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I am happier with my 6x15 Legend Trailer than a Casita or Scamp. But definitely, I've seen a Casita being towed in LA by a 4th Gen Dodge Grand Caravan [possibly a tow package model].
My trailer can hold 12 bicycles at times, or it can just be a cargo trailer or "makeshift RV." Or a hybrid of these...
If anyone has further questions about Scamp vs. Casita, contact me. I've just completed a LOT of online research.
Five years after this thread was active, I'll chime in. My wife and I just resolved this question for ourselves by buying a used Scamp 16 footer. We actually had a Casita on order, with delivery promised in six months. We didn't mind waiting through winter, and this 2021 Scamp cost the same as a new 2023 Casita (we'd just beat Casita's large price increase).
The big difference between these two similar-looking trailers is their tow car requirements. Casita only makes the 17-foot model now. It's only a foot longer than the Scamp, but all the extra length is added to the front half of the trailer, ahead of the axle. That makes them nose-heavy, often weigh in near 450 pounds at the hitch. That's about 15% of the total trailer's weight, while the usual standard is 10%. Casita is now stipulating a tow vehicle in the 5000-pound tow rating category, though the actual trailer weight is around 3000 lbs, unloaded. That raises concerns with us, including:
- We don't want to have a pickup or a fullsized SUV as our second car. We care about fuel economy and easy parking
- In the 5000 pound category, there a lot of larger and cheaper travel trailers available. I don't want to be tempted.
Casita hasn't been completely honest about this. Their current brochure clearly states that their trailers can be safely towed by any 3500-lb tow rated vehicle. Beware - unless you're like so many others, and you already have a jumbo truck or SUV to tow with.
Other wise, both seem to be fine products. I liked the Casita's wider windows and larger wheels and tires, but I can't resist the warm, cabin-like atmosphere of a Scamp Deluxe with birchwood cabinetry, and no fiberglass visible indoors. Casita interiors are clean, modern and clinical-looking, a look with its own admirers.
It's easy to find midsized SUVs that tow 3500 pounds. We're leaning towards a Volvo or Mercedes, used.
If anyone has further questions about Scamp vs. Casita, contact me. I've just completed a LOT of online research.
Five years after this thread was active, I'll chime in. My wife and I just resolved this question for ourselves by buying a used Scamp 16 footer. We actually had a Casita on order, with delivery promised in six months. We didn't mind waiting through winter, and this 2021 Scamp cost the same as a new 2023 Casita (we'd just beat Casita's large price increase).
The big difference between these two similar-looking trailers is their tow car requirements. Casita only makes the 17-foot model now. It's only a foot longer than the Scamp, but all the extra length is added to the front half of the trailer, ahead of the axle. That makes them nose-heavy, often weigh in near 450 pounds at the hitch. That's about 15% of the total trailer's weight, while the usual standard is 10%. Casita is now stipulating a tow vehicle in the 5000-pound tow rating category, though the actual trailer weight is around 3000 lbs, unloaded. That raises concerns with us, including:
- We don't want to have a pickup or a fullsized SUV as our second car. We care about fuel economy and easy parking
- In the 5000 pound category, there a lot of larger and cheaper travel trailers available. I don't want to be tempted.
Casita hasn't been completely honest about this. Their current brochure clearly states that their trailers can be safely towed by any 3500-lb tow rated vehicle. Beware - unless you're like so many others, and you already have a jumbo truck or SUV to tow with.
Other wise, both seem to be fine products. I liked the Casita's wider windows and larger wheels and tires, but I can't resist the warm, cabin-like atmosphere of a Scamp Deluxe with birchwood cabinetry, and no fiberglass visible indoors. Casita interiors are clean, modern and clinical-looking, a look with its own admirers.
It's easy to find midsized SUVs that tow 3500 pounds. We're leaning towards a Volvo or Mercedes, used.
Thanks for the well-written and detailed post. I've seen both the Casita and Scamp, but the info about the heavier tongue weight is important to consider. Years ago I even stopped at the Casita factory in central TX and looked at a bunch of models they had parked in front. When I return to the USA in about another year, I'd like to get a small RV of some sort and do some traveling. I like the small trailer option instead of a Class C (or larger) motorhome, because it is just for myself and I can travel without a huge amount of stuff.
I thought the Escape brand looked pretty interesting. But they're built in "Canadia" and I think there's a trick to importing them.
Fiberglass Trailers Built for You
A dealer will only sell you a trailer. Escape Trailer will build your trailer for you. Escape is a no commission direct to consumer manufacturer.
I like the small trailer option instead of a Class C (or larger) motorhome, because it is just for myself and I can travel without a huge amount of stuff.
It's a trailer for me, never a motorhome of any size. I'm not the type to just sit around in a campsite all day. I like to drive and hike to see the sights, then return to my portable cabin for the night.
I thought the Escape brand looked pretty interesting. But they're built in "Canadia" and I think there's a trick to importing them.
Fiberglass Trailers Built for You
A dealer will only sell you a trailer. Escape Trailer will build your trailer for you. Escape is a no commission direct to consumer manufacturer.
The trick for any of these fiberglass TTs is having $35-50K in hand, plus a willingness to wait in line for 1-2 years... or buy used, at about the same price. The Escape is one of the most expensive ones.
The trick for any of these fiberglass TTs is having $35-50K in hand, plus a willingness to wait in line for 1-2 years... or buy used, at about the same price. The Escape is one of the most expensive ones.
They looked pretty nice though.
The ones that jumped out at me for high price were the Olivers.
Used Olivers can sometimes be found on the manufacturer's website under the forum, but you have to sign up for the forum to see if something is for sale.
There are some called the "Helio", I believe also made in Canada, but sold at retailers in the US. They are interesting, but not fancy at all. They are lightweight, and they go from very basic, similar to a larger type teardrop to something that looks like a small Scamp. https://heliovr.com/ultralight-travel-trailer/
I have a HUGE passion for camping and smaller travel trailers.
As a Scamp owner, those Helios look pretty interesting. Nice to see some fresh thinking applied to the problem. Less weight, aluminum frames, and a more minimalistic aesthetic. Always good to see more choices like this. Small trailer companies come and then go, mostly. Hope this one succeeds.
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Scamp vs Casita - factors in choosing
