Casita or Scamp?

[clearcut]

I've just about given up looking for a good used trailer. The few I've looked at are either over priced or under-equipped, or thrashed to the point where they're ready to be turned into a chicken coop.

I won't be needing the trailer this year because all my work stuff will be fairly close to home so I'm still looking. But I've started to consider just buying a new one because next season I'll be traveling quite a bit.

I'd be curious as to the pros and cons of Casita versus Scamp. It seems like you good folks own quite a few of each and you have the practical experience to back up your opinions.

If you would, as time permits, list what you like and don't like about your specific trailer. Maybe it will help[ me make up my mind. I've read the sales brochures on both and both would seem to fit my needs...according to the brochures.

You guys and gals that have them...what do do you say? If you were to go buy a new one today, a 16 footer, what way would you go?

[Bob Miller]

Right now "Waiting" is a good idea as prices are peaking for pre-season sales. In September they will start down again and bottom out in the early winter. Time is on your side.

[Ken C]

IF you compare all the standard features, Escape north of you in BC becomes very competitive.

[Donna D.]

All the egg shaped trailers are more alike than different. It's really about budget, layout and location (and that's if buying new too). I live within five hours of Escape, 24 hours of Casita and about 48 hours from Scamp (that's driving straight through driving time). If I wanted to pickup my trailer at the factory... which do you think I'd be looking to buy? Importing into the US from BC (new) is a no-brainer.

Each trailer brand has pluses and minuses that become only important to YOU the buyer, not necessarily to US the owners.

BTW: my current 24 year old trailer is perfect for me at this time. I would not replace it with the same thing. I want a 5th wheel!

Good luck on the egg hunt.

[melissab]

Hi Bob! Is weight a concern? If so, then Scamps are usually lighter since they dont have the full fiberglass bottom (think bathtub) which the Casita has. Scamps definately have a lighter tongue weight. What is your tow vehicle's capabilities?

[MCDenny]

Take a look a Lil Snoozy as well. They are made with a modern fiberglass, foam, fiberglass sandwich shell. High strength and light weight. I don't think any of the other brands are made this way.

Near as I could tell about the same price as a Casita.

Quite a hike from you though, in SC although they do arrange delivery.

Maybe it's just me but I would never buy a trailer sight unseen.

[melissab]

And Lil Snoozy is all electric so depending on where you plan to camp that may or may not be a factor. Just like EggCamper is all electric. Dont forget Parkliner too! They are a propane trailer.

[Robin G]

If your going new, I personally would look at an Egg Camper. The most room going in a egg!

But that isn't saying you shouldn't look at other's. There are lot's of very nice options. ( I know, ton's of help huh?) Sorry, just giving you another option..........

[clearcut]

Originally Posted by melissab

Hi Bob! Is weight a concern? If so, then Scamps are usually lighter since they dont have the full fiberglass bottom (think bathtub) which the Casita has. Scamps definately have a lighter tongue weight. What is your tow vehicle's capabilities?

I'll be using a 2011 Tacoma with V-6 and Firestone airbags. I've towed stuff with it before and , while not a powerhouse, it seems to do okay.

[Carol H]

I have the Scamp 16' with side bath - I like the layout due to the extra counter space. I love my trailer but if I was buying new I would go for the Escape 17'.

[clearcut]

Thanks to everybody for the advice. You've given me some good ideas. More please!

I'll be boondocking for five or six days a week while I work and I already have a portable generator so I'm thinking that as much electrical as possible might be the way to go. We're often camped as much as twenty miles from the nearest pavement and fifty or more to the nearest town.
The stick trailer I had before used a lot of propane but maybe things have advanced a bit in twenty years. Hope so.

[Adrian W]

Here's what I have observed:
We have a 2005 16' Scamp Molded Fiberglass Travel Trailer with Rear Bed, Side Dinette, Front Shower & Head and have never had any problems with being claustrophobic in it as I have heard. We tow with a 2009 Ford F-150 Reg. Cab Long Bed with A.R.E. Molded Fiberglass Topper with tow package, smaller of the V-8s, extra large gas tank. 2010, on a trip to Yellowstone, we averaged 17 mpg towing. We did very little driving except towing, our daughter & son in law had their SUV so we rode with them when sightseeing. This summer on a short trip, got about 20 mpg without towing in mountains and about 18 mpg towing on somewhat flat with having to climb a pass to get home.

Scamps are somewhat lighter than the Casitas, Scamps have more head room, have R15 insulation with the marine fabric & insulation (some times called 'rat fur' & sheds water & will not mildew easily) which cover the walls & celling, Casita has just carpet. Both keep condensation from forming in them. Casita has an extra foot in the 17' models. Scamp comes in 13' & 16' & a 19' 5th wheel, R15 rated insulation. 13" tires/wheels only. Specs

Casita have 13, 16, 17, no insulation, not as tall inside. Wider beds, more varied layouts for beds. 13 & 16 lower ceilings, small frigs. 14" or 15" tires/wheels. Specs

Scamp & Casita Flooring

Scamp TTs and Casita and the Canadian Escape. There is also the all electric Egg Camper.

A new make, "Lil' Snoozy"; seems to all electric as well, but a very nice design, good sized bed. Depending on were you "camp", this would be a really nice trailer if you primary or only stay at campgrounds/RV parks with hookups. This would apply to the EggCamper as well. I have read reports about them; a very roomy small trailer.

Can't address the differences in quality, not been in but one Casita. But it seems to be pretty good in the Scamp. Main problem with Scamp TT I have found is bed size, just too narrow. The wheel size (13") is another factor. Casita comes with 14" wheel & can 15" can be order as well. All the molded fiberglass TT are well built & last a long, long time & have excellent resell value. Casita have more bed sizes to choose from as well. The Snoozy has a really nice sized bed. Scamps were price less when I bought, than Casita. I assume it is the same now....? Casita is have a lower profile, Scamp more retro look. Somewhat like a plastic Airstream.

We like leaving the rear bed down as a bed, it has a small side dinette just right for the two of us. We have adjusted to the narrow bed by sleeping head to toe. We have really enjoyed the trailer. Easy to tow, to park, to find a site, it is warm or cool and easy to warm it up if cold out & cools off quickly if hot.

Scamp have smaller holding tanks than Casita I believe. We carry extra water in the pickup.

The Snoozy, it seems the man making them is really trying to make a good product. Old Man Snoozy Many the all electric wouldn't be as bad as I first thought. They are made not too far from Kentucky in St. Matthews, SC. Escape is another one I'd look into as well. But made in BC, Canada. Scamp are made in Minnesota & Casita in Texas.

There is also two Trillium trailers: The Outback from Canada and Trillium made in California at one time. Seems they are to be make in Phoenix soon Trillium RV.

Park Liner (middle of the article) is another new make which may be a good one from what I have been reading. Based in Gibsonville, NC.

For real small units, but fiberglass: Maybe a Little Joe or Ponderosa (or even a Roughneck): Fiberglass Trailers would be large enough for your needs, they look neat, but I have not seen one in person. Small but large beds. Not as roomy of course. Made in Henderson, Colorado.

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by clearcut

Thanks to everybody for the advice. You've given me some good ideas. More please!

I'll be boondocking for five or six days a week while I work and I already have a portable generator so I'm thinking that as much electrical as possible might be the way to go. We're often camped as much as twenty miles from the nearest pavement and fifty or more to the nearest town.
The stick trailer I had before used a lot of propane but maybe things have advanced a bit in twenty years. Hope so.

You should be aware that the use of generators has gone very out of vogue in the past 20 years Mostly due to the sound - many places have restrictions & others have outlawed their use. Solar has become more popular choose for boon docking. New appliances and LED lights make the change pretty easy.

[Mike Magee]

Scamp will feel more roomy than Casita (in same size, be it 13 or 16) due to having a bit wider aisle and taller interior.

I saw a 19' Escape last fall and it was really nice.

[RogerDat]

Think about how you plan to use it, lots of inside cooking, weeks worth of groceries in fridge, need a bed and a table inside full time? Or just a place to shower, sleep and maybe make your morning coffee?

I agree with the comments on generators, battery for LED lights, solar for charging, propane for fridge, heat and cooking. Might want double propane tanks, a week of fridge and hot water on one tank is a stretch. Generator for backup and maybe air conditioning if the climate is really hot. All electric would mean hauling a lot of fuel.

That ground clearence thing is important if the terrain is at all rough, have seen more than one scamp with scrapes on the bottom back edge from backing into a steep incline but doubt it would be an issue in most campgrounds, would be at a construction site or in national forest. Scamp I expect are a bit more aerodynamic being a little lower.

[melissab]

As to Scamp's smaller bed size, if you get a Deluxe they have larger 54" beds instead of the standard 44" bed.

[slowpat]

Hey Clearcut!! Thanks for asking the same questions I have.

I was looking at pictures of small stick built trailers but they just look flimsy and boxy. Kalispell is the model available here.

I like the Scamp, but it looks too low to the ground. I'd have to talk to some of our local artisan mechanics about changing the axle so it would ride higher. I think that's what would have to be done.

I looked at an Eriba Puck Sunday, but it was beyond my skills to fix.

There was a used Scamp, but it was priced the same as a new one. I looked at a 13 foot Bigfoot, but it seemed too low and I didn't think about the axle solution.

I do not plan on being near electrical hookups all the time and I do not care for generator noise.

The Escape seemed very spendy. I'll have to look again. There would be paperwork with that, wouldn't there? Maybe mass quantities?

Tis a hard process....

[Ken C]

After 11 years, I think Escape has the paperwork down pat, or deliver to your doorstep. They have a 2 Yr warranty, I kinda like that. Have fun shopping

[RogerDat]

Originally Posted by slowpat

Hey Clearcut!! Thanks for asking the same questions I have.

I like the Scamp, but it looks too low to the ground. I'd have to talk to some of our local artisan mechanics about changing the axle so it would ride higher. I think that's what would have to be done.

It's not just the axle, the wheel well is probably too small to allow for a larger tire, or at least much larger. I think I have seen some mods on this site that manage a couple more inches of ground clearence. As I recall required a new axle on the 13ft version. There was an extreme mod for a rock climber that had great ground clearence but that involved a wheel well mod

[Carol H]

Originally Posted by slowpat

Hey Clearcut!!
The Escape seemed very spendy. I'll have to look again. There would be paperwork with that, wouldn't there? Maybe mass quantities?

The paperwork is not a big deal - actually pretty simple and straight forward. The sheer number of Escape's that have found a home south of the border is a pretty good indicator of that.