Considering a Used Casita Travel Trailer For Sale? Why It Could Be Your Perfect Tiny Home

Amidst the widespread fascination with #vanlife and a growing trend among outdoor enthusiasts seeking more meaningful, minimal, and nomadic lifestyles, tiny travel trailers haven’t quite reached the same level of viral popularity. It’s somewhat puzzling why more people don’t opt for them, perhaps simply because #traveltrailerlife isn’t as catchy a hashtag. Six years ago, my choice of a used Casita was driven by affordability, ease of towing, and promising research. I purchased a 1991 Casita Spirit Deluxe I discovered on a sale forum, sight-unseen, having never actually seen any Casita in person. Although the vintage Casita I acquired back then presented numerous challenges, after three years of ownership, I was completely convinced – not only of travel trailers being a superior form of nomadic living but specifically of the Casita’s merits: its durability, market stability, convenient size and weight, functionality, and undeniable cuteness.

Exterior view of a white Casita travel trailer parked at a scenic lakeside spot

Why I Didn’t Choose a Different Type of Camper

While living in a campervan often appears glamorous on social media platforms like Instagram, the reality can be quite different. Even large vans offer limited interior space, typically lack plumbing, running water, or a bathroom without extensive and costly modifications, and crucially, they require you to use your living space as your sole mode of transportation. As a working professional, the ability to park my “house” and drive away in a separate “vehicle” – for work, hiking, grocery shopping, etc. – was absolutely essential. This need quickly ruled out campervans and Class C RVs (smaller, drivable RVs). It was simply impractical for my only vehicle to be the one I was also living in and driving. Class A RVs were never even a consideration; they are prohibitively large and expensive for my needs.

Front view of a Casita travel trailer towed by a vehicle on a dirt road

Side view of a Casita travel trailer parked with its awning extended

Why I Chose a Tow-Behind Travel Trailer (TT)

Travel trailers offer the distinct advantage of being able to be left behind when necessary. Since I work “outside the home” (specifically, at a hospital), I need to be able to get into my vehicle in the morning and drive to work, leaving my “home” fully set up as a home. My dog needs to be able to stay comfortably inside the camper while I’m at work. I need to be able to leave the air conditioner and refrigerator running. I want the convenience of keeping my power, water, and sewer hookups connected at my location. Because my work involves full-time travel, I often remain in one location for extended periods, typically around three months. I’m not constantly moving every few days, and I don’t work remotely from the camper.

Another compelling reason for selecting a travel trailer is that many remote trailheads and campsites I enjoy visiting are inaccessible to campervans and Class C RVs. However, my 4Runner can reach these spots, and my Casita is adaptable to be as off-road capable as I can make it. Regardless, I prioritized being able to leave my “house” parked and drive my truck off for activities like hiking trails, kayaking, rafting, or off-roading. I didn’t want my mobility restricted by the vehicle I was living in. A tow-behind travel trailer fit this requirement better than any other type of recreational vehicle, granting me the freedom to drive my 4×4 vehicle and tow my home-on-wheels wherever my work takes me.

Casita travel trailer parked in a grassy area with mountains in the background

Why Specifically a Casita When Considering a Used Casita Travel Trailer For Sale?

When I first embarked on my search for a travel trailer six years ago, after completing the Appalachian Trail, I dedicated countless hours over several weeks to researching various models and styles. My budget was limited, and I was determined to ensure that my eventual purchase was the right one. Looking back, there was much I didn’t know to consider, and purchasing that specific used Casita might have been a mistake due to many undisclosed issues. However, ultimately, I knew Casita was the brand for me. Through gutting and renovating my used “Margarita Casita,” I gained invaluable knowledge about living in and working on campers, and about the inner workings of these little fiberglass eggs. Here are a few reasons why fiberglass trailers are, in my experience, among the best trailers available, particularly when looking at Used Casita Travel Trailer For Sale options.

Virtually Leak-Proof

Fiberglass trailers like the Casita are remarkably resistant to leaks. Most are constructed much like two fiberglass boat hulls, one inverted and sealed to the other. This design minimizes seams and joints, drastically reducing potential leak points. If a leak does occur, it’s typically traced to a dry-rotted window seal, a loose connection, or a damaged pipe, rather than a structural flaw. My previous thirty-year-old used Casita didn’t leak from the shell. My new one is built to maintain that longevity.

Interior view of a Casita travel trailer showing the kitchen counter and sink

It Can Be Pulled Anywhere, By (Almost) Anything

All Casita models currently in production measure 17 feet long and weigh approximately 2200-3000 lbs, depending on the specific model and options. Older 13-foot and 16-foot models can still occasionally be found among the Used Casita Travel Trailer For Sale listings, and these are significantly lighter. This weight profile places them comfortably within the towing capabilities of a wide variety of vehicles and generally results in better gas mileage while towing. With certain factory or aftermarket enhancements (I opted for a high-lift axle, shock kit, and larger tires), the Casita becomes capable of handling bumpy dirt roads for off-grid adventures and can be maneuvered into the smallest, most challenging campsites – places inaccessible to larger trailers and RVs. They are more off-road capable than many campervans and are easily towed by my 4Runner.

Reasonable Price Point & Market Stability

Despite the current demand for these trailers far exceeding the supply (they are exclusively manufactured at one small facility in rural Texas, leading to wait times of 13-18 months depending on the model), the price point for a new Casita is remarkably reasonable. They are priced similarly to, or sometimes below, comparable size/weight stick-built trailers and are considerably less expensive than some other fiberglass trailers on the market. Furthermore, Casitas hold their value exceptionally well; in fact, they often increase in value the moment they leave the manufacturer’s lot, contrary to the typical depreciation of most recreational vehicles. This phenomenon is primarily due to the significant supply/demand imbalance mentioned earlier – buyers are often willing to pay a premium over the initial purchase price to acquire one immediately rather than enduring a year-plus waiting period. This strong resale value makes looking for used casita travel trailer for sale listings a potentially attractive option, though prices on the secondhand market often reflect this high demand. Finding casita travel trailers by owner can sometimes lead to better deals than through dealerships, if you’re patient and thorough in your search.

Close-up view of the exterior side of a Casita travel trailer

They Are Just Plain Cute

Let’s be honest, Casitas are incredibly CUTE! They have a distinct, appealing resemblance to large rolling eggs. As someone who has always admired the design aesthetic of Airstreams but has never been able to afford one (or wanted the large vehicle required to tow one), the Casita offers a delightful compromise. It features those appealing rounded edges and streamlined appearance without the associated weight or price tag. Casitas are also highly customizable; the white fiberglass exterior can be painted or wrapped for a personalized look. I eventually plan to add some custom graphics to mine, but for now, its simple form is perfect. I specifically ordered mine without the factory Casita logos, opting for a “naked” look, which I find sleeker and more modern than the dated factory branding.

What’s Not to Love About a Casita?

There are very few significant drawbacks to owning a Casita, whether you’re a solo traveler or a couple. The bathroom in a Casita is quite small, and a tall person will find it difficult to stand up fully inside. Additionally, the Spirit model, which is the most popular layout, features a sideways bed configuration. This means that if two people are sharing the bed, one will need to crawl over the other to get in or out. However, for a solo traveler like myself, standing only 5’3″, these aspects are perfectly manageable and don’t detract from the overall experience.

It’s worth noting that Casita is not the only manufacturer of fiberglass travel trailers. Other major players in the US include Scamp and Oliver. You can also find small fiberglass trailers from older brands like Boler, Uhaul, Trillium, and several others. Scamp is arguably Casita’s closest competitor, offering very similar trailer styles at comparable price points. They have slightly different interior layouts than Casitas. My primary deciding factor between the two was my preference for the Spirit layout offered by Casita over any of Scamp’s options.

Oliver Travel Trailers are often considered the “Cadillac” of fiberglass campers. Key differences include their larger size (19ft or 24ft options), the availability of a double axle, and higher-end finishes and appliances throughout. While these factors make Oliver a demonstrably nicer trailer than a Casita, they also come with a price tag that is typically double that of a Casita and are significantly heavier, which limits towing versatility and the range of vehicles capable of pulling them. Therefore, when searching for used casita travel trailer for sale, you are generally looking at a more accessible price point and weight class compared to a used Oliver.

Tips for Purchasing a Casita

If you are actively looking for a used casita travel trailer for sale, here are some key tips to guide your search and ensure you make an informed decision:

• Research Your Tow Vehicle Capacity: Ensure your vehicle can safely tow and stop a trailer weighing approximately 3000 lbs. This is crucial for safety and legality.
• Seek Out Owners: Contact Casita or join online communities and ask to connect with a Casita owner in your local area. Taking a tour of their trailer can give you a realistic sense of the space and help you determine if it feels too cramped or if you are too tall for the interior, especially the bathroom.
• Engage with Online Communities: Join Casita Facebook groups (like “Casita Owners of America” or “Casita Life”) and other online forums. These communities are a treasure trove of information, advice, and even listings for casita travel trailers by owner. Read discussions, ask questions, and learn from the experiences of current and past owners.
• Attend a Fiberglass Trailer Rally: If possible, attend a fiberglass trailer rally. These events are held across the US and provide an excellent opportunity to tour multiple different types and sizes of fiberglass trailers, including various Casita models. This hands-on experience is invaluable for making an informed decision about which model best suits your needs.
• Be Patient (Especially for New, But Impacts Used Market): While this tip is more for buying new, understanding the long wait times for new trailers (a year to a year and a half) helps explain why the used casita travel trailer for sale market is so competitive and prices often remain high, even for older models. Be prepared for a potentially long search to find the right used trailer at a reasonable price.

View inside a Casita travel trailer showing the rear dinette area

Options I Chose (For Context on Customization)

While my initial purchase was a used model, my more recent Casita was ordered new. Understanding available options is helpful even when looking at a used Casita travel trailer for sale, as it informs what features you might find or look for.

Factory Options Included:

• Furnace (propane powered; my old Casita didn’t have this)
• Outside Shower (useful for washing off gear, pets, or feet)
• Microwave
• LED Interior Bulbs
• Aluminum Alloy Wheels
• Solar Port
• Deep Cycle AGM Battery
• Electric Tongue Jack (significantly simplifies hitching and leveling)
• Roller shades (preferred over blinds for light blocking, especially with pets)
• Leveling Blocks Set (convenient add-on)
• Folding Shelf (utility can depend on mattress setup)
• Surge Protector (important electrical protection)
• Casita Kit (essential roadside tools)
• High Lift Suspension Package (for better ground clearance)
• Awning (provides outdoor living space)
• 180 W Solar Panel (for off-grid power)
• Andersen weight distribution hitch (improves towing stability)

Aftermarket Options from Little Home on the Road:

• Shock kit (enhances ride comfort and stability)
• Katy Closet (adds storage space)
• Toilet shut-off valve (useful feature)
• Double step (installed specifically to help my aging dog access the trailer more easily)

I had also planned to install a Stromberg Carlson rack over the propane tanks for hauling a generator or storage bin, but it wasn’t available in time. This remains a future upgrade consideration, along with a slide-out battery tray.

The Bottom Line: Why I Chose a Casita

This covers the core reasons behind my decision to choose a Casita travel trailer, highlighting aspects that are particularly relevant if you are considering a used casita travel trailer for sale. It also touches on my purchasing process and the options I selected.

In total, the cost of my new Casita, including all factory and aftermarket options, was $32,300. When considering typical monthly housing costs like AirBNB, Furnished Finder, or long-term hotels, which can range from $1000 to $2000 in most areas, and comparing them to average campground fees for small travel trailers (averaging $400-$700 per month in similar areas), I anticipate that the cost of this trailer will be recouped through savings on housing expenses within the first 2-3 years of ownership. As a significant bonus, I now possess a comfortable “home” that contains all my belongings and provides a stable, familiar environment for both myself and my dog, regardless of our location. Finding a used casita travel trailer for sale offers a potentially faster path to realizing these benefits, though careful inspection is paramount.

If you have questions about Casitas, especially if you’re looking for casita travel trailers by owner or researching models, feel free to leave a comment or reach out via the contact form.