Scamp Travel Trailers: The Ultimate Guide. Is It The Perfect Camper For You?

Kelly Headshot

By Kelly Beasley

Scamp travel trailers, along with other fiberglass egg trailers, are the darlings of the recreational vehicle world.

They are the cute tiny egg-shaped trailers you've probably seen on the highway or in a campground.

16' Scamp camper

Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

They are light, compact, affordable, and long-lasting.

Owners LOVE them, and the used market for them is fierce.

This guide teaches you everything you need to know about them if you are in the market or are just curious about them and are intrigued.

Let's dive right in!

What Is A Scamp Fiberglass Camper?

Scamp RVs are tiny travel trailers that come in three lengths. 13 foot, 16 foot, and 19 foot. All models are made out of a 2-part fiberglass mold and have a rounded exterior.

They are lightweight, aerodynamic single-axle trailers that are almost indestructible.

This is partly why they hold their value so well and are so sought after.

Family inside Scamp trailer standard interior

Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

The company has been around for over 50 years, and its trailers still have a reputation for quality and longevity.

To top off the perks, they are also cute and look very much unlike traditional RV trailers. They are unique and attract attention from passers-by.

They are almost identical to Casita fiberglass trailers.

Scamp RV: Made In America, Family Owned

Scamp travel trailers are manufactured by Eveland's in Backus, Minnesota.

It's a family-owned business, not yet bought out by one of the prominent manufacturers.

Because of this, quality remains good. It's one thing that makes these trailers last so long and be so sought after.

They started manufacturing in 1971, first making the Bohler trailer for a small outfit out of Canada.

Eventually, Bohler shut its doors. Duane Eveland decided to keep going, creating the first Scamp trailers.

At first, they sold them as "put it together yourself" kits.

But that quickly became outdated.

Thereafter, the company started manufacturing and assembling the entire trailer in the warehouse.

They developed the 16 foot trailer in 1978 and the 19 foot fifth-wheel trailer in 1981.

Scamp uses only US-sourced products, so it's 100% American-made!

The rest is history, as the company still exists and makes these great little campers.

They even endured a fire in 2006 that burned down their entire facility.

Eveland employees

Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

The Scamp's Cult Following

Boy, talk about owners that are passionate about their "baby" eggs!

These trailers last a very long time, so some owners have had theirs for decades.

They love them so much!

There are owners clubs, forums, and in-person gatherings or rallies for Scamp camping trailer enthusiasts.

If you get one, you'll automatically be in that club and 'instant' friends with other owners (if you want to be).

If you're lucky, you can get one used. Scamps don't stay on the market long as they are in demand.

To buy a new one always requires a long wait time, and currently, in 2022, the wait is two years.

That's a small testament to how in-demand Scamps and other fiberglass RVs are.

Below is Scamp's video about their trailers. Get a good look at the interiors.

The 'fur' on the walls is to help prevent condensation.

Some call it 'rat fur.' It may not be the most desirable thing, but it's effective at its job.

A Dream To Tow

Part of the appeal of these trailers is that they are so light and aerodynamic.

The heaviest of their travel trailers weighs about 2,600 lbs (unloaded).

Because they are so light, they can be towed by almost any vehicle! Most should have a minimum 3500-pound tow rating.

Their fifth wheel weighs around 2,400-2,900 pounds (the lightest fifth wheel on the market) and requires a truck that can pull a gooseneck trailer.

They aren't as tall as traditional travel trailers, meaning they are easier to maneuver under bridges, especially along the east coast.

Scamp factory new campers

Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

These convenient, lightweight travel trailers are usually under 8 feet tall.

Their fifth wheel stands around 8 feet 10 inches tall.

But don't count on these heights.

As these campers are very customizable, the heights vary.

Measure and KNOW your actual height before you tow.

Every camper has only a single axle (two tires) and comes with electric brakes.

Scamp RV Floor Plans

Scamp makes it pretty simple. They ONLY have three different sizes.

A Scamp is either 13 feet, 16 feet, or 19 feet long.

Though there are only three lengths, they offer multiple floor plans for each length.

The sofa in some models converts to a camper bunkhouse mattress setup.

Interiors: Standard vs. Deluxe

Additionally, each trailer comes outfitted with either standard or deluxe interiors.

The deluxe models have hardwood cabinets as opposed to the standard fiberglass cabinets (with wooden doors).

Couple in Scamp trailer standard interior

Standard interior with fiberglass cabinets. Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

Couple in Scamp trailer deluxe interior

Deluxe interior with wood cabinets. Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

So once you've chosen a length, you must select a floor plan you like. Some come with bathrooms, some do not.

Some come with additional seating. Others do not. All models have a dining area.

So first, choose what amenities are most important to you, then you can select your floor plan that includes those options.

Here's a rundown of those choices:

Scamp RV 13 Foot Trailers

The Scamp 13-foot travel trailer is the smallest of the lot. You can order it with or without a bathroom.

Scamp 13 Foot Standard

The Scamp 13-foot models offer two floorplans with two different bed setups.

Keep in mind that every Scamp out there is custom-made.

Meaning the accessories they come with differ according to what the original purchaser (or you) ordered.

There are many additional (optional) things you can order with the trailer such as a gas hot water heater, a dry flush toilet, and a roof air conditioner (plus many more options).

13' layout #1 Scamp camper floorplan

Layout #1

13' layout #2 Scamp camper floorplan

Layout #2

Scamp 13 Foot Deluxe

The deluxe models offer three floorplans. 

The main upgrade or difference the deluxe offers is the cabinetry. The interior cabinetry is made from oak or birch instead of fiberglass (makes it a bit heavier).

Most of the standard fixtures also apply, and you can add any optional equipment that you can to a standard model. For extra fees, of course.

13' Layout #3 deluxe Scamp trailer floorplan

Layout A

13' deluxe Scamp floorplan

Layout B

13' Deluxe FS Scamp floorplan

Layout C

Scamp 16 Foot Trailers

The 16 footers are the 'middle child' of the Scamps. Meaning there's one larger model and one smaller model.

Scamp 16 Foot Standard

Scamp's 16-foot models offer more storage and counter space than the 13-foot model and include shower and toilet options.

The interior length is 3 feet longer than the smaller version.

Five layouts are offered with this length. Two of the layouts have a bathroom. Three do not.

Two floorplans offer up a closet, and you also have the choice of a side dinette starting with the 16-foot model.

16' layout #3 standard Scamp travel trailer floorplan

Layout #3

16' layout #4 standard Scamp trailer floorplan

Layout #4

16' layout #5 standard Scamp travel trailer floorplan

Layout #5

16' #6 standard Scamp camper floorplan

Layout #6

16' #7 standard Scamp camper floorplan

Layout #7

Scamp 16 Foot Deluxe

The deluxe offerings are the same as the standard 16-foot offerings, but being deluxe, the cabinetry is oak or birch.

The deluxe models weigh a bit more (about 400 pounds more) than the standard models due to the hardwood cabinets.

The 16-foot Deluxe offers four floorplans, and only one without a bathroom.

16' deluxe layout a Scamp travel trailer floorplan

Layout A

16' deluxe b Scamp floorplan

Layout B

16' deluxe c Scamp camper floorplan

Layout C

16' deluxe d Scamp Scamp trailer floorplan

Layout D

Scamp 19 Foot Fifth Wheels

The Scamp mini camper style really changes with their 19 footers.

The 13 and 16 footers are bumper pull trailers. But the 19 footer is a small fifth-wheel!

Meaning you can't tow it with anything but an open flatbed truck. (Unless you get a hitch that allows you to pull a fifth wheel using a regular hitch, but that's too complicated to get into here.)

It is the lightest fifth-wheel trailer on the market by a long shot, weighing under 3,000 pounds. Heck, it's lighter than most small, lightweight travel trailers out there.

The fifth wheel Scamp RV offers up three more feet of living space over the 16-foot model.

Scamp 19 Foot Standard

For the 2024 models, they are no longer offering the 19 foot in standard trim. It's only available in deluxe (That may change for 2025, shall have to wait and see).

The existing standard 19 footer features a queen-sized loft bed.

It sleeps up to six people, and the standard only offers one layout.

This layout offers up a sofa for additional seating.

We believe it to be more inviting than their deluxe fifth wheels without the sofa.

19' standard #8 Scamp fifth wheel floorplan

Layout C

Scamp 19 Foot Deluxe

The deluxe floorplans offer two layouts over the single standard layout.

However, know that neither layout offers a sofa, so the only seating available is the dinette.

This won't be very comfortable if you have more than four staying in the camper. (Though on the Scamp website, they claim you can sleep 6 with the deluxe layouts. So that's confusing.)

The 19 foot deluxe, just like the other two trailer lengths, means you get hardwood cabinetry.

Other than this, all standard features and options are the same and can be ordered direct from the manufacturer.

19' deluxe layout a Scamp 5th wheel floorplan

Layout A

19' deluxe layout b Scamp fifth wheel floorplan

Layout B

What Comes Standard With A Scamp Camper?

All three sizes of Scamp campers have the same width, interior height, and all have a single axle.

There are basic fittings needed in all campers that come standard with any Scamp. MOST of these come with all Scamps.

It depends on the length you get.

These items are:

  • 2 burner propane stove
  • Prep for air conditioning
  • Kitchen sink
  • Cabinet over sink
  • Spare tire & cover
  • Mounted rear jacks
  • 2" receiver hitch
  • LED exterior lights
  • 45 amp power converter
  • Outside GFI outlet
  • Battery disconnect switch

On top of the bare basics, you can order 'extras.'

Made To Order/Extra Scamp RV Options

There are many 'extras' you can have added to your 'scamper,' as they call it.

Things like:

  • Backsplash
  • Furnace
  • Wireless brake controller
  • Backup camera
  • 2nd set of taillights
  • 12-foot awning
  • TV antenna
  • TV cable hookup
  • TV package
  • Generator (portable)
  • Outdoor shower
  • Solar panel kit
  • Sink cover
  • Roof fan (front)
  • Roof fan (rear)
  • Gas and electric water heater
  • Roof air conditioner
  • Heatstrip for air conditioner
  • 6.7 cubic foot refrigerator
  • Microwave oven
  • Stove cover
  • Glass stovetop
  • Conventional oven
  • Power range hood
  • Tank monitors
  • Upgraded rims

Not all of these options are available with all layouts and lengths.

When you go to order, you'll see what is available for the model you're ordering.

If you get a used camper, you'll have to be happy with what the trailer came with. (SOME things can still be added aftermarket, such as a roof fan.)

Bathroom vs. No Bathroom

Should you get your Scamp with a built-in bathroom or not?

Interestingly, many Scamp owners never use their bathrooms, even if their trailer has one.

Instead, they utilize that space for storage.

Personally, I want a bathroom. At the very least, a toilet!

But if you always stay at campsites and they have bathrooms, you may not want to deal with the black tank, cleaning the bathroom, and so on.

You might want that space used for something else.

The trailers are offered with a front bathroom and a side bathroom on different floorplans.

What determines which floorplan you choose should be how comfortable you are living in it.

So, if you are planning to dry camp a lot out on public lands, you need, at the very least, a toilet. 

You could get a portable RV toilet.

But if campgrounds are your thing, you can easily get by without having a bathroom. It's a very personal decision that only you can make.

What Is The Average Cost Of A Scamp Camper?

Scamps are not especially cheap for the size of the camper. They cost between $20,000 and $40,000.

But you're paying for the quality of the build and the longevity it has.

They, in the long run, are likely cheaper than a cheaper travel trailer, as it will likely last much longer and will sell for a lot more compared to any 'regular' style travel trailer.

How Much Does A New Scamp Camper Cost?

Here's the price of Scamp trailers (as of time of publishing) for brand new models.

The prices below are for 2024 models, as the time of publishing they are two years out. Which means if you ordered today, March of 2022, you'll get a 2024 model in 2024.

The following Scamp travel trailer pricing is for the least expensive of the sizes and layouts, with ZERO options added:

13' Standard Trailer: $19,921

13' Deluxe Trailer: $24,062

16' Standard Trailer: $24,272

16' Deluxe Trailer: $31,289

19' Standard Fifth Wheel (They are not offering the 19' in standard for 2024)

19' Deluxe Fifth Wheel: $34,445

The more expensive floor plans cost upwards of $4,000 to $7,000 more.

If you bought the most expensive model, the fifth wheel, and added ALL of the options, it would cost, before tax, $45,138.

What Kind Of Vehicle Can Pull A Scamp Camper? 

Because Scamp trailer weight is on the lighter side of RV travel trailers, many vehicles can tow them.

Even some smaller SUVs are capable of towing, depending on their tow rating.

These trailers are all relatively light, but each one will show a different weight.

It depends on what customizations it came with, plus the weight of the propane, water, food, and other belongings that go with you when camping.

That said, here's a general dry Scamp camper weight range of the three sizes of trailers they make.

Scamp Trailer Estimated Dry Weights

13′ Standard: 1,200-1,500 lbs (544-680 kg)

13′ Deluxe: 1,300-1,600 lbs (590-726 kg)

16′ Standard: 1,750-2,000 lbs (794-907 kg)

16′ Deluxe: 2,200-2,600 lbs (998-1,179 kg)

19′ Standard: 2,000-2,400 lbs (907-1,089 kg)

19′ Deluxe: 2,400-2,900 lbs (1,089-1,315 kg)

Is A Scamp Camper Worth It?

Are you asking me if a Scamp is worth it? Because I will answer 'absolutely.' Here's why:

  • They last a lifetime if taken care of properly
  • They are relatively affordable
  • Scamps hold their value very well
  • There's a layout out there for you
  • Lightweight = can be towed by many vehicles
  • Attractive
  • Ideally suited for camping short-term or long-term
  • Small, so easy to store
  • Small, so easy to maneuver

These things all add up to Scamp trailers being excellent for small families, couples, or solos that want to RV.

We even have multiple friends who live full-time in their Scamper.

Scamp small camper interior looking back

Interior of 13' Layout C (taken from bed). Photo credit Rick Oberreuter

Scamp Longevity

Your Scamp will likely outlive you. Is that good enough for ya, LOL?!

Because they are made out of a solid fiberglass mold, there's not much that will destroy a Scamp fiberglass trailer outside of it being in an accident.

Watch out for water damage to the floor. Even fiberglass exterior shells leak if the holes put in the roof aren't properly sealed.

Beyond floor rot, not much can go wrong structurally.

Buying A New Scamp

If you want to buy a new Scamp, you have to do it directly from the factory.

They are located in Backus, Minnesota. You can either drive to pick yours up once it is made, or you can have it delivered.

Their phone number is 800-346-4962.

You can also email them at info@ScampTrailers.com.

Buying A Used Scamp

So, you want to buy a used Scamp? Well, good luck finding one!

When priced fairly, these trailers are so hot that they go in a matter of days and sometimes hours.

So make sure you have alerts set up where possible to become informed when one comes on the market!

There are a few good places people list them:

Buying Used: Scams

If something seems too good to be true, it probably is. That said, be very careful when shopping for used Scamps. Why?

Because the market is so hot, there are thieves out there who scam using photos of fiberglass trailers they don't even own.

They pretend they are selling that trailer at an irresistible price.

They are probably trying to get your credit card number or a deposit from you somehow. Just don't do it.

They might also be trying to get you to say 'yes' over the phone.

Don't do that! They may be working for a dishonest company looking for you to 'agree' to something by recording you saying yes.

So, be diligent, do your homework, go SEE that trailer in person, assess the seller's character, and use your judgment to stay safe and free of any scams.

Ignore the ad if it's a price that's too good to be true (like the common $1,200 ads you see for them on Facebook Marketplace).

13' scamp camper

Courtesy of Scamptrailers.com

Owners Of Scamp Travel Trailers

Scamp has a club for owners! Once you buy one, you're an immediate 'family' member. Get ready!

Scamp Owners International

You can join for free or join for $55 for additional benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can A Scamp Trailer Fit In A Garage?

Yes, Scamp trailers, especially the bumper-pull models, might fit into a garage, depending on your garage height. They aren't as tall as traditional RVs.

If you don't have an air conditioner on the roof of your Scamp, you're more likely to be able to store yours in a garage.

How Much Does A 13-Foot Scamp Trailer Weigh?

A 13-foot Scamp weighs between 1,200 to 1,600 pounds empty.

What Is The Smallest Scamp Trailer?

The smallest Scamp trailer is the 13 foot standard or deluxe.

How Do I Buy A Scamp Trailer?

You can buy a new Scamp camper trailer by calling the manufacturer (they only sell direct) at 800-346-4962.

Do Scamp Trailers Have A Bathroom?

All sized Scamp travel trailers have a bathroom layout option. It depends on which layout was ordered.

Yes, the option is available on all models. But not all Scamps have a bathroom because some buyers chose to order theirs without a bathroom.

How Much Does A New Scamp Trailer Cost?

The cheapest layout 13-foot Scamp travel trailer price for a NEW model will cost $19,921 (13-foot model without any added options).

The most expensive will be a fully loaded 19-foot Scamp RV at $45,138.

Scamp travel trailer prices are as of March 2022 for the 2024 model year (yes, they have a rather large backlog of orders).

Do They Still Make Scamp Trailers?

Yes, Scamp trailers are still in production in Backus, Minnesota.

Do Scamp Trailers Hold Their Value?

Yes, Scamp trailers hold their value very well.

This is due in part to the fiberglass-shell design. They last over a lifetime if cared for properly. Hence, maintaining their value.

How Much Does A New Scamp Trailer Cost?

The least you can spend on a new Scamp in 2022 (meaning you'll get a 2024 model, as production is two years out) is $19,921.

The most you can spend on a Scamp in 2022 (meaning you'll get a 2024 model, same as above) by getting the most expensive one and adding all options is $45,138 (before tax).

Conclusion

Scamp RV trailers are fiberglass 'egg' trailers built to last.

Light, nimble, and affordable, they are in high demand and hold their value very well.

They are only sold directly from the manufacturer, or you can try to find a good used one near you, but they go very quickly when priced fairly.

Overall, they are a solid choice for any RVer who can handle a small but well-laid-out space.

Kelly Headshot

I dedicated myself to living the full-time RV life for over 6.5 years, immersing myself in the unique quirks and joys of the boondocking lifestyle and gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience along the way. In December 2020, my business partner and I made the transition to part-time RVing, but in January 2023, we hit the road once again, this time in our trusty vans. My mission is to help others embrace the RVing lifestyle with confidence and excitement, armed with the knowledge and resources needed to make the most of their adventures. I believe that the more you know, the more you can truly appreciate and enjoy the freedom and flexibility of the open road.

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