New to Casitas

[TBrown]

Hi I'm Timothy, still in the process of ordering what I want in the build of a Cadita Freedom Deluxe. Looking for feedback on a couple of questions. Are the captains chairs comfortable enough to give up the storage space you get with a Spirit Deluxe? Can a Casita be safely towed without the Anderson hitch?

[jerrybob]

Welcome....can't speak to the chairs but as for the hitch.....yes. A lot depends on your set up and your tow vehicle. Just be safe out there.

[Egg White]

Timothy,
Welcome to the forum.

Regarding the chairs. There are several threads where folks have converted the Spirit side dinette to swivel chairs. The mod preserves the under seat cabinet and affords options for a more comfortable seat. Do a forum search for thread titles containing “swivel.”

Regarding the Andersen WDH, I tow a 2023 Casita 17’ Spirit with a 2022 Tacoma SR5 DCSB with a V6. I opted to just get the sway bar when I ordered the trailer based on the experience towing my previous 16’ Casita with a 4 cylinder Tacoma. Although my current Tacoma safely handles the 17’ Casita, I chose to return to the factory the day after pickup to have the Andersen installed. I find the Andersen reduces the amount of bouncing and makes the rig feel more connected. I believe it reduces driver fatigue and leads to a more pleasurable and safer driving experience.

Philip

[texastall]

Only the dealer can install an Anderson hitch? Where do I look for information?

[Calong]

My understanding is, that if you purchase the Anderson hitch from Casita they properly set it up for you. Apparently it comes with longer chains and all of the correct fittings.

[texastall]

I am looking at one now and trying to get all the tips and pointers here before I commit!

[Escape 15A]

Originally Posted by texastall

I am looking at one now and trying to get all the tips and pointers here before I commit!

We just picked up our 2025 Independence on 11/18. Casita is running a promo so try and get in on it. Tell River the Evans said hi

[TBrown]

Yes it's a very good deal, I'm taking full advantage, initially opted out of awning but if it's free, why not?

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by TBrown

Yes it's a very good deal, I'm taking full advantage, initially opted out of awning but if it's free, why not?

make sure you stake it down EVERY time you deploy it.

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by justa25thTA

make sure you stake it down EVERY time you deploy it.

I ran a Casita with a Fiamm awning for a number of years, don't remember staking it out at most campsites. I'd stake down the feet of the legs but running guy wires? meh. trip-bait.




I gotta say, I really prefer the Carefree of Colorado awning of my Escape.

[justa25thTA]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

I ran a Casita with a Fiamm awning for a number of years, don't remember staking it out at most campsites. I'd stake down the feet of the legs but running guy wires? meh. trip-bait.




I gotta say, I really prefer the Carefree of Colorado awning of my Escape.

Looks like a strap around the escape awning?

[daveandalice]

The Fiamma anchor system works very well, the anchor clips drop into the track on the front of the awning, in addition I always stake the legs down.
I added an additional rope yesterday when the winds started getting gusty.
Sorry my photos post sideways using a phone

[John in Santa Cruz]

Originally Posted by justa25thTA

Looks like a strap around the escape awning?

that strap is for deploying it. when you retract the awning, the awning is wound around the drum along with that strap, you pull the strap out to deploy it. The drum has a spring in it, kinda like a roller blind, there's a lever on the end for 'in' vs 'out', that enables/disables a one way ratchet.