Casita/Scamp/... versus stick built?
When looking for a new/used travel trailer to sleep 2-4 people, there are lots of options. Our main criteria are:
1) ability to sleep 2 adults
2) interior bathroom and toilet
3) ability to go mild offroad (sufficient clearance for forest roads and not rattle apart)
4) relatively short (perhaps up to 23 feet)
5) relatively lightweight (perhaps up to 3,500 lbls)
6) decent water tank (at least 15 gallons)
7) good insulation (including the fresh water tank inside the unit or heated)
8) durability
Most manufacturers seem to have jumped on the 'off road' bandwagon by selling their single-axle trailers with a lift and All Terrain tires. For example, the R-Pod Hood River edition.
This is not new. Manufacturers who build overlanding vehicles (think around the world travel in varying climates and all types of terrain) like XP Camper, EarthCruiser, etc. have existed for a long time. What most of these expensive overland campers have in common is that they don't have a wood or aluminum frame: they are solid fiberglass (like a boat). Using this material checks of a bunch of items on our wish list (insulation, light weight, strong).
When I look at what's available in the $15-25K price range, I see mostly regular RVs (Jayco, Forest River, etc.) but looking at the built quality, these don't instill much confidence, especially regarding durability when using off pavement. (some are even stapled together!)
What comes closest to the very expensive overland campers are fiberglass trailers like Scamp and Casita. These campers also seem to hold their value extremely well; the difference on the used market between a used Casita from 2016 and 2008 can be as little as a few thousand dollars ...
Can anyone comment on how a trailer like the Casita or Scamp is build and holds up over time? How about the items on our checklist (insulation, etc.)?
Thanks!
1) ability to sleep 2 adults
2) interior bathroom and toilet
3) ability to go mild offroad (sufficient clearance for forest roads and not rattle apart)
4) relatively short (perhaps up to 23 feet)
5) relatively lightweight (perhaps up to 3,500 lbls)
6) decent water tank (at least 15 gallons)
7) good insulation (including the fresh water tank inside the unit or heated)
8) durability
Most manufacturers seem to have jumped on the 'off road' bandwagon by selling their single-axle trailers with a lift and All Terrain tires. For example, the R-Pod Hood River edition.
This is not new. Manufacturers who build overlanding vehicles (think around the world travel in varying climates and all types of terrain) like XP Camper, EarthCruiser, etc. have existed for a long time. What most of these expensive overland campers have in common is that they don't have a wood or aluminum frame: they are solid fiberglass (like a boat). Using this material checks of a bunch of items on our wish list (insulation, light weight, strong).
When I look at what's available in the $15-25K price range, I see mostly regular RVs (Jayco, Forest River, etc.) but looking at the built quality, these don't instill much confidence, especially regarding durability when using off pavement. (some are even stapled together!)
What comes closest to the very expensive overland campers are fiberglass trailers like Scamp and Casita. These campers also seem to hold their value extremely well; the difference on the used market between a used Casita from 2016 and 2008 can be as little as a few thousand dollars ...
Can anyone comment on how a trailer like the Casita or Scamp is build and holds up over time? How about the items on our checklist (insulation, etc.)?
Thanks!
