My Casita Travel Trailer: The Bad & The Ugly
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- čas přidán 23. 07. 2015
- To add some balance to the videos on my 2000 Casita travel trailer I thought I should do a video on the areas I see as problems and issues with the trailer.
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Really nice to see what I need to watch for. 80,000 mile is amazing to see on any RV trailer. No structural issues in that mileage is unheard of. And still you like it enough to keep using it speaks volumes. Thank you for a very informative video.
New sub, my dad gave me his TT back in 1997, it is a 1977 17' Boler fiberglass trailer much like the Casitas and Scamps, she turns 43, this year and is like facoty new, burnt orange and browns interior from the 70's. Those stress cracks are just patena, makes the trailer look like it has had a happpy life, 👍👌❤🇨🇦
Thank you; the honesty is appreciated. Nothing's perfect but the speils of commericialism never speak of long-term testing and Consumer Reports never report on things people truly use.
You are awesome to take the time to do this for those of us RV hunting. Thanks!
Thanks for your Casita reviews - very well done and informative.
Thanks for the honesty. Need to know both sides of a product!
Most RVs won’t go 80,000 mile. I’m pretty impressed with the slight amount of imperfections he has. My motorhome has 76,000 miles on it but I have rebuilt parts of the chassis at least once and a great deal of the coach has been gone over. I’ve owned RVs for 30 years I’ve always said we’re lucky they screw them to the frame!!
Most folks don't know how right you are! Bill
Do you full time in that? That's amazing. These guys that claim to be tiny living need to see how you live. Amazing! We have a 20 foot Jayco Travel Trailer that my family of 4 live in in the summer months , it does fine except around dinner, then it's tight, but hey that's what picnic tables outside are for. I think I we could (if we needed to) live in it full time. Thanks for your time, I really like your videos, especially how you outline what you will be talking about. I can tell you are an educated man. Again thanks for your time.
Several million truckers live in a much smaller area, it just takes a minute to adjust to a different lifestyle.
Good review. Thanks for the effort and sharing it with us. I appreciate hearing about the little limitations of the unit.
Thank you for sharing a different perspective of the Casitas! I do love them and hope to have one someday but now I will know what to look for when shopping for a used one. Really appreciate you taking the time to make this video and share it.
Hi monicalunn, Remember that there are no perfect trailer! Bill
Indeed. Good point! I really do love the Casitas though and hope to have one someday for those quick overnight trips that you just don't want to lug your whole entire house with you for. ;) (meaning: a bigger travel trailer, ha ha)
Thanks!! I enjoyed your honest opinion on this trailer. 😊🌹🌹🌹🌹
Thanks for a thoughtful and well done tour of your Casita. Like you say, they're all built in a similar manner but, they're not just a home on the road, they're your home.
Thanks for doing the video Willful. Much needed and appreciated. I'm just now starting to look at these trailers.
Hi Zesty, You might want to watch this one as well czcams.com/video/2Ft_EtWX3MM/video.html there is a list of all the fiberglass trailer manufacturers in the description. Happy New Year, Bill
Great. A lot of information no matter what brand of trailer is being considered.
hello, how old is this rv? I've seen the newer ones and they are nice, a big difference 😗
Thank you .....for this information ....an your honesty......
Thanks for the realistic video of your camper- sounds like you are one of the higher mileage users... Thanks again and happy travels
Thanks! This was great. I thought Casita fiberglass was the way to go but your video details the faults that occur after many miles.
Good stuff you shared there. Really appreciated it. Also quite pretty shot there at the end of the pines, blue sky and clouds going by.
Just stumbled upon this episode.
I see that it was made seven years ago. Thanks for the look around your trailer.
We just bought a new 2023 17’ Casita Independence Deluxe.
The build quality on ours may be slightly better than your 2000 model, and the hardware seems to be quite a lot better, especially the door. They stopped making those curved doors a few years ago, and it’s made a tremendous positive difference.
Back in 2011 we bought a very used Scamp 13’. We camped in it extensively for three years. We got a lot of enjoyment out of it, but that door was a constant headache. I believe that even Scamp have gone to a flat door these days.
Happy Camping
Great review. Very straightforward. Will be getting a 17 in Feb 2016. Can't wait. It is great to leverage off your experience, tho I doubt I will ever put 80k on mine.
and you'll know what to look out for ahead of time
thanks Bill for sharing all this information.
SKPjoe Coursegold
Hey SKPjoe,
Thanks for watching them!
Bill
Thanks for a thorough long term review. Pragmatic and unemotional, you have helped balance the universe. TOO many flowery vids praising the glorious Casita ignore the details of this rv.
Yes, I agree 100%.
Thank you, been looking at them and now I will know the things to look for 👍
Well done video. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
I'm glad you enjoyed it Elmer! Bill
The first travel trailer we purchased was Casita. Did 5 two week trips nearly as soon as we got it. We had two issues not mentioned here: 1) no matter what we did we accumulated condensation in the unit. 2) my sweetheart hit his head too many times on the bathroom door going in and out. Traded it and kept right on camping! Good luck with your choices!
Thanks for pointing out some of the issues you've discovered during your travels and ownership. We looked at the 16' as it was lighter but was a bit too small for our liking. We ultimately ended up buying a 17' and have been enjoying it.
+Perry Wong
Hey Perry,
I think the 17' was the wiser choice, you guys have fun out there.
Bill
Very informative and quite well done. Thanks!
very helpful not just for this make/model but things to think about for 1st time buyers!
my friend in Houston actually is a professional artist and took her 04 model and painted hers completely psychedelic from front to back and sides to roof them sealed it with polyurethane. She has won some killer contests. plus after 80,000 miles and 49 states being almost 17 years old its well used and held up well id say.
love your trailer..my plan to get something similar and hit the road..I admire your spirit and can't wait to take a similar endeavor myself. thanks for sharing! :)
Thank you for information. Truly a big help.
Great video, love the honesty.
Good review, thank you.
Greetings from Utah. VERY HELPFUL. Thank you. Subbed.
I’m about to buy a new Casita for full time, so I really appreciate seeing the other side! Still going to get the Casita, but it’s good to know what I’m in for. Thank you!
Hi Allison, It's worked great for me and I'm looking forward to getting a whole lot of years more use from it! Bill
Just bought a '99 17 footer. Thanks for the tips to watch for.
I just bought an 01 17' that is mint inside and out!!! Got mine for $1,600
Ron Bridges sheesh I wish I had your luck!!
Thank you for the Truth. God bless!
Its amazing how you answer so many of the comments. I have a 13' play mor II, 1986. Has a straight door but, for some reason , no battery.
Hey Rick,
I try to answer them! I take it you know about the forums on www.fiberglassrv.com/ I'm sure they have a Play Mor II forum.
Take care,
Bill
I want to sincerely thank you for this vid for the exact reason you stated: balance. I'll just leave it at that! It will help me to know what to look for when pursuing the purchase of a used Casita.
+disguise3829
You're welcome. Don't overlook the other brands though, Scamps especially are very similar.
Bill
Thanks for posting, it is helpful.👍
fantastic video thanks for your honesty.
Thanks I'm glad you enjoyed it, Bill
Thanks. This was very helpful.
Excellent review thanks very much.
Great review. You stated facts and suggestions. Thank You .
Thanks for the honesty
You're welcome Richard.
Nice review. Thank you.
Excellent information...Thanks 🙏
I'm with you on the window AC on the wall. At 6'2" I need the ceiling to be as clear as possible. As well window units are far less expensive and the better ones are more quiet I am told.
Super helpful. Heading out to look at a vintage casita right now and am feeling a little more reserved after watching your video. On the up side I can afford to buy it outright versus going into debt for a Bambi 😂
Thanks I really appreciate your input. Like you said most of the reviews are all the good stuff I wish they were more like this a little bit more honest. Thanks again
I lived full time in a Jayco with aluminum siding. After just a few years on the road, the wood interior structure flexes and small gaps appear between the walls and roof, roof fixtures and windows. It was a leaky piece of junk! I like the fiberglass shell design of Casita trailers, and could live with gel coat fracturing (which is easily repaired). Considering the age and mileage, it looks in good shape, and maintenance is a part of RV living.
Hey Derek, Yes maintenance is definitely a part of RVing, the road will eventually tear up anything. I'm slowly (very slowly haha) getting the trailer ready for another 15 years of travel, a few cracks and dings just give it a little character! Bill
Nice honest review of your Casita trailer. It is hard to point out the faults in anything you we buy, no one likes to feel like "I might have made a bad choice". But 80k miles on a that little trailer I think is money well spent, most people with trailers will never see that kind of mileage. I like the look, layout, and features of the Oliver trailers, but have yet to run across an honest review of that maufacturer such as yours.
Hi Paul,80k so far, I'm hoping to get at least another 80k out of it!
Bill
Th
Oliver is built by a family with unlimited bucks that had torn the guts out of several Casitas hunting in the woods of Tennessee. I visited the factory and was ready to plunk down the bucks for ultimate quality! My wife changed our minds when we went to an egg rally and she opted for the back door livability of the Snoozy. We have pulled it coast to coast for three years with no issues. We added 180 amps of AGMs with a 2000 watt inverter/26 amp charger. We use a toaster, microwave, espresso maker, and blender. And a CPAP machine! We regularly do 5-6 days off grid before hooking up. In cooler climes we turn the fridge off at night and get another day or two. We keep thinking of solar but have not needed it yet. Only issue was a leaky wheel bearing on a 1400 mile round trip from Colorado to Phoenix and back at 114 degrees and 70 mph!!! If I could get a Snoozy built and engineered at Oliver, I would. I am not a fan of carpeted interiors and painted steel frames with low hanging PVC plumbing. We looked at several used Casitas before going Snoozy
Norm, enjoyed reading your comments. I recently saw the video on the little snoozy. I am really torn as to which camper to get. I was ready to get a used Casita but you may have changed my mind. Ahhhhhh!
Then you haven't watched Rusty czcams.com/users/rusty78609
I just bought an 01 17' that's in pretty much mint shape. Thank you for a very informative video! I will be watching this one quite often! New subscriber
Hi Ron, Glad it was helpful! Bill
The issues with the door. You’d think they would address/fix that on newer models. There’s no need to continue building the same way if it’s causing problems. And they need to work on the drain situation. These cost enough. They should give us a good ready to go product. I’m just saying, all the short cuts are not appreciated. Thanks for the video 👍🏼
Thanks for that informational video, I've appreciated your insight in the past, also thanks for that that Adirondack camping that too was nice. I'm interested in fiberglass trailers and I think they are a great get away trailer for quick weekends in the Northeast east where having a convenient size trailer vs. a large bulky RV is the way to go. Keep living the dream, Thanks again.
Powder River
Hey Powder River,
Did you check out my video Casita, Scamp and Other Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailers. Their Advantages and How They're Built
czcams.com/video/2Ft_EtWX3MM/video.html
In the description is a list of FB trailer manufacturers, just added another one the other day. The list keeps growing.
Bill
Yes I have watched all your videos and they are very informative and as I stated that my interest has really started to shift towards fiberglass.
This video is fair and very accurate! I've owned a Casita for 9 years. I really like it, but do put up with the quirks he mentions.
Good points made. Happy motoring. Thanks
Thanks for watching!
Excellent!
I have a 2004 17 foot Casita. I don’t have any of the stress cracks that are shown in the video luckily. I do have the front mount AC as shown in the video which I really like- looks better and gives the Casita a more aerodynamic profile with a lower center of gravity. I enjoy your videos- thank you!
I like that AC as far away from me as I can get it! Haha. Take care, Bill
Nice to see a honest video.. still searching for mine.
Hope you enjoy it!
Well done video. Good that you showed this, no RV is perfect, so it's good to know the downside as well.
+ReignBeauHounds
Thanks. There's definitely not any perfect RVs out there or even ones that are perfect for all occasions.
Bill
+The Willful Wanderer True. Sometimes I sit down & draw up my own plans for my perfect RV - bet I'd still find things I missed or didn't need. ;)
Would live to see a new video. You have very useful information.
Hi Ann, That's what I'm working on! Bill
I used to have an '87 16' model for a few years and the issue with the curved door was on mine too. I had a sump pump for the shower and a 5 gal. black water tank built in the toilet itself, so because I had the 13" tires, I had no holding tanks, except the 9 gal fresh water tank. I was going to put the A.C. on the bottom like yours, but never did and still have the front and side grills. I had no furnace so I used a cube space heater, and worked well because of the low volume of space to heat up. I lived in Dallas at the time and visited the factory often. The door was made flat on the latter 17' models. They are just overpriced for the features. I tried a few times to get one of the empty rejected shells in the back of the factory to build my own inside but never happened. Great video.
Hi Mo River, Thanks! On the 17's they use a standard built RV door. Yes they are definitely overpriced, 2000s sell for what I paid for mine 17 plus years ago!! I hope you find something, good luck!
Nice review. What I got from it is the good far outweighs the bad and there's nothing that would make me rule out a Casita.
No trailer is ever going to be perfect. The fiberglass shell goes a long way in providing a long lasting quality.
Really enjoy your videos. Subscriber! Is there a particular model and year of Casita you would stay away from?
Great video. Thx.
Fantastic Review. Honest & to the point.
Glad you think so!
Hey Bill, John here, (Mad Max from ESE). Good to see you. I have a 2011 17 and haven't used it much yet, but hope to soon. Thanks for the video. Happy Trails.
Hey John, How are you doing? I hope your excuse for not having used your trailer much yet is that you just bought it? Excellent choice though. Send my a PM, I tried your channel but I guess there is not a way to PM without have a video maybe? Take care, Bill
Don't know how to PM. If you're in N. Fl. still, we'll have to get together for a meal or at least a brew. I can head to you if you like. How should I forward you an email or phone no.?
Go to the Channel home and then to about, you'll see a send message button. Maybe you could come down to the forest with your camper for the weekend? I can join you Saturday night for dinner or something? Shanty Pond in Salt Springs has plenty of room, no res needed and is only $8 a night. Bill
Hello, just found your video very informative I appreciate it. I always thought these CAS ITA travel trailers were of a higher standard. I still like them but, now the truth comes out thanks.
You're going to find problems with all RVs, on average I'd guess they're made to last only 10 - 15 years tops.
I love an honest, critical review! Most of the time, if you give an honest review, you get beat up by zealots.... One tip might be telling people what year trailer this is.
+The Suburban Hippie Experimentalist
I was also surprised that I didn't get a lot negative replies/unsubscibers on that one also. I try to call them as I see them, I don't think it does anyone a service by pretending things are rosy and perfect. Thanks for the suggestion, I've added the year to the first line of the description for the video.
Take care,
Bill
I think he said 2000?
Hi Suburban Experimentalist! How's the suburban experiment working out for you?
good review thank you the front ac your right on!
It's too bad they don't offer it in the 17' like they use to. Bill
I've had my 2006 17' Casita , for 6 yrs now and LOVE IT SO MUCH '! Glad to say also that the Casita holds its value the best and affordable too, unlike the 'snob' way over priced Airstream trailers.
Hi Mary,
Yep those Airstreams are expensive, but there are a couple of very nice ones I would mind having if they were giving them away!
Bill
I love this video. You know what everything's called. (I call things things and stuff) You put your experiences in. Sounds like you could make your own rv. I lived in a jayco for a year and now am looking for my own under 2000lb (because minimal seems to calm me and I'm saving for property) I'm looking for any advice toward this lifestyle. Thanks
I enjoyed the truth, it is so refreshing. Just subscribed
Hi Karen, Welcome I hope you enjoy the videos!
Good review.
These are the kinds of video i love. the good the bad the ugly is what i want to know!
I really enjoy your videos and like the idea of a fiberglass trailer, since most problems with all RVs seem to start with water leaks. The more I look around at different types, old and new, I find myself leaning toward an Oliver. Aluminum frame, all that marine hardware... it just reeks of quality. I haven't been able to find a price on one though, which is worrisome. lol
Thanks for sharing all your knowledge with us! My wife and i would like to get a travel trailer and hit the road ourselves someday. Definitely not going with a wood and sheet metal trailer though... I built Terry trailers for Fleetwood back in the 80s and I'm surprised they don't just blow apart.
+Because I said so!!!
Hey,
Olivers are probably the most expensive FG trailers out there, that's probably why it seems to reek of quality ( it is!). They do a great job on those trailers. I see them used every once in a while but they're a pretty rare find.
Good luck,
Bill
I have yet to find a used one, but I did see one driving through town out here in Ohio once! I hear the base price is around $41,000... but they custom build them with what you want. I don't have that kind of money right now, but a guy can dream. lol
+Because I said so!!!
$41,000 base? Ouch, I think I'd slum it in something cheaper and spend the savings on traveling.
Because I said so (love it); My good friend who is on his third RV (but his first fiberglass unit) just purchased a "Bigfoot". Made in British Columbia. We live in NC. This is a luxury unit. Check them out.
Thanks for this video.
The differences in the years is astounding. My 2013 17ft SD it's refreshing to compare how they progressed through the years. Instead of steel on fixtures and hardware they seem to use a lot of aluminum.
John Nguyen
Hey John,
The 17' has an RV industry door, the 16' has one made by Casita. I'm unclear about the mention of steel? Other then the washers on the door (and the steel latch) all the metal fittings are stainless steel. The Casitas have definitely changed since 1983, I saw a 86' last winter and mine was very different also the 86' had a very yellow tint to it!
Take care,
Bill
We used to own a 2003 Casita and this is a fair review. I cannot disagree with anything you pointed out. I used to replace the rivet covers every few years... looks like you need some new ones also.
Like you mentioned, You have really put some miles and wear and tear on yours and it still is acting like a home. So I would say they are rock solid.
Jerry Densmore
Hey Jerry,
Yep! Not perfect but it's solid. The simpler you go the more likely you are to avoid serious issues that will cause a lot of frustration and waste your time.
Take care,
Bill
Jerry Densmore v3
thanks for the video. great info definitely gives me reason to question getting a casita! it sounds like a lot of quality control issues.
There are tons of quality control issues with 99% of all RVs, quality is definitely not job one in the RV manufacturing industry! Hahaha
Thanks for a good true review
Thanks for watching! Bill
That rig has more to it than you have imagined.
appreciate the video.
Cool stuff
My 2006 17 footer has been great. Bouncing around Colorado mountain dirt roads since I got it with only on problem. The hold down on me big propane tanks broke but was an easy fix for me. Overhead air cond. is VG and I have 100% hearing. I bet your body was better 8ok miles ago too. The molds for all these trailers mfg. came from England years ago and were modified or copied.
The Casita club would probably tell you the same. I did my research for over a year and was a seasoned camper and knew what to look for. If you buy again that is my advice to you since you finally know more about it then when you started.
Paul Bottone
Hi Paul, I read the entire Casita Club website before I bought my trailer (there was no Casita Forum back then). I think it took me a couple months just to read it all! Bill
thank you for the video
I always read the negative reviews first. They provide a foot in reality. The good stuff is obvious, the bad stuff is not. Thanks for pointing out the down side to a Casita. Good to know. I would never have thought of stress cracks in the gel coating. That bumper is a joke. And to save money on plumbers putty and non-stainless washers, seriously! I would not buy a Casita based on just those two little items. It shows a disrespect for the buyer and disregard for product quality. You have to redo all those screws and sink drain because they are cheap. Very shabby of them, and short term thinking. Look at the difference with Airstream that has a cult following due to quality.
Haven't lived in one that small but I have lived in a travel trailer thanks for your honest review
I really appreciate the balance. Nice job.👍🏼👍🏼👍👍🏼
Good video, man. Subscribed.
Thanks, welcome!
Nice review.
Thanks. they're off my list
Thanks so much for your good, honest review depicting the good and the not so good. This is an older model I see (2000). Do you know if Casita has improved on the cosmetic stress cracking at all of the exterior and the door striker and latch parts? Thanks again and Happy New Year wishes to you !!
Hi Scott, Casita has changed some of the appliances but that is about it. The 2000 model was the first year of the last change in design, even the logos are still the same. I went with the 16' because I hated the roof top AC unit, if that isn't an issue for you the 17' has a standard RV door and would probably be a better choice. Bill
Just came across a second hand 2014 and watched your video first to see if I was interested.
If you pry up the cover on the shower drain, you will find a cross-shaped grid member underneath. It is probably clogged with hair. Clean it out and cut the cross-shaped member off and the drain will flow a lot better.
It will flow better until something big goes down the drain and clogs it completely. I think that cross thing is so you can unscrew the drain as well.
MrTdw1954
No. it is just there for, well, I don't know. The perforated cover prevents large objects from going down in. It just snaps in place. The cross piece collects hair and after 20 years or so..,.. mine was clogged after 17 years!
Quite informative
new sub. thank you for sharing.
good to know the other side of things.
We need more videos like this one, of many products. Thanks wanderer!
More to come! I'm getting ready to start making videos again. Bill