We owned a 17' Casita Spirit Deluxe between 2007 and 2012 (when a move to Virginia put an end to trailer camping). During the entire time that we owned it, I struggled with the tiny cooking area. We added a cover for the cooktop, considered adding a removable counter top to sit over the aft dinette seat and a fold-up shelf beside the cooktop (we didn't do it). It was a constant pinprick of irritation. I also wanted a forward view, impossible with the Casita's front bathroom. And lastly, we were cramped in the 54" double bed.
When we moved back to the west coast and were ready for another trailer, we chose the Escape 19' because of its larger kitchen counter space, an built-in extension to the counter (thus room to cook without having to move things from one spot to another and back again), a forward dinette with views to both the front and the sides, a 60' full queen bed, and the host of options that include solar and extra insulation.
The trade off was not a completely easy one. We could pull the Casita with our Toyota 4Runner and not notice it was there. To pull the Escape 19', we bought a Toyota Tundra (not the there is all that much difference in gas mileage --- our 4Runner was a 1997, and almost 20 years old when we sold it). And the Escape, while lovely, doesn't have the "awe, its so cute" quality that the Casita has. People are interested in the Escape, but they used to coo over the Casita.
I agree with the comments made by other posters about the quality of the Casita product. It is of good but not exceptional quality and the price does not inlude fine detail finishing nor the highest end components. It was, and is, an excellent lower-cost trailer that will last a lifetime and maintain a good resale value. It is not designed for a consumer willing to pay the higher prices commanded by Airstreams and Escapes.
Bottom line: Escapes weigh more, cost more to buy and tow, but offer higher quality, more room, and more customization options.
Good luck! Whichever you buy, after due consideration, you'll be getting a good product.
When we moved back to the west coast and were ready for another trailer, we chose the Escape 19' because of its larger kitchen counter space, an built-in extension to the counter (thus room to cook without having to move things from one spot to another and back again), a forward dinette with views to both the front and the sides, a 60' full queen bed, and the host of options that include solar and extra insulation.
The trade off was not a completely easy one. We could pull the Casita with our Toyota 4Runner and not notice it was there. To pull the Escape 19', we bought a Toyota Tundra (not the there is all that much difference in gas mileage --- our 4Runner was a 1997, and almost 20 years old when we sold it). And the Escape, while lovely, doesn't have the "awe, its so cute" quality that the Casita has. People are interested in the Escape, but they used to coo over the Casita.
I agree with the comments made by other posters about the quality of the Casita product. It is of good but not exceptional quality and the price does not inlude fine detail finishing nor the highest end components. It was, and is, an excellent lower-cost trailer that will last a lifetime and maintain a good resale value. It is not designed for a consumer willing to pay the higher prices commanded by Airstreams and Escapes.
Bottom line: Escapes weigh more, cost more to buy and tow, but offer higher quality, more room, and more customization options.
Good luck! Whichever you buy, after due consideration, you'll be getting a good product.
and it felt very squirrelly despite 12%-13% hitch weight, but adding an Equal-i-zer made a world of difference.
