Two molded fiberglass classics that look nearly identical. Here is how weight, interior finish, layout and price really compare.
Ask a group of lightweight trailer owners what to buy and two names come up again and again: Scamp and Casita. Both build small molded fiberglass trailers that can last for decades. The Scamp 16 and the Casita 17 Spirit are their most popular models, and from a distance they are hard to tell apart.
What they share
Both trailers use a two-piece molded fiberglass shell joined around the middle, rather than flat panels with dozens of seams. Fewer seams means fewer places for water to get in, which is why so many decades-old examples are still on the road. Both have rounded, aerodynamic profiles, convertible dinettes, compact kitchens and a strong resale market.
Size and weight
The Casita is about a foot longer and noticeably heavier. A well-equipped Casita 17 often weighs around 2,500 pounds dry, while a Scamp 16 typically comes in a few hundred pounds lighter. That difference can matter if you tow with a small SUV or a crossover. Always check your tow vehicle's rating against the trailer's loaded weight, not the dry weight.
Interior walls
Scamp lines its walls with a ribbed, carpet-like fabric over foil insulation. It feels soft, helps reduce condensation and dampens noise, though opinions on its looks vary. Casita uses a smoother vinyl-backed lining that some owners find easier to clean.
Layouts
The Casita Spirit offers two dinettes, so you can leave the rear bed made up and still have a place to eat. The Scamp 16 offers several layouts, including side dinette, front bunk and front bathroom configurations.
Price and ordering
Both companies sell factory-direct, with long order lead times and many options. New prices for either model generally land in the mid-$20,000s to low $30,000s depending on bathroom, plumbing, air conditioning and solar choices. Prices change often, so get a current quote.
Which to choose
Pick the Scamp if low weight and layout flexibility top your list. Choose the Casita if you value the two-dinette layout and a slightly roomier, more finished interior.