The People's Camper

Now that I have been on my first night I have started to see some of the issues involved with owning a 1987 camper. Age is always a factor when it comes to older cars or campers. In some cases parts can only be obtained in junk yards. But where does one find a junk yard for fiberglass campers?  By way of history this is not the first old moving thing I have owned. My first car was a powder blue and primer grey 1970 Volkswagen Karmann Ghia Convertible. My mother has been quoted to say that all she ever saw of that car was my ass. I had my head inside the engine compartment more than I drove it. But it was a Volkswagen, and aided by John Muir's book "How to Keep Your Volkswagen Alive" I felt that there was nothing not fixable. The Ghia was basically a dolled up VW Beetle. Many of the mechanical bits were the same as the Bug, and were easy to find as they often spanned many model years.

In a way I have come to see the Scamp as the Volkswagen of RVs. The 1987 model isn't that much different than the 2011 model. I can go on-line or call the factory and order everything from body parts to interior accessories. I can even order a complete toilet and shower kit. This lessens the fear factor when attempting repairs or modifications. I have already had to order a new inside door handle and rubber gaskets for the door. I was just about to order the propane tank hold downs until the guy I bought the Scamp from called and said he found them in his garage. I've talked with the factory reps about ordering and installing additional overhead cabinets. Initially I wanted another cabinet to mount over the dinette at the rear of the camper, but just yesterday I saw a photo of an additional side mounted cabinet. I need to do some research to see if this was available for the 13'. It may have only been for the 16' or19'. Or I could just call the factory.