Are Scamp Trailers good for winter?

In this blog post, we will answer the following question: Are Scamp Trailers good for winter? We will explain how to properly prepare your Scamp Trailer for winter traveling and highlight three basic rules for a warm and comfortable trip!

Are Scamp Trailers good for winter?

Yes, Scamp Trailers are good for winter, as they have great insulation. By making sure that you have the right furnace and that you are able to control the interior temperature, you will be able to travel and live comfortably in a Scamp Trailer even in the cold season. 

Here are five good reasons to go on a winter vacation in a Scamp Trailer:

1. Enjoy the beauty of the winter landscapes: Whether in the mountains, by the sea or in the countryside, winter offers a special charm. Opening the door of your motorhome onto the snow-capped mountains, on a misty coastline and discovering the winter flora and fauna is priceless!

2. Save money: Save on your accommodation budget to be able to take advantage of winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, sledding, hiking… The prices of residences and hotels in ski resorts are often high, so try your hand at winter sports, which is a good return. cheaper. Camp at the foot of the slopes to better appreciate the ski area and a good raclette … Go for your ski pass!

3. Get together with your family for Christmas: Christmas is a great opportunity to get together with family and what could be better than camping for that? Bring your whole family for camping and spend unforgettable moments aboard your motorhome, van or trailer.

4. Avoid the crowds of campsites and areas in summer … and its mosquitoes: It is obvious that in winter you will find fewer campers on the pitches. So enjoy the intimate and privileged aspect of camping in winter. Now is the perfect time to explore the beaches which are often crowded during summer.

5. Take part in major winter events: Christmas markets! So many meetings and good opportunities to take out your trailer or motorhome for the winter.

How to properly prepare your Scamp trailer for winter traveling

Who says winter says snow, ice and negative temperatures. So don’t forget your chains or snow tires. A snow shovel, sinking plates, battery charging cables, anti-icing bombs and a windshield scraper will not be too much!

1. How to better insulate your Scamp trailer? What can cool down (no pun intended) travelers is the poor insulation of their trailer. We recommend that you get a tarp to cover the front of your Scamp Trailer. It can also be useful to lubricate the door seals and the locks.

2. What to do against freezing? Before setting off, remember to put antifreeze in the washer fluid reservoir. During your stay, remember to regularly empty the wastewater from your trailer to prevent it from freezing. If it’s too late, you can buy special products or use coarse salt.

3. What to cook while camping in winter? Prepare good hot and caloric dishes! For chocolate lovers: there is good news! Its lipid content makes it an ideal food for winter temperatures.

4. Look for the sun: A piece of advice as old as the world: take a seat in the sun! It will make you gain the few degrees necessary for your comfort.

5. Accessories you will need if traveling in a Scamp trailer in winter:

• Winter tires: Winter tires provide much more safety than traditional tires. The laminated and more strongly notched structure of winter tires, associated with soft compounds operating over a wide temperature range, allows much better grip in difficult conditions (mud, snow, etc.) and repels the risk of aquaplaning. 

Whatever your vehicle (front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive), snow tires must always be fitted on all four wheels, in order to guarantee enhanced driving safety, both when braking and when maneuvering. 

These tires must meet the same characteristics as summer tires in terms of load index (the maximum speed index may possibly be reduced, this should be taken into account when driving). Note also that it is much more practical to have specific rims for each set of tires, this avoids the costs of assembly, disassembly and balancing.

• Composite chains: This is special equipment that allows you to ride and find a good grip on snow, halfway between “socks” and conventional chains. Their quick and easy assembly is a serious asset. Like other systems, these composite chains are mounted on the drive wheels of the car. They are available for almost all tire sizes.

• Lock defrost: If it is not for the car, where your central locking will surely not block, this de-icer (in a spray of 50 ml) could well be useful to you for the lock of the entry door of the trailer or that of the trunk. gas.

• Snow shovel: The repeated snowy episodes prove that those who are equipped with it are right. For those who practice winter trailering, of course, the snow shovel remains an essential accessory. Preferably telescopic for easier storage.

• PVC floor mats: These rugs are your tractor interior carpets best friend. Non-slip, they protect the car from all winter soiling (snow, traces of salt, mud, etc.

• Propane gas bottles: trailering in winter, which is more in the mountains, requires having at least two large gas cylinders (this corresponds to “standard” consumption in a week of snowmobiling). Imperative: take propane because butane freezes at 0 ° C.

• Gas level tester: It suffices to position it against the bottle to check the filling level. Using ultrasound, the height of the liquid gas is measured. A green light will glow when gas is detected, a red light will illuminate if it is empty. It is suitable for all cylinders, steel or aluminum, with a diameter ranging from 20 to 35 cm. Powered by a 9v battery, it can also be used as a flashlight.

• Awning snow chamber: For winter sports, the snow chamber remains ideal for a trailer. It blocks out the cold when the front door of the trailer is open, making it possible to take off your shoes for shelter or to store equipment.

• Protective cover: For winter storage, this cover (95% non-woven polyester, 5% polyethene) protects your trailer from any dirt. The breathable fabrics allow good ventilation of the body and access, by zipping, is preserved on the right side and at the level of the entrance door. The hems are elasticated.

3 basic rules to follow if you travel in a Scamp Trailer in winter

1. Insulate your Scamp Trailer well. It is important to feel warm in your recreational vehicle. Insulating your vehicle is therefore essential: it will limit noise, cold and prevent water from entering. Do not miss the thermal bridges (interruption of insulation, heat loss) with hollow bodies, cutting points, bodywork reinforcements, windows and bays … 

To properly insulate your trailer, here are a few tips:

• Insulating cover for the windshield to buy or make yourself with thermal insulation
• Curtains for the windows: ready-to-install kits or home design (recover, for example, insulating camping mats). Also, remember to isolate the driving position from the living area.

2. Warm-up! To help you achieve a comfortable temperature in your vehicle, opt for heating. Several solutions are available to you: gas heating, diesel heating, electric auxiliary heating … Be careful to keep in mind that you are in a small space: you must respect good ventilation and equip yourself with a carbon monoxide detector.

3. Equip yourself. To fight against the cold, of course, you have to choose your wardrobe with care, favoring insulating materials (wool, merino, poncho …) and do not hesitate, if you have room, to take your plaid, blankets, fleeces.

For your trailer, equip yourself with a good duvet or duvets and do not hesitate to abuse rugs to insulate your floor. Equipment level, some practical ideas: hot water bottles, moisture extractor, an antifreeze product. 

Final thoughts and tips

While not exactly four-season campers, Scamp Trailers are good for winter traveling. And as long as you take all the necessary precautions, you will be able to stay warm and comfy in your Scamp no matter the temperature outside.

As a final piece of advice, if you are not using your Scamp Trailer in winter, remember to winterize it! Winterization checklist from Scamp Travel Trailers:

• Empty holding tanks – Put in RV antifreeze: 
• disconnect the battery to prevent it from freezing
• Turn off the propane tank and all appliances
• Relieve the weight from the axle and the tire pressure to 15 pounds while in winter storage
• Lock all the windows, roof vents and doors and store the trailer in a secure place. 

Do you have any questions, tips or comments on the content? Let us know!

FAQ on Are Scamp Trailers good for winter?

Which is better: Scamp or Casita travel trailer?

A Casita travel trailer is better than a Scamp travel trailer in matters of safety, comfort and functionality. Scamp travel trailers, on the other hand, have better interiors, are easier to tow and overall have a better and more stylish look than any Casita currently on the market. 

Do Scamp trailers have bathrooms?

All Scamp trailers have wet bathrooms as an option included on certain layouts. It is important to understand that not all Scamp trailers have bathrooms as standard and that the company often refuses to add them after purchase.

How big is the bed in a Scamp trailer?

The bed in a Scamp trailer can have one of the following three dimensions: 42’’, 44’’ or 54’’. When building your Scamp trailer, you have the option of choosing the size of your bed as well. Each Scamp trailer, even the 13 Standard can have a bed as big as 54’’. 

Do Scamp campers leak?

Yes, Scamp campers are prone to leaks. In truth, fiberglass campers, such as the Scamp models, are less likely to leak. Still, improper maintenance is the main cause of Scamp camper leaks and if it has been a while since you last thoroughly checked your camper roof and seals, don’t be surprised if you find water leaking inside!

References

Using the scamp in the winter – Fiberglass RV

Confirmation of R-value of Scamp? – Fiberglass RV

Lightweight Travel Trailers & Small Campers – Scamp Trailers with …