Patricia,
Thanks for the welcome.
We were tent campers for many years who decide that we had earned our merit badges and it was okay to move on. We had been reluctant to buy a trailer because we really didn't want to leave a bigger carbon footprint then we were already. The lightness of the T@B and the fact that we could pull it with our Subaru Outback
sold us. We found and bought our T@B on eBay. Even in 2006 we thought the price tag on new ones was outrageous.
Over the years the lightness (1800#), maneuverability, and uniqueness of the design (every gas or rest stop we could plan on a 'home tour') were features that endeared us to our little tabby. What I could see as advantages that were missed was the teardrop design restricted the amount of headroom to a small area. This also limited the additional storage space that could be built into that extra headroom. I began envying those that had the egg shell designs that created more living space in the same footprint as our T@B. My dream was to have a Bambi, but I would never pay the price. I found myself looking at Casita, Scamps, and Bolers.
BTW: We had added a small portable toilet (Thetford) that stored in a closet space. This was a "must" feature that my wife required.
I recently had to do a major remodel of our T@B because of damage to the floor caused by unseen water leaking in around the wheel wells. This is a design issue with the T@B that needs to be better addressed. I could see that the molded wheel wells of fiberglass designed trailers was a real plus.
Okay, back to your question, sorry for the short bird walk. Are there features in the T@B that have advantages over the Casita?...other than overall
weight and ease of maneuverability...no. I really like the jockey wheel on the tongue and handles on the front and back that allow us to easily move and reposition the trailer wherever we park it. I'm sure I can put a jockey wheel on the Casita, but not sure how I'll grab it to move it.
I'm looking forward to working on the new trailer this winter. I have had some experience working with fiberglass (boat/kayak building and repair) which I'm sure will be useful as I tackle the project. Basic design features that will be part of the remodel will include a galley kitchen (stove, sink, frig), a two-seat dinette area, permanent bed with overhead and under-bed storage. We will leave the bathroom/shower. For some unexplained reason a previous owner removed the 12v system, which will also be re-installed.
My only question as we move ahead with our design is the necessity for having carpet on the walls and ceiling. I have read that it is because of potential condensation issues, but I also see that others have removed it in their remodeling. I will have to pose that question on this forum as we move forward.
Sorry for the long response.
Bill