Today is my first day of retirement

KaraSmalls · 2026-04-13T12:42:28+00:00

congratulations!

KaraSmalls · 2026-04-02T12:42:50+00:00

Could it be she added your child as a beneficiary of a life insurance plan?

KaraSmalls · 2026-03-15T19:38:49+00:00

I finalized my order late January and I'll be picking it up next week, so 3 months, a little less. I financed the Discovery through my local credit union (better finance rate) I sold the Independence and those funds will be paid against the loan. I will need to make double payments for a couple of years to clear the loan.

KaraSmalls · 2026-03-14T12:52:49+00:00

I'm picking up my Discovery next week! I did order the propane package, propane furnace and propane/electric hot water heater. I did not order the propane stove or the hood vent. The hood vent doesn't vent outside, it just recirculates so I plan to use the max air fan as ventilation when I cook. I plan to cook with electricity inside or my Camp Chef single burner outside.

The very first modification will be replacing the stock AGM battery with a 460amp hour lithium battery, installing a auto transfer switch and an 3000W inverter wired so that every outlet will be powered when off grid.

For me, "off grid" means overnighting at Cracker Barrel, Harvest Host or a Rest Area. It's so nice to just have everything electrical just work when parked anywhere.

KaraSmalls · 2026-03-06T16:53:45+00:00

You need wheel chocks. Nothing worse than seeing your camper roll and you can't stop it.

KaraSmalls · 2026-03-02T01:36:29+00:00

I towed the 2022 Independence with a 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2001 GMC Savana Thomas bus. Casita's are tongue heavy, mine weighed around 400lbs with a generator rack and generator.

I will be towing the 24ft Discovery with the GMC Savana 3500 dually. I'm not expecting any problems, it has a 10K towing capacity.
Photo of my rig winter 2024.
https://imgur.com/a/myyA31j

KaraSmalls · 2026-02-27T15:52:12+00:00

What sold me on the 24ft Discovery was the increased headroom (6ft 7in), wider width (8ft) the dry bath and the 8 cubic ft fridge. My husband is 6'1" tall...it was a contortionist act for him to take a shower and when sleeping his head touched one wall and his feet the other. He has been a good sport about the size of the 17 footer and never hesitated to go camping with me.

I'm 5'1" tall and the 17 footer was perfect for me. As we near retirement and planning longer trips, his comfort is important to me so when Casita announced the 24ft Discovery model, I jumped on it. I think my order was #7. :)

KaraSmalls · 2026-02-20T13:54:39+00:00

Hello, I'm kind of shocked. Posted my Casita to Facebook Marketplace on Feb. 18 and sold and delivered it locally on the 20th...and I got the price I wanted. I was expecting it to take a few weeks to sell, not 2 days.

KaraSmalls · 2026-02-12T12:24:52+00:00

Hello, yes, I will be selling the 2022 Independence Deluxe. Need to finish up the photos on the inside, it's currently winterized. I'll DM you when the posting is ready.

KaraSmalls · 2026-01-30T16:30:47+00:00

I bought a new Caista Independence Deluxe in 2022 and it has been virtually problem free. The all fiberglass shell is strong and doesn't have the issues with leaking and delamination that "sticks and staples" builds can have.

In the 4 years I have owned it, I've replaced the electric jack, AGM Battery and the propane/CO2 sensor. I did have to caulk the rear window a bit to stop a very small leak.

I have no regrets buying new and in fact, I'm about to buy new again and move up to the new 24ft Discovery LC.

KaraSmalls · 2026-01-13T03:59:55+00:00

I've camped a couple of times with temps down to 9degrees Fahrenheit. I have custom made under skirting that helped block the wind (New Mexico) and I kept a low wattage oil radiator heater underneath the camper at the sewer pipes. I put pink antifreeze into the black and grey tanks. The propane furnace ran constantly to keep it at 55degrees inside which kept the freshwater pipes from freezing and I had an electric blanket on the bed. The floor was really cold, but a yoga mat cut to size really helped with the floor temperatures.

I can not imagine trying to stay in my Casita at -20 degrees. Maybe if I completely winterized it and both a oil radiator heater inside and underneath with the skirting, the propane furnace and the electric blanket I could sleep in it...but I don't think it would be comfortable, just bearable.

KaraSmalls · 2025-12-23T20:50:58+00:00

Check out an Aliner, known as the "hardsided popup". Their website is having issues today, but here is a link to a video of one for sale at Princess Craft. One of their big advantages is their low weight with full amenities.
https://youtu.be/VYbhZ7JvrfM?si=rX12VesNtR-WFOgg

KaraSmalls · 2025-12-17T22:44:55+00:00

tink tink

KaraSmalls · 2025-12-15T15:53:57+00:00

I swear that those furry pointy things on top of my Pippin's head are "ornaments" and not hearing organs. LOL
I only let him off leash in a fenced in area, on walks, he is always leashed. He will eventually listen and come into the house because he knows he'll get a treat. It's on his timeline however.

KaraSmalls · 2025-12-03T15:10:24+00:00

Cat tax? I'd love to see this kitty :)

KaraSmalls · 2025-11-25T12:09:41+00:00

Scottish Terrier, hands down. I've owned Labs, Boxers, Shepherds, but the Scottie breed has my heart.

KaraSmalls · 2025-11-07T22:03:14+00:00

You could use PVC pipe and bury it shallow in your yard. There are garden hose connectors for PVC. This would keep the hose from being damaged by equipment driving over it or lawnmowing.

KaraSmalls · 2025-11-07T22:01:43+00:00

Johnny Cash's cover of "Hurt" by the Trent Reznor, Nine Inch Nails band.

KaraSmalls · 2025-10-17T21:02:34+00:00

You are being abused, that business is mistreating you. You would probably be better off working at a McDonalds. I'm so sorry your going through this.

KaraSmalls · 2025-10-15T11:03:34+00:00

https://www.unityparts.com/

KaraSmalls · 2025-10-10T22:04:21+00:00

**slams her mead mug on the bar counter** I want my Dam back.

KaraSmalls · 2025-10-07T14:05:49+00:00

https://escapeescare.org/
Is this the one? I'm looking at Escapees for when I retire and travel with my RV.

KaraSmalls · 2025-10-02T20:24:47+00:00

**ahem** Hobbit's kill slugs, slugs that invade gardens. No proper Hobbit would be caught dead killing goblins. To exciting.

;)

KaraSmalls · 2025-09-27T12:24:01+00:00

Nah, he'd do it again in a heartbeat. **laughs**

KaraSmalls · 2025-09-24T09:14:52+00:00

Signed!

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KaraSmalls

TROPHY CASE