SCORE! Skamper 8ft pop-top for $200!

[wanderer-rrorc]

yes..you read that right!!...$200!!

craigslist add without a picture and 1 1/2hr away...talked to the owner and seemed like it MIGHT be what we're lookin for..(at 10% the cost we wanted to pay!)

it sat the last 5 years..the owners sister used it last and didnt put the top down square and it leaked...by the time he found out it was too late..

all the canvas is in GREAT shape (mildewed)...the screens have some holes where the top rubbed while packed up...but otherwise its in good shape..

the cabinets are all solid and no floor rot..just the upper bed sagged...

fridge and heater were replaced in 98 and hardly ever used..

its got a ton of stuff with it..and the jacks/belly-bar and chains..

the wife is THRILLED with the layout and isnt worried about the repairs (till she sees the cost...which should be less than $200)..

new carpet and all the Zippers are good...

gonna get her unloaded and have at the inside with the shopvac..

it did have wasps and ants...but only one wood-roach and no spiders/carpenter ants/spiders/rattlesnakes (seriously a worry..they are known but rare in southern ohio)...

nuff gabbin...pix!

stopped for lunch on way home
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00975.jpg
after bath
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00976.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00977.jpg

1970's interior!:victory:
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8525.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8526.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8529.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8530.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8531.jpg

[eugene]

Looks a lot like mine, the hand crank, lift arms, three jacks, etc. I'm in central ohio, if you ever run into one similar for parts let me know, maybe we could split the cost, I need a new crank and want a 4th jack to make it more stable.

Check the wood in the roof, they drive screws right through the roof covering then caulk them but water leaks in and rots the wood, your front left seems to be sagging a little like mine was.

[wanderer-rrorc]

I think the roof is ok sofar..but the front is just hangin from the rott..

I'll keep ya in mind if I find one for parts..theres a guy in new philly area (use craiglook.com to find it) that has 3 camper jacks for sale $125..

[Regcabguy]

There's deals out there. A guy from the Turbo Diesel Register pm'd me with pics and a CL link to the 1997 Northstar TC800 he scored. It was used six times and garage stored. $1600. Jeez,I paid $9200 for my 2000 TC800 in 2000 new. There just werent many used ones around back then.

[eugene]

the left side of the roof right in front of the latch looks like it might be bending downward, doesn't look straight, that how mine looked. I couldn't tell there was rot until I peeled the covering off, there was aluminum on both sides so you couldn't see it. I left the aluminum covering off the inside figuring it was just trapping moisture.
You stove almost looks like you could grill on it, doesn't look like the stoves in all the old ones I've seen. Mine was "stainless" like that, I found a can of rust-o-leum stainless and repainted mine so it looks nice and new.

[wanderer-rrorc]

the left side of the roof right in front of the latch looks like it might be bending downward, doesn't look straight, that how mine looked. I couldn't tell there was rot until I peeled the covering off, there was aluminum on both sides so you couldn't see it. I left the aluminum covering off the inside figuring it was just trapping moisture.
You stove almost looks like you could grill on it, doesn't look like the stoves in all the old ones I've seen. Mine was "stainless" like that, I found a can of rust-o-leum stainless and repainted mine so it looks nice and new.

never thought about that...

looks like the fridge might be no-good...the waterpump made noise..all the lights inside work...shore-power works at all outlets and the dang thing already has an onboard-battery charger for the 12vt onboard battery!!!

got the cart made..(rolls VERY nice!!..pushed it around by myself)..broke a jack (broke a sheer pin tryin to get the foot off..its fixable..just gotta dig the grease out!)

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00979.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00978.jpg

gotter put in the garage and opened up..sprayed for bugs again..plan on gettin it cleaned out inside..then start the tear-off to get to the damage and repair it...should be a couple weeks..I'll update as I do stuff..

[Jnich77]

Congrats on finding such a great deal. With a little repairs and a good bath that will be awesome.

If It was me, I would paint it to mach the truck....lol

[eugene]

My fridge worked for a little bit, but it had to be perfectly level to do anything.
Mine doesn't have a battery charger or battery but I put my 'house' battery under the hood of the truck anyway to help balance out the weight some. I'm working on integrating what I can into the truck so I still have some gear for trips without the camper.

[wanderer-rrorc]

well spent today piddlin around in the camper...tearin out some of the bad..cleanin up dead ants..and gennerally sprayin for bugs/explorin the cabinets...

theres a ton of storage..

waterpump works and clorinated the holding tank..SWEET!

the fridge DOES work on 120vt..gonna test it on 12vt..then when I wheel it outside I will check the propane...but im gonna guess it works too!!

still tryin to figure out what to do inside...I saw someone who used new walpaper to cover the dated wood look...so the wifes been given that job..hope she doesnt pick pink..:elkgrin:

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00982.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00980.jpg

[Ford Prefect]

Very cool, Very nice!

I saw one of these once, in better condition, would have required no reno if you wanted to just take it and go, and it was for free! They had dropped it off at the Dump in Aspen Colorado. The thing at that dump is that as space was at a premium, if you had something that someone else might want you could dump it in a certain area for free, then someone could come and pick it up. SO sad, I sure wished I had a truck that day! It was super nice. Had the legs and everything. They would let things sit out there for two weeks, and I was hauling dirt into the landfill that day. Showed up around 3 or 4 PM, and when they closed at 6 it was gone.


Yeah... Rich people through away nice stuff!

Anyhow, just reminded me...sigh. Best of luck, I am sure this is going to be a beautiful camper!

[eugene]

Someone else on here had one that was hit by a tree and damages and insurance replaced it and it was bulldozed, it looked better than mine.

I've started replacing the siding on mine, Lowes has rolls of Vinyl flashing 20" wide for $50. I roll it across and glue it down and overlap the next layer by an inch or two. I used it on the sides of the roof last year. just finished the door.

http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/th_f58bacdf.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/?action=view&current=f58bacdf.jpg)
http://i306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/th_805cf8e0.jpg (http://s306.photobucket.com/albums/nn275/eugenenine/Camper/?action=view&current=805cf8e0.jpg)

Ohh, one more quick tip, the bolts that hold the jacks on, I tack welded the nuts to the bracket on the back, that way I can get them with just one wrench instead of two, makes it easier to get the bolt off. I don't even swing mine up anymore, take them off and slide them in the truck bed over top the fenders now.

[SLO_F-250]

NICE FIND!!!!!!!!! :wings: I think you will like the Skamper. I have the smaller one, and love it. Mines an 89, and found it in decent shape. It works great, and gotta love the price!

Great work so far, and keep the picts coming. BTW, I am SO jealous on the fridge! haha I tore out my icebox, and am using a cooler right now.

Cheers!

Paul

[wanderer-rrorc]

mah rott...

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00984.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00983.jpg

floor rott
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00986.jpg

less rott
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00987.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00988.jpg

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG00989.jpg

cut the sides square and gotta get the materials list and head to the store!!

soon,,,very soon!!

[eugene]

That looks more familiar :)

[VicHanson]

I can relate to all the pics of wood rot! I just got the new aluminum siding on mine yesterday (Shadow Cruiser), now finishing up all the trim pieces and the storage and garage doors. Has taken me almost 4 months, have one more week to finish it then have to hit the road.
Have fun!
Vic

[eugene]

Where did you get the siding from? I'm using 20" wide vinyl flashing from lowes and overlaping by an inch.

[VicHanson]

I saw the flashing at Lowe's and thought about using it. I ended up getting 4x8 sheets of white .040 aluminum from a friend who has an aluminum fabrication shop. Also used a couple of sheets of 4x10'.

[wanderer-rrorc]

been hectic and forgot the updates..

got the old cut out..and just got it replaced yesterday night...glued and screwed in place..19/32 plywood and 2x4's with 2 1/2in decking screws..

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01012.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01014.jpg


todays trim pieces after hiking and before fireworks..

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01016.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01017.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01018.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01020.jpg

still alot to do..but mostly just skin and trim..and some sewing!!

[wanderer-rrorc]

got the repair work finnished lastnight!..

and adjusted the top so it sits square now...just gotta put the latches back on..

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01025.jpg
put a triangle piece in where all 4 structural pieces meet..made it alot more ridgid!
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01024.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01022.jpg

the caulking needs trimmed...but the whole camper is gonna get painted to better match the truck..so its no biggie..oh..and the plastic trim needs cleaned and reinstalled.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01027.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01028.jpg

all in all...$60 in material and a few days putterin in the garage..

nows time for the cleanup!

[Rot Box]

Nice work! :Wow1:

It takes an enormous amount of patience (which I definitely don't have) to properly repair water damage. My hats off to you sir :sombrero:

[Libo1369]

First time poster just bought my first popup slide in Skamper 95 for $150 but I am going to have to do some major overhaul on the roof. It looks like something fell on the front right and the roof has some water damage and a small hole. Any ideas on the best way to replace the roof? I will post some pics of my progress maybe start a thread for it though I think it will mostly be a please help me thread. The insides are great and the pop up rolls up and down nicely. Any ideas of what I should check or how to proceed. Brand new at this so ANY help or advice is nice. Thanks Travis

[wanderer-rrorc]

First time poster just bought my first popup slide in Skamper 95 for $150 but I am going to have to do some major overhaul on the roof. It looks like something fell on the front right and the roof has some water damage and a small hole. Any ideas on the best way to replace the roof? I will post some pics of my progress maybe start a thread for it though I think it will mostly be a please help me thread. The insides are great and the pop up rolls up and down nicely. Any ideas of what I should check or how to proceed. Brand new at this so ANY help or advice is nice. Thanks Travis


yer gonna need to pull the top off and get it down on the ground to fix..so a couple buddys...or some rope/straps and a tree..

ya gotta take all the trim plastic off (inside the aluminum track) to get all the screws out to get the canvas un-secured..

ya got some work to be done...but its totaly repairable..

[wanderer-rrorc]

decided to lighten up the inside...

before

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8526.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/DCP_8525.jpg

after..not all got painted..just to keep some perspective and depth to it..and still have a second coat on a bit of it.
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01029.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/IMG01030.jpg

[wanderer-rrorc]

some updates!

got the old fridge out and sold ($100)...so my total in the camper is $160!!

but I spent some coin on LED foglights ($8 each set) and some LED wafer bulbs for the overheads..

the LED's are PERFECT for the site lighting...bright enough to read books by..and cook/whatever...switched individually by the side its on (to not draw bugs from all sides!)

put 2 on the awning side..one at the back door..and one on the driver side (just to light all the way around)...they arnt super brite..but plenty nuff for anything right around the camper!

(dont mind the big hole on the driver side..gotta tin the louvered cover from the old fridge)..

http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3765.jpg
theyre on
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3772.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3770.jpg

no flash..no low light setting on camera..
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3773.jpg
with low light setting (actually about 75% of brightness seen here..) brighter than my 5LED headlamp!..bout maglight bright..
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3775.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3776.jpg

wafer LED light...80% as bright as the old single filiment bulbs..minimal amp draw..
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3769.jpg
http://i220.photobucket.com/albums/dd124/wanderer351/2010%20tundra%20and%20skamper%20camper/100_3768.jpg

[Terrainist]

Where'd you get the LED fog lights you put on the side of your camper? thanks - and the wafer bulbs too.

[Northern Explorer]

$8.00 You would throw up if you knew how much I paid for mine...good find.

[Terrainist]

Exactly, those things can get pricey. I've seen yours and they are sweet.

[wanderer-rrorc]

Where'd you get the LED fog lights you put on the side of your camper? thanks - and the wafer bulbs too.

yup..the wafers were like $1.50 each and the fogs were around $4 a set..

[Terrainist]

For the second time, where did you buy them ??? Pertinent information so that I or someone else can buy the exact same ones, please?

I'm in dire need of exterior lighting and ready to buy some of those fog lights right now at that price. Where did you buy them specifically ???

[wanderer-rrorc]

For the second time, where did you buy them ??? Pertinent information so that I or someone else can buy the exact same ones, please?

I'm in dire need of exterior lighting and ready to buy some of those fog lights right now at that price. Where did you buy them specifically ???


NOTICE!!...Im not involved/related/financially with these people..just bought some stuff...Im pleased with the quality..but I cant assume you will be also..

ok..thats coverd my hiney good!

wafer lights
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220606526416

fogs...I got these MUCH cheaper than they are listed currenly for!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270606494512&viewitem=

cheaper..still not what I paid
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-X-White-16-LED-Bulbs-Car-Van-Truck-Day-Fog-Aux-Lights-/260657201581?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb06141ad

[Northern Explorer]

Thanks for the link. One thing I don't see listed is the watt rating. This would give some idea of light output. I might have to buy a set to throw on my 4-wheeler.

[Terrainist]

Thank you for the links Wanderer !!! LED lighting is almost an absolute necessity anymore, and reasonably priced 12v LED's make things possible. Thanks again.

I dislike buying things from China, but for some of the money that is being charged out there to outfit a camper in LED lighting .... pffft. Me buy China light.

[wanderer-rrorc]

Thanks for the link. One thing I don't see listed is the watt rating. This would give some idea of light output. I might have to buy a set to throw on my 4-wheeler.

I have a 150lumen flashlight..(think BRAND new D cell maglight with new batteries bright!)...the foglights are probably 100-120lumens...(35watt bulb?..maybe 45..but deffinitly not as much light as a 55watt standard foglight)..but the lower amp draw is key...I can read a small print novel under the light just one puts out when im in a camp chair and its loaded in the truck (7ft up)..

the interior lights are 85% the brightness of the standard 1156 filiment bulb that is stock for the housing..(single filament bulb like you would find in older car tail lights that are markers)..I would say 60 watt household bulb...at countertop height with normal ceilings...PLENTY brite...we had to get a little nitelight cus just one of these dudes is bright enough the twins wont sleep with the light on!!

[kerry]

NOTICE!!...Im not involved/related/financially with these people..just bought some stuff...Im pleased with the quality..but I cant assume you will be also..

ok..thats coverd my hiney good!

wafer lights
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220606526416

fogs...I got these MUCH cheaper than they are listed currenly for!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270606494512&viewitem=

cheaper..still not what I paid
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2-X-White-16-LED-Bulbs-Car-Van-Truck-Day-Fog-Aux-Lights-/260657201581?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3cb06141ad

Do the RV light LED's plug into the existing incandescent socket?

[wanderer-rrorc]

Do the RV light LED's plug into the existing incandescent socket?

unfortuantly no...I just sorta souldered them in..and an ugly job too..im so ashamed...:drool:

you CAN get ones that do thou!

[JCMatthews]

Good thread, any updates?

[wanderer-rrorc]

ur...nope...works awsome...been campin at lake huron with the whole fam..

I can get some pics of the updates...

the outside LED lights work wonderful..the awning is awsome...everything works great...the 32lb memory foam matresses are wonderfull to sleep on...and I have $60 in both of them buying factory seconds off ebay...