Hi all I am in the research process atm.

[penwia]

Hi all, I am currently researching. I am recently retired and have been wanting to do this for many years. Wife is slowly getting on board. I have tent camped my whole life, but wife will not join me anymore. Soooooo need to get something that she will enjoy as well. I have seen two Escapes this weekend and am very impressed. Saw a 19' and 17' both older units but they were in such great shape still. Medora, who is a 12 year owner sent me here. I have looked into the other two ( Casita and Scamp) and it's interesting how many people end up with these three as their top three. Right now it's Escape, Casita and Scamp. I need to see the other two, but for sure leaning toward Escape, even before I saw one. So I will be looking on hear and asking questions. Thank you all.

 

[WinterIsComing]

Hi all, I am currently researching. I am recently retired and have been wanting to do this for many years. Wife is slowly getting on board. I have tent camped my whole life, but wife will not join me anymore. Soooooo need to get something that she will enjoy as well. I have seen two Escapes this weekend and am very impressed. Saw a 19' and 17' both older units but they were in such great shape still. Medora, who is a 12 year owner sent me here. I have looked into the other two ( Casita and Scamp) and it's interesting how many people end up with these three as their top three. Right now it's Escape, Casita and Scamp. I need to see the other two, but for sure leaning toward Escape, even before I saw one. So I will be looking on hear and asking questions. Thank you all.

We are new here, too, and just put a deposit down on a 21c. We tent camped for many years, then graduated to a small pop up, then a larger pop up. In between those two, we owned a Casita for 2 years; my parents had bought it new, used it once or twice, then decided they weren't campers in any sense of the word. So, we literally got it for free. It was the Freedom Deluxe. Although I know many people LOVE Casitas, for me it was not a love match. I felt very claustrophobic in it. When one person was standing, the other had to be sitting. I also don't love carpet on the walls. It did tow well, and we got good money for it when we sold it in 2019. Probably could have gotten more if we'd sold it during the busy years of 2020-2023.

As always, these little details come down to personal preference. Definitely contact Casita to find someone in your area and take a look to see if the size is right for you. I prefer the spaciousness of the Escapes. We didn't look inside the 17's, but even the 19 felt more spacious. The 21 was Goldlilocks finding the Just Right spot for us! We debated the NE and C on paper for various reasons, but once we climbed aboard both, we knew the C was us.

Once you see the Casitas in person, you'll know what's right for you, Casita or Escape. (I've never been in a Scamp)

 

[penwia]

We are new here, too, and just put a deposit down on a 21c. We tent camped for many years, then graduated to a small pop up, then a larger pop up. In between those two, we owned a Casita for 2 years; my parents had bought it new, used it once or twice, then decided they weren't campers in any sense of the word. So, we literally got it for free. It was the Freedom Deluxe. Although I know many people LOVE Casitas, for me it was not a love match. I felt very claustrophobic in it. When one person was standing, the other had to be sitting. I also don't love carpet on the walls. It did tow well, and we got good money for it when we sold it in 2019. Probably could have gotten more if we'd sold it during the busy years of 2020-2023.

As always, these little details come down to personal preference. Definitely contact Casita to find someone in your area and take a look to see if the size is right for you. I prefer the spaciousness of the Escapes. We didn't look inside the 17's, but even the 19 felt more spacious. The 21 was Goldlilocks finding the Just Right spot for us! We debated the NE and C on paper for various reasons, but once we climbed aboard both, we knew the C was us.

Once you see the Casitas in person, you'll know what's right for you, Casita or Escape. (I've never been in a Scamp)

Yes, I did like the 19, I felt very comfortable in it, but I have a Honda pilot V6 AWD, and I am not sure it can tow it. The Pilot says it 5k GVWR, and the 19 says its 4500, but I really don't understand all those numbers, I know I can tow the 17 with out an issue. If anyone has some insight into IF I tow the 19 with my pilot, I would be much appreciative.

 

[BravoDeltaRomeo]

Yes, I did like the 19, I felt very comfortable in it, but I have a Honda pilot V6 AWD, and I am not sure it can tow it. The Pilot says it 5k GVWR, and the 19 says its 4500, but I really don't understand all those numbers, I know I can tow the 17 with out an issue. If anyone has some insight into IF I tow the 19 with my pilot, I would be much appreciative.

You will have to research your model and year for the payload as well.

Find out what the trailer will weigh loaded with gear, dishes, toys, propane tanks filled, accessories, cutlery, food, drinks,,.etc. Listed RV weights are often under their actual real world weights.

Payload will probably be the downfall of this vehicle. Once.you add.up passenger weight, cargo inside the vehicle, fuel and tongue weight, you'll probably be at its limits or over.

Can it be done, yes. Do people do it, yes. Should it be done, probably not. I am in the camp of your tow vehicle should be able to tow 30-50% more than you are actually towing.

If you do go the 19 route, it's an amazing RV for a couple (with a dog too). We got into one last summer. My wife refuses to gent vamp and would not green light an RV without a toilet.

 

[penwia]

You will have to ready your model and year for the payload as well.

Find out what the trailer will weigh loaded with heat, dishes, toys, accessories, cutlery, food, drinks,,.etc.

Payload will probably be the downfall of this vehicle. Once.you add.up passenger weight, cargo I side the vehicle and tongue weight, you'll probably be it's limits.

Can it be done, yes. Do people do it, yes. Should it be done, probably not. I am in the camp of your tow vehicle should be able to tow 50% more than you are actually towing.

If you do go the 19 route, it's an amazing RV for a couple. We got into one last summer. My wife refuses to gent vamp and would not green light an RV without a toilet.

Thank you. Yes I agree, which is why I am leaning toward the 17". We can not afford a trailer and a new car, and our Pilot only has 26k on it for a 2019.

 

[penwia]

We are new here, too, and just put a deposit down on a 21c. We tent camped for many years, then graduated to a small pop up, then a larger pop up. In between those two, we owned a Casita for 2 years; my parents had bought it new, used it once or twice, then decided they weren't campers in any sense of the word. So, we literally got it for free. It was the Freedom Deluxe. Although I know many people LOVE Casitas, for me it was not a love match. I felt very claustrophobic in it. When one person was standing, the other had to be sitting. I also don't love carpet on the walls. It did tow well, and we got good money for it when we sold it in 2019. Probably could have gotten more if we'd sold it during the busy years of 2020-2023.

As always, these little details come down to personal preference. Definitely contact Casita to find someone in your area and take a look to see if the size is right for you. I prefer the spaciousness of the Escapes. We didn't look inside the 17's, but even the 19 felt more spacious. The 21 was Goldlilocks finding the Just Right spot for us! We debated the NE and C on paper for various reasons, but once we climbed aboard both, we knew the C was us.

Once you see the Casitas in person, you'll know what's right for you, Casita or Escape. (I've never been in a Scamp)

Thank you!! Congrats on your new purchase. I have about 90% made up my mind, but I do want to see the others, just so I don't have any regrets (not that I think I will) There are too many Cons for Scamp, but I would like to see it, Casita's are much closer and price is a big Pro for Casita.

 

[occer]

We originally put a deposit down on a Scamp.
Two of the issues we had.
The Scamps is not a full fiberglass, the floor is exposed wood. The other is my wife was not crazy about the fuzzy wall material.
The Escape has a fiberglass bottom with plywood glued on the inside, not exposed to the elements.
The walls can be washed / whipped down and easier to clean.
The Scamp was a little lighter but the Escape was within the weight rating of our Chevy 1500 Silverado and our truck handles the 5.0 very well.

Good luck on your decision in which way you go.

 

[Centex]

Like many here I enjoyed a Casita for many (~20) years before moving to my Escape. It was a robust and comfortable trailer, served me very well, it was 100% responsible for convincing me that a full-shell molded fiberglass trailer is The way to go.

My change was prompted upon deciding I was ready for more room in general, larger fridge capacity specifically, and a desire for separate dining/sleeping accommodations (towing weight was not a factor for me).

IMO you can't go wrong with a Casita or an Escape - the choice comes down to a size that will work best for you.

Happy shopping!

 

[Drives1937]

We started with tent, then a popup, had a Casita for a number of years and now have an Escape 19. There is no going back for us. Yes, two people and two dogs fit well even when they are Labradors. What part of the country are you in?

Ken in AZ

 

[mr.stang]

I tow a 17B with a Ridgeline, packed with gear, clam, Honda generator, us, everything needed and I am below all capacity. Tows like a dream without any devices, WDH, or swaybars. We camp, for weeks at a time but we don't live in it, stay outdoors most of the time. Seventy miles an hour at 15+ mpg. BTW my unit came with 15 inch tires, now I think they are 14, gross weight for the 2022 was 4k the new ones are 3.5k. That might make a difference.

 

[penwia]

We started with tent, then a popup, had a Casita for a number of years and now have an Escape 19. There is no going back for us. Yes, two people and two dogs fit well even when they are Labradors. What part of the country are you in?

Ken in AZ

Midwest. Just out side of Chicago.

 

[Selkirk]

I tow a 17B with a Ridgeline, packed with gear, clam, Honda generator, us, everything needed and I am below all capacity. Tows like a dream without any devices, WDH, or swaybars. We camp, for weeks at a time but we don't live in it, stay outdoors most of the time. Seventy miles an hour at 15+ mpg. BTW my unit came with 15 inch tires, now I think they are 14, gross weight for the 2022 was 4k the new ones are 3.5k. That might make a difference.

The 17 and 19 had their GVW's reduced last year. Both models retained the same empty base weights and are constructed identically now as the earlier 2nd gen units that had the higher ratings. I think the early first gen models had lighter axles and 14" wheels.

I find the 19 perfect for my needs. Neither Scamp nor Casita offers a direct competitor in its size range. The tandem axles, generous interior space (compared to 16-17' molded FG models) and my sense that the 19 is overbuilt for its size were big influences in my purchase decision.

However, based on my towing experience with a mid-size truck, I don't think I'd be comfortable towing a 19 with a Honda Pilot. There are people who do it though. I'd personally stay with a 17 if towing with the Honda....particularly if you plan to travel extensively.

 

[penwia]

The 17 and 19 had their GVW's reduced last year. Both models retained the same empty base weights and are constructed identically now as the earlier 2nd gen units that had the higher ratings. I think the early first gen models had lighter axles and 14" wheels.

I find the 19 perfect for my needs. Neither Scamp nor Casita offers a direct competitor in its size range. The tandem axles, generous interior space (compared to 16-17' molded FG models) and my sense that the 19 is overbuilt for its size were big influences in my purchase decision.

However, based on my towing experience with a mid-size truck, I don't think I'd be comfortable towing a 19 with a Honda Pilot. There are people who do it though. I'd personally stay with a 17 if towing with the Honda....particularly if you plan to travel extensively.

Thank you so much for that feedback, It is much appreciated.

 

[WillyB]

I think your wife will find having a refrigerator/freezer, sink, range/oven, bathroom, shower, AC, heater, hot water, a nice sitting area, closets, a pantry and a comfortable bed wherever you decide to stop will help smooth things over.

The only thing we don't have is a washer and dryer. We truly feel spoiled in our Escape.

Best of luck!

 

[penwia]

I think your wife will find having a refrigerator/freezer, sink, range/oven, bathroom, shower, AC, heater, hot water, a nice sitting area, closets, a pantry and a comfortable bed wherever you decide to stop will help smooth things over.

The only thing we don't have is a washer and dryer. We truly feel spoiled in our Escape.

Best of luck!

LOL, I will be fine with anything to be honest, I just want to make sure she enjoys the experience so that it can become a regular thing for us. So far she has liked what we have seen.

 

[NEWYORKHILLBILLY]

I would spend some time in a casita 17 and escape 17. Both companies can set you up with a in person visit. Both these will tow nice with the pilot. As with many escape owners my first fiberglass trailer was a casita. had them for many years, but just wanted little more room. The casita has a bigger bath and is cheaper than a 17. The 17 has a receiver on the back for bike rack, something casita does not. It's just come down to personal preference.

 

[iamunique127]

Midwest. Just out side of Chicago.

One benefit to adding your town and state to your profile is someone closeby may see it and offer to show you their Escape. It happens.

 

[Mike G]

The 111" wheelbase of the Pilot suggests that you would want to use a lightweight anti-sway type hitch (the Andersen No-Sway is one such) or at least a friction sway bar if towing the 19'. The 17' is shorter and more nose-heavy, so sway control would be less important but you still might want the weight distribution hitch which will move more weight to the front axle. Weight-wise the 19' won't make much difference; it will be felt the most when climbing long, steep grades. Frontal area of the 19' is a bit greater than the 17', which will drag exponentially more the faster you go.

If you feel happy with the 17' layout, storage, and size, great. No need for more. Personally I have had 6'8" wide trailers before and I always wished for that extra 4" of a 7' wide, so my feet would never touch the wall when lying in bed. That's the biggest reason why I got a 19'. But then, I have a V8 in my GX470. If I still owned the V6 Highlander, I probably would have stuck to the 17'.

The Escape feels like a "cabin in the woods" to me, thanks to the wood finish. The white fiberglass cabinets never turned me on, they look too sterile to me, but some people love that look.

 

[penwia]

The 111" wheelbase of the Pilot suggests that you would want to use a lightweight anti-sway type hitch (the Andersen No-Sway is one such) or at least a friction sway bar if towing the 19'. The 17' is shorter and more nose-heavy, so sway control would be less important but you still might want the weight distribution hitch which will move more weight to the front axle. Weight-wise the 19' won't make much difference; it will be felt the most when climbing long, steep grades. Frontal area of the 19' is a bit greater than the 17', which will drag exponentially more the faster you go.

If you feel happy with the 17' layout, storage, and size, great. No need for more. Personally I have had 6'8" wide trailers before and I always wished for that extra 4" of a 7' wide, so my feet would never touch the wall when lying in bed. That's the biggest reason why I got a 19'. But then, I have a V8 in my GX470. If I still owned the V6 Highlander, I probably would have stuck to the 17'.

The Escape feels like a "cabin in the woods" to me, thanks to the wood finish. The white fiberglass cabinets never turned me on, they look too sterile to me, but some people love that look.

Thanks Mike. I appreciate that feed back. That I good information. Escape offers an anti sway, but it's not Anderson. Is Anderson better and would I be better off getting the Anderson after market? We do like the 17 and felt it was not that much of a difference, but I think actually sleeping in the bed might be a bit tight.

 

[Mike G]

There are a couple advantages to the Andersen, and a couple disadvantages. First, the whole set is only about 55 lbs IIRC, whereas the very excellent Fastway is heavier (not sure exactly but I think they're about 80 lbs). Second, the Andersen uses chains instead of bars which are easier/more compact to stow when not in use.

The disadvantages of the Andersen: first, you need to have your tow vehicle backed in at pretty close to the same angle as it was when you unhooked, or you need to do some extra fussing with the chains (loosening one side or the other with a ratchet wrench). Second, the Andersen will not 'level up' the rig as completely; you likely would still see an inch or two of sag in the rear.

I have owned both the Andersen No-Sway and the original Equal-i-zer (which has 4 points of friction versus the Fastway's 2 points) and both worked well for me. But I sold both some years ago, and currently I just tow on the ball because I have auto-leveling air suspension.