer and had a brand new frame put on it due to severe rust. Consider transporting the scamp to the Scamp facility for a new frame before you move it to FL. Very best of luck whatever you decide.

[@Gratefulwon]

Any trailer that is exposed to salt, either by ocean, or salty roads, two words: Fluid Film.

[@stuartschwartz1788]

I would think that your shell is OK. What about a new frame from Scamp

[@lancerevell5979]

Awhile back, another YT tiny trailer owner had to replace the frame, and changed from a steel frame to an aluminum frame. But the company (Scamp) should be able to supply a new frame. Unfortunately, any option is going to cost money.

[@bahannon]

Grab a popup until you figure it out.

[@izzylost3546]

You have no idea how the camper was treated prior to you owning it. I don’t believe it was anything you did, unless you drove through salt water and didn’t clean it. You can have the frame replaced, don’t give up on your scamp.

[@beavis4play]

my advice : find a reputable WELDER - you don't need a mechanic.welders are specialists in metal. if there is ANY way to fix it, your only hope at all would be a skilled welder. edit: i don't see why they (welder) couldn't assemble an entirely new frame under the scamp. again, it might not be a price you want to pay, but it's worth a shot. - i've seen welders in my area do a LOT of amazing things with serious metal damage.

[@robertcromer5411]

OK - Here is a company in Jacksonville FL, that rebuilds Scamps. If you call them, they might be able to put a new/repaired frame under your Scamp. Here is the video... kzbin.info/www/bejne/qXjbiJqQg8mlsJY You could pull the Scamp onto a UHaul trailer and pull it down south. That could give you options. You could rent a larger UHaul truck from them to pull the trailer. The Nissan Leaf would be the odd car out, driver wise... Food for thought...

[@kleinbiker1]

That's literally the company she mentioned in the video. 🙄

[@scottbryant2235]

Sorry to say, It's antylitics. America and the world has learned to get the most out of you at the least expense. The '77 was better - long time ago. Antylitics said we can gain by using China, and more money in my pocket.

[@LetNewAdventuresBegin]

I wonder where my '77 Holiday Rambler "Free Spirit" is today...I bet she is still rolling 😊 that was quality construction

[@MAGA-kw3ol]

Try Retro Renos in Jacksonville Florida, they rebuild old scamp trailers and are associated with scamp

[@FredPerryUSA]

Did you watch the video?