Scamp vs. Escape

[Ron in BC]

Awww...it was cute in a homely sort of way....

Wasn't exactly my thoughts the first time I saw one.

My first thought was that it was some sort of joke or someone had grafted on an addition. But typical Scamp, never develop and progress, just use what you already have.

OK all you Scamp lovers, don't yell at me. Remember, I once owned a Scamp.

But Scamp, stuck in the dark ages, never innovate or develop the product while another company selling f.g. trailers starts up, develops the line and ends up with a range of far more advanced and attractive products is interesting. But both continue to sell a lot of trailers, maybe a topic for a business school to use as an example for different ways the market works.

Ron

 

[Donna D.]

I think Scamp (and Casita) are doing just what they want to do. Not all small manufacturers desire becoming big manufacturers. Scamp employs 50 people. They're also in a very small town with a population of around 250 people. I believe that there will always be a need for a 'starter' trailer whether size or for the budget of the buyer. It's very nice to have choices

 

[Dave Walter]

I think Scamp (and Casita) are doing just what they want to do. Not all small manufacturers desire becoming big manufacturers. Scamp employs 50 people. They're also in a very small town with a population of around 250 people. I believe that there will always be a need for a 'starter' trailer whether size or for the budget of the buyer. It's very nice to have choices

The Scamps trailers interiors do not seem to have changed in looks in many many years. I guess that as long as there is sufficient demand for their trailers, the Scamp owners do not have to actively update the look or features of their trailers to make them more attractive to new buyers. However, I imagine that those wanting to buy a starter trailer would also like to have Scamp make some occasional updates to the interior look (fabric-counters-flooring-etc).

 

[Donna D.]

To Scamp's credit, they have made changes... but every so slowly. After the fire, they 13' Scamp grew in height (probably due to convenience since they had to recreate the molds and now the door fit ALL sizes). They've changed windows to a modified jalousie. Just this past year, the molds were changed for a flat door (sound familiar). I have zero idea about the vendor relations and perhaps they buy upholstery by the boxcar load and when it runs out, they get a different 'look.' Right now, Scamp has zero competition in the <$10,000 market for a 13' all-molded-trailer. Yes there are other manufacturers of that size, but not at that price point. The 13' trailer is their most popular model. IF one is ordered right now, delivery is at the end of January.

 

[Ron in BC]

Yes, that's what I mean, two different manufacturers with totally different business models and both very successful.

I wonder if Scamp still uses a wrought iron support for the upper cabinet? Nothing says old fashioned like wrought iron.
Ron

 

[Donna D.]

I wonder if Scamp still uses a wrought iron support for the upper cabinet? Nothing says old fashioned like wrought iron.
Ron

Actually they did change... or maybe it's an 'option.'

 

[rubicon327]

Actually they did change... or maybe it's an 'option.'

Not quite. That looks like a renovated trailer. From recent sales this 1981 trailer has the same supports as a 2018.

 

[Dave Walter]

Not quite. That looks like a renovated trailer. From recent sales this 1981 trailer has the same supports as a 2018.

They may have bought a 30yr supply of wrought iron supports back in the 1970's and will be running out soon!

 

[Brian B-P]

The Scamp hitches that I’ve seen where bolted to the pickup bed, not the frame. No where near as strong as the Andersen set up.

The part on the Scamp 19' trailer is a ball coupler, functionally identical to the Andersen coupler block. The materials and construction are different, and there's nothing good about the way the Scamp coupler (presumably a perfectly reasonable and suitably rated coupler) is mounted to the trailer.

The part on the truck varies: due to the oddball nature of the setup Scamp has offered a hitch as an accessory, originally a questionable thing that bolted to the pickup box walls, but currently a Reese fifth-wheel hitch frame with a ball on top which attaches to "industry standard" rails, just like the rail-mount Andersen. Like the Andersen Ultimate, the modified Reese setup is suitable and rated for far more than the allowed weight of the trailer.

My comment was about the design feature in common - use of a ball hitch - which is usually seen as a bizarre and undesirable feature on the Scamp but an upgrade on an Escape.

 

[Donna D.]

Not quite. That looks like a renovated trailer. From recent sales this 1981 trailer has the same supports as a 2018.

Yes, the trailer pic I posted is one being rehabbed, she wanted the new supports. BUT, the information about the new Tree Supports came from a different thread on Facebook. Notice the thread is only 12 days old. It starts with:

"Anybody here got the new cabinet support braces that scamp is now using to support the upper cabinets?"

 

[Radar1]

Comparing the Scamp 19 to the Escape 5.0 TA is almost like comparing a Toyota Corrolla to a Lexus. Just as the Toyota or Lexus will get you from point A to point B, either the Scamp or Escape will do the job of providing an easy to tow upgrade to tent camping. They appeal to different price points though.

Scamp 19 in basic trim can be had for less than 2/3 price of the Escape (USD), and is available in different floorplans that can sleep up to 6 people. You can even upgrade the Scamp to the deluxe version with beautiful woodwork inside. Price and sleeping options could be important to a small family on a small budget.

Escape is a much nicer looking camper in my view and I would easily choose an Escape 5.0 TA over the Scamp 19 if both were offered to me at the same price. Since they are not the same price I would have to consider if the extra niceties of the Escape entice me enough to pay the higher price.

I currently have a Scamp 16 that has been a great camper for us for over 100,000 miles in the 9 1/2 years we have had it, but still keep up a spreadsheet of Escape trailer prices, because if we ever up-size, Escape is the way we would go.

We still love our Scamp as it was our indoctrination to the family of fiberglass travel trailers, although an Escape may one day be in our future because we like them so much.

 

[rubicon327]

Yes, the trailer pic I posted is one being rehabbed, she wanted the new supports. BUT, the information about the new Tree Supports came from a different thread on Facebook. Notice the thread is only 12 days old. It starts with:

"Anybody here got the new cabinet support braces that scamp is now using to support the upper cabinets?"

Donna I stand corrected.