330 extra pounds weigh in

[Paula Bindrich]

Ok. I took the 1987 Casita for my first spin in it to "the dump" for a weigh-in. Shipping weight was listed as 950lbs. We removed the ancient A/C and put on a 10lb propane tank and it now weighs a trim 1280 lbs, empty! What's with that!? I figured it would be more than 950 but 330lbs. more?!

So, my Dad said that the camper had carpet all over which I figured was that rat fur but on seeing it I now believe it's regular old carpet. Rat fur is like steel wool, right. What would the weight difference be do you think?

I searched for "rat fur" and didn't come up with anything, although it was probably operator error.

Thanks,
Paula and the dieting Casita

[Brian B-P]

Mouse fur is the short-pile (and often grey) upholstery used in many automobiles. It's soft (like a mouse, if you've ever petted one...) cut-pile stuff, not the looped and rough (kind of steel wool like) style of carpet usually called "berber".

Rats are bigger than mice, so rat fur is a longer-haired version of mouse fur - you think I'm joking, but I'm serious! I suppose the other possibility is that we call it mouse fur around here, and it's called rat fur elsewhere, because we theoretically don't have rats in Alberta (but have lots of mice), and everyone else has rats.

In the end, the wall covering is not likely the problem, anyway. All of the optional equipment (maybe stuff like a refrigerator, water tank and pump, battery, propane tank, heater, fan...) and sheer reality (versus marketing idealism) likely account for the difference in advertised and actual weight.

[Paula Bindrich]

You would think after all those years in advertising I would get it. But I'm always looking for the brighter side.

This is a pretty simple version. No heat, hand pump, ice box, but that's ok, I know how to pack light!

Paula

[Alf S.]

Hi: Check inside all the cupboards and closet... Our Boler has a paper pasted to the inside of the closet door that lists all the options and also the G.V.W.R.(Gross vehicle weight rating) which is the maximum allowable weight that the trailer suspension system can handle...loaded and ready to tow!!! Ours is 1700 lbs. The license/ownership lists a weight for the trailer as 1020lbs. I am therefore allowed 680lbs. of stuff n such. After that I need weight watchers
Alf S. North shore of Lake Erie

[Paula Bindrich]

Couldn't find too much but I did find the bill of sale which lists the additional spare tire and cover, range cover, sink cover, and screen door (also the airconditioner).

Since I find issues with fuzzy old mildewy carpeting next to my dishes I'll be removing that and the stuff in the closet. I should be able to remove at least a pound!

Paula