Eveland’s Inc-Scamp 13 RV Exposed: Leaks, Alignment Issues, Costly Service Delays

Introduction: What Shoppers Need to Know About the Eveland’s Inc–Scamp 13

AI-powered research tools have systematically collected and analyzed public information to produce this report. The Scamp 13—built by Eveland’s Inc. in Backus, Minnesota—is one of the most recognizable “fiberglass egg” travel trailers in North America. Known for its light weight, compact size, and relatively simple systems, the 13-foot Scamp has been popular with first-time buyers, small SUV owners, and minimalist campers for decades. While many owners appreciate its towability and the molded fiberglass shell’s resistance to rot compared with wood-framed RVs, our analysis found recurring patterns of consumer complaints about workmanship, leaks, service delays, and livability trade-offs that buyers should carefully investigate before committing.

If you own this model or shopped for one recently, what did you encounter? Tell other shoppers what surprised you.

Unfiltered Owner Feedback: Where to Research First

Before diving into specific issues, gather a wide range of owner perspectives—good and bad. Start here:

• Google Reviews and Forums: Search broad complaints and praise: Google: Scamp 13 Problems
• Better Business Bureau (BBB): Look for patterns in complaints and company responses: BBB search: Scamp 13
• YouTube owner experiences: Watch walk-throughs and problem lists: YouTube: Scamp 13 Problems
• Reddit discussions: Compare threads from multiple communities:
  • r/rvs: Scamp 13 Problems
  • r/RVLiving: Scamp 13 Problems
  • r/GoRVing: Scamp 13 Problems
• Owner review sites: Scan detailed narratives:
  • RVInsider: Scamp 13 Problems
  • Good Sam Community: Scamp 13 Problems
• Facebook owner communities: These groups often share the most candid experiences. Join multiple groups and search inside them. Use this Google link to find them: Find Scamp 13 Facebook Groups
• Investigative consumer advocacy: See how industry-wide problems often repeat across brands; then search her channel for “Scamp 13”: Liz Amazing’s RV consumer advocacy channel

Before You Buy: Independent Inspection Is Your Leverage

The most consistent theme across the entire RV industry—regardless of brand—is that a thorough, third-party inspection before you accept delivery is your best protection. Many buyers report that once the dealer or seller has your money, warranty repairs can move slowly, and you may be “pushed to the back of the line,” leading to canceled camping trips while your trailer sits for weeks or months.

• Search locally: RV Inspectors near me
• Tell the seller in writing that your purchase is contingent on a clean inspection report.
• Ask the inspector to pressure test for leaks, verify electrical safety, check axle alignment and tire wear, and test all plumbing under load.

Want to help future shoppers? What did your inspection uncover?

Model Snapshot: Construction, Floor Plans, and Expectations

The Scamp 13 is a compact, molded fiberglass travel trailer available in a few layouts (with and without a wet bath). Typical dry weights run notably lower than most stick-built trailers of similar size. The shell is two molded halves bonded together, often praised for durability versus laminated walls. The simplicity is a selling point—but compact systems and lightweight design can introduce their own failure modes and comfort trade-offs. Read reviews and first-hand reports: Google: Scamp 13 Reviews, and long-form owner videos: YouTube: Scamp 13 Issues.

Patterns of Complaints and Risk Areas

Workmanship Variability and Fit/Finish Out of the Box

Across forums and review sites, owners commonly report inconsistent fit/finish. Examples include misaligned doors, poorly adjusted cabinet latches, sloppy sealant lines, and rough cabinetry edges. While individual units vary, the pattern suggests buyers should assume they will need adjustments immediately after delivery.

• Search owner narratives: RVInsider: Scamp 13 Problems
• Community threads: Reddit: Scamp 13 Fit and Finish
• BBB complaint patterns: BBB search: Scamp Trailers

To see how similar issues play out across brands and why post-sale service can be so hard, investigate consumer-focused coverage here: why RV quality problems persist (Liz Amazing).

Water Intrusion: Windows, Vents, and Door Seals

Molded fiberglass shells resist rot, but owners still report water leaks at penetrations: roof fans, window frames, marker lights, and the side door. In a 13-foot trailer, even small leaks can saturate cushions, warp cabinets, or cause musty odors fast. Some buyers describe discovering wet bedding or puddles after heavy rain or while towing in storms.

• Video problem lists: YouTube: Scamp 13 Water Leaks
• Forum threads discussing resealing methods and butyl tape vs. silicone: Good Sam: Scamp 13 Leaks
• General research: Google: Scamp 13 Water Leak Problems

Inspection tip: Ask your inspector to conduct a water intrusion test, including a controlled spray around windows and the fan while someone checks for drips inside.

Condensation, Insulation, and Livability in Cold/Shoulder Seasons

Multiple owners report heavy condensation forming on the interior fiberglass and windows in cooler weather—especially when cooking or sleeping with windows closed. Expect to micro-manage ventilation and heat to avoid damp bedding and mildew. Remedies include dehumidifiers, insulation kits for windows, and careful ventilation habits; however, these add cost and complexity.

• Owner strategies and failures: Reddit: Scamp 13 Condensation
• General comparisons across fiberglass trailers: YouTube: Scamp 13 Condensation Issues

Axle Alignment, Tire Wear, and Weight Management

Reports of premature tire wear, trailer “dog-tracking,” and poor axle alignment appear periodically in forums. Small single-axle trailers are sensitive to loading; tongue weight and side-to-side balance can push the limits quickly once you add water, gear, and aftermarket accessories. Misalignment or a torsion axle issue can ruin a tire in a single long trip.

• Search detailed owner accounts: Google: Scamp 13 Axle Problems
• Community troubleshooting and alignment shops: RVForums.com (search for “Scamp 13 axle”)
• Check for applicable safety notices: NHTSA recalls: Scamp 13

If you suspect a handling issue, stop and weigh the trailer at a CAT scale. Improper loading or hidden suspension problems are safety risks.

Electrical System Reliability: Charging, Fuses, and Pre-Wire Complications

Complaints include intermittent 12V issues, blown fuses, loose grounds, or confusing wiring runs behind cabinetry. Buyers adding solar often find inconsistent pre-wire execution, necessitating re-routing or upgrades. None of this is unique to Scamp, but limited access behind molded shells can complicate DIY fixes.

• Owner walkthroughs of electrical fixes: YouTube: Scamp 13 Electrical Problems
• Forum diagnostics and schematics: RVForum.net (search “Scamp 13 wiring”)

Propane, CO, and Detector Reliability

Some owners report propane leaks at fittings, regulator failures, or nuisance LP/CO detector alarms. Because the Scamp 13’s cabin is small, any combustion or leak issue can become a serious safety hazard quickly.

• Research safety threads: Reddit: Scamp 13 Propane Leak
• Check recall database for any equipment-level notices (e.g., regulators, stoves): NHTSA recall lookup: Scamp 13

Inspection tip: Have your inspector perform a soap test on fittings, verify regulator function, and confirm detector age (replace per manufacturer intervals).

Entry Door, Latches, and Seals

Owners occasionally cite misaligned doors, stiff latches, and weather-stripping that fails to keep dust or water out while towing. Adjustments can help, but recurring seal failures frustrate some users. A leaky or sticky door is common in compact trailers—ensure yours opens, closes, and seals smoothly.

• Research examples: Google: Scamp 13 Door Problems
• DIY fix videos: YouTube: Scamp 13 Door Seal Issues

Cabinetry, Hardware, and Fastener Failures on the Road

Rattling hardware, latches that pop open, and screws backing out during travel come up in a subset of owner reports. In a trailer with limited storage, a failed latch can scatter contents and cause interior dings. Some owners upgrade latches or add positive catches to keep cabinets secure.

• Community fixes and part swaps: Good Sam: Scamp 13 Cabinet Latch Problems

Gelcoat Spider Cracks, UV Yellowing, and Exterior Maintenance

While the fiberglass shell resists rot, long-term owners note spider cracks in gelcoat around stress points, UV yellowing, and chalking if the trailer is stored outdoors without protection. Cosmetic issues can impact resale and require periodic polishing, waxes, or professional gelcoat repair.

• Owner photo threads and repair tutorials: YouTube: Scamp 13 Gelcoat Cracks
• General tips: Google: Scamp 13 Fiberglass Maintenance

Plumbing Leaks and Wet Bath Limitations

Compact plumbing is a double-edged sword: fewer parts, but tight spaces that are harder to service. Owners report occasional leaks at P-traps, drains, or water pump fittings. Wet bath layouts, while convenient, can leave moisture lingering if ventilation is insufficient. Tank capacities are small, pushing you to dump or conserve aggressively.

• Owner threads: RVInsider: Scamp 13 Plumbing Problems
• How owners adapt: Reddit: Scamp 13 Wet Bath

Warranty Service, Parts Delays, and Communication Gaps

Numerous RV buyers across brands complain about slow warranty turnarounds; Scamp 13 owners are not immune. Common grievances include long waits for parts, limited appointment availability, and limited updates while the trailer sits in a service queue. Some owners recount canceled trips because repairs dragged on.

• Complaint patterns: BBB search: Scamp Trailers
• General RV service challenges (cross-brand): how RV service can strand owners (Liz Amazing)

Mitigation: Keep written documentation for all issues, and set expectations in writing with the service department (timeline, parts availability, and loaner options if any). During your shopping phase, hire a third-party inspector and decline delivery until items are corrected.

Pricing Transparency, Options, and Upcharge Concerns

Some shoppers describe confusion around option packages, lead times, and final pricing. The 13-foot model’s appeal can be undercut if you need multiple options to meet your camping style, only to see costs climb beyond expectations. Scrutinize what’s included (e.g., battery type, air conditioner, awning, spare tire, brakes) and what counts as a paid upgrade.

• General shopping experiences: Google: Scamp 13 Price Complaints
• Owner advice and checklists: RVUSA Forum (search “Scamp 13 options”)

Want to help others get a fair deal? Share your ordering and pricing tips.

Safety and Real-World Impact Assessment

Reported defects and service delays aren’t just inconveniences; they have real safety and financial implications for Scamp 13 shoppers and owners:

• Water leaks can damage wiring, invite mold, and undermine structural fasteners.
• Axle misalignment/tire wear risks blowouts and loss of control.
• Propane and CO issues pose immediate health hazards in a small cabin volume.
• Electrical faults can lead to battery failure, appliance damage, or fires.
• Service delays can disrupt travel plans and erode the value of the camping season.

Use the federal recall database to verify if any recalls are open on your exact VIN, and review recall completion status with written proof: NHTSA: Scamp 13 recall lookup. Cross-check with owner videos and threads: YouTube: Scamp 13 Safety Issues.

For a broader view of how consumers successfully escalate safety or defect concerns, you can watch independent coverage that surfaces recurring failure patterns and how owners advocate for themselves: investigations shining a light on RV industry practices (Liz Amazing).

Legal and Regulatory Warnings

If you experience repeated failures or extended loss of use, you may have rights under state and federal consumer protection frameworks:

• Magnuson–Moss Warranty Act (U.S.): Protects buyers when warrantors fail to honor written warranties. Keep meticulous records of repair attempts and downtime.
• State Lemon Laws: Some states cover towable RVs; others do not. Even when excluded, state consumer protection statutes prohibiting unfair or deceptive practices may apply.
• NHTSA Vehicle Safety Complaints: Safety-related defects (brake, steering, tires, propane systems) should also be reported to NHTSA. This builds a public record and can trigger investigations.
• FTC and AG Offices: If you encounter misrepresented features, pricing, or warranty coverage, consider filing complaints with the FTC and your state Attorney General.

Research complaint history and manufacturer responses to gauge risks: BBB search: Scamp Trailers. Community complaint aggregators can also provide color (search manually on the site): PissedConsumer (search for “Scamp 13”).

What Some Owners Like (Context for Balance)

To keep perspective, many Scamp 13 owners report positive experiences:

• Light weight and towability: The 13-foot model is towable by smaller vehicles than many alternatives.
• Molded fiberglass shell: Often outlasts stick-built walls; no wood framing to rot in the shell itself.
• Simplicity: Fewer complex systems can mean fewer things to break for minimalist camping.
• Resale: Niche fiberglass trailers can hold value relatively well if well-maintained.

However, even owners who love the concept report “teething issues” after delivery that require attention. The key is to identify and resolve them promptly—preferably before money changes hands. A pre-delivery inspection is critical: find a qualified RV inspector.

Shopping Smarter: A Scamp 13 Pre-Delivery Checklist

Sealants and Leak Points

Inspect every seam and penetration: roof fan, lights, windows, door frame, and any added accessories. Check from inside while a second person sprays water outside. Photograph any gaps and have the seller reseal before signing.

Axle, Tires, and Alignment

Inspect tire wear patterns, confirm DOT dates, and request documentation for axle specs. During your first trip, stop after 20–50 miles to re-check lug torque and tire temperatures.

Electrical and Propane Safety

Verify GFCI operation, battery charge/discharge behavior, and test every 12V circuit. Ask for a pressure/soap test on propane lines, confirm regulator function, and check the manufacture date of smoke/CO/LP detectors.

Interior Functionality and Hardware

Open and close every cabinet, drawer, and latch on bumpy roads during a test tow. Insist on adjustments or upgraded latches where needed. Inspect the door for smooth operation and even seal contact.

Plumbing and Wet Bath

Run the water pump and city water supply, check for leaks at every joint, and flush the toilet repeatedly while inspecting under and around the wet bath for drips or dampness. Verify tank sensors.

If you have additional checklist items we should add, post your suggestions to help other shoppers.

How to Verify and Escalate Problems

• Search video walkthroughs of specific faults: YouTube: Scamp 13 Complaints
• Cross-check owner reports across multiple subreddits for consistency:
  r/rvs,
  r/GoRVing,
  r/RVLiving
• Review BBB filings for recurring issues and resolution rates: BBB: Scamp Trailers
• If a problem affects safety, file a NHTSA complaint and keep your case number: NHTSA Scamp 13 lookup

Have you successfully escalated a warranty or safety concern? Share what worked so others can follow your path.

Case Study Themes From Public Reviews

“Great Concept, But Delivery Day Punch List Was Long”

Owner narratives often mention discovering issues immediately on pickup: loose fasteners, non-functioning outlets, or minor leaks. These are fixable, but the volume and the time required can sour the first months of ownership. Research similar accounts: Google: Scamp 13 Delivery Issues.

“Service Delays Killed Our Season”

Some report multiple weeks waiting for parts and appointment backlogs. If your trailer is in the shop during peak season, your sunk costs—insurance, storage, campground bookings—keep piling up. Compare experiences across communities: RVInsider: Scamp 13 Service Problems.

“Livability Trade-Offs We Didn’t Anticipate”

Some first-time buyers underestimate condensation management, storage constraints, and the frequency of dumping tanks with a small wet bath. While many adjust successfully, others find these trade-offs frustrating long-term. Read personal stories and tips: YouTube: Scamp 13 Living Issues.

Practical Buyer Tips to Reduce Risk

• Insist on a fully powered pre-delivery inspection with water, shore power, propane, and a test tow.
• Use a third-party inspector—this is your leverage before final payment: find RV Inspectors near me
• Document everything: dated photos, issue lists, and written commitments for repairs and timelines.
• Weigh your trailer fully loaded; adjust tongue weight and cargo distribution.
• Budget for upgrades: better cabinet latches, improved ventilation, and protective covers for fiberglass longevity.

Do you have must-do upgrades for Scamp 13 owners? Add them to our community list.

Bottom Line: Should You Buy the Scamp 13?

The Scamp 13 earns loyalty for its towability, simplicity, and molded fiberglass shell. Yet the model is not immune to industry-wide problems: inconsistent fit/finish, water intrusion at penetrations, axle alignment and tire wear complaints, and service bottlenecks. Livability in shoulder seasons also requires active condensation management. If you love the small, light fiberglass concept, the Scamp 13 can work—provided you plan for a rigorous pre-delivery inspection, hold back funds until the punch list is cleared, and budget for early adjustments and upgrades.

Alternatives worth cross-shopping include other molded fiberglass brands and small lightweight trailers; evaluate after-sales support reputation as carefully as floor plans. Search owner reports across multiple communities for each candidate model: YouTube comparisons and Google: Scamp 13 Alternatives. Also consider researching independent investigations that discuss common pitfalls when buying any RV and how to shop defensively: Liz Amazing’s consumer-focused RV videos—then search her channel for the exact model you’re considering.

If your personal research uncovers extensive recent complaints about service delays, water leaks, or axle/tire wear, weigh the risk carefully and negotiate accordingly—no delivery until issues are proven resolved. Your strongest leverage is before you sign.

Comments: Help Other Shoppers With Your Experience

Have you owned or shopped the Eveland’s Inc–Scamp 13? What went right and what went wrong? Your insights improve this report over time. Please keep it factual and respectful.