Finding a 2003 Casita Spirit Deluxe For Sale (Expert Review)
If the price is too good to be true, then it probably is a scam. There are some scam alerts on the internet being posted. They identify those ads selling this model of trailer for $1000 or less. The same model from a legitimate dealer can run you about $14,000.
Will be hard to separate the phony sales ads from the legitimate ones. The legitimate ones will be in the low 5 figures or the high 4 figures. Plus, the trailers will be in good shape. This model is perfect for couples.
To learn more about where to find one of these travel trailers for sale, just keep reading our article. It provides the information you need so you can avoid those scam ads and find the perfect Casita for you.
Casita Spirit Deluxe Review
The best description we have found so far that describes this model of travel trailer is, it contains everything you need and nothing you don’t. That description seems to fit the Casita model to a T. In reading the different descriptions, everything you do need is built-in.
These top travel trailers are self-contained, have a nice overhead AC unit with a heating strip as well as central heating, and more. The interiors are well organized and with the many windows, the inside appears light and airy.
There is also lots of overhead storage, the right appliances, and comfortable decor. You could do a lot worse than this trailer but it would be hard to do a lot better without moving up in class and luxury.
Plus, the model seems to hold its value quite well as some of these options are more expensive to buy used than the next year up. This 17-foot model weighs about 2385 pounds, has one axle but does not come with any slides.
For the couple that wants comfort and easy towing, this is the model to look at. It is also very affordable giving you more money to spend on better activities.
2003 Casita Spirit Deluxe Floor Plan Options
Of all the floor plans we saw, there doesn't seem to be too many options available. They all had the double bed/dinette at the rear of the trailer, the bathroom at the front, and the opening near the bathroom. The closet was next to the shower which was next to the toilet area.
There doesn’t seem to be much innovation or creativity when it comes to creating these floor plans. Even the newer models have the same design inside as the 2003 has. The overhead cabinets are in the same location as are the under the seat storage spaces. This is no matter which year you look at. There is one different floor plan that we were able to find but the bathroom had to be moved and shrunk to fit the queen-sized bed.
That design was not part of the 2003 models. The reason for this lack of diversity in floor plans is that there is not a lot of room to work with. You can only adjust 17 feet of space so far.
How Much Does a 2003 Casita Weigh?
One trailer has a 3500 GVWR while another, as reported earlier, weighed only about 2400 pounds. Another model weighed in at approx. 2500 pounds so you will have different weights depending on what was included inside the trailer.
The dry weight is listed as 2100 pounds so that will give you some idea of how much cargo space you have left over. Another was listed at 2000 pounds and that may have been the 16-foot model.
If you can get a hold of one, the best thing to do is check the owner’s manual that came with the trailer. That booklet should provide you with all the specs you will need to know about. It will be the most accurate scale you will find.
The newer models are also running at very slim weight limits. The Freedom was listed as having a dry weight of just under 2000 pounds for the 16-foot model and the deluxe version came in at just under 2200 pounds.
The 17-foot option did not go much heavier as the standard model weighs about 2200 pounds and the deluxe weighs almost 2500 pounds.
Casita Spirit Deluxe Tongue Weight
One model’s tongue weight seems to be about 365 pounds. That is the only figure we could find about this important part of the trailer. It is listed as being under 400 pounds which should give you some leeway when you are buying a new hitch.
The amount of cargo weight this trailer can carry is under 1000 pounds or 946 to be exact. There were supposed to be 3 floorplans but we only came across the one that we talked about earlier.
The bed space was not made for tall people. You have to be under 75 inches to stretch out. The freshwater tank seems to be between 16 and 25 gallons and that amount of water would add to your cargo weight significantly.
A 20-pound propane tank was the limit for this trailer but that tank would run the 2 burner stove found inside. Also, there were no gray and black water tanks even though a shower and a toilet were part of the floor plans.
The 9,000 BTU AC unit made sure you and your mate could remain cool on those hot summer days. A furnace could get up to 12,000 BTUs so you were covered for those cold mountain nights.
What Is a 2003 Casita Spirit Deluxe Worth?
Judging from the many different ads marketing these trailers the worth of a Casita Spirit is in the low 5 figures. We have seen them go for prices between $10,000 and $15,000. What is interesting is that the 2004 model doesn't command the same high price.
As you know, the worth of the trailer will reside on several factors. The floor plan is one factor, the condition of the trailer and how much you are willing to pay for it. the last one is probably the most important factor for if you do not think the trailer is worth the asking price, you have the freedom to walk away.
You can check different blue book assessment values and go by those. Some sellers do and they may not be so willing to negotiate when they do. Once they see a value they like, they stick with it.
That brings us to another value that helps determine worth. Sentimental value is always a factor from the seller’s point of view. Some people will up the price due to their positive experiences with using the trailer.
When sentimental value comes into play, you may end up paying more than the trailer is actually worth. Check out the different blue book assessments before you start looking. That way you have a good figure to work with and can plan your budget accordingly.
Finding a 2003 Casita Spirit Deluxe For Sale
We did not have a hard time finding one of these trailers for sale. The many dealers that popped up may not have a large selection but they do have a good selection to choose from.
One dealer had Casitas from almost every year they were made or so it seemed. Another dealer didn't have a 2003 for sale. When you use the internet you may have more dealers to work with but they may not be close to you.
You can try your local RV and trailer dealers. You never know when they will get one as a trade-in. As with some internet dealers, their selection may be limited to 1 or 2 if they have them at all.
Another place to look would be the different RV discussion forums. these websites often have a separate section for trailers owners to place for sale ads. These sellers may be highly motivated so you might find a good price from time to time.
Just be careful of those ads selling a Casita for $1000 or $800. We came across one for each figure and the price was too good to be true. Those selling prices are only about 5 to 10% of the trailer’s actual cost.
Don’t forget to look at the classified ads either in the paper or on your computer. Lots of good deals can be found through those outlets.
Some Final Words
The 2003 Casita seems to be a trailer that holds its value. Even though it has no real luxuries or frills, it is still laid out nicely and it is comfortable. You can do yourself a favor by saving some money by buying these trailers over the larger, heavier, and more luxurious models.
