Hello,My first post here. The Annoyed Woman and I live in the DFW metroplex, and are about to make the 1:15 drive down to Corsicana to look at the Casita Travel Trailers showroom. So far, I like what I've seen online, but if there's any cautionary input, I'd appreciate it.I'm looking for one of the 16' or 17' models. It will be just for my wife and me, and maybe occasionally our dog will be along. I'll be towing it with either a 2015 Toyota 4Runner Trail, or a 2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk......probably mostly with the Toyota. It seems like Gross Vehicular Weight for the Casitas is roughly in the 3500-3800 lb weight range (2500-2800 lb dry). Listed tow capacity for the 4Runner is 4700 lbs, and 4500 for the Jeep.Questions: Assuming I have the proper hitch setup, does this leave me enough weight overhead to not stress the vehicles too much?Other than the small amount of room in the Casita trailers, are there any specific bugaboos to be aware of, specific to that brand?Any other warnings/suggestions?Thanks for the help.

Since you asked for warnings:You didn't say if you're going to be looking at new or used, but if you're going to a "showroom" I'll assume you're looking at new? Since this is your first TT, I'd buy used. I think you'll quickly find this size of trailer is too small for you - yes I know you're limited by what your current vehicles can tow. I'll bet you find this size of trailer too small in the near future and then you're going to take a large hit on the new trailer price when you try to sell it to buy something larger. Nothing like taking a sizeable loss on selling the new trailer, buying another larger one and buying a larger tow vehicle.Buy used for your first RV - maybe even all of them in the future also.Bill

I bought new for my first TT - nothing wrong with it. You need to know the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Payload will be exceeded before tow capacity. There should be a door jamb sticker that says weight of cargo and occupants not to exceed xxxx lbs. Then start subtracting the weight of passengers and pets, accessories like step bars and bed toppers, and any cargo carried in the TV. Then subtract about 100 lbs for the WDH setup. Then calculate tongue weight by multiplying the GVW of the TT by 13% and subtract this from payload. If you come out with a comfortable margin, then go for it. Otherwise Google Cat Scale, load it up for camping and get it weighed.

Best buying tip is to sit in the TT for one or two hours, pretend you are camping move around as if you are out at a campsite. Just a good way to get a feel for the TT you are looking at taking out camping.

Showroom is just for show... Real life there will be 2 pairs of muddy shoes by the door, case of soda shoved under the table, coffee maker, toaster and paper towels taking up all of the counter space. Make sure the camper is large enough for you.

I would look at an R-Pod. They seem to have a nice rig packed into a small package.

Looking for 1st travel trailer | Good Sam Community

25 Replies

Vintage465
Nomad
Oct 17, 2016
I would look at an R-Pod. They seem to have a nice rig packed into a small package.
boosTT
Explorer
Oct 17, 2016
Showroom is just for show... Real life there will be 2 pairs of muddy shoes by the door, case of soda shoved under the table, coffee maker, toaster and paper towels taking up all of the counter space.

Make sure the camper is large enough for you.
Calicajun
Explorer
Oct 17, 2016
Best buying tip is to sit in the TT for one or two hours, pretend you are camping move around as if you are out at a campsite. Just a good way to get a feel for the TT you are looking at taking out camping.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Oct 17, 2016
I bought new for my first TT - nothing wrong with it. You need to know the payload capacity of the tow vehicle. Payload will be exceeded before tow capacity. There should be a door jamb sticker that says weight of cargo and occupants not to exceed xxxx lbs. Then start subtracting the weight of passengers and pets, accessories like step bars and bed toppers, and any cargo carried in the TV. Then subtract about 100 lbs for the WDH setup. Then calculate tongue weight by multiplying the GVW of the TT by 13% and subtract this from payload. If you come out with a comfortable margin, then go for it. Otherwise Google Cat Scale, load it up for camping and get it weighed.
Trackrig
Explorer II
Oct 17, 2016
Since you asked for warnings:

You didn't say if you're going to be looking at new or used, but if you're going to a "showroom" I'll assume you're looking at new? Since this is your first TT, I'd buy used. I think you'll quickly find this size of trailer is too small for you - yes I know you're limited by what your current vehicles can tow.

I'll bet you find this size of trailer too small in the near future and then you're going to take a large hit on the new trailer price when you try to sell it to buy something larger. Nothing like taking a sizeable loss on selling the new trailer, buying another larger one and buying a larger tow vehicle.

Buy used for your first RV - maybe even all of them in the future also.

Bill

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Looking for 1st travel trailer

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