Parting with Our Casita - Why We Made This Hard Decision
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 30 ก.ย. 2024
- Unfortunately Caden and I had to part ways with our Casita. Before our tiny house was delivered to us in Nashville, we were living full time in our Casita. We bring you this news with heavy hearts but we felt it was necessary as we continue to be open about our journey. We have the links below to the other video we had mentioned. We hope you all are doing well and we cant thank you all enough for your incredible support.
Mold in Our 2019 Camper:
• Mold in Our Camper- Ho...
Casita is on the short list that My Chemical Free House said was safe for mold. Im about to buy one. Darn it. I have mold in my life already...
As for your condition, research zeolite and diatomaceous earth. Both fantastic for detox
Another thing to consider is the micro fibers in carpet will disintegreate over time from heat and age and will get on everything inside and are bad for your health as well as the environment. I have a truck camper topper that is eight years old and it now sheds on everything. It was to be torn out and because it's glued it's a pain.
Airstreams have major condensation problems as well. New ones have aluminum interior walls and if you don't run a dehumidifier the moisture will just drip off the walls, like you found behind the foam carpet walls in the Casita. It's inevitable in any camper you buy that is properly sealed up. Must crack a window, run the exhaust fan, and use a dehumidifier if you are going to be staying inside it for any length of time. Everything must have ventilation.
Is Casita refunding your money? If not, how will you get rid of it?
Is it possible that production and quality control during the pandemic years be the issue? Labor and material shortage has affected even stellar manufacturers in all fields.
I have a 2014 Scamp 16' and I have spent a good bit of time in it during the winter. I bought an Ivation 13-Pint Desiccant Dehumidifier desiccant dehumidifier because of condensation. Condensation is just a reality with a small enclosed space, winter time the walls are cold and so the water vapor hits them and condenses. In the summer the AC removes the humidity.
Escape trailer , for the money. Best fiberglass trailer you can buy
Just my comment to let you know how badly I feel for you both. I'm immune compromised also....we, too traveled in a cab over camper years ago...for the same safety reasons. Motels and hotels would trigger so many bad allergies for me because of commercial cleaners used....or even air fresheners. We got lucky....our old beat up beloved camper made it possible for us to travel in safety and comfort. Even back then my dream was to have a casita....it never happened....but luckily my old style cabover never leaked a drop or worked up a "sweat"...you might want to look into an Escape trailer....made in Canada...but has dealers in the States, I think.
A tour through through their factory was a pleasant experience.....why didnt we buy one? The owner/builder wasnt comfortable that our Suburu could pull it safely....and advised us not to buy it! Wish you well, young friends. Thanks for your nice answer from my last comment. *Recliner Babe*...and her handsome (90 year old Prince.)
Hi Sandra, wow thank you so much for your kind comment and incredible support. I am so sorry you also are immune compromised! That is so awesome that you were able to travel using your cab over camper! I feel like it is really the best option for those in situations like you and I! I really appreciate your suggestion about the Escape too. Really shows an honest company that the owner even suggested you not getting it with the vehicle you had!
Thank you so much again for your kindness, I am so glad youtube brought our paths together! I hope you are doing well and have a wonderful day!
Number one beef I have with all fiberglass campers is that they are NOT insulated to prevent condensation. Applying carpet to the walls is insane. It spells condensation, water damage in storage ares, mold, horrible!!! Fiberglass walls are like tents with no rainfly. Spray on insulation doesn't work. No air space allows transfer of heat directly the cold walls and carpet is NOT the answer considering condensation! Trade it in on something better.
I live in Florida with high humidity ! We own a 2020 Casita. Never had any issues with our unit! We do run a tiny dehumidifier all the time ! Leaks can happen with any RV . Good luck !
That is great insight Ralph, thank you for your comment! I am so glad to hear that you do not have any issues with your Casita especially in the high humidity! Thank you for your support and I hope you have a great day!
@@OliviaFarabaugh 👍😁
Sorry to hear about your health. We have a 2021 Spirit Deluxe with no leaks or water damage at all. The band connection around the middle is solid and does not leak. We, however, do not live in ours. It is strictly an RV to us. When I store it between uses, I put greensheets in the fridge, several damp rids in the trailer, and keep all doors open. When I am ready to use it, I check thoroughly for function . There is an excellent video from Casita RV Life out there on getting a stored Casita ready for use. It is extremely thorough. Might want to check it out should you two have second thoughts. Good luck with your condition. You look way too young to have to shoulder health issues.
An Oliver trailer has a double hull with insulation in between. As far as I know there is no way for moisture to get to the outer shell to condense. They are very expensive though. An escape may be another option. The vinyl headliner in the escape should keep moisture away from the outer shell and the foam insulation. If you have condensation issues, they will be right out in the open rather than collecting behind foam. 17 foot escapes are only a little more expensive than Casitas, but you could get one as large as 23 feet or a small 5th wheel.
Thank you so much John for your comment with such great information! We really appreciate your support and sharing these suggestions!
It seem odd with fiberglass unless you have cracks or holes leaking over your head like maybe the screws holding your TV you seem to have way to much for condensation. I’ve fixed a lot of cracks on RV you would be surprises how much water can get through a crack smaller than a hair. I would look very closely from top to bottom before getting rid of everything and start maybe by throwing a tarp over it first and turning on som fans opening som windows and trying to dry it out and maybe don’t boil water inside for a while
I had a condensation issue in our camper (not a Casita) but resolved the issue by keeping the closet door open and adding a dehumidifier, but it can be a small battle, particularly in cold weather. Good idea to move on though, as those kind of health issues are no joke. Best of luck.
I just really appreciate you posting this! I saw your first video and pulled the trigger anyway on a 2022. I will be using a humidifier for sure. We live in Seattle, so might be a little bit of a challenge, but others up here have had no issues, so who knows? Anyway, love you guys, appreciate your videos, and really hope to hear more jam sesh videos! Your voice makes me happy, Olivia!
Hi Chris! Thank you so much for your kind comment and support! Im glad that our video was helpful and I think that is great just being aware, that way you can catch it early if it would be an issue. I hope you have so much fun with your camping adventures!! I am so happy to hear that you are enjoying my music as well! I have some new music i cant wait to share with you all!! :)
Thank you so much again Chris and happy camping!
I think you mean a dehumidifier. Just be aware that all dehumidiifiers are made by just a few companies and there have been many instances of fires originating in the dehumidifiers. I know someone who recently had their business burn to the ground and it was determined it started in their brand new dehumidifier.
I was leaning towards a Casita but not anymore. I just lost a friend who passed away from toxic black mold. Nothing to play with!
Seems like there are NO good campers. The inside should NOT be sweating.
What about Oliver?
That does not make any sense to me that condensation could create that much wetness. And that your Casita would have condensation issues to that extent when others do not. I live in Florida and yes, I run a dehumidifier in the summertime from the atmosphere. But I have never experienced any wetness that would damp in a paper towel. I'm so sorry you're having this trouble, for years I have recommended Casita's to other people particularly because I didn't have leaks in mind. But with everything I'm reading about belly band it's not being sealed and stacks not being sealed I'm going to refrain from recommending them.
I ask myself HOW IN THE WORLD did this happen twice. ??? And has casita reached out to you??? This has affected my decision in choosing casita .my friend had a casita and she never dealt with any moisture that I know of !!! In fact passed the trailer down to family member.
Hi Olivia. I just got my 2022 Casita Liberty Deluxe. It has lots of just little things wrong with it. I don't know yet or think anything major. But, the latches don't work on the closet. Latches don't work on the drawers, the drawers fall out, door window shades don't work, top fell off the refrigerator, tiny rust spot that goes into the fiberglass on the bottom, fan beeps, electric panel falls off by itself, bathroom window not right, forgot to give me my awning stick. Just little things, and Casita said I could return it or they would fix it. I'm having a hard time deciding. How did you decide I know mold was a serious issue for you, but was there anything else wrong? I too am disabled, and having a hard time deciding. Thank You 💗
Omg. I wanted to get one because I thought they were quality built. So much for that ides!
I feel for your health issues but ventilation and airflow management is important in any RV. Neglecting it can compound problems fast. The moisture 6:07 problems you’re having aren’t insurmountable.
Trying to get the better half into camping with a small RV. I've looked at many, but getting her to accept carpet on the walls was always going to be tough. Now I think I agree with her.
Are you in humid climate?
Might be worth looking on the other side of trailer as well. If there is moisture is such spread-out areas then you can be sure it is condensation.
Hope things work out they r expensive I was looking for an older one will check it out first
nüCamp is a fiberglass teardrop shaped RV with superb customer support/warranty. I'm surprised that there is only one other reply that makes any reference to nüCamp Teardrop shaped RV..
Yes, I've just "subscribed", rang the notification bell, & "Like".
Apparently you're not reading/replying to any comments.
Warm Regards from Reno, Nevada
I’m not 100%, but it looks likely that I’m in a similar boat. On 4the house and still suffering for an entire constellation of symptoms. Pretty sure it’s CIRS. Hope your tiny home is mold free!
Have you found the right doctor? Must be a functional 0:00 medicine doctor. I've spent a long time finding her. She does tele medicine if you need.
Have you checked the all of your trailers? They’re more expensive than Casita, but not as expensive quite as airstream. But they are a beautiful trailer. I have a Casita 17 foot freedom deluxe. I have not used any water systems in it yet but now I’m freaking out. Do you think it’s just a case of caulking it at the belly band? For me, it hasn’t been out in the rain and I haven’t used water systems in the trailer yet.
It is not really the size, we owned a park model 40ft and we did live in it during the week for work and we had the same problems, we are parked close to Chicago, and winters are brutal in our area, we now own a 45ft 5th wheel and do not have this problem anymore. Love your videos by the way
I'm glad you posted this ... and that I found it. Surpristed Casita isn't fixing the manufacturing issue.
Ooooooh! I’m so sad! I just got mine in January and haven’t had any issues yet. We live in a dry climate in Colorado so maybe with the lack of humidity the issue won’t be a problem?
I’m so sad for you guys! And, I have health issues, too, so I seriously hope this won’t be a problem for us. :(
Angela thank you so much for your kind words
I own. 2021 passport travel trailer and just got me a dehumidifier for the winter. First time buying it! I’m not sure why you had such a bad reputation with the Casita. Sad to hear. There is a guy who goes by Rusty 78609 who had a casita before buying a class C motorhome . He never had a problem with his but he lives in Texas were in Washington the rain, cold never stops. I look into the Casitas and fiberglass are by far best travel trailers people tend to buy. In fact, I am in the process of buying a Casita soon. Maybe I will look at Oliver travel trailer and there are other fiberglass trailers out there, but they can get pricey. Thanks for sharing and hope all works well for you two.
Sorry to hear that! Maybe you can try out a NuCamp Tab 320 S Boondock (made in Ohio), or a Snoozy 2 trailer (made in South Carolina). Those are the other 2 I’ve looked at alongside Casitas. Hope y’all can find something that works out!
The snoozy 2 are very nice ! I almost bought one . Only problem was Company is not very stable and price is way too much. My opinion
@@ralphp3057 yeah I thought the price was about $2000-$5000 too high as well. Still considering them, but I guess the question is would I rather pay a little more for the Snoozy 2, or have to wait an extra year or so for a Casita. And since the Casita didn’t work for this crew, maybe the Snoozy 2 would.
@@glassmw9823
Well, most people don’t have those troubles with Casita . They have a very good reputation. But , nothing is perfect 😳.
@@ralphp3057 agreed. This gal seems to have special health needs, so Snoozy perhaps may meet those needs whereas they tried with the Casita twice and didn’t seem to be able to make it work out. Yeah I’ve heard great things about Casitas as well, and have them near the top of my list too. My wife and I will likely check a few out here soon ourselves
You should take a road trip up to po dunk Jackson Center Ohio and see the airstream build process.
I have a similar health issue, and have been having a wonderful time in my '05 Airstream interstate van ... precisely because it's all just metal and metal sheets, and zero carpets. Never had a leak in it yet. Sorry this happened to you. Its proper to mention that as soon as I got it, I put Eternabond tape over ALL the seams on the roof. Yes it does a lot of condensation though, but no carpet anywhere to attract and/or retain nasty nasties like molds. So condensation just runs down, if you crack a window, no issues ever. Hotels mess me up royally, even the best cleanest hotels. I was looking at a casita, but the thought of those carpets gave me a headache upfront. What a pain.
I have the same sensitivities and have a casita. Have my eye on liv trailers for the future, but so far I'm fortunate not to have any water issues.
I have read that using propane heaters and stoves does produce a lot of moisture inside an RV and is one downside of using a Little Buddy heater for heat. I assume you use the factory heater and it is vented and expels moisture (?) outside the trailer. (See Gonagain video on installation of a propane heater in a cargo trailer camper conversion.)
Do you think your moisture problem may be from cooking on the propane stove? Maybe a conversion to an electric induction stove would help. It might be an expensive option using a battery bank and solar if you do not have hookups.
Good luck.
Gosh after talking to you yesterday I feel like we have even more in common!
Man I was looking at Casita and researching the campers this is a eye opener! And I looked through all the comments, and Casita has to know about this video, but they are staying quiet and not responding to it that’s concerning in itself! Have they talked with you to try and resolve the issues with your Casita? Good luck with your New tiny house and Health.
are you selling your trailer?
please reply!!
Thanks for the video! Have you looked into ATC toy haulers? We’ve been researching them and love that they are all metal.
I bet you love your new tiny house! There are smaller models out there that would work, but they are probably not as comfy as your Casita Sprint was! That's the tough thing about campers. Either large and hard to pull with a Jeep or they are small and not much for immunities! Your best option is an Airstream. They are really expensive but worth every dime. I'd consider getting an older one and refurbishing it. It's probably your best solution to your unique medical condition. Sorry guys!
So sad, it’s seems a shame with that price tag it has problems like that. Best wishes on your new tiny house. Your dog is so cute. 😊
I am so sorry this is happening to y’all. My heart breaks a little. I am curious is anyone who lives in their casita full time uses a small wood stove to combat condensation? I plan on living in ours some day, and have thought about installing a tiny wood stove in order to combat this very issue. I suspect this might cause other issues for this couple, being extra sensitive… 🤔
I know you love the Casita - look into something built with Azdel in the walls maybe, not sure if it would meet your needs but it stops moisture from hurting traditional camper laminated walls? How do you handle stick houses? Sounds like a lot of rain in the area you are in, you might have to move to less humidity? I know that fiberglass campers can have condensation issues - there are several videos out there about the Northern Lite truck camper that has challenges in the bed area. Many solved those problems with dehumidifiers, exhaust fans and setting up little 12 volt fans to circulate air through the cupboards and closets. Be careful of the amount of Propane you use inside the camper as burning Propane releases a lot of moisture into the air.
Hi Delvie! Thank you so much for your comment and sharing the tips and tricks that you have seen! We had tried the dehumidifiers and exhaust fans but never heard to the 12 volt fans to circulate. Really cool idea! We will defiantly look into more about the Azdel! I was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome in November of 2020 and sick houses are very triggering unfortunately. Thats is why we actually got the camper so i could continue traveling with my music and avoid staying in unhealthy environments with airbnb's and hotels. Thank you so much again for your comment and insight, it is truly appreciated!
Mold or no mold; the camper is seemingly NOT something many would decide to buy. When I buy something, I expect things to not leak or collect a lot of moisture. For them to mention condensation as your problem in the first one kind of indicates that this is a definite problem they've been having with their campers. I'm sorry you have to go through this. I am planning to buy something within the next year and had them on my list to check out. I am going to remove them from my list.
Hi. I could be wrong, but I don’t believe it was Casita that told them it was condensation in the first one. It was at the place they took it to to be looked at. I hope she corrects me, if I’m wrong. 😊
Missing you guys
Thank you for sharing!! What a bummer! I’m hoping people will suggest other options that have worked. I would love to hear any additional comments you have about the Airstream. It sounds like this is a good option in spite of price?? Thank you!
Hi Amy! I really do love the Airstream as an option as they have to offer a lot in regards to us sensitive foke :) Unlike the Casita that has one shell and the insulation glued to it, the airstream has an outer-shell, insulation, then an interior shell. I do love that the exterior as well as the interior is make of aluminum which greatly reduces off gassing. Also the insulation is Ecobatt insulation which is an awesome non toxic insulation! The other thing I really liked as i was researching is that it is all hand made. The outer-shell is made as one piece then put on the frame. It is then put under a high pressure water "bath" for like 25 minutes with someone inside checking for leaks. This video link i put below is one of the resources I have found while looking into the airstreams. I hope this can help!!
th-cam.com/video/AgpPe91DegU/w-d-xo.html
@@OliviaFarabaugh Thank you so much for this information. It’s very helpful!!
@@OliviaFarabaugh Thank you for the information about the Airstream! The video was super helpful!! I appreciate your help!
I have looked at 3 used airstreams they all had rot in the wooden floors 2020 looked at a new airstream still had wooden floors no thanks
This video is making me reconsider my future purchase of a casita. I’ve been looking at escape trailers made in Canada. $10,000 more but worth it.
Escape is top notch
Lot's of positive vibes on the Casita owners group.
I think there's a reason Scamp and Casita have such an attractive price point and now I know why. I think the only good fiberglass trailer companies are Northern Lite, Bigfoot, and Oliver but they are pricier but from what I researched, very well made and the only ones I know of that are 4 season rated. I wouldn't count Lance because they are just fiberglass panels, not 2 piece molds like Northern Lite, Bigfoot, and Olivers. Oliver is American made and the other two are Canadian. Oliver says all the screws and fasteners they use are marine grade or galvanized to prevent rusting.
WOW you really opened my eyes! I've been seriously considering a Casita as a full timer bur after this Yikes! I think I might start looking at airstream but not sure affordable! Thx for the information!
I'm sorry the new Casita leek's. Our 01 had the floor became soaked over the years. We replaced the wood and put it back together. We just returned from Myrtle Beach and had no issues with water.
You may want to check out Scamp or Orville in Canada.
Just took ownership of my 2022 Casita Spirit. This video has certainly raised some concern. I have a call into the company to see if they have addressed this issue at all. I don't plan on running the heating system any time soon, but certainly will in the future. If this is condensation, does anyone know of any preventive measures one can take to prevent or minimize the problem?
small dehumidifier perhaps?
There's only one way to deal with a belly band issue, and it happens with almost all of these types of double shell campers. I don't understand why the manufacturers don't solve this problem since it's their weakest link. It's a cheap fix, however, it takes time, tools, materials, and skills to solve it. Thanks for sharing your story with us.
Do tell.
I hear truck campers are better. Less maintenance, no registration, no packing bearings or flats.
Parking space etc.
Did you consider an Oliver Trailer?