Hello.. New Member from Olympia, WA

[Trakel]

My name is Chuck .. wife is Dana. We just bought a 1981 13' Casita. Very excited in our new toy. Looking for owner manuals ... and any Do's and Don'ts on owing this RV. Thanks in advance for any help!

Regards,
Chuck

[DeanCHS1980]

Chuck,

Welcome and congratulations! DO enjoy that 13' Casita.

Take care,

Dean

[Gerry]

Welcome Chuck & Dana sure you find most of your questions answer by the knowlageable group here on FGRV
Hope to see you on the road someday
Gerry & Barb

[Jon in AZ]

Only one oft repeated don't around here:
DON'T use silicone-based caulk on the exterior. The fix for a leaky window or vent is to R&R with fresh butyl tape (or a fresh gasket in the case of fixed plexiglass windows).

DO check the tire dates and condition. More than 6-7 years is aged out, regardless of tread.
DO check the adjustment on your coupler before your first tow.
DO check the condition of the rubber torsion axle. As you jack up one side of the trailer on the frame behind the axle, the wheel should drop several inches. If it seems frozen in place, the rubber inside is hardened and the axle is dead.
DO test your LP plumbing before using any of the LP appliances. A drop test (similar to the test they do in residential systems) is a great start.
DO inspect your electrical system (or have someone knowledgable do it). In 36 years, no telling what someone may have done!
DO check the subfloor for soundness, especially inside benches and cabinets around the perimeter of the trailer.

And finally,
DO ask lots of questions.
DO start planning your first few trips. Some destinations require reservations well in advance. Close to home for the first trip is a good idea.
DO add personal touches to make it your own.
DO have tons of fun!

Congratulations, and happy camping!

[WaltP]

And I'll add to that list
DO attend a rally. There are lots out your way.
You'll be surprised how much you'll learn about our trailers, how many special nice folks you'll meet, and how much fun you'll have.

Welcome

Walt

[Parker]

There are rallies in the PNW some on the Casita forum but all Fiberglass RV's are welcome.

[robinaengland]

You may want have the frame examined for stress cracks! Bexthecatherder on you tube has a video of her frame breaking on her 1985 Casita, fortunately she was at a stop , and was able to get it repaired without damaging her trailer.

[WaltP]

Well, my fingers are crossed for Bex. The fix to the frame is only temporary at best, as she says.
I'm hoping the rest of the trailer is okay, but I think the verdict on that is still out.

And welcome, Robin and Parker.

Walt

[Kai in Seattle]

Welcome, Chuck and Dana in Olympia, WA!


There will be a rally (gathering) at Dash Point September 21, 22, 23rd, 2017.
We'll be there from the 20th until the 24th; several people have signed up already. The best day if you wanted to come just for a Daycation would be Saturday, the 23rd...but if your 13' Scamp is rolling by then, you'd be more than welcome to join us--the Seattle Area Gathering (SAG).


BEST
Kai in Seattle
(Kathleen & Paul near Renton)

[Trakel]

Great news ... our Casita arrived today! Will post pictures soon. Is there a heater in a 1981 Casita 13"?????

Thanks!!

[WaltP]

I might be able to make that rally in Dash Point. My Escape is currently scheduled for pickup on the 19th. That would be a nice bonus.

Walt

[Jon in AZ]

Originally Posted by Trakel

Great news ... our Casita arrived today! Will post pictures soon. Is there a heater in a 1981 Casita 13"?????

Heaters in small trailers (or furnaces to be more correct) are typically optional, so some have them and some don't. If yours has one you should be seeing a metal grille on the galley cabinet. There will also be an exhaust vent on the exterior of the trailer directly behind the grille.

Congratulations on the "new" trailer! I'm looking forward to your pictures.