In a world increasingly captivated by the #vanlife movement and a growing desire for minimalist, outdoor-oriented lifestyles, tiny travel trailers like Casita models are quietly gaining traction. While they might not have the viral hashtag appeal of #traveltrailerlife, Casita Travel Trailers offer a compelling blend of affordability, towability, and practicality that’s hard to ignore. Six years ago, drawn by their reputation and accessible price point, I purchased a used 1991 Casita Spirit Deluxe sight unseen. Despite some initial vintage quirks, three years of Casita ownership convinced me of the superiority of travel trailers for nomadic living, and specifically, the enduring appeal of the Casita brand. Their durability, stable market value, ideal size and weight, functionality, and undeniable charm make them stand out.
Casita travel trailer parked in a scenic outdoor setting
Why Not a Campervan or RV? Exploring the Alternatives
While the Instagram-worthy allure of campervans is undeniable, the reality of van life can be less glamorous. Even spacious vans often feel cramped and require significant, costly modifications for essential amenities like plumbing, running water, and bathrooms. Critically, with a van, your vehicle is your house, which presents logistical challenges for daily life. As a working professional needing to commute and run errands, the idea of driving my entire living space everywhere was instantly unappealing. This immediately ruled out campervans and smaller Class C RVs for me. Class A RVs, with their sheer size and expense, were never even a consideration.
Exterior view of a Casita travel trailer showcasing its compact size and towability
Interior of a Casita travel trailer showing the living and dining area
The Advantages of Tow-Behind Travel Trailers
Travel trailers offer a key advantage: detachment. Being able to unhitch my “home” and drive off in my truck to work each day was paramount. My dog stays comfortably in the camper while I’m at the hospital, and I can leave essential systems like air conditioning and refrigeration running. Full hookups for power, water, and sewer remain undisturbed when I leave. My work requires extended stays in one location (typically around three months), so frequent relocation isn’t a factor. I needed a setup that accommodated a longer-term stationary lifestyle while allowing daily vehicle use.
Furthermore, campervans and Class C RVs often lack the off-road capability needed to reach the remote trailheads and campsites I love. My 4Runner, however, excels in these environments, and a Casita travel trailer, with the right modifications, can be surprisingly capable off-road. I wanted the freedom to park my trailer and explore trails, lakes, and off-road destinations without being limited by my living space. A tow-behind travel trailer perfectly balances the need for a mobile home with the flexibility of a capable 4×4 vehicle.
Author standing in front of her Casita travel trailer in a scenic outdoor location
Why Choose a Casita Travel Trailer? The Fiberglass Advantage
My search for the ideal travel trailer began after completing the Appalachian Trail. I dedicated weeks to researching various models, prioritizing value and reliability on a limited budget. While my first vintage Casita presented some unforeseen issues, it solidified my conviction in the Casita brand and fiberglass trailers in general. Through renovating my “Margarita Casita,” I gained invaluable experience in camper living and maintenance, and a deep appreciation for the unique benefits of these compact fiberglass campers. Fiberglass trailers truly stand out for several key reasons:
Leak-Proof Design
Casita travel trailers are renowned for their virtually leak-proof construction. Their molded fiberglass shells, essentially two boat hulls joined together, eliminate seams and joints, the primary culprits in trailer leaks. Leaks, when they do occur, are typically traced to easily addressed issues like window seal degradation, loose connections, or plumbing problems, not structural failures. My previous 30-year-old Casita remained dry, and my newer model promises similar longevity.
Close-up of the seamless fiberglass shell construction of a Casita travel trailer
Towability and Accessibility
Current Casita models are 17 feet long and weigh between 2200-3000 lbs, depending on the specific model and options. This lightweight profile makes them compatible with a wide range of tow vehicles and contributes to better fuel economy while towing. Older, even lighter 13ft and 16ft models are also occasionally available on the used market. With optional upgrades like a high-lift axle, shock kit, and larger tires, Casitas can confidently navigate bumpy dirt roads for off-grid adventures and access smaller, more secluded campsites inaccessible to larger RVs and trailers. Their off-road capability surpasses many campervans, and they are easily towed by vehicles like my 4Runner.
Price and Resale Value
Despite high demand and a production limited to a single factory in Texas (resulting in wait times of 13-18 months), Casita travel trailers maintain a reasonable price point. They are competitively priced against comparable “stick-built” trailers and more affordable than some other fiberglass trailer brands. Remarkably, Casitas often appreciate in value the moment they leave the factory lot, defying the typical depreciation of recreational vehicles. This is largely due to the supply-demand imbalance, with buyers willing to pay a premium for immediate availability.
A row of new Casita travel trailers at the factory, highlighting their classic design
Charming Aesthetics
Casitas possess an undeniable charm. Their egg-like shape evokes the classic Airstream aesthetic but in a smaller, more accessible package. For those who admire the Airstream design but find them too large, heavy, or expensive, Casitas offer a delightful alternative. Their customizable white fiberglass exteriors can be painted or wrapped for a personalized touch. I opted for a “naked” Casita, without factory logos, for a cleaner, more modern look, though custom graphics are definitely on my wish list.
Casita Considerations: Minor Drawbacks
For solo travelers or couples, the downsides of a Casita are minimal. The bathroom is compact, potentially challenging for taller individuals to stand upright in, and the popular Spirit model’s sideways bed configuration can require some nighttime acrobatics for couples sharing the bed. However, as a solo traveler of 5’3″, these aspects are perfectly manageable for me.
It’s worth noting that Casita isn’t the only fiberglass trailer manufacturer. Scamp and Oliver are other prominent US brands, and vintage options from Boler, Uhaul, and Trillium also exist. Scamp is Casita’s closest competitor, offering similar trailers at comparable prices with slightly different layouts. My preference for the Casita Spirit layout ultimately swayed my decision over Scamp.
Oliver Travel Trailers represent the luxury end of the fiberglass trailer spectrum. Larger (19ft or 24ft), often featuring double axles, and equipped with high-end finishes and appliances, Olivers are undeniably more opulent than Casitas. However, this luxury comes at a cost, with Oliver trailers being roughly twice as expensive and significantly heavier, impacting towability and versatility.
Tips for Purchasing a Casita Travel Trailer
- Assess Your Tow Vehicle: Carefully determine your vehicle’s towing and braking capacity to ensure it can safely handle a trailer weighing around 3000 lbs.
- Take a Casita Tour: Contact Casita to connect with a local owner for a tour. This firsthand experience will help you gauge the interior space and ensure it’s comfortable and appropriately sized for you.
- Join Casita Communities: Engage with online Casita owner groups on Facebook, such as Casita Owners of America and Casita Life, to learn from experienced owners and gather valuable insights.
- Attend a Fiberglass Trailer Rally: Consider attending a fiberglass trailer rally for the opportunity to tour various trailer types and make a well-informed decision.
- Place Your Deposit Early: Once you’re confident in your Casita decision, place your deposit promptly. Wait times can extend to a year or more, so securing your place in line is crucial, even if you haven’t finalized all your options.
Author and her dog standing outside her Casita travel trailer, ready for adventure
Casita Options: Factory and Aftermarket Upgrades
Factory Options Chosen:
- 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 kit)
- 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 it wasn’t available for installation before pickup. A slide-out battery tray is also on my future upgrade list.
Final Thoughts: The Casita Choice
Choosing a Casita travel trailer was a well-considered decision driven by practicality, value, and a desire for comfortable nomadic living. The total cost, including factory and aftermarket options, came to $32,300. Considering the average monthly costs of short-term rentals and campground fees, I anticipate the Casita paying for itself within 2-3 years through housing savings alone. Beyond the financial benefits, my Casita provides a comfortable, personalized “home” that travels with me, offering security and familiarity wherever I go.
Do you have questions about Casita travel trailers? Share them in the comments below or reach out via the contact form.
