Scamp Campers & Water Leaks: 8 Answers (Explained)

Since the 1970s, Scamp campers have been popular with RVers, and most often, the owners of Scamp campers love them so much that they rarely get rid of them or sell them. This is often because Scamp campers are known for their incredible durability, quality craftsmanship, and highest quality construction materials that allow them to last decades.

In addition, Scamp campers have such a great reputation (even though they are not as well known as larger brands) that it’s incredibly difficult to get your hands on one of the more vintage models.

Even though there are numerous other brands available on the market, many RVers still prefer to purchase Scamp models.

Here’s The Answer To Do Scamp Campers Leak?:

Although Scamp campers are made from fiberglass, they experience their fair share of leaks. Many RVers who own a scamp model have experienced a leak at some point in time. However, Scamp Campers are also far less likely to leak than many other camper models available on the market.

1. What Is A Scamp Camper?

Essentially, a Scamp camper is a lightweight towable RV that is made from fiberglass.

These campers are well known in the RV community for being incredibly easy to tow. They are often regarded as offering superb fuel efficiency because of their aerodynamic design and wind-resistant capabilities.

After all, Scamp campers have not only had a positive reputation for more than 50 years, but they also have multiple floorplan options that suit every lifestyle and are more affordable than many competitors.

In addition to this Scamp, campers are also usually ideal for all types of seasonal camping because of their R15 insulation rating and use of marine fabric known as ‘rat fur’ that lines the ceilings and walls of each model. This material is unique because it sheds water, allowing it to resist developing mildew and mold from condensation.

However, you should note that although Scamp campers are well insulated, they are not truly four seasonal. This means some winterization levels will need to be conducted on most models, especially the older ones.

Moreover, Scamp campers come in various floorplan designs and lengths and have fifth wheel options for larger groups of campers and families.

2. When Do Scamp Campers Typically Start Leaking?

Since Scamp campers are made from fiberglass, they tend to last longer than their aluminum counterparts. This means they usually experience leaks later in their lifespan than other aluminum campers.

According to research and RVer opinions, it’s believed that Scamp campers don’t start leaking until they are older than ten years, and even then, many Scamp campers won’t leak.

Yet, this depends on many factors. Some Scamp campers will start leaking before ten years, usually due to poor maintenance, factory defects, or extreme weather conditions while camping.

3. Do Scamp Campers Leak More Than Other Camper Types?

Its widely believed that although some Scamp campers do leak during their lifetime, they don’t leak more than other camper types. This is primarily due to Scamp campers being constructed by experienced professionals and because the brand only uses quality materials.

Another reason Scamp campers don’t leak as often is their aerodynamic shape and fiberglass structure. It is easy to fix if the leak is due to a fiberglass crack or break.

4. Where Do Scamp Campers Typically Leak?

According to many RVers, improper maintenance is one of the main causes of leaks in Scamp campers.

That’s why it’s crucial to periodically check (every six to twelve months) your Scamp campers’ roofs and seals for leaks. Yet, where do Scamp campers tend to leak most often?

Learn the areas you need to check on your Scamp camper:

Roof Fan Leaks:

 Some Scamp owners have experienced water leaks through their roof fans.

This is often caused by a wearing down of sealant around the fan’s exterior opening.

Unfortunately, Scamp campers are known to only have a thin layer of caulk around the perimeter of an air vent.

At the Front Near the Gravel Guard Attachment: 

Sometimes, the front gravel attachment on a Scamp camper causes leaks into the front of the camper because of the rivets wearing down.

To fix this type of leak, you would have to drill out the old rivets and replace them with new ones through the exterior. When doing this, you don’t need to worry about getting the old rivets out of your camper’s ‘rat fur.’

The Front Window Gasket:

If a leak on a Scamp camper originates at the front, it’s likely due to the front window gasket’s rubber having become brittle and shrunk.

With this type of leak, you will notice water coming through the ‘rat fur’ and into your motorhome on the floor.

Water Accumulation of the Roof: 

Scamp campers can only hold about 550 pounds of water on their roofs, so if more than this finds its way onto the roof of your camper, you could experience a leak.

The Windows and Front Gutter:

In some instances, when caulking wears down on a Scamp camper, water can leak in through the windows and rain gutter when driving.

5. How Much Does It Cost To Fix A Leak On Scamp Campers?

How much it costs to fix a leak on a Scamp camper will largely depend on how severe the problem is.

If there is a minor roof leak, you can expect to pay between $100 and $600, but if you need to complete a roof replacement, you should expect to pay between $300 and $325 per linear foot.

This usually means you will have to pay thousands of dollars to replace a Scamp roof if the leak requires it.

Yet if you only need to complete a minor self-repair of your fiberglass, you only need to pay between $50 and $90 if you already have the major tools often needed.

Additionally, if you need to fix a leaking window, you shouldn’t expect to pay more than $100 for new caulking. However, if you need to replace a window and the seals, you can expect to pay upwards of $290.

Scamp campers are also part of our 14 Very Small Campers With Toilets list!

6. How Hard Is It To Fix A Leaking ROOF On These Models?

Scamp Campers have fiberglass roofs, so it’s usually much easier to fix a leaking roof on these models.

A camper can often complete a DIY fix if they have the right tools and materials and the issue isn’t too large. If you experience a roof leak on your Scamp camper, you can purchase a fiberglass repair kit.

Below are some simple steps to fix a minor roof leak on a Scamp motorhome:

• Using sandpaper and other tools, prepare the surface of your roof where the leak is occurring so that you can repair it.
• After this, you will need to take the repair strips or patch and follow the instructions to place them over the crack to seal the leak.
• Once complete, you will need to wait a good amount of time for the fiberglass repair to set correctly.
• After it has been set, you can sand the area to add a layer of paint over the repaired section. This is an aesthetic choice and is not entirely necessary.
• If you choose to paint the repaired area of your roof, you will need to buff out the paint.

Some of the tools you could need to complete this job besides the repair kit include scissors, scotch tape, different sanding discs, a marker, a jigsaw, a drill, paint, and a rag.

However, if the roof leak is significant, you will need to hire a professional or consider replacing your roof entirely.

7. How Hard Is It To Fix A Leaking WINDOW On Scamp Models?

Fixing a window leak on a Scamp camper is often much simpler than repairing a roof leak.

This is because if your windows leak water into your motorhome, it’s most likely because of deteriorated sealant or caulking.

Stipping old caulking to replace it is simple and requires few tools and materials. However, if the problem isn’t the sealant, you might have to replace the window entirely or troubleshoot the problem with the assistance of an RV repair technician.

8. How Do You Inspect A Water Leak On These Models?

Inspecting your Scamp for a leak is similar to how you would inspect other campers.

Here are some inspection tips to review:

• Check your roof and body seams to see if there is any deterioration.
• Check any outside storage compartments for water damage or puddles of water.
• Check for any discolorations or wrinkles in the wallpaper of your Scamp.
• Check for soft spots or discoloration around the air conditioners, roof vents, and plumbing vents.
• Look inside cupboards and on your flooring for discoloration or soft spots.

Citations:

What Exactly Is A Scamp Camper?

Scamp Guide On Water Leaks

Cost Of Replacing Scamp Windows