Casita vs. Oliver vs Airstream ?

[gc24]

Anyone have an opinion on th 2009 ASV Trailers that are all fiberglass and seem pretty areo?

[bigbeard]

I have a 1973 25' Tradewind...close friends we camp with have a little scamp. I ultimately prefer the Airstream, but really like the fiberglass campers. I think the fiberglass campers are like the Toyotas of the camper world: small, efficient, low maintenance.

While I loved my Toyota Tacoma towing my home built teardrop for several years...now I really love my big Ford Ecoboost towing my big Airstream. Something that has taken me a long time to learn....the best choice is not always the most practical...yolo baby.

Airstream pros
-we have a kid and need the space
-I'm tall and need headroom
-I can and have worked on the aluminum exterior
-I was able to customize the interior
-decent sized bathroom and shower
-it looks way cool

Airstream cons
-expensive
-lots of areaa that can potentially leak
-requires maintenance
-old
-somewhat heavy

Scamp pros
-light tow weight
-not much maintenance required
-somewhat leakproof with simple shell
-look unique

Scamp cons
-boring interior
-very small
-not easy to customize since everything is fiberglass
-not much capacity(tanks/etc)

[airwoody]

Funny I didnt realize until my first stay at an RV park there was other choices in RVs - I guess I knew I would have an Airstream someday I guess it was the only thing I ever considered. Look at other brands that are 10 years old, Airstreams don't age

[Skooter]

I'm glad this 9 year old thread was resurrected. Casita always was/is a very close second to our 16' Sport. Have opinions changed over time? How do the new trailers stack up against each other?

[Bob662]

We considered all of these before buying our Airstream. The two-piece fiberglass makes appealed to us because they're more waterproof, but all were more "sterile" looking inside and much more claustrophobic due to small windows and not good ventilation. But that's just us...

Look at them all and chose what's the best fit for you.

[Ge0]

I've narrowed my selection of trailers with the following 3.
A/S
Big foot
Oliver

The other day I got the opportunity to get inside the Oliver Legacy ii and was very impressed overall on the build quality and how well insulated it was. Outdoor temp was in the low 40's and inside the trailer it was very toasty with just a small space heater. The decor of the Oliver screams quality. It is a little tight as far as width and length, but a awesome well constructed trailer that is built to last.

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by Ge0

I've narrowed my selection of trailers with the following 3.
A/S
Big foot
Oliver

The other day I got the opportunity to get inside the Oliver Legacy ii and was very impressed overall on the build quality and how well insulated it was. Outdoor temp was in the low 40's and inside the trailer it was very toasty with just a small space heater. The decor of the Oliver screams quality. It is a little tight as far as width and length, but a awesome well constructed trailer that is built to last.

Get what you think you like; it's only money! Many of us who own AS's, have had experience with many SOB's. I have owned a Casita, in between AS-1, and AS-2; had the Casita for 2 years; really, was too small for the 2 of us with our boxer...and it does get cramped if your going for a long vacation 5 days or more.

If your not sure about the Oliver, A/S, or Bigfoot, you should really try to rent one of each for a camping trip and see which one you like. Also would suggest purchasing used on your final selection; that way if you don't like it, you likely can recoup most if not all, your investment. Purchasing new in any one of those is a big investment, especially if you decide you want to change. In the end, your the one who is spending the money..

[trumpetguy]

Casita. Oliver. Airstream. We love our 28 foot AS because it is so comfortable and feels like a home rather than a camper. Loved the Oliver but it became just too small as we spent more time inside than out due to some joint issues that have manifested recently. Small tasks like sewer and water connection become difficult when Arthritis gets bad. With the Oliver you must reach up under the trailer for water connections, the sewer hose is attached inside a rear compartment that over time becomes difficult to operate. I believe it is because of these difficulties of use things that cause so many to sell after only a few months.

The quality is without question and Oliver service is outstanding, but you must haul it to the factory for any serious work.

Oliver - Take it anywhere, bounce it over rough roads, no leaks, air tight, but small and not so comfortable indoors

Airstream - Maybe not so rugged, best on paved roads, some leaks, but oh so roomy and comfortable.

It all depends on your age and physical condition. Airstream works best for me at my seventh decade with some joint problems.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[trumpetguy]

My AS living room.


Sent from my iPad using Airstream Forums

[MikeandCarol]

We spent a few years on our Casita-Oliver-AS decision. Made a trip to Rice, TX to visit the Casita factory. Great folks, good price, too small. Looked at AS's in Ft Worth, Buda and Houston. Almost bought a 23FB twice. Love Airstreams, the look, the inside feel and room. Visited Hohenwald to tour the Oliver factory. We were very impressed with the quality and customer service. To actually watch and talk to the folks making these trailers and to hear their dedication to what they were doing was impressive. We met members of the Oliver family in both operations and sales and their product pride was contagious. We've had our Oliver for 8 months, 7K miles and 70 nights camping. 100% happy with our decision.

I have to agree with Trumpetguy, there is some bending over and there is a smaller living space in an Oliver over an Airstream. So, once we hit our 7th decade we might change, but for now we're happy campers.

[trumpetguy]

Hey Mike and Carol. Good to chat again. So good to hear you love your Ollie. We did also and if Oliver ever makes a larger unit I may go back. Love that fiberglass.

[RFP]

We really enjoyed our 17' Casita for several years. We spent as much as five weeks at a time traveling in it, but even for two, it's awfully "cozy!" A large part of our enjoyment of the Casita was because of about a zillion 'mods,' both appearance and utility. It was anything but a "stock" Casita. When we found the Airstream (and fell immediately in love), we had no trouble selling it... sold in 40 minutes for $3,000 more than we paid for it new in 2010.

As ex-Casita people, we find the size and layout of the 23D to fit us to a tee... but the little Casita was fun.

Rob

[gypsydad]

Originally Posted by MikeandCarol

We spent a few years on our Casita-Oliver-AS decision. Made a trip to Rice, TX to visit the Casita factory. Great folks, good price, too small. Looked at AS's in Ft Worth, Buda and Houston. Almost bought a 23FB twice. Love Airstreams, the look, the inside feel and room. Visited Hohenwald to tour the Oliver factory. We were very impressed with the quality and customer service. To actually watch and talk to the folks making these trailers and to hear their dedication to what they were doing was impressive. We met members of the Oliver family in both operations and sales and their product pride was contagious. We've had our Oliver for 8 months, 7K miles and 70 nights camping. 100% happy with our decision.

I have to agree with Trumpetguy, there is some bending over and there is a smaller living space in an Oliver over an Airstream. So, once we hit our 7th decade we might change, but for now we're happy campers.

Did I understand that you don't own an AS "yet"?? So how did you earn your "rivet"? Seriously, when are you getting an AS...does Oliver have a forum like the AS owners forum here? Just curious....

[MikeandCarol]

Originally Posted by gypsydad

Did I understand that you don't own an AS "yet"?? So how did you earn your "rivet"? Seriously, when are you getting an AS...does Oliver have a forum like the AS owners forum here? Just curious....

Although we came close a couple of times, we do not own an AS "yet". I think our rivet must be a gift! We're fiberglass now, but always stop our conversation when we see an Airstream. We might follow Trumpetguy's lead when we hit our 7th decade, but we'll enjoy this 6th decade first. We do like our Oliver.

Yes, indeed, there is an active Oliver forum. We even have an AS owner who frequently posts there (I won't mention Ray E.'s name!). I come here often because there is such great information.

[Gail Miller]

I looked for several years before settling on the AS Basecamp. My main concern was having room for my two dogs, each weigh 100 pounds. I was finally able to see the inside of a Casita at a nearby State park and there just wasn't room for the dogs. When I was able to see the Basecamp, it just felt more 'solid' to me. Yes, it's more expensive ... insurance on it is expensive, but I think it will last forever and it had everything I needed in a compact unit.