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camping:casita
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Casita trailer

  • 2016, 17', Liberty Deluxe
  • VIN 1C9TB1718G1213577
  • 2,210 lbs Dry
  • Rear dinette that converts into a double bed, Wet bath, bunk beds
  • The A/C has a heat strip for heat (doesn't have a propane furnace)
  • 16 gal freshwater tank

WIP

Black water tank

Notes

  • Tank Capacities
    • Black water: 15 gallons
    • Grey water: 25 gallons
  • Don't use RV toilet paper
  • Don't clean with bleach
  • Always fill 3/4 full before dumping (add fresh water)
  • Always keep the blackwater tank 3-10% full

Water treatment options

- thetford aqua chem
- Happy camper (odor free)
- "Geo Method" - Borax + Dawn dishsoap

Keep 2" of water above the valve

- Vapor barrier
- Keeps valve from drying out

TP: Walmart, Great Value, Everday Soft 2-ply, Septic safe

Use a lot water when flushing

dumping

- Dump at 2/3-3/4 full (use a flashlight to look into the tank)
- Use a clear elbow at the end of the hose
- Use slunky support		
- after initial flush, flush 2-3 more times
	- Close blacktank valve
	- Fill directly with ~5 gals water (10%?) 
	- Close blacktank valve
- Flush hose with greywater
- Fill to 10% and add treatment

Maintain valve with thetford toilet seal lubricant & conditioner

Grey water tank

  • Pour dishsoap directly down the drain
    • Try shower drain instead of kitchen drain
  • Flush the same way as black tank

Freshwater Tank Cleaning Procedure (Sanitize + Flush)

  1. Drain the tank completely
    • Kitchen faucets - both hot and cold
    • bathroom faucets - both hot and cold
    • shower
    • outdoor sprayer
    • low-point drain
  2. Mix ~1/2 cup bleach with 1–2 gallons of clean water
  3. Add bleach solution to tank through the freshwater fill port using a funnel
  4. Fill the tank fully with fresh water
  5. Turn on pump & Run water through entire system until bleach is smelled
    • Kitchen faucets - both hot and cold
    • bathroom faucets - both hot and cold
    • shower
    • outdoor sprayer
  6. Let sit overnight (8–12 hours)
  7. Drain the tank completely again (see early step)
  8. Refill with clean water
  9. Turn on pump & flush entire system until bleach smell is gone
    • Kitchen faucets - both hot and cold
    • bathroom faucets - both hot and cold
    • shower
    • outdoor sprayer
  10. Repeat "flush" step until all odor is removed (typically 2 full tanks)

Towing Tips

  • Check wheel temps and tire pressure at gas stops
  • Breakaway switch & Breakaway cable: triggers the trailer-mounted breakaway battery to send full 12V power to the brake magnets.
  • "sway bar ball plate"

FBMP Listing

  • Gary 727-946-0538
  • 604 E. Center St, Tarpon springs
  • Asking $17,300, sold for $17,000
  • Listsing: 2016 Casita travel trailer, completely fiberglass 2400 pounds dry easy to tow Has everything air-conditioning. Stove. Sink. Shower and toilet Microwave Air conditioner has easy start for generator use Travel trailer is ready to go camping  sleeps 4

My Casita Inspection Checklist

Note: Some of these are invalid checks, especially having to do with power from battery as there's no invertor that could posibly power an AC and/or microwave off of a camper battery.

Pre Checks

  • [ ] Confirm VIN on title matches trailer VIN
  • [ ] Check all 3 tires' DOT date and condition (cracks, dry rot, tread wear)

LiFePO₄ Battery (% SOC - State of Charge)

  • [ ] No swelling, cracks, or corrosion
  • [ ] Voltage at rest: ~13.3–13.4V (100% SOC)
  • [ ] 12V+ with water pump on (~6A)
  • [ ] Label states
    • [ ] Built-in BMS
    • [ ] Brand/model
    • [ ] Capacity
  • [ ] Lithium-compatible converter/charger
    • Charges at 14.4–14.6V on shore power
    • No float or equalize mode (AI check)
  • [ ] Lithium-compatible DC-DC charger
    • Charges at 14.4–14.6V while driving
    • No float or equalize mode (AI check)
  • [ ] fuse/breaker sizing for an LiFePO₄ system
    • within 7" of battery on positive cable
    • ANL or MIDI (marine-rated) sealed resettable breakers rated for 12V DC
    • 10–20% above expected load, but below wire ampacity
    • breakers mounted just outside the battery box or in it
    • Shore Power → Converter → Battery: max output + 5-10A
    • Battery → 12V Load Center: battery’s continuous discharge rating or load center max draw, whichever is lower
    • DC-DC charger: Max input/output + 5-10A
  • [ ] (Optional) Battery disconnect switch

Trailer Lights & Battery Charging

  • [ ] Check turn signals, brake lights, running lights, and reverse lights
  • [ ] battery is charging at ~14.5V LiFePO₄, 13V+ SLA/AGM. Engine must be rev'd up!

Trailer Brakes

  • [ ] Breakaway Test
    • [ ] Pull breakaway cable; compass should detect magnet pull at wheels
    • Note: Disconnect battery if working on switch for long as magnets can overheat
  • [ ] Tug Test
    • Roll forward slowly, apply brake controller (no foot brake)

Test-Tow

  • Get baseline temp of fridge & each hub before hitting the road
  • [ ] No growling/humming from wheels (wheel bearings)
  • [ ] No clunks over bumps (suspension bushings)
  • [ ] Trailer tracks straight — no pull or wander
  • [ ] No bouncing/sway after dips (axle/springs)
  • [ ] Re-Measure temp of fridge & each hub after test drive
  • [ ] No brake drum smell

Roof, Exterior & Fiberglass ( press gently)

  • [ ] Roof seams (front/rear curve) – check for cracks/spiderwebbing
  • [ ] A/C opening – check for flex, softness, bad sealant
  • [ ] AC shroud — hairline cracks
  • [ ] AC bolts are tight
  • [ ] AC Wiring entry point sealed — silicone or dicor looks clean
  • [ ] AC Soft start mounting
  • [ ] Is soft start brand/model transferable?
  • [ ] Roof fan vent – check for cracking, bubbling, seal failure
  • [ ] Window perimeters – look for cracks, staining, discoloration
  • [ ] Door frame & entry step – check for floor flex, softness
  • [ ] Bottom edges near stabilizers/jacks – check for gelcoat cracks, impact damage
  • [ ] Inside cabinets under windows – check for bubbling or odor
  • [ ] Tail lights & marker lights – inspect for cracks or seal gaps
  • [ ] Bathroom ceiling panel – check for swelling or softness
  • [ ] Underside near water heater – check for delam or leak residue

Mechanical

  • [ ] Inspect axle arms — horizontal = good, tilt = sag
  • [ ] Inspect awning for operation & mildew
  • [ ] check wheel bearing play (Jack up trailer)
  • [x] Look under trailer for frame rust, cracks, weld issues

AC - Interior and operation

  • [ ] Startup is smooth, not a loud “THUMP” => soft start is working
  • [ ] Run unit on fan and cool modes — listen for weird hums or squeals
  • [ ] No yellowing/browning around vents = no heat damage

Electrical

  • [ ] Shore power (AC)
    • Disconnect battery (pwr = AC -> Convertor)
    • [ ] Test each outlet for 118–122V AC ("Baseline")
    • [ ] Load test
      • Stick probes into a trailer outlet
      • Run AC + microwave together
      • [ ] Confirm converter fan kicks on (located under a seat)
      • [ ] Confirm 113–120V at outlet
      • 108–112V marginal
      • <108V bad (stop test immediately)
  • [ ] Battery Power (DC)
    • [ ] Interior lights Main cabin & bathroom – all run on 12V
    • [ ] Water pump Pressurizes fresh water for sinks & shower
    • [ ] Fridge control board Fridge uses 12V for brain (even when cooling via propane or 120V)
    • [ ] Furnace blower Runs on 12V even though heat comes from propane
    • [ ] Vent fan(s)
    • [ ] Tank level monitor Button panel that shows battery/fresh/gray/black levels
  • [ ] Flip each AC breaker with something on the circuit turned on
  • [ ] DC fuses
    • [ ] Confirm fuse amperage matches labeling
    • [ ] test continuity w/multimeter

Plumbing

  • [ ] Water heater test — electric + propane mode if available
  • [ ] Drain tanks: check for cracks, odor, working valves
  • [ ] Fill fresh water tank and check:
    • [ ] pump
    • [ ] faucets
    • [ ] shower
    • [ ] toilet
  • [ ] Check under sinks and fixtures for leaks
  • [ ] Check city water inlet (hose hookup) for leaks under pressure
  • [ ] Check the poop hose

Structure & Interior

  • [ ] Walk around interior floor, check for soft spots, esp. by entry
  • [ ] Look for fiberglass stress cracks near jack points, frame mounts
  • [ ] Run fridge on propane — confirm cool down
  • [ ] Test all interior/exterior lights, switches, fans
  • [ ] Sit/press on beds and dinette — listen/feel for flex or damage
  • [ ] Open/close all windows, test latches/cranks -- [x] Open/close all cabinets, drawers, and the main door

Hose test - Check for drips around

  • [ ] windows
  • [ ] roof
  • [ ] AC
  • [ ] light fixtures
  • [ ] under beds
  • [ ] ceiling corners
  • [ ] inside cabinets
camping/casita.1746677157.txt.gz · Last modified: 2025/05/08 04:05 by 1b3r1c0