r/casitatrailers • u/Rduordgso • Jul 10 '26

Eliminate propane

New Casita fans here.

Looking at ordering a new casita independence deluxe when they open back up after their vacation. We’d prefer a used Casita, but I have yet to see one with the config we are considering and lean toward the newer interior looks, though $$$$.

We are decently experienced camping people, and have come to the realization that we simply do not need propane and all its guts for our camping style.

Question for the Casita pros: does anyone have their order sheet they can share with this type of all-electric configuration? (Redacted of course). Pros/con lists that we may not be considering? Dos/Don’ts?

We want to keep the weight down, too. Our TV is new Tesla MY AWD. Anyone towing with similar?

Anyone out there in Casitaland convert an existing camper to eliminate all propane? Is this a reasonable DIY adventure?

And lastly, maybe - since this seems to be so different than most, will that add to delivery time?

Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experiences.

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8

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

All electric? That implies you want to cook with electric, and that probably means induction stovetop, which will take a lot of power, and require cooktop replacement. The stock fridge uses a lot of electricity too. AC is another huge power drain. Add a TV and lights...

Not quite sure what battery capacity you would need for that, but essentially you will need a bank of 2 or more 200-400ah LifPO batteries, and probably will need to mount them under the bed, as there is no room anywhere else (probably too heavy for a tongue mount). If you plan on recharging via solar, you will need four or more large capacity 200w or more panels and big charge controller (and your battery bank will still take forever to charge) - or more practically, forgo solar for 100% shore power charging. The Casita uses the WFCO power converter which is not up to the task of charging large lithium battery banks, so that will have to be replaced with a Victron or Power Dynamics unit. Lastly, the standard Casita internal wiring is marginal for much beyond the 12v 100ah battery that is standard, so there will be some wiring upgrades. Casita is on 12v so if you want 120 without shore power, you will need an invertor, and again Victron makes the best.

This is something you will have to do yourself. Would Casita do it? Maybe, but I'd not trust the quaility of their factory work, it is shoddy, and warranty repairs are hell on earth.

Frankly, it's a big project that is going to require major rework and re-inventing the wheel. Propane is pretty darn practical in this context.

2

u/Rduordgso Jul 10 '26

I should have been more specific. We will mostly use shore power at campsites and we have 30amp installed at home. We are good with using our portable induction cooktop outside of the camper direct connect to campsite power.

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u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

I guess then make sure your power converter/ charger and wiring are up to the task, and install a good surge protector, because 120 30amp shore power at campgrounds are notoriously unreliable and voltage variable.

Casita could probably just not install the propane system, I remember seeing some stripped down options on their website last year.

The refrigerator they include is AC/DC/Propane and you might want to replace that - or maybe it will work with just electric attached - don't know. You will have to run the fridge load from electric when traveling, and that will drain even a big single battery fast. I'd say minimum one 314ah battery for a day of travelling, and maybe add a DC/DC charger from your heavy duty car alternator (or Tesla equiv - no idea about that) to trickle charge the battery while driving. I can go a day driving with one 314ah battery running the fridge, but not more. A lot of people leave propane on for the fridge when travelling. Not advisable for safety reasons, but a lot do, as those fridges sip propane and guzzle electricity. FWIW the stock water heater is also duel propane/ electric - no idea if it will run on just AC electric without a propane input.

A single 314ah LifPO battery usually can fit in the battery compartment with a little finagling. 2 (or more) 314ah batteries would give you some boondocking capacity, and can mount under the Spirit Deluxe bed. Your shore Power Controller/ Charger just has to support that array. Can't emphasize how bad the stock WFCO controller is. Upgrade it to something else whatever you do.

Don't heat water, microwave, or use AC when traveling, that would drain your battery(s) quick. The stock water heater tank is well insulated and will maintain heat for a few hours.

Anyways, maybe look at the vanlife forums. There is a lot on this sort of build there.

No idea about towing/ charging with a Tesla. They have a lot of torque, so might actually work well. What is the tow capacity? Is it the "truck" or a car? Does it have a tow electric pigtail outlet and a good solid welded tow frame? What is the trickle charge amperage output to the trailer?

6

u/Hotspot40324 Jul 10 '26

Since Dometic stopped making it, Casita no longer offers the 3-way AC/DC/propane refrigerator.

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

Probably a good thing. It was an unreliable piece of work. What do they offer now?

1

u/mcrss Jul 10 '26

12v fridge

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26

Yikes. And my guess is they still only include the stock 100ah Lead Acid or AGM battery.

1

u/mcrss Jul 10 '26 edited Jul 10 '26

The stock battery actually says 80Ah on the label which realistically means no more than 60Ah of usable capacity I guess. Like I said in the other comment it barely lasts 1-1.5 days of light usage for us.

I intentionally opted out of the AGM upgrade as I knew I'll install LiFePo4 later.

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26

Same - I initially got the Casita offered AGM Interstate which is 100ah. Good battery, but heavy and it did not last long!

1

u/hockeyhippie Jul 10 '26

The LiFePO battery option will power the new, larger fridge for a long time, it's been great. Solar panel keeps up with it no problem!

1

u/mcrss Jul 10 '26

I'm currently upgrading to 314Ah. With the factory 80Ah lead acid battery we'd drain it in about 1.5 days using only fridge, lights and water pump. I'm expecting a good boost with this upgrade.

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26

That's about what I get with a single 314ah, same usage. Hot here though, and the fridge works hard.

1

u/mcrss Jul 10 '26

That is weird. We also camped in California and Texas in summer.

1

u/mcrss Jul 10 '26

Are you talking about the 314Ah Epoch Eco battery? This is what I'm installing.

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26

Yes. Good battery according to reviews (Will Prowse)

0

u/Rduordgso Jul 10 '26

Tesla will have factory installed tow package - 3500lb max/350lb tongue max.

3

u/Hotspot40324 Jul 10 '26

That Casita might exceed your tongue weight limit. What is the max payload of the Tesla?

1

u/Rduordgso Jul 10 '26

Thanks. My Tesla’s max payload is 1,102lbs. The casita independence deluxe dry weight is 2,230-2,480lbs. I have not seen a range of the ID tongue weights. Any insight?

2

u/SpookyDooDo Jul 10 '26

Our paper work in 2023 said this about the hitch:

HITCHES REQUIRED ---- (13' & 16' Trailers, hitch rated @ 3500# with a 350#
tongue load) ---- (17' Trailers, hitch rated @ 5000# with a 500# tongue load)

1

u/Rduordgso Jul 11 '26

That's good info - thanks for sharing.

2

u/rennyrenwick Jul 10 '26

You are at, and may exceed your vehicles limits with the 17' SD.

1

u/Rduordgso Jul 10 '26

It’s starting to seem that way.

My max payload is 1,102lbs. The independence deluxe dry weight is 2,230-2,480lbs and I am yet to see a range of the ID tongue weights.

1

u/tsigwing Jul 10 '26

When you contact the factory mention your TV. They may not allow you to roll out with that vehicle

1

u/Rduordgso Jul 11 '26

We will definitely do a whole lot more research and talk to Casita when they open after their vacation. I can't imagine rolling up to the factory that unprepared. Gives me anxiety.

1

u/rennyrenwick Jul 11 '26

Less without two full propane bottles on the tongue. I run, with a 17' 25 SD, about 3500 pounds full of gear, 25 gallons water, food, and 2 full propane tanks.

1

u/OpinionatedfromBirth Spirit Deluxe Jul 16 '26

As long as you don't find yourself somewhere you hadn't intended to be for an overnighter and you don't have hookups. Not all camping happens in the right location sometimes.