Can a Scamp trailer fit in a garage?
In today’s blog post, we will answer the following question: Can a Scamp trailer fit in a garage? We will review the dimensions of Scamp trailers and those of average American car garages.
Can a Scamp trailer fit in a garage?
Yes, most Scamp trailers can fit in a garage. Your only concern would be the height of the trailer, as the 19 ft Scamp trailer, for example, wouldn’t fit through the average garage size door. In this case, many Scamp trailer owners replace the trailer’s tires with 8-inch wheels that will reduce about 3 inches of the Scamp’s height.
In the two tables below you can see what are the dimensions of Scamp trailers (width, length and height), and the dimensions of the average American car garage (whether it is one car or four-car size). Hope this helps you find whether your Scamp trailer would fit a garage.
Scamp trailers dimensions
Scamp trailer model | Width | Length | Height |
Scamp 13 ft Standard Travel Trailer | 6′ 8″ | 13’ | 7′ 6″ |
Scamp 16 ft Standard Travel Trailer | 6′ 8” | 16’ | 7’10” |
Scamp 19 ft Standard Travel Trailer | 6′ 8” | 19’ | 8′ 10” |
Average car garage size
Garage type | Width | Depth | Door Width |
1 car garage | 12’ | 20’-24’ | 8’ |
2 cars garage | 18’-20’ | 20’-24’ | 16’ |
3 cars garage | 26’-28’ | 20’-24’ | 8’-16’ |
4 cars garage | 34’-36’ | 20’-24’ | 16’ |
How do I measure my Scamp trailer?
If you want to be certain of the dimensions of your Scamp trailer, simply follow these steps:
- Instruct a friend to hold the start of the tape measure flush with the end of the bumper.
- Walk with the tape measure to the start of the booth and align the measurement with this point.
- Record of the measurement indicated on the tape in feet. If the length of the trailer is required for licensing, then it is measured down to the tongue of the trailer.
Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 m) long, can weigh 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) or more, and are typically towed by compact pickup trucks and SUVs. Please see the table below for more information.
Why does the size of the garage matter for storing a trailer?
Trailers, campers and motorhomes are generally longer, narrower, but above all taller than a traditional vehicle. As a result, the volume of the garage is rectangular.
The area also depends on the use of the room. Indeed, the garage expansion can also be an opportunity to create a workshop, a laundry room, a storeroom or even a DIY space. The more functionality your extension has, the larger the surface will be.
The space in the garage to house the Scamp trailer must be at least 180 sq ft. It can reach an area of at least 320 sq ft if the garage also serves as a laundry room, storage or even a workshop
The important thing is that there are enough gaps on the sides to fully open the doors!
Portable shelters as an alternative for Scamp trailers
Portable shelters are an ideal option if your Scamp trailer doesn’t fit in a garage. In summer, the portable will protect your Scamp trailer against UV rays and pollen, and in winter, against wind, rain, frost and snow. The portable shelter also offers protection against rust or humidity inside thanks to its integrated ventilation windows.
The thinness of the walls is another advantage of the shelter, unlike a brick camper garage with thick walls. You’ll thus have more space under the tent. The doors feature high-quality zippers for easy opening and closing. Versatile products are ideal for the whole year.
Note: Before parking your Scamp trailer under a portable shelter for the winter, certain precautions must be taken. It is recommended that the trailer be cleaned thoroughly, both underneath and above and that the locks are thoroughly greased.
- What type of portable shelter to choose: PE or PVC? It is important to specify that portable shelters do not rest directly on the trailer, so as not to damage it. About the material, there are usually two offers: PE and PVC tarpaulins. What are the differences between the two?
PE tarpaulins are lighter and more economical. Thanks to this lightness, PE tents can be stored and transported more easily. This will save you space. PVC ones have a thicker fabric which gives better durability and tears resistance. For regular and long-term use, choose a PVC shelter.
- Which size to choose? For the shelter of a 13 ft Scamp trailer, small-sized tents are sufficient. For larger trailers, such as 19 ft Scamp trailers, 30 ft tents work very well. Your portable shelters must have sufficient length, for example, 13 ft wide and 78 ft long.
The must-dos before storing a Scamp trailer long term
Here are the must-do-s before storing a trailer long-term:
- Empty the water tanks: Drain and clean the two tanks (clean water and wastewater).
- Keep the water pump warm: Take it apart and store it in a warm place.
- Disinfect the toilets: It will be necessary to disinfect the tank (always with bleach), then rinse it.
- Clean the refrigerator: You can clean your refrigerator with vinegar or bleach and wipe it down with a clean cloth.
- Empty and clean the cupboards: It is essential to completely empty and clean the cupboards.
- Lift up the cushions and undo the beds: Air circulates with difficulty around mattresses and cushions.
- Release the blinds: We also recommend that you open the panoramic skylights slightly to prevent the joints from sticking together after a long period of disuse.
- Wash the exterior of the trailer: Wash the body of your vehicle with a high-pressure jet. When it is dry, use a detergent and a soft brush to loosen the encrusted dirt, rinse quickly before the product dries.
- Protect the seals: The seals do not tolerate temperature variations and hate the cold. It is, therefore, necessary to remember to grease them after a long period of inactivity in order to avoid possible cracks.
Winterizing is also the time to check the attachments of your outdoor accessories such as a top-box, an antenna, a ladder, a bike rack, etc. Allow your vehicle for a short 30 km ride (once a month is perfect!) To prevent the joints from drying out and oiling the engine parts.
Make sure you cover your trailer during winter storage
You should cover a trailer in winter with good quality, breathable and light trailer cover. A trailer with a protective cover can be safely stored inside and outside, no matter the season, but especially in winter.
A trailer cover has many advantages, but these are the most important ones:
- The trailer stays dry no matter the weather;
- The trailer is protected against dirt, dust and UV rays;
- The protective cover consists of several layers in order to protect the trailer as well as possible from any possible damage;
- A trailer kept well has a much higher resale price.
By covering the vehicle, you will have the satisfaction of finding it clean in the spring and you will only have to carry out small annual maintenance work before setting off again on the roads.
Moreover, an important factor to consider is the weather. If we park the trailer outdoors and the weather is cold, it is necessary to pay attention to issues such as water. It is advisable to empty all the tanks because in case of freezing the water occupies more volume and our pipes, the pump or taps can crack and even break.
Conclusions
If you are in possession of a Scamp trailer, or if you plan to acquire one soon, it is likely that you will not be able to inhabit it throughout the year, since the obligations and the work sometimes make it difficult for us to enjoy our vehicle as much as we would like.
That is why sometimes we are forced to park our vehicle for long periods of time waiting for a vacation period in which we can enjoy it as it should. We hope that our tips were of help and that you find the best storage type for your Scamp trailer.
If you have any comments, tips or questions about the content, do not hesitate to contact us.
FAQ on Can a Scamp trailer fit in a garage?
Where do you store a travel trailer?
You can store a travel trailer at your home if you have a garage, or you could look for either outdoor or indoor storage shelters.
Should I store my trailer water tanks empty or full?
You should store your trailer with empty water tanks. If you leave water in the tanks for a long period, your tank is likely to fill with viruses and bacteria that can affect health. To avoid this, you must know how to empty and clean the clean water tank of a trailer.
What is the average size of a travel trailer?
Mid-range travel trailers are 18 to 25 feet (5.5 to 7.6 m) long, can weigh 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) or more, and are typically towed by compact pickup trucks and SUVs. Please see the table below for more information.
How to measure a travel trailer cover?
First, you have to measure the length of the trailer, including the gas tank and any protruding elements. You must bear in mind that a cover that is too large will be a problem if the trailer is located outdoors, as it will be difficult to adjust it and the wind could end up tearing the fabric and breaking the straps.
How much does caravan storage cost?
Caravan storage can cost between $350 to $900 a year, depending on several factors, such as the location of the storage, the size of the caravan, the level of security and any other extra charges (such as cleaning the caravan for example).
References
- Why & How We Fit Our Scamp in the Garage – Campgrounds
- Will a Scamp 13′ fit through a standard garage door? – Fiberglass RV
- How To Store A Trailer In Five Easy Steps