Awning for Casita

[Paul Arnold]

We are shopping for a trailer (have recently sold our slide-in pickup-camper), and we like the design features of the fiberglass trailers, such as the Casita. We understand that the awnings for the Casita are somewhat difficult to use. Are there any fiberglass brands that have high-quality, easily workable awnings other than Bigfoot and Escape? We're probably talking about awnings that have hinged vertical arms at each end of the awning are permanently affixed to the trailer.

[CD Smith]

Originally Posted by Paul Arnold

We are shopping for a trailer (have recently sold our slide-in pickup-camper), and we like the design features of the fiberglass trailers, such as the Casita. We understand that the awnings for the Casita are somewhat difficult to use. Are there any fiberglass brands that have high-quality, easily workable awnings other than Bigfoot and Escape? We're probably talking about awnings that have hinged vertical arms at each end of the awning are permanently affixed to the trailer.

In my opinion you are mistaken that the Casita awing is duifficult to use.

I find it easy to deploy and retract. Once you learn the simple steps it provides ample shade for out door meals even when stopping in rest stops in the western desert. I also find it very useful when breaking camp when it is raining.

Any time I stop for longer than a single night I immediate deply it.

[Donna D.]

I agree with CDSmith! I purposely installed a case awning on my Scamp (ala Casita) because I usually camp alone and didn't want anything that required two people to deploy or use. It's GREAT! (althought not cheap after market)

[Paul Arnold]

Help me out, Donna -- is your "case awning" identical to the awning that comes (as an option) with a new 16' or 17' Casita? If not, how is it different and who makes it? My problem, obviously, is lack of familiarity with the word "case" in this context. Me, a newbie? Yep.

[GreenDoorTN]

Hello, I just purchased a '93 16' casita yesterday. It has no awning. Any suggestions on buying and installing one?

[CD Smith]

Originally Posted by GreenDoorTN

Hello, I just purchased a '93 16' casita yesterday. It has no awning. Any suggestions on buying and installing one?

You should contact either Larry Gamble (at Little House Customs) or Casita to get the awning and installation costs.

[Donna D.]

Hi Jackie, welcome to FiberglassRV. I installed the same case awning that Casita uses on my Scamp. This was 5-7 years ago and the price was under $1,000. Obviously there are cheaper options, but I wanted something I could setup myself (easily).

Are you interested in a bag awning or case awning... or maybe something else?

[GreenDoorTN]

Hi Donna, no clue but inexpensive is key. Something I just whip out and have shelter,

[GreenDoorTN]

Donna, how do they measure these campers? Does the length inclue the tongue?

[Roy in TO]

Originally Posted by Paul Arnold

My problem, obviously, is lack of familiarity with the word "case" in this context.

Welcome Paul,
In general there are 3 types of awnings.
The first I'll call standard. It is a sheet of something wrapped around a rope on one end that slides into a channel attached to the trailer. The other end is held up by poles and ropes. You put the awning up each time you use it and take it down and fold it up to store.

The second is a bag awning. The awning attaches the same way to the trailer and usually stays in the channel while you travel. Where the awning attaches to the trailer, there is a bag that is part of the the awning that poles and everything else is hand rolled into to store, nice and neat.

A case awning is similar to a bag awning but the awning is stored in a hard case rather than a bag. Some of them have a crank that you turn to raise and lower the awning.

You can google search for { awning site:fiberglassrv.com } then select images to see a large # of pictures of the different styles. Or the link below will give you a pretty good idea of the various styles.

Best Awning option....

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by GreenDoorTN

Donna, how do they measure these campers? Does the length inclue the tongue?

Yes Jackie, length is from the tip of the coupler to rear bumper. A 13' trailer will typically have a 10' cabin.

[Sharon G]

Just wanted to add that I have a 2005 Casita with the factory awning.

It goes faster with two people, but I can open and close it by myself, and don't understand how it could be considered difficult to use.

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by Sharon G

Just wanted to add that I have a 2005 Casita with the factory awning.

It goes faster with two people, but I can open and close it by myself, and don't understand how it could be considered difficult to use.

I'm a retired mechanical engineer and think the stock Fiamm awning is very well designed, simple for 1 person to deploy, and repair parts seem readily available. I prefer NOT to have permanent arms sticking out on the side of the trailer as I frequent dirt roads and narrow paths through trees and would rather not have to fight branches becoming entangled with the arms....
Charlie Y

[Marsha D]

I'll have to weigh in on the Casita awnings, too. I don't think they're difficult at all to deploy.

I would suggest contacting Casita, have them give you names of Casita owners in your area (who have Casitas with awnings, of course) and you can see for yourself how easy it is.