Now that the interior mechanical and electrical concerns were under control it was time to be creative! I spent hours watching fixer upper YouTube videos about design variations for Scamps and other small travel trailers. My ideas centered around what we would need for long term travel across the country: comfortable options for sleeping, adequate storage solutions, temperature control considerations, safety features, and decorating - which would combine our individual personalities and needs.
As I mentioned in the “About Me” section the Scamp had a rather unpleasant odor. The damp, musty, smell was the result of various leaks in the fiber glass shell. After scrubbing the Scamp with disinfectant I went to town attacking the enemy with one of the most addicting tools ever invented: The Caulk Gun! I diligently worked my way around every window, wall seam, rivet, hole, and anything else that would allow water to work its way into our new abode. After my caulking frenzy [and exposure to the next big rainstorm!] our inspection proved that I truly did become one with the caulk gun - no more leaks!
Now it was time to remove the carpet which also suffered from the leaks. The Scamp is not spacious and the area covered with rug was less than 4x6 square feet. I was looking forward to this being a quick and uncomplicated project, but are most renovation projects ever simple, really? The stained, hideous, 34 year old rust brown piece of carpet had been glued like cement to the plywood underneath. Steve readied himself properly with a mask, scraper, and considerable muscle, to conquer this challenge in under a day. Fortunately the plywood was in good shape and did not need replacement. Good-bye carpet and odor!
We were grateful to find the floor base was secure and discussed what to place on top: re-carpet, tile, insert a wood floor, or go with vinyl? While searching for a travel camper one concern centered around the weight for towing. This is what lead me to a fiberglass trailer and the Scamp fit the bill. It did not make sense to go with adding more wood or ceramic tiling since these would both add unnecessary poundage and carpet would be difficult to keep clean/dry while camping. Our final answer was vinyl plank flooring in a grey wood grain. With some trial and error [and possibly a few #%$*!] Steve got the floor in. It looked amazing! This was the right decision for our needs. I couldn’t be happier with the results. Steve’s dedication, attention to detail, and perseverance paid off!
Coddiwompling “To Travel in a Purposeful Manner Towards a Vague Destination”
“Renovating old homes (campers) is not about making them look new, it is about making new necessary.” - TY MCBRIDE