Eveland’s Inc RV Exposed: Scamp Trailers Quality Flaws, Leaks, Warranty Delays & Towing Safety Risks

Introduction: What Shoppers Should Know About Eveland’s Inc (Scamp Trailers)

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. Eveland’s Inc, based in Backus, Minnesota, is best known for building Scamp molded-fiberglass travel trailers—lightweight, compact units that have a devoted following among minimalists and vintage-style RV enthusiasts. The brand’s direct-to-consumer sales model, long wait lists, and comparatively simple floor plans have given Scamp a reputation for durability and value. At the same time, a broad review of public complaints, forum discussions, Better Business Bureau (BBB) notes, and social media chatter reveals recurring pain points around quality control, warranty service access, delays, and certain safety and component issues common to small trailers. This report compiles and organizes those concerns so consumers can make a fact-based decision before buying.

Product lines and models built by Eveland’s Inc (Scamp):

• Scamp 13 (Standard and Deluxe)
• Scamp 16 (Standard and Deluxe)
• Scamp 19 Fifth Wheel (Standard and Deluxe)
• Typical options and packages: Wet bath configurations, different bed/dinette layouts, AC/heat, awning, solar prep or onboard solar, upgraded cabinetry (Deluxe), appliance upgrades, and off-grid add-ons

Eveland’s Inc is an independent, family-owned manufacturer—not part of a larger corporate RV conglomerate. Ownership structure can influence service and parts pipelines, and often means warranty work must be routed through the factory or a limited service network.

Where to Find Unfiltered Owner Feedback and Evidence

Before you buy (new or used), immerse yourself in owner communities and public records. These links and platforms will help you verify patterns of problems and resolution timelines:

• Google search: Scamp Trailer Facebook Groups (join multiple groups; read files/guides and search threads for leaks, wiring, axles, and warranty topics)
• Google search: Eveland’s Inc Facebook Groups (some groups are private; apply, then use the group search for “problems” and “repairs”)
• YouTube search: Scamp Trailer Problems
• Google search: Scamp Trailer Problems
• BBB: Scamp Trailer and BBB: Eveland’s Inc (review complaint patterns and responses)
• Reddit r/rvs: Scamp Trailer Problems, plus r/RVLiving and r/GoRVing
• RVInsider owner reports: Scamp Trailer Problems
• Good Sam Community: Scamp Trailer Problems
• NHTSA recall search: Scamp Trailer and NHTSA recall search: Eveland’s Inc
• RVForums.com, RVForum.net, and RVUSA Forum (use onsite search for “Scamp/Eveland’s problems”)
• PissedConsumer (browse site) then search manually for “Eveland’s” or “Scamp Trailer”

Independent channels like Liz Amazing on YouTube are increasingly documenting systemic RV industry issues. Search her channel for the brand and model you’re considering to learn what to inspect, how to document defects, and how to press for warranty accountability.

Have you owned a Scamp? Tell other shoppers what happened in your case.

Before You Buy: Protect Yourself With a Third-Party Inspection

We strongly recommend hiring an independent RV inspector before you sign or take possession of any Eveland’s Inc (Scamp) unit—new or used. A factory PDI (pre-delivery inspection) and dealer walk-through are not substitutes for a neutral, paid evaluation. Inspection findings are your only real leverage before the money changes hands; afterward, many buyers report getting “in the queue” for months to resolve issues while camping plans are canceled and deposits on trips are lost.

• Book early: lead times for reputable inspectors can be weeks. Use this search: RV Inspectors near me
• Make the sale contingent on inspection results and documented repairs
• Ask the inspector to test for leaks (pressure or rain test), verify axle alignment and braking, measure tongue weight and actual weight, and load-test batteries and charging systems
• If buying used, ask for service records, recall completion proof, and any damage repair documentation

Investigators and consumer advocates like Liz Amazing regularly show how thorough inspections save buyers thousands and prevent months-long service delays. Search her channel for inspection checklists and negotiation strategies.

Already purchased a Scamp? Add your Scamp repairs timeline so others can prepare.

Patterns of Complaints and Risk Areas for Eveland’s Inc (Scamp)

Ordering Process, Lead Times, and Communication

Public threads and reviews frequently describe long waits for factory slots, shifting production schedules, and uneven communication during the build process. For some buyers, this leads to lost campsite reservations and added storage or borrowing costs while they wait for delivery. Reports also note that change orders or option swaps may be difficult once a build is queued, and deposit/refund terms vary—be sure to get them in writing. See aggregated chatter and buyer experiences via: Google: Scamp Trailer Complaints, BBB: Eveland’s Inc, and discussion threads on Reddit r/rvs.

• Risk to buyers: Non-refundable deposits, production overruns that miss travel windows, last-minute substitution of components if parts are constrained
• How to mitigate: Demand milestone updates in writing; clarify what happens if the delivery date slips; specify remedies if promised options are unavailable

Fit-and-Finish Defects and Quality Control Variability

Fit-and-finish issues are among the most common complaints across the RV industry, and Scamp is not immune. Public reviews and owner posts cite misaligned cabinet doors, uneven trim, excessive sealant/caulk smears, loose fasteners, squeaks/rattles from cabinetry, and poorly secured wiring or plumbing lines behind panels. While many of these items are fixable, their presence out of the factory suggests inconsistent QC.

• Scan real-world posts: RVInsider: Scamp Trailer Problems
• Video walk-throughs: YouTube owner defect lists
• Use community checklists: Search Facebook groups and Good Sam’s forum

Before acceptance, insist on time to perform a detailed punch-list. An independent inspector can identify what’s cosmetic versus what could become a water intrusion or safety issue.

Water Intrusion: Windows, Roof Vents, and Penetrations

Multiple owner threads and review boards discuss leaks around roof vents/fans, window frames, and exterior penetrations (antenna, awning mounts, utility ports). Given the molded fiberglass shell, Scamp’s structure should offer an advantage over stick-and-tin trailers; however, any penetration can leak if not bedded and sealed correctly or re-sealed over time. Long-term moisture is a serious risk to floors and cabinetry and can cause mold growth. Survey evidence and troubleshooting tips can be found via Google: Scamp Trailer Water Leak, Reddit r/RVLiving: Scamp Leaks, and broader RV leak diagnosis videos on Liz Amazing’s channel (search for leak testing and sealant maintenance).

• Signs to watch: Stains or soft spots near corners, musty odor, damp insulation around fan/vent cutouts, shrinking or cracked sealant
• Prevention: Annual reseal inspections; consider a pressure/leak test before delivery and after the first heavy rain

Axles, Tires, Braking, and Sway

Light, single-axle trailers have unique dynamics: improper loading, marginal tongue weight, under-inflated tires, or misaligned axles can result in sway or uneven tire wear. Public posts show owners reporting blowouts, scalloped tread, and white-knuckle towing experiences, particularly on 13′ and 16′ units when pushed near GVWR or loaded rear-heavy. There are also periodic complaints about brake performance and hub/grease issues. Review towing-related threads via Reddit: Scamp Trailer Sway, Google: Scamp Trailer Axle Problems, and RVInsider reports. For component recalls or service bulletins affecting running gear or brakes, search NHTSA recall records.

• Action items: Ask for axle alignment verification, weigh the trailer with full gear, target 10–15% tongue weight, install a friction or weight distribution/sway control hitch as appropriate, and confirm tire load index exceeds realistic loads

Safety Chains, Couplers, and Breakaway Switches

Across the RV industry, recurring recalls have involved safety chain ratings, tongue/coupler welds, and breakaway switch wiring. Buyers should confirm component ratings match the trailer’s GVWR and that safety chains and couplers are installed and torqued correctly. Even if a trailer hasn’t been recalled, mis-routed breakaway wires or under-rated chains have appeared in owner threads. Search federal records and owner reports here: NHTSA: Scamp Trailer and community problem compilations via Google: Scamp Trailer Hitch Problems.

• Inspector checklist: Chain link/weld quality, stamped chain rating, coupler size fitment, latch lock function, breakaway cable routing and battery condition

Electrical (12V/120V) and Charging Systems

Owner reports spanning several model years cite issues such as noisy converters, mis-labeled/fused circuits, loose ground connections, weak battery performance, and solar wiring anomalies (e.g., reverse polarity MC4 connectors, undersized wire runs). Because Scamp layouts are compact, components are often tucked into tight spaces that are difficult to service. While many electrical issues are fixable with proper diagnosis, intermittent faults can disrupt travel plans. Explore owner troubleshooting via Reddit: Scamp Electrical Problems and video walk-throughs in YouTube searches.

• What to test: Converter output at load, voltage drop to fridge/furnace fans, GFCI trips, battery health under overnight loads, and solar charge controller settings

Propane Systems, Venting, and Detectors

As with many compact trailers, owners periodically report LP leaks at fittings, regulator failures, or nuisance alarms from LP/CO detectors. Furnace short-cycling and appliance ignition issues also appear in public threads. Even if component suppliers are at fault (e.g., a regulator brand recall), the consequences are serious since small interiors accumulate fumes quickly. Review safety notes and component checks using Google: Scamp Propane Leaks and scan for component bulletins via NHTSA recall search.

• Essential checks: Bubble-test fittings, verify regulator orientation/BTU capacity, confirm exhaust/intake ports are unobstructed, and test detectors’ manufacture date (replace per spec)

Gelcoat, Stress Cracks, and Fiberglass Repairs

Reports from long-term owners mention gelcoat spider cracking near high-stress points (windows, door corners, tongue jack area) and stress lines around roof penetrations. Some hairline cracks are cosmetic; others can indicate flex or mounting strain that may lead to water ingress. Owners have shared repair outcomes and prevention techniques in forums and YouTube walk-throughs: Google: Scamp Fiberglass Cracks, Reddit: Fiberglass Repair, and YouTube repair demos.

Warranty Service Access and Repair Timelines

Because Eveland’s Inc sells factory-direct and is geographically concentrated, many owners allege difficulties obtaining timely warranty service if they live far from Minnesota. Public complaints describe long lead times for factory appointments, disputes over whether a defect is covered, and the logistical burden of towing the trailer long distances for evaluation. Third-party shops may be unwilling to perform warranty labor if not formally authorized or compensated, leaving owners stuck during peak season.

• Scan formal complaints and responses: BBB: Eveland’s Inc
• Read multi-owner threads on timelines: Reddit: Scamp Warranty Problems and Good Sam discussion
• Watch industry-wide analysis on warranty pitfalls: Liz Amazing (search her channel for warranty and dealer-service topics)

Practical step: If you cannot reasonably reach the factory for repairs, ask in writing before purchase which shops near you can perform covered warranty work and how the process is authorized and paid.

Overpriced Options and Under-Delivering Amenities

Buyers frequently debate Scamp option pricing versus performance. Examples that draw criticism include loud or underperforming AC units for tiny spaces, limited shower and wet bath utility for taller users, and solar packages that may not meet expectations for off-grid camping without additional upgrades (battery capacity, inverter sizing, and wiring). These are common complaints across small-trailer segments but worth factoring into total cost of ownership. Explore configuration tradeoffs through owner threads: Google: Scamp Options Worth It and Reddit: Options.

Resale Realities and Depreciation Risks

Scamps often hold value well compared to many stick-built RVs, especially in niche markets. However, cosmetic cracks, documented leaks, and evidence of collision or jack-related damage can depress resale significantly. Buyers comparing used prices should weigh the cost of immediate repairs and upgrades. Browse market talk and owner sales prep tips: Google: Scamp Resale Value Problems and community advice on RVForums.com and RVForum.net.

Evidence and Owner Voices: Where the Complaints Converge

While the severity of issues varies, certain themes recur across platforms:

• One-star review clusters often mention delays, poor post-sale support, and disputes over what is “normal” versus defective. Cross-validate through Google results.
• Forums and Reddit concentrate practical fixes—wiring clean-ups, caulking corrections, and brake adjustments—alongside frustration about warranty logistics. Start with Reddit r/rvs Scamp Problems.
• BBB complaints provide a formal look at sales, delivery, and warranty disputes: BBB: Eveland’s Inc. Review both complaint content and the manufacturer’s responses/resolutions.
• Video documentation on YouTube shows real defect walk-throughs and repairs—useful to understand what an independent inspector should look for. Search-based citation: YouTube Scamp Problems.

If you have first-hand evidence—photos, dates, and repair invoices—please add your data points for future buyers.

Product and Safety Impact Analysis

Defects in compact trailers can translate quickly into safety risks due to confined interiors and limited margins for error in towing dynamics. Based on aggregated public information:

• Water intrusion accelerates floor rot and mold growth, potentially impacting respiratory health. In compact shells, minor leaks can condense and spread unseen. Routine leak testing is crucial.
• Towing and braking defects (misaligned axles, under-inflated or under-rated tires, marginal tongue weight) produce instability and longer stopping distances. A single-axle blowout at highway speeds presents a significant hazard.
• LP/CO risks escalate inside small volumes. Owners should treat nuisance alarms as a diagnostic signal, not an annoyance to dismiss. Keep detectors current and test them regularly.
• Electrical faults can lead to battery depletion, fridge failures, or overheating components. Loose connections or underrated wiring on aftermarket add-ons (e.g., inverters) elevate risk.
• Coupler/chain/ breakaway failures are catastrophic in-motion events. Always confirm chain ratings and breakaway switch function prior to every trip.

Search recalls and component advisories by brand using NHTSA’s VIN/brand tool, and check owner repair stories on RVInsider. Industry watchdog creators such as Liz Amazing frequently show step-by-step safety checks—search her channel for “towing safety,” “axle alignment,” and “breakaway test.”

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

None of the following is legal advice; consult an attorney for your specific situation. That said, RV buyers should be aware of the following frameworks if issues arise:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (15 U.S.C. §§ 2301–2312): Requires clear written warranties and prohibits tying warranty coverage to specific parts/labor unless provided free. If a manufacturer refuses covered repairs or imposes unreasonable burdens (e.g., impractical return-to-factory requirements without alternatives), you may have remedies.
• Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) and Implied Warranties: Many states recognize implied warranties of merchantability/fitness. Exclusions must be clear and conspicuous, and some states limit their waiver in consumer sales.
• State Lemon Laws: Often exclude RV “living quarters,” but many states cover chassis and major components or provide general consumer protection statutes for repeated failure to repair. Document every defect and repair attempt.
• Federal and State Safety Laws: Report safety-related defects to NHTSA. If representations in advertising are misleading (e.g., misstatements about towing weights or capabilities), complaints may be raised with the FTC or your state Attorney General.
• Contract Clauses: Some RV sales contracts contain arbitration requirements or venue clauses. Review these before signing and consider the practical impact on future disputes.

Documentation is critical: Keep a chronological log, photos, and videos of every defect, plus emails and service orders. If repairs are delayed unreasonably, a formal demand letter citing warranty obligations may be warranted. If safely towable, consider obtaining a second opinion from a qualified shop and ask the manufacturer in writing to authorize the work.

Do you have first-hand experience navigating warranty or legal remedies with Eveland’s? Have your say so other buyers can plan.

Inspection and Acceptance: A Focused Checklist for Scamp Buyers

Before you take possession (new or used), conduct an exhaustive walk-through. Do not rush this step; it’s your best defense against months-long downtime.

• Leak prevention: Perform a rain test or a pressure test; examine all windows, roof vents, and exterior penetrations for sealant gaps and staining inside.
• Running gear: Verify axle alignment, brake function, and tire load rating; weigh tongue weight with a scale and confirm it’s within 10–15% of trailer weight.
• Electrical: Test all outlets and GFCIs, measure converter output under load, operate every light and appliance simultaneously for 30+ minutes, and confirm charge controller settings for any solar.
• LP/propane: Bubble test fittings, test furnace and cooktop ignition from cold start, verify regulator brand/date and detector manufacturing dates.
• Safety hardware: Inspect coupler engagement, chains (rating stamps), and breakaway function with a simulated pull.
• Fit and finish: Open and close every cabinet/door, look for loose fasteners and sharp edges; verify table/bed conversions are stable.
• Wet bath: Stand inside, test for leaks, and run the fan to check for condensation movement; confirm shower pan drains without pooling.

Hire a pro if possible: RV Inspectors near me. Make acceptance contingent on a clean report or a signed commitment to fix specific items before final payment. If you skip this, you may lose your leverage and risk being “pushed to the back of the line.”

Context: What’s Unique About Eveland’s Inc vs. Big-Box RV Brands

Eveland’s Inc is small compared to mass-market RV conglomerates. The company’s molded-fiberglass shells distinguish Scamp from stick-and-tin construction that dominates entry-level trailers. This can offer advantages in longevity and weather resistance. On the other hand, a small factory can mean limited service reach and constrained parts flow. Buyers far from Minnesota should weigh travel costs and time in the event of warranty claims. Investigate owner experiences in your region via Google local searches and ask Facebook group members near you about actual turnaround times.

Acknowledging Improvements and Positive Notes

Balanced research means noting positives. Many long-time Scamp owners report years of low-drama camping with routine maintenance. Molded shells can resist rot better than wood-framed walls, and the smaller footprint eases storage and towing for some vehicles. There are also reports that factory support helps troubleshoot by phone and supplies parts promptly when workloads allow. Some buyers praise the simplicity of systems and the company’s ability to perform factory refurbishments on older units.

Nevertheless, the negative experiences compiled above involve material risks that can derail trips and budgets. Even if you’re inclined to believe your unit will be built well, the prudent path is to assume defects are possible and plan your inspection and acceptance process accordingly.

Have a positive ownership story that bucks the trend—or a cautionary tale that others should hear? Share your detailed experience to help the next buyer.

How to Use Owner Communities for Due Diligence

Get specifics from peers who own the exact model and layout you’re considering:

• Ask for the top five repairs needed in their first 12 months and how long warranty resolution took
• Request photos of common leak points and sealing techniques that worked
• Compare towing setups (hitch type, tongue weight, tire choices) and note differences in stability
• Ask about winterization procedures and any freeze-related damage or plumbing failures
• Benchmark what options owners would skip or replace aftermarket

Start with broad queries and then go deep with model-year specifics: Find Scamp Facebook groups, plus threads on RVInsider and Good Sam Community.

What To Do If Things Go Wrong

If you encounter defects or broken promises:

• Document immediately: Photos, videos, dates, weather conditions (for leaks), and towing speeds/loads (for axle or tire issues)
• Notify the manufacturer in writing with a clear, numbered list; request written confirmation of coverage and timeframes
• Escalate carefully: If a safety defect is suspected, file a report with NHTSA
• Know your rights: Consider a Magnuson–Moss demand letter if covered repairs are refused or delayed unreasonably; consult an attorney for your state’s lemon/consumer protection options
• Consider a third-party inspection to strengthen your case: Find an RV inspector near you

Community watchdogs like Liz Amazing share tactics for documenting defects and negotiating fair remedies—search her channel for “warranty denial,” “defect documentation,” and “how to escalate.”

Key Research Links (Save This List)

• YouTube: Scamp Trailer Problems
• Google: Scamp Trailer Problems
• BBB: Eveland’s Inc
• Reddit r/rvs: Scamp Problems
• NHTSA: Scamp Trailer Recalls
• RVInsider: Owner Reviews
• Good Sam Community
• Scamp Facebook Groups

Have links, photos, or documents that corroborate or correct anything here? Post your ownership history and sources.

Bottom Line for Shoppers

Scamp trailers by Eveland’s Inc occupy a beloved niche with a long legacy and a passionate fan base. Yet, synthesized public feedback shows that buyers face meaningful risks: variable fit-and-finish, water intrusion at penetrations, towing/braking challenges inherent to small single-axle trailers, and a warranty service model that may be difficult for distant owners. The most satisfied Scamp owners tend to be hands-on, meticulous about maintenance, and proactive about inspections both before and after delivery.

Given the volume and seriousness of public complaints around QC, leak prevention, and service access, we do not recommend Eveland’s Inc (Scamp) for risk-averse or first-time buyers who cannot perform repairs or travel for warranty service. Consider alternative brands or certified used units with documented, defect-free inspections and completed warranty work before purchase.

Have you owned an Eveland’s/Scamp trailer? What was your single biggest challenge—and how did it get resolved? Share your experience below.