Need education Re: Scamp

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Willum
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Last seen: 7 years 1 week ago
Joined: 03/16/2017 - 16:48
Need education Re: Scamp

My nme is Bill.   My wife and I have been camping for about 10 years.  We first purchased a new 32' ft. JAYCO with a slide for about 23,000.00.  It seemed a little tight for a week trip so after a few years we sold the 2007 JAYCO for 7000.00 and purchased a 2002 Montana 32 ft 5th Wheel for 10,000.00.  My wife and I are in our 70s and found that the packing up and driving to campground and setting up and then when time to leave breaking camp and re packing up coming home and then unpacking got to be a little too much.  (kinda took the fun out of it)  So here we are again thinking of purchasing a smaller/lighter camper (Primarily because my wife will be more comfortable pulling a smaller trailer) and just traveling across country.  But frankly I was SHOCKED when I realized the cost for such a small trailer.  I will grant you they are probably a well made trailer, but when I compare the cost of a larger trailer with multiple times the space at prices comparable to the Scamp, I am a little CONFUSED.  I like the idea of the Scamp or I wouldn't be here asking these questions.  Can someone please help educate this ole timer regarding the value JUSTIFICATION issue.

ELongest
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Last seen: 9 months 1 week ago
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Joined: 11/02/2013 - 20:13
Value

If you buy a new fiberglass trailer you can expect to take a 10-15% initial depreciation during the first two-three years. Used trailers 3 years old and older if you buy one and take good care of them you can almost expect to get almost what you paid for them. Old FG trailers are selling for more now than they were when new. That is how the market has been the last 2-3 years. Most manufactures have at least a 6 mo. backlog. and  have held their price for several years. I would expect to see price increases on the new FG trailers soon since they are close to taking orders for 2018 models.  

Eddie

Greg A
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Joined: 11/02/2013 - 20:45
Comparison

There is a significant difference in the construction of a standard trailer like your first Jayco and a Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer. The standard trailers use a "stick built" construction similar to building a house and are comprised of many pieces joined by seams and penetration points. Molded Fiberglass Trailers are usually two piece fiberglass molds joined by a horizontal or vertical seam effectively making a single molded fiberglass trailer similar to boat hulls. There are no seams to speak of and quite a few less penetration points in the shells. This construction difference makes Molded Fiberglass Trailers almost indestructible which is why you see 40+ year old trailers that are still in full use and some can look brand new if maintained or rehabbed. The standard trailers due to the construction techniques are very difficult to keep maintained in good condition, are prone to leaks, and don't usually look too good after a decade. Having owned both types of trailers I would not own a Standard built trailer over a Molded Fiberglass trailer unless I was just too tall or had to accommodate a high number of children, because they are smaller more compact units.

The second thing that contributes to higher prices and retained resale value on the Molded Fiberglass trailers is that there are very few manufacturers. Most of the manufacturers sell direct to the public and not through a dealer network. They produce anywhere from 100 to 800 units a year, whereas a standard trailer manufacturer cranks the trailer production out every year. There is a finite supply of new or used Molded Fiberglass trailers which always exceeds the demand and that creates higher pricing and better retained resale value.

In addition to the better quality of construction, longevity, less maintenance and leak issues, they tow easier, require less tow vehicle, fit on tent sites when parks are full and on and on. If you are able to find and obtain the right Molded Fiberglass trailer I'd bet you will be addicted to the hobby like all of us are.  yes

As you continue to explore keep asking questions and we'll all help and see if we can get you to jump in and get hooked.

Our Trailers:
2015 19 Escape

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