Amidst the vanlife craze and a growing movement of outdoor enthusiasts seeking a simpler, more nomadic lifestyle, tiny travel trailers, specifically Casita Travel Trailers, offer a compelling yet often overlooked alternative. While #vanlife might dominate social media, the practicality and charm of #traveltrailerlife, particularly with a Casita, deserve a closer look. Six years ago, affordability, towability, and promising initial research led me to purchase a used Casita. I bought a 1991 Casita Spirit Deluxe online without even seeing one in person before. Despite initial issues with my vintage find, three years of Casita ownership convinced me of the superiority of travel trailers for nomadic living and the exceptional qualities of the Casita itself: its robust build, stable market value, ideal size and weight, functionality, and undeniable appeal.
Casita Travel Trailer in a scenic outdoor setting
Why I Chose a Travel Trailer Over Other Campers
While the Instagram-perfect image of vanlife is alluring, the reality can be less glamorous. Even spacious vans can feel cramped, and incorporating essential amenities like plumbing, running water, and a bathroom often involves complex and expensive modifications. Crucially, vanlife necessitates driving your entire living space wherever you go. As a working professional, the ability to detach my “house” and use my “vehicle” independently for commuting, errands, and recreation was paramount. This immediately ruled out campervans and Class C RVs (smaller, drivable recreational vehicles) for me. Having my sole vehicle be the same unit I live and travel in was simply not feasible. Class A RVs were never even considered due to their immense size and prohibitive cost.
Side view of a Casita Travel Trailer showcasing its compact size and towability
Rear view of two Casita Travel Trailers highlighting their rounded fiberglass design
The Advantages of a Tow-Behind Travel Trailer
Travel trailers offer a distinct advantage: the freedom to leave your living space behind when needed. My work “outside the home” at a hospital requires me to drive to work each morning, leaving my camper set up as my home base. My dog stays in the camper while I’m at work, and I need to keep the air conditioning and refrigerator running. Maintaining continuous power, water, and sewer hookups at my location is essential. Since my work involves full-time travel, I often stay in one location for extended periods, typically around three months. Frequent relocation every few days or working remotely isn’t my typical scenario.
Another significant factor in choosing a travel trailer is accessibility. Campervans and Class C RVs often struggle to reach the remote trailheads and campsites I prefer. My 4Runner, however, excels in such environments, and I aimed to make my Casita as off-road capable as possible. My desire was to park my “house” and freely explore hiking trails, kayak on lakes, go rafting, or off-road in my truck without vehicle limitations. A tow-behind travel trailer emerged as the ideal solution, allowing me to drive my 4×4 vehicle while towing my home-on-wheels wherever I venture.
Casita Travel Trailer parked in a natural outdoor setting, emphasizing its compatibility with nature and adventure
Why a Casita Travel Trailer Stands Out
My journey to finding the perfect travel trailer began six years ago after completing the Appalachian Trail. I dedicated weeks to intensive research, exploring countless models and styles. With a limited budget, I prioritized making the right purchase. Looking back, my initial trailer purchase involved learning curves and undisclosed issues. However, my conviction in the Casita brand solidified. Through renovating my “Margarita” Casita, I gained invaluable insights into camper living, maintenance, and the inner workings of these unique fiberglass trailers. Fiberglass trailers, particularly Casitas, offer several compelling advantages.
The Leak-Proof Fiberglass Shell
Casita travel trailers, constructed with a molded fiberglass shell, are virtually leak-proof. Their design resembles two inverted fiberglass boat hulls joined and sealed together. This seamless construction eliminates seams and joints, the common culprits for leaks in traditional trailers. Any leaks that do occur typically originate from aging window seals, loose connections, or plumbing issues, not structural failures. My previous thirty-year-old Casita remained leak-free, and I anticipate similar longevity from my current model.
Close-up of the seamless fiberglass shell of a Casita Travel Trailer, highlighting its durability and leak-proof design
Lightweight and Towable by Many Vehicles
Current Casita models are 17 feet long and weigh between 2200-3000 lbs, depending on the specific model and options. Older 13-foot and 16-foot models, occasionally available used, are even lighter. This manageable weight allows for towing by a wide range of vehicles, improving fuel efficiency while traveling. With optional upgrades like a high-lift axle, shock kit, and larger tires, Casitas are equipped to handle rougher terrain for off-grid adventures and fit into smaller, more secluded campsites inaccessible to larger trailers and RVs. Their off-road capability surpasses many campervans, and they are easily towed by vehicles like my 4Runner.
Affordable Price and Stable Market Value
Despite high demand that currently outstrips production (Casitas are manufactured in a single, small Texas facility with wait times of 13-18 months), their price point remains remarkably reasonable. Casitas are priced competitively with or even below similarly sized and weighted “stick-built” trailers, and are significantly more affordable than some other fiberglass trailer brands. Remarkably, Casitas often appreciate in value as soon as they leave the factory lot, unlike typical recreational vehicles that depreciate. This is largely due to the supply-demand imbalance, with buyers willing to pay above purchase price for immediate availability rather than enduring long wait times.
Interior view of a Casita Travel Trailer showcasing its compact yet functional living space and amenities
Undeniably Cute and Customizable
Casita travel trailers possess an undeniable charm. Their rounded, egg-like shape is inherently appealing. For those who admire the design of Airstreams but find them financially or logistically out of reach, Casitas offer a delightful compromise. They capture the same streamlined aesthetic without the weight or hefty price tag. Furthermore, Casitas are highly customizable. Their white fiberglass exterior can be painted or wrapped to create a personalized look. I envision adding custom graphics to mine eventually, but for now, its simplicity is perfect. I opted for a “naked” Casita without factory logos for a cleaner, more modern appearance.
Potential Downsides of a Casita Travel Trailer
For solo travelers or couples, the downsides of a Casita are minimal. The bathroom is compact, potentially challenging for taller individuals to stand fully upright. The Spirit model, a popular choice, features a sideways bed configuration that may require one person to climb over the other. However, as a solo traveler of 5’3″, these aspects are perfectly suited to my needs.
It’s important to acknowledge that Casita is not the only fiberglass trailer manufacturer. Scamp and Oliver are other prominent US manufacturers, and brands like Boler, Uhaul, and Trillium also produce small fiberglass trailers. Scamp is Casita’s closest competitor, offering similar trailers at comparable prices. While Scamp layouts differ slightly, my preference for the Casita Spirit layout ultimately guided my decision.
Oliver Travel Trailers represent the luxury end of fiberglass campers. Larger sizes (19ft or 24ft), optional double axles, and high-end finishes and appliances distinguish them. While offering a more upscale experience, Oliver trailers are significantly more expensive, often twice the price of a Casita, and considerably heavier, impacting versatility.
Essential Tips for Purchasing a Casita Travel Trailer
- Assess your tow vehicle capacity: Ensure your vehicle can safely tow and stop a trailer weighing approximately 3000 lbs.
- Tour a Casita in person: Contact Casita to connect with local owners and arrange a tour. Confirm the space feels comfortable and suits your height.
- Join Casita online communities: Explore Facebook groups like Casita Owners of America and Casita Life for valuable information and insights.
- Attend a fiberglass trailer rally: Rallies across the US offer opportunities to tour various fiberglass trailer types and make informed decisions.
- Place your deposit promptly: Once you’re certain about a Casita, secure your place in line by placing a deposit, even if option selections are pending. Wait times can extend to a year or more.
A group of Casita Travel Trailers at a rally, showcasing the Casita community and diverse customizations
My Casita Travel Trailer Options
Factory Options:
- Furnace (propane powered)
- Outside Shower
- Microwave
- LED Interior Bulbs
- Aluminum Alloy Wheels
- Solar Port
- Deep Cycle AGM Battery
- Electric Tongue Jack
- Roller Shades
- Leveling Blocks Set
- Folding Shelf
- Surge Protector
- Casita Kit (tool set)
- High Lift Suspension Package
- Awning
- 180W Solar Panel
- Anderson Weight Distribution Hitch
Aftermarket Options from Little Home on the Road:
- Shock Kit
- Katy Closet
- Toilet Shut-Off Valve
- Double Step
I also planned to add a Stromberg Carlson rack for generator or storage, but installation was delayed. A slide-out battery tray is also on my future modification list.
The Casita Choice: A Smart Investment
Ultimately, choosing a Casita travel trailer was a well-considered decision. The total cost, including factory and aftermarket options, amounted to $32,300. Considering average monthly costs of $1000-2000 for short-term rentals like AirBNB or Furnished Finder, and $400-700 for campground fees for small travel trailers, I anticipate the Casita paying for itself within 2-3 years through housing cost savings. Beyond the financial benefits, I now have a comfortable “home” that travels with me, filled with my belongings, providing a sense of security and familiarity wherever I roam with my dog, Shooter.
Do you have questions about Casita travel trailers? Leave a comment below!