8 Reasons to Purchase a Molded Fiberglass Trailer (Casita, Bigfoot, Escape, Scamp, Little Snoozy)

[@rdouglass7787]

number one reason resistant to water damage, number two reason resistant to water damage, number three reason resistant to water damage.

[@kookietherapy9398]

My 1st thought !

[@Dot0011]

You aint kidding. I wouldnt consider anything but a fiberglass. To many failure points for water on other types.

[@anonymousbosch9265]

Number 4: weigh

[@Noniinthebush]

Number 5.. HAIL

[@PlayingwithSticks]

Wow, great video! By far the most thorough video I’ve seen on these trailers. Thank you!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lindahh798]

I'm a detail kiñda girl, too!

[@JC.Journey]

We love the twin beds in your Casita! We've been traveling with our 15' Escape for 8+ years and it's still in near perfect condition & looks new. Also, it's hard to find a spot we don't fit in! All your reasons to purchase a Molded Fiberglass are spot on, they are fantastic little trailers & the resale value is amazing! Great video, very enjoyable to watch. Thanks for sharing! -Jody

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks Jody! I would really like to have an Escape 23, but Doug keeps reminding me that we can fit anywhere in our little Casita. Happy trails!

[@gilbertchcs]

Very very informative and well done. You are quite eloquent. Thank you for your time and effort dedicated to sharing this very valuable information. Gratitude.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Awe, thank you! Glad it was helpful!

[@0HARE]

Thanks for a great run-down of the benefits, features, and value of these great trailers. Our first trailer was a 1979 Scamp 13. We took that little trailer everywhere for about three years. We sold it to get a 23’ traditional trailer with a slide-out. After seven years with the traditional trailer, we are more than ready to get into a Casita, Big Foot, or Escape trailer. Happy Camping

[@TravelsandTravails]

That is awesome!

[@bosse641]

Would love to live full-time on the road in a Casita. Dreaming of it. Maybe one day. So cozy. Love small homes.

[@TravelsandTravails]

I hope you get to do it! I would love too also, but Doug, not so much.

[@brianracz2553]

Thanks!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you!

[@ontogeny6474]

8 great reasons. I think a "number 9" could be that mice are less likely to enter. We've had that problem in the past with out stick and tin trailers.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Good point. We've had mice in our vehicles, but never in our Casita. We did have a humongous cockroach that came in on the electrical plug when we were camped at a KOA one time.

[@minisue2524]

Thank you! Very informative and confirming in our search for a newer trailer.

[@TravelsandTravails]

You are so welcome! Happy trails!

[@lightonthelandscape]

Nicely done. We owned an R-Pod for 6 months. Pretty good for the price, but I didn't like how water settled on the top - and also all the 'seal' maintenance was a bit of a shocker. I also noticed that the undercarriage was plywood with a plastic 'tape' covering it. It was fine but I don't think it would last a long time with water splashing up underneath it during wetter months. Not that great for longevity. We luckily picked up a used Escape 17B for a reasonable price. Far nicer to drive and that molded fibreglass design put my mind at ease with respect to maintenance, resale value as well as knowing behind the facade, Escapes are really well made (no shortcuts). Thanks for the informative video.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Your welcome. Our friends have an Rpod that seems like it constantly has problems. Good choice!

[@tbroekemeier]

I know it's an older video now but I just discovered it and wanted to say thank you very much for such a great video. Your mellow and confident delivery was a treat!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks so much!

[@troyhickman8577]

Wow, so informative! Thank you for taking the time to make this video as I'm currently contemplating buying an Oliver.

[@TravelsandTravails]

You are so welcome!

[@513eis]

We've been investigating trailers/RVs and your information really answered a lot of our questions about HOW and WHERE a trailer is used. You sold me on fiberglass trailers. THANK YOU!

[@TravelsandTravails]

I’m glad to hear it. You’re so welcome!

[@sirtigalotwolfe2962]

Ditto!

[@MB-ne3gn]

Excellent comparison and breakdown on positive aspects of moulded fiberglass trailers. Appreciate your effort in putting this together and keeping it constructive and informative. You both do a great 👍 job!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks so much!

[@mobiltec]

Great video. Very informative. I'm working on restoring a 1970 Campster right now and it had absolutely no water damage. Just doing some flooring replacement and working on the pop top and stuff. Some systems upgrades and a paint job and she'll be ready to go.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Cute little trailer! Hope we get to see your renovation.

[@richardhouvener6423]

Yes! My 2017 Casita Liberty is worth at least 15% more than I paid for it but I have no desire to sell it! People stop at campgrounds to ask me about it and the only major drawback I can come up with is that it gets VERY small after 2+ days of hard rain. Their eyes get big when I tell them it never rusts, rots or leaks and that there are identical trailers out there that date from 1985. I bought it with an awning and an outside shower (that I've never used) with the idea of making it more attractive for resale, but I am not sure now if I will ever sell it because it works for me every time across a broad temperature range and I have used it in all kinds of weather. If I didn't already have it would I possibly buy something bigger like an Escape 21/25? Maybe, but since it is just me camping in it now it fulfills all my needs. Be safe!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Can’t lose with a Casita!

[@camhabbick4957]

I own a 2021 escape 5.0. Ive owned several stick builts a Class A and a campervan…I have purchased my last trailer with the 5.0. Fantastic camper.

[@TravelsandTravails]

So glad it’s working for you! Love the 5.0.

[@Shloopy420]

In 2013 my previous scamp owner paid $13k. In 2021, he sold it to me for $15k. I’m not selling it right now, but someone offered me $20k on the street. Might never get that offer again, but I know the value isn’t going to fully tank in the next 5 years. Such a good investment! Awesome video.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you! Prices are crazy right now!

[@jerrymiller5978]

I love your videos! We just bought a new Casita, and it should be delivered in 12 months. We can hardly wait, but we enjoy watching your videos while we wait.

[@TravelsandTravails]

That is awesome! Congratulations!

[@ibiubuok]

This was a very well done & informative video. Thanks for uploading.

[@TravelsandTravails]

You’re welcome.

[@CheriSicard]

You have me seriously rethinking what my next RV will be. Thank you for a great video!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Don’t keep me guessing. Which will it be?

[@CheriSicard]

@@TravelsandTravails I still have a lot of research to do. It needs to be one of the larger ones, but going to make a spreadsheet to compare features as to my needs as I expect it will last the rest of my life. :). But seriously, as someone who is not all that mechanical or handy, this will cut down substantially on maintenance, which has been a big expense with my current trailer. Plus I spend months out of the year in Baja Mexico where it is under the sun, so the weather repelling elements are also highly desirable. Excellent video!

[@TravelsandTravails]

@@CheriSicard Thank you. I'm curious about what other criteria you have. I like to make resources on my blog for people like you who are trying to make these decisions.

[@CheriSicard]

@@TravelsandTravails I live in my RV for months at a time, so even though I am one person I need as much space and storage in as small a package as possible. For instance when I look at Olivers, the kitchens and fridges etc are far too small. But the Escapes seem to have bigger fridges and closets and are more set up for long term travel. Casitas are all too small for my needs. Prefer double axel. But I am just beginning to research. Big Foots are definitely in the running too. If there are other brands that make 21-25 foot trailers I am interested in hearing about them.

[@TravelsandTravails]

I really like the Escape 5.0. There is a video review of one on the channel.

[@shnobi24]

This was a well rounded video, you covered all the talking points, well-done.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Want to know why we sold our Scamp and bought a Casita? See here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXLXqahuj5Wpmqs

[@marymarmande8446]

Yes 💕☮️ thanks

[@Citizen-pg8eu]

-So light, I pull (out) or push (back in) my 17’ Casita down my level driveway by myself. -Casitas are only 6’ 3 wide, so they easily fit down narrow driveways, and through gate openings as narrow as 6’8”, so you can put it in your backyard (instead of storing it somewhere inconvenient. -And like all small trailers, a lot more campsites are available; virtually all RV sites are available to you. The 16’ Casitas can fit into many garages, because the air conditioner is in the closet, not on top.

[@TravelsandTravails]

So true! I really want the Escape 23, but Doug reminds me that would limit camping options. We can squeeze our Casita into really small sites.

[@noleftturnunstoned]

*Escape* is made in Canada and great quality as well.

[@TravelsandTravails]

They are really good quality trailers.

[@IndigenousPathways]

great breakdown and insights. thank so much for sharing!

[@TravelsandTravails]

You are so welcome!

[@kool-e-wabba2112]

This was a pretty good video, thank you for your experience and insight!

[@TravelsandTravails]

You are welcome!

[@gillianlee8514]

Great article. I was trying to decide on Fiberglass or stick ‘n’ tin and now actively looking for my Fiberglass trailer. :)

[@TravelsandTravails]

Awesome! Good choice. 👍

[@chrisneuhaus7188]

Nicely presented and very thoughtful points throughout. Love the fiberglass "eggs".😊

[@TravelsandTravails]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@petercaras3696]

Our 1971 Burro is a tough, leak free off road 900 lb machine!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Nice trailers!

[@fosterkennel649]

I own a 1977 albin 25 Deluxe diesel Boat Built-in Sweden She has been in a water environment to say the least her whole life and except for needing some polishing at this time she is as strong and durable as the day she was built blessings from Oregon

[@moriver3857]

I had an 87 Casita and kept the shell shinny with poly-glow and looked it great. And sold it in 2015. My 4.0L Frontier didn't even feel it.

[@TravelsandTravails]

They are great trailers. Did you get something else?

[@Tsiri09]

This is a very in depth video. thank you!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you! You are so welcome!

[@bryankrauss6393]

Can a custom 40 ft be made? TY

[@nomansland4811]

I got caught in a Midwest hail storm a few years ago. 5k damage to my new pick up. Now an airstream would have suffered significant damage. I do believe fiberglass, based on a past RV experience, would fare much better. That’s a real concern for me.

[@TravelsandTravails]

No doubt.

[@orangeziggy348]

Your videos are so well done and well explained.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you!

[@stevenincognito9498]

I found a guy selling the mold for the park liner 15. Thinking about buying it

[@TravelsandTravails]

Cool! Go for it!

[@sammyday3341]

Excellent video. Thank you.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Glad it was helpful!

[@davidmurray9844]

Excellent video. Thank you for sharing.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Our pleasure!

[@CampingTherapy]

I'm redoing a 1987 Cadet fiberglass camper. It only weighs 800 lbs, and I love it! I'll love it more when I'm finished making it cute. :) It's a project for sure, but well worth it.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Oooo. Lucky find! Are you going for a vintage look or glamor?

[@CampingTherapy]

@@TravelsandTravails probably more vintage. I'm not a girly, girl, so I don't really like bling. I like vintage and primitive things.

[@kathyadams3366]

We have a Airstream Nest, love it! Great video!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you! The Nest is a beautiful trailer.

[@kathyadams3366]

@@TravelsandTravails We love it!

[@MattMorris481]

I definitely consider one the snoozy only because it has nothing on the roof so no leaks, if the A/C breaks Walmart it’s about $250.

[@dannyyates7208]

Thanks for a great video. Good job. 👍

[@TravelsandTravails]

You’re welcome!

[@sylviajones4907]

Good informative video. Thank you.

[@TravelsandTravails]

You’re welcome!

[@jiujitsustl]

Just ordered a Casita Heritage Deluxe 3 days ago, delivery date is Jun 09, 2022.

[@TravelsandTravails]

That’s awesome! I heard orders were two years out.

[@glennmorrell4907]

I really like molded fiberglass trailers...wish I could persuade the wifey to switch from the aluminum/wood trailer we have now.

[@TravelsandTravails]

What is it she doesn’t like?

[@jamesbaldwin7676]

My number one reason (not number 8) is resale value. Sooner or later everyone must sell their beloved (or detested) rig. Nice to know, with a fiberglass ( or aluminum) rig, that you'll usually recoup your initial investment and often within days or hours from listing. My number-two reason is almost no annual and typical "resealing of the roof" (a very expensive service call, or messy, pain-in-the-butt, DIY chore.) Number 3 reason. Clamshell RV's are small and conveniently fit in all campgrounds everywhere, not just swanky RV resorts that cost nearly as much as a motel. (Hey it's called "camping." Learn to leave some of your stuff home.) Number 4. It's about size again. Small units store in your own driveway and some even fit in your own garage (or do you like having another monthly bill from the storage lot?) Number 5. Most have no slide-outs or pop-up's to compromise the structure or create future problems. Call me old fashion, but who said that cutting big holes in the sides or top of an RV, was ever a good idea?

[@TravelsandTravails]

Resale value is crazy right now!

[@poeslanding]

That’s OK, we don’t like you either😂 I can’t wait to get my Casita!

[@MacgyverSharon]

Thank you! Great vid & Info! ☮️❤️🕉️

[@TravelsandTravails]

Glad it was helpful!

[@stephaniefitch4713]

Wow 🤩 Thanks for this information

[@TravelsandTravails]

You’re welcome!

[@norasteel1776]

Thank you/ that was an excellant review..

[@TravelsandTravails]

Awe, thanks Nora!

[@johnjanedoe1676]

How do you not have Boler on that list?! The original and iconic Boler? Wow.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Iconic, yes. But Bolers aren’t currently in production.

[@johnjanedoe1676]

@@TravelsandTravails they don't have to be. They're for sale regularly enough. I just bought one easy peasy. :D It's amazing!

[@francist3979]

Love the video! Do these have condensation issues? And are they winter ready?

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks! We’ve never had any problems with our Casita, but we live in the west.

[@bradarmstrong7467]

There will be some (many?) who disagree but, ok that’s fine. Everyone is in a different place on there journey on the big blue marble but…..these trailers you have mentioned are fine for starters in the fiberglass trailer world but unquestionably if one does the research and sees the manufacturing process the Oliver is by far the best fiberglass trailer made. Yes, it probably is the most expensive fiberglass trailer but from the beginning (not just now) resale value is higher than your purchase price if you ever get to a point when you are done RVing. So is it really more expensive?

[@TravelsandTravails]

They are very nice trailers.

[@Noniinthebush]

Hi, what length is your Casita?

[@TravelsandTravails]

17 feet

[@bobbleheadwil5400]

Yea👍👍👍

[@billirey9459]

My only issue with them is how bleak the all white is inside. I noted carpet on the inside of yours. Did you add that or is it an option? Thank you for your awesome video.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Carpet IS an option in the Casita. We actually removed it. Bigfoot and Escape have all kinds of options for interior fabrics, counters and cabinets. Casita is boring! I’m actually working on putting in a backsplash and curtains, just to give it some color!

[@billirey9459]

@@TravelsandTravails thank you. Yes that’s what it needs. Some color and contrast. I’m not a fan of gluing carpet to the ceiling should it start coming loose. I’m quite interested in how you attach the window shades. Hope you do a video of everything you do. Thanks for the great information. I’m 85 and we downsized from a timberline TT in 05 to a tent trailer. Now for our last few years we are considering a TT again due to work to setup the tent trailer. I’m not sure we can afford the fiberglass models but I don’t want to be overwhelmed with leaks either. I’m going to search the web to see if I can get details and prices for the Casita and Escape. Thanks again, Bill

[@TravelsandTravails]

You’re welcome! There’s nothing like pulling up to a campsite and getting in your trailer. I hope you find something nice!

[@contrafax]

Awww, I like you too!!! :P

[@griswald7156]

That air stream caravan looks like the Sutton Hoo…helmet..

[@SandieCastaneda]

I want one! :D

[@TravelsandTravails]

And you deserve one!

[@jtepsr]

what can you tell me about roof maintenance like leaks

[@TravelsandTravails]

We've never had roof leaks in the Casita. We had leak that came through the vent fan on our Scamp that was easy to fix. So there really isn't much roof maintenance in these trailers.

[@Dave-zl2ky]

Did the Venza work OK as a tow vehicle? Thanks

[@TravelsandTravails]

It did a great job! The one we got came with the tow package, which is necessary for towing the Casita.

[@Bostonbob3]

By "polish" once or twice a year, do you mean wash and wax the trailer? Or have it buffed out? Do you buff the trailer yourself, or have somebody do it? (I imagine there are boat places that would do it.)

[@TravelsandTravails]

We wash and wax it once or twice a year ourselves. Since we have the decals on our trailer, we don't buff it with a buffer because it might ruin the decals, it just gets hand buffed with a soft rag.

[@giantputt7066]

How are they with water ingress?

[@TravelsandTravails]

They rarely leak.

[@kristinalowe8627]

Great video! Thank you 😊

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks! You’re welcome!

[@OriginalCelticFreckles]

Are there any small fiberglass trailers that have two twin beds for adults and also can be pulled by a 4 cylinder car?

[@TravelsandTravails]

I don’t know of any.

[@OriginalCelticFreckles]

@@TravelsandTravails I believe my jeep is a 6 cylinder actually.

[@TravelsandTravails]

@@OriginalCelticFreckles what is your vehicle tow rating?

[@OriginalCelticFreckles]

@@TravelsandTravails I can't remember. I'll have to look it up.

[@law844]

Fibreglass trailers are awesome and low maintenance, but the prices are crazy expensive:(

[@TravelsandTravails]

They have really gone up a lot in the past few years.

[@chrisneuhaus7188]

Expensive is kind of relative when it comes to RVs. Most regardless of their original price loose value at a shocking rate. In the case of molded fiberglass trailers, and I will include Airstreams in this category, they actually retain value and if very well maintained will actually go up in value with time, to a degree. Travel trailers of all kinds range in price from $15K all the way up to more than $150K, depending on what you are looking at and the quality built in. And motorhomes can run up to more than a half million easily. Even modest motorhomes are starting these days at around $90K. The best maintained motorhome will loose a third of it's value in 3-5 years. And that holds true even more for traditional travel trailers. Many will loose over half their original value within 3-5 years. When you look at it this way, molded fiberglass trailers are actually the best value on the market. 🍻

[@carolyntanner6517]

I want a lil snoozer.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Cute Trailers.

[@mikeppetabee9352]

what about condensation

[@TravelsandTravails]

Casita and Scamp have an interior wall covering that inhibits condensation, other fiberglass trailers have insulation that inhibits condensation.

[@FreddyRodrigues66films]

You are super simpatica!

[@TravelsandTravails]

😀

[@namorjot11]

Where Can I purchase anyone given above fiberglass trailer?

[@TravelsandTravails]

Most molded fiberglass trailers can be purchased directly through the manufacturer.

[@joeweaver9913]

The best reason is that they last a really long time without leaking. The second best reason is they are lightweight so your tow vehicle might already be sitting in your driveway. The third best reason goes with #1 and it's resale value. Because they last forever with little maintenance, the resale value is high The top reasons not to buy them are - small - high purchase price

[@TravelsandTravails]

Well said.

[@JJ-sv9kh]

YEA👍👍👍👍👍

[@salparadise8974]

Add Sol horizon to this list. They are the new kids on the block.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Beautiful trailers!

[@griswald7156]

My eriba is 6 foot 7 inches wide…..sensible..

[@TravelsandTravails]

Nice!

[@kriskoppy2753]

Well done…. Thou almost persuadest me to go fiberglass.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thanks! Almost?

[@shirleylake7738]

Thanks for the review of your trailer.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Our pleasure!

[@joansidor5191]

Long-lastingness? Try longevity. 🌞

[@johnjanedoe1676]

2:20 Why are there chairs in the tree? 😆

[@TravelsandTravails]

??

[@dominica2765]

Thank you you’re very sweet God bless you

[@TravelsandTravails]

Thank you! God bless you!

[@dominica2765]

You’re welcome

[@valv4008]

Fibreglass trailers can and do have problems with rotting floors

[@TravelsandTravails]

Some do. Casitas have a fiberglass floor.

[@jim-uu2db]

No Oliver in the list?

[@TravelsandTravails]

Certainly Oliver is in this category.

[@nomansland4811]

As to slide outs, people “require” more space that they actually need.

[@MartyCanter]

These road legal ma"am?

[@TravelsandTravails]

Yes

[@smackattack4284]

#9 reason: They are way quiet compared to conventional aluminum

[@TravelsandTravails]

I hadn’t thought about that.

[@sboy1955]

A “big” molded fiberglass trailer is a small travel trailer.

[@TravelsandTravails]

Yes, if compared to a Grand Design.

[@805gregg]

One reason to not, old 1960's tech, no slide, east west bed, no fun crawling over your SO every night

[@TravelsandTravails]

We have the twin beds on our Casita. Hated doing the climb over!

[@isaacgentz3319]

No slide outs is actually a bonus in some respects, such as lighter, no maintenance, and no holes for water to enter

[@tenminutetokyo2643]

But the Scamp was so lightweight.

[@TravelsandTravails]

It was!

[@boattune0411]

fiberglass oxidizes worse than aluminum. ever see a dark colored boat and how it can look chalky?

[@TravelsandTravails]

It does, but there are products to remove oxidation.

[@brentra7076]

I have a 1994 fiberglass boat, and it still shines! I wax and buff it regularly.

[@cajunjamis9001]

. ************* "LIFE IS BETTER IN A CASITA" ******************

[@TravelsandTravails]

Isn’t it!?

[@Blastfence1]

They don’t have bathrooms!

[@TravelsandTravails]

Most do have bathrooms. Just to name a few: Casita, Bigfoot, Escape, Oliver, Snoozy all have bathrooms.

[@Blastfence1]

@@TravelsandTravails They are not big enough to have a bath 🛁 room!

[@banditthesiberian8156]

Ages well and stays white just how I like my women

[@TravelsandTravails]

🤔

[@banditthesiberian8156]

@@TravelsandTravails it was a joke you the said trailer stays white and ages well

[@TravelsandTravails]

@@banditthesiberian8156 Ah!

[@martinhays6811]

Nay to much weight to much maintanins and to expensive to repair!

[@tedpereboom6983]

Keeps the condensation in camper as well.