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KJRitchie · 10-06-2015, 02:51 PM

I prefer back in sites and will choose one of those over a pull through if there is a choice. I look for sites on the outer loops of campgrounds.

Yes the larger size of our Airstream vs our Casita had me worried but after a few trips I got more confident. Having to mess with a weight distribution hitch was also an adjustment. Just take your time getting in and out of a campground.

Kelvin

PaulnGina · 10-06-2015, 03:53 PM

Yes, that's the main thing... take your time. I think you'll find that backing a longer trailer is easier. Our 34' Avion is a piece of cake to back into a spot.

gypsydad · 10-06-2015, 05:38 PM

We went from a 25', 2006 Safari AS rear bed, to 17' Casita...after 2 years crawling over each other in the Casita, we bought a 2008 25' AS rear "Twin"; found out later the 08' Twin had been modified from a Queen, and lacked the outside storage lockers, plus there were other issues. We sold it 2 years later. We opted for a new 25' FB Twin last year and could not be "too much" happier...(would like the ducted air) But for 2 adults plus boxer dog, this is an excellent AS for us. Twin gives you plenty of options, more sleeping area, dressing area, 3 outside storage areas, etc...I wouldn't worry about pull through; maneuvering the 25 is not much different than the Casita to me. We back in many times to enjoy "view out the back" at lakes, streams, etc...and we have a F150 SuperCrew short bed, Echoboost to pull...

mpsgolf · 10-08-2015, 09:17 PM

Hi and welcome!

We bought a used 25' Safari off the forum classifieds 2 years ago. We agonized over 23 or 25 as I was concerned about the weight and towing. We went with 25fb and loved it. We tow with an Armada no problems!

We just upgraded to a 2015 28' International. We have more stowage, more room, a separate couch and dining table. Also the bed is not turned sideways on the 28' which is a very nice feature. There is stowage on both sides of the bed and under so that is a plus.

For us it was all about the layout we wanted. We looked at 27 and 28 (same outside length no but diff layouts) and chose the 28. Having had the Casita for a while you should have a good idea of what features you need and like. Trust your feelings and pick the floor plan you like best for how you travel (and how your wife packs!).

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing!

Super9 · 10-09-2015, 08:56 AM

Thanks for replies. We have had Casita so long, I am sure we are over emphasizing the features we are used to. For example: the sideways bed seems desirable to us, that's the way the Casita is arranged, seems like can look out the windows better. I am thinking once we get a larger AS and start using it, we will realize maybe using the bed for a couch is not that great, but who knows?

I am starting to really like the 27' Flying Cloud FB arrangement. Often, in the Casita, which has no windows in the front, I would like to see what's going on out front, just the check on the TV, see if it's still there?, a little paranoia maybe? I noticed today, the 27' has super nice big windows on the front sides as well to look out, even if lounging on the bed. And, of course, the back has wonderful windows to look out of while enjoying the bench seats and table.

My latest concern is getting gas with a larger trailer. We have had some adventures even with the 17' Casita, and are pretty careful where we pull in for gas. I can imagine gasing up with 27' is even more fun? I may get a diesel anyways, which may be less trouble to fill-up I am thinking because the bays are generally larger for big trucks.

What I like seems to change from one day to the next, but we realized the other day the smaller AS just seem like larger Casita's. If we get AS, seems like need 27' to really enjoy it. Looking for deal on 27' FC FB now. Cheers

KJRitchie · 10-09-2015, 09:28 AM

You will have to be more carefully refueling with the Airstream compared to the Casita. Some of the stations we refueled at during our Casita years would not be possible with our Airstream 25fb. Got to plan your entry and exits. Watch out for steep dips entering/exiting. Our Casita had more ground clearance.

I've just switched to diesel and have discovered that diesel is not available on all fuel islands. They are either located on the end islands or a separate pump off the side. I haven't tried a truck island yet but have read on these forums some of the issues of truck islands; high flow pumps, having to go inside and pay, higher prices, a lot of fuel spill/water separator spill on the ground, rude truck drivers. My brother-in-law used to have a Duramax towing a 28' 5th wheel and used a truck island once and decided it wasn't worth it. He now has a gas Class C.

gypsydad · 10-10-2015, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KJRitchie

You will have to be more carefully refueling with the Airstream compared to the Casita. Some of the stations we refueled at during our Casita years would not be possible with our Airstream 25fb. Got to plan your entry and exits. Watch out for steep dips entering/exiting. Our Casita had more ground clearance.

I've just switched to diesel and have discovered that diesel is not available on all fuel islands. They are either located on the end islands or a separate pump off the side. I haven't tried a truck island yet but have read on these forums some of the issues of truck islands; high flow pumps, having to go inside and pay, higher prices, a lot of fuel spill/water separator spill on the ground, rude truck drivers. My brother-in-law used to have a Duramax towing a 28' 5th wheel and used a truck island once and decided it wasn't worth it. He now has a gas Class C.

We really haven't altered our search for fuel ("Casita vs 25' AS"). Pulling with the short bed F150 is a longer package overall however, then pulling with Tahoe's we owned earlier. We love the Echoboost for our AS, and have considered a new diesel at some point. The diesel's do offer more power for sure, but the additional size, length, (over 1/2 ton short beds) and as others pointed out, fuel issues, have kept us in gas... always looking for something more efficient...

Super9 · 10-11-2015, 07:52 AM

Thanks for replies, very interesting comments about diesel refueling, good to know has issues too.

When on the road, we use propane to run refrigerator. I guess AS is the same, DC doesn't work that well? Maybe with 2 batteries, AS refrigerator works better on DC. Anyways, when refueling, we always stop to turn off the propane before refueling. I know many probably don't bother, but illegal to be at gas station with propane turned on in many jurisdictions, if not everywhere. I don't want to get a ticket, or be found negligent if there is a fire. So, I guess with AS I would still be making 2 stops to get gas, actually 3 stops including to turn propane back on.

I am seeing more reasons why larger trailers are more trouble. Not just on the road, but parking, refueling, finding camping spot, storage, ... Not that larger trailer isn't worth the extra trouble, but don't want to get larger trailer and be surprised.

The Ford F150 with EcoBoost seems to be very popular. I met one AS camper already with Ford F150 V6 with EcoBoost. He really liked it, said had lots of power when you needed it. I did a little research and found they can get too hot and fail, very expensive to repair. Hard to beat diesel for power, but diesels have issues too.

So far, fun the look, think about getting AS trailer. May drive wife nuts though. Cheers

PaulnGina · 10-11-2015, 08:32 AM

In our travels with our diesel pickup and 34' trailer, we have found that once we got used to looking for diesel stations they got easier and easier to find. More and more stations are being built that have larger lots, room to pull in the site to shut off the propane, then move to the pumps. I'm not saying that it's easy..... just a few more things to be aware of. As mentioned before, stations that sell diesel, not all pumps have diesel available at them, most likely will be at the pumps on the outside ends of the site. At busy stations, you'll find that you'll contend with gas-burners that will be filling up at the pump you need and you will have to wait patiently. With the trailer in tow, it's not always easy to wait in line without blocking other's access, but you do what you can to be as courteous as possible, and hope others return the favor! I don't generally find it necessary to fill up at big-truck islands, but do occasionally if it's needed.
If you do decide to get a diesel truck, try to get your diesel at a station that looks like it's in the business of selling diesel, not just a side line. I look for the larger convenience store chains that have lots of pumps. Most times, you can bet that the diesel in their underground tank has not been sitting for months on end gathering moisture. Sometimes, it's easy to look at the pump itself and tell that it gets used a lot. With the number of diesel pickups on the road these days, stations are missing out on a lot of business if they don't sell diesel. Stations I avoid are those that DO sell diesel, but their price is extraordinarily high compared to other local stations. I assume that there are other shoppers like me that DO care about price and would pass up higher-priced stations. These days with our whiz-bang phones, it's very easy to find good prices.

Tampa Rick · 04-22-2018, 04:47 AM

Another possible move from Casita ('11) to AS - looking at the Sport. Any former Casitans regret making the change? I'm enjoying the flexibility of the Casita (easy to tow, maneuver) - but think I'm ready for an upgrade in comfort. Single traveler here - so don't need a lot of space.

gypsydad · 04-23-2018, 01:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampa Rick

Another possible move from Casita ('11) to AS - looking at the Sport. Any former Casitans regret making the change? I'm enjoying the flexibility of the Casita (easy to tow, maneuver) - but think I'm ready for an upgrade in comfort. Single traveler here - so don't need a lot of space.

As a former Casita owner, I can say it was a great trailer and it held value; but was too small. We opted for a 25' AS when we sold it. I could not go down to that size again, even if it was a 16' Sport....just too small for us. My 2cents would be stay with the Casita or go larger in your move up; perhaps a 20' or 22'...