Need "living in an RV/trailer" advice...

[Apple]

I interview for a job five hours away from home later this week.  If I'm offered the job, I need to accept it (due to the work issues here).  However, DS will be a senior in high school and would not be moving with me (I would drive home Thursday evenings, drive back to work late Sundays or early Mondays).  I need an inexpensive (preferably less than $500) place to stay during those days.  Have not found any rooms to rent (and, problem with just a room is DS would not be able to come there for his school breaks-- Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc).  I'm ok with Thanksgiving as I'd just go home, but Christmas and Spring break would be nice for him to do the drive to me, since I'd still have to work and can't go home for more than the weekends.

I've found two apartments online for around $550, look to be about a 15-20 minute drive to work.  Not sure if they'd allow dogs (not a huge deal if they don't, since mine can stay home, but being able to bring her on the school breaks would make it easier).  Both apartments are bigger than I need, but they're the cheapest rental I've found online.

I really considered buying a small house (found a couple for $55k-$65k that appear to be in good shape), but...  my dream job in Europe is being advertised again, and it's open for a year, which means I could hear from them any time in the next year for a job offer.  If I get that one, I really can't turn it down (and, because it's "someplace cool", DS would move with me, or, he'd be close enough to graduation I wouldn't have to move quite yet).  I don't want to risk buying another house and having that prevent me from taking the dream job.  I think they would help sell one if I needed, not sure if they'd help sell two...

So, the current option I'm seriously considering is buying a used RV/Trailer and setting up in a park.  This is where I need the advice from someone who's been there, done that...

[Apple]

RV/Trailer:

I would be in an area with all four seasons (cold and snow, to hot and dry).

I would be set up in a year round park, however, the park I really want (if it looks ok when I visit it Friday) only has one spot available "out in the open".  What would I need to winter in an open spot?

What should I be looking for?  I want no longer than a 26' trailer.  That way, after the year, I can keep it for going camping/travel/whatever.  Longer than that would be a pain to haul.  I'd prefer to not do a fifth wheel (unless a '94 Dodge Ram 1500, V8, 1/2 ton pickup would be capable of hauling it--anyone know if it would?)

I'm looking at used Arctic Fox trailers with the double insulated window panes, flush toilet, better insulation, right now.  Any other good "four season" brands I should be checking out?

There is also a lady in the preferred park who is selling a fifth wheel (already skirted, set up, etc).  If the price is reasonable, I may look at that and just try to sell it when I'm done with it.  Or not, not sure how big it is...

Besides good insulation, what else should I be looking for?  I'd like AC, but have a portable one I can use if the trailer doesn't have it.  I have a radiator for extra heat, but what kind of heat is ideal?

I have a ton of questions, and questions I don't even know I have, so anything will be helpful.  One coworker said "don't do it" because of winter, but he did his in a non-four-season trailer, so it was very cold and not well insulated.  After showing him what I was looking at (Arctic Fox), he thought that wouldn't be too bad.

So, thoughts?

[milee]

Didn't we just talk about this? If so, advice is still the same:

1) Don't buy an RV/trailer. They depreciate and will end up costing you more for your year of housing than you'd pay to rent someplace because you'll have to not only maintain it but try to sell it again when you're done. Millstone... don't.

2) Don't buy a house not because you don't know how to maintain it, but because maintaining 2 houses will take up all your valuable and scarce free time with your son. Also maybe a millstone if you end up not liking the new location and having to sell.

3) $550 isn't the cheapest I've ever heard of but sounds pretty good for an apartment. Has the added benefit of no maintenance and not being locked into anything or committed to anything. Cheap and easy. Also likely to have lower utility bills than an RV/trailer.  Of all the stuff you've listed, do that.  

4)  Call the local churches and other community halls and explain you're a quiet, mature female that needs to rent a room.  Someone will know someone, and it won't be an ad on Craigslist, it will be a friend or an older church member who could use $200 a month.  With something like that and the savings you'd have on utilities and the monthly rent, you could just get a hotel or short term rental for the week or two you think you'd like your son to visit you. 

[milee]

Oh, should add to point #1 - the utilities on a trailer (even the ones that they say are well insulated) will usually be much higher than on a similar sized apartment. Not just because the insulation on an apartment is better, but because you have neighbors providing passive insulation and climate control. 

And if you're still thinking about buying a trailer, be sure to talk to Chloe about how easy they are to re-sell.

[haapai]

Isn't even the most inexpensive used RV or trailer several times more expensive than buying yourself out of the lease for an apartment? 

 

[Deleted]

Well, my Dad spent a lot of time living in a 5th wheel because he would travel where his job sent him and rather than staying in a hotel he would pocket the housing allowance and use his camper.  He did that for years and loved it, but unless you're talking super mild winters, I'm not sure how you would winter in a camper.  They're not insulated enough to keep water from freezing and all the RV parks around here close up come end of October. 

[The Walk of the Penguin Mich]

It would be easier to get rid of a little house than an RV - and it would probably cost about the same.  If your dream job is working in Europe, you'll be getting rid of a lot anyway so neither make sense to me.

I'd be looking at the apartment again.  You're only talking about a year.  $550/mo is $6600/yr - which is way less than either the RV or the house and once you pay for the RV, you'll still have lot rent.

[Blonde Granny]

Best advice.....(from an experience RV'er) rent the apartment. The cost of propane and electric during the winter will be outrageous. You could easily go thru a large tank in less than a week. Next, you MUST at all cost keep the pipes from freezing, and those usually run under the RV/park model/ trailer situation. If the water lines are not insulated or far enough under ground to keep from freezing, you have another issue. What about what is called "black water waste"...how is it disposed of? What about grey water, is it a tank or directly into a sewer line, same goes for black water.

Those type units are simply not made for cold and snow. At best a 3 season would be costly and you'd likely hate the situation after the first week or so.

ps: check the local price of propane and the per KWH of electric.

[Apple]

Yes, I brought up living options earlier, but I'm specifically asking about the trailers because I need to know more about those in order to make the best decision for me.

[Deleted]

What does the park you're looking at say about winter?  Around here they pull all the hookups and don't pump grey/black water tanks. 

[GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl]

Listen to Milee and Mich.

Rent an apartment.  It will be the best bang for your buck, far less worry and maintenance, and you can walk away -- all the way to Europe.  

[milee]

OK, but it sounds a lot more like for some reason you've fixated on buying something and are trying to keep asking until you get someone who tells you it will be OK.

Sorry you're going through this. I've followed what's happening at your work and it has to be a horrible stressful time, so I'm not trying to pile on or pick at you. But the fact set you keep laying out is pointing towards (and away from) certain options and frankly a trailer would be an awful choice; maybe the worst of all the choices listed.

[ArchietheDragon]

Have you thought about a van down by the river?

[Apple]

The trailer/rv parks I'm looking at are open year round, so that is not the issue.  It would mean a five minute drive to work instead of 15-20 minutes if I bought a house.  The apartment I've found online looks about 20-30 minutes away, so we also have to consider drive time and gas (and, right now, I really value the time).

Average temp says 20s in the winter.  I'll be talking to old coworkers soon to find out just how bad the winters are there.

I would use a trailer after the year for camping, or I would put it on my property I already own (or both) once the year is over.  I would only sell if it was the fifth-wheel already located at the park.  That is why I want it small (no more than 26', preferably).  

This town should have cheap rentals, but haven't found any yet.  I will be stopping by a realtor's office on Friday to see if they know of rentals that aren't online.  I haven't ruled it out at all, but want to know more about trailers.  I'd prefer a trailer, where I can build a fire outside and bring the dog on weekends, than an apartment where I can't.  I've never lived in an apartment because it is pretty much the last living arrangement that is appealing.

Right now I know of multiple trailers for sale for around $13k.  I'd be good with these if they have what I need.  Problem is, I don't know what I would need.  Lot fee at preferred park is $190/month + electric (water, sewer, garbage covered), dog ok "as long as you don't have too many".

I know what to expect and look for with a house and apartment.  I don't know what to look for on a trailer, so again, that's why this thread is focused on the trailer.  I want to know the good and bad so I can make an educated decision.

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 11:43:28 GMT -5 ArchietheDragon said:

Have you thought about a van down by the river?

Yes

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 11:42:22 GMT -5 milee said:

OK, but it sounds a lot more like for some reason you've fixated on buying something and are trying to keep asking until you get someone who tells you it will be OK.

Sorry you're going through this. I've followed what's happening at your work and it has to be a horrible stressful time, so I'm not trying to pile on or pick at you. But the fact set you keep laying out is pointing towards (and away from) certain options and frankly a trailer would be an awful choice; maybe the worst of all the choices listed.

Not fixated, just trying to get real information so I can make an informed decision.

I've owned a house since I was 19, so that is not new to me.  I need to know the pitfalls of the new-to-me stuff so I can determine if it is worth the risk.  Small town, very limited apartments (from what I've seen), so if those don't work out for me, I need to understand what the last option (trailer) involves.

[Opti]

Apple, have you checked the park you are interested in to see if anyone is selling or renting a unit? If someone is selling, you might be able to talk them into making it into a rental for you and selling after you leave. Things are definitely cheaper by you, then here, but I remember looking into renting one once and it was $850/mo. for the cheapest so basically the bottom end of one bedroom apartments here. I also had a friend buy one, and you need to add in the lot fee plus utilities. Buying was cheaper her for her, but going forward not counting the mortgage I think she was looking at $600/mo. in addition to the mortgage.

I think selling them is harder than selling a condo. Found a cheap one online, which is definitely dated, with no obvious updates. Original avocado kitchen sink and stove.

[Chocolate Lover]

Do the apartments SAY no dogs? I'm surrounded by dogs in my complex. The deposit is more than the security deposit though.  

[Opti]

Aug 18, 2015 11:56:33 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Do the apartments SAY no dogs? I'm surrounded by dogs in my complex. The deposit is more than the security deposit though.  

I think they say no to dogs and cats but people sneak them in. I think if you are an OK to good tenant most places will put up with it, but some also use it as a way to get rid of you later if they want to.

I rarely see dogs in a no pets complex, but I almost always see several cats.

[Chocolate Lover]

Aug 18, 2015 11:59:33 GMT -5 Opti said:

Aug 18, 2015 11:56:33 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Do the apartments SAY no dogs? I'm surrounded by dogs in my complex. The deposit is more than the security deposit though.  

I think they say no to dogs and cats but people sneak them in. I think if you are an OK to good tenant most places will put up with it, but some also use it as a way to get rid of you later if they want to.

I rarely see dogs in a no pets complex, but I almost always see several cats.

Mine says yes to dogs and cats. I see my apartment manager walking hers all the time. That was my point. They might allow dogs after all.

[zibazinski]

Why not look into renting a park model instead?

[Apple]

This dog isn't one that can be sneaked in, lol...

I don't trust a salesman to be honest with me about the true capabilities/expenses of a trailer, so that's why I'm asking.  I don't plan to look at anything less than a four season

Things I plan to ask any parks I talk to:

Are you open year round?
What are the fees?  What do they cover?
How much is the average electric bill during the summer/winter?  (I didn't think to ask when I talked to park #1, just know that he reads the meter each month to charge for electricity.)
Are dogs allowed?
What kind of hookups do you have?  (What kind am I looking for?  A tank with a pump?  These are some of the things I need to know, MPL hit on it a little)

Trailer owners in the area:

How much do you typically pay for electricity?
How much propane do you go through?
What temperature do you try to maintain in the RV?
Any park issues/water freezing/etc?

RV/Trailer salesmen:
Is it "classified" as a four season trailer? 
Are tanks/lines insulated?
Are windows double-pane?
What kind of insulation?


What else do I need to know?  What answers am I looking for?

My sister has lived in a fifth-wheel in a similar climate when she worked away from home, so I know it can be done.  I just can't really ask her because she's pissed at me for even applying for this job because "that was (her) five year plan".  Well, she wouldn't trade jobs with me (100% doable, we have the same job, different locations, and mine is closer to home for her than hers), so I'm not going to listen to it from her.

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 12:07:08 GMT -5 zibazinski said:

Why not look into renting a park model instead?

How do you go about renting them (serious question)?  I'm all for a rental if it isn't too expensive.  I pretty much don't care about size, etc.  I just want it to be inexpensive, a place my son can stay for a week/on weekends, and prefer it allow my dog for a few days every few months.  (and that goes for houses, trailers, apartments, rooms)

If I could find a room for rent that would allow my son to stay over every now and then, I'd be fine.  But not sure I'm going to find that so exploring all options.

[Apple]

Oh, another question I had...

I've never had to deal with sales tax.  If I were to find the "perfect" trailer there, already skirted in, etc, good price (where everything comes in under $500/month), and it's for sale by a private owner, what is done with sales tax?

If I were to go the route of purchasing a trailer and moving it there, I'd do it in Oregon (or southern Washington) to avoid the sales tax.

[Deleted]

Aug 18, 2015 11:25:27 GMT -5 Apple said:

What should I be looking for?  I want no longer than a 26' trailer.  That way, after the year, I can keep it for going camping/travel/whatever.  Longer than that would be a pain to haul.  I'd prefer to not do a fifth wheel (unless a '94 Dodge Ram 1500, V8, 1/2 ton pickup would be capable of hauling it--anyone know if it would?)

If you're shopping for a 4-season trailer it is going to be quite heavy.  I would never put a 5th wheel on a 1/2 ton truck...but people do. 

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 12:02:47 GMT -5 Chocolate Lover said:

Aug 18, 2015 11:59:33 GMT -5 Opti said:

I think they say no to dogs and cats but people sneak them in. I think if you are an OK to good tenant most places will put up with it, but some also use it as a way to get rid of you later if they want to.

I rarely see dogs in a no pets complex, but I almost always see several cats.

Mine says yes to dogs and cats. I see my apartment manager walking hers all the time. That was my point. They might allow dogs after all.

Any place I talk to, I'll be asking.  I just know if they don't allow dogs, I have to be out in about a year.

I'll be there this weekend, for at least one day, so I'll be driving around and seeing if I can find "for rent" signs up, in addition to talking to a realtor in the area.  I think I get a few days for house hunting if I get the job offer.  It will at least give me a better idea of the options in the area (the ones I can't find online).  I don't know how much this little town uses craigslist and realtor sites to advertise rentals.  It may mostly be done with signs (I hope so, because I might have some much better rental options than what I'm seeing).

[ArchietheDragon]

Aug 18, 2015 12:20:02 GMT -5 Apple said:

Oh, another question I had...

I've never had to deal with sales tax.  If I were to find the "perfect" trailer there, already skirted in, etc, good price (where everything comes in under $500/month), and it's for sale by a private owner, what is done with sales tax?

If I were to go the route of purchasing a trailer and moving it there, I'd do it in Oregon (or southern Washington) to avoid the sales tax.

If the RV needs to be registered they will collect the sales tax at the time you register it. 

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 12:21:53 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 18, 2015 11:25:27 GMT -5 Apple said:

What should I be looking for?  I want no longer than a 26' trailer.  That way, after the year, I can keep it for going camping/travel/whatever.  Longer than that would be a pain to haul.  I'd prefer to not do a fifth wheel (unless a '94 Dodge Ram 1500, V8, 1/2 ton pickup would be capable of hauling it--anyone know if it would?)

If you're shopping for a 4-season trailer it is going to be quite heavy.  I would never put a 5th wheel on a 1/2 ton truck...but people do. 

That's why I don't want a fifth wheel.  I want to be able to haul it with my existing pickup.  I did see one 24 footer that would be nice.

Also, as far as purchasing trailers, does anyone know if prices for used ones drop at all during the fall?  That is when I'd be looking for one.  

[milee]

Aug 18, 2015 12:21:53 GMT -5 minnesotapaintlady said:

Aug 18, 2015 11:25:27 GMT -5 Apple said:

What should I be looking for?  I want no longer than a 26' trailer.  That way, after the year, I can keep it for going camping/travel/whatever.  Longer than that would be a pain to haul.  I'd prefer to not do a fifth wheel (unless a '94 Dodge Ram 1500, V8, 1/2 ton pickup would be capable of hauling it--anyone know if it would?)

If you're shopping for a 4-season trailer it is going to be quite heavy.  I would never put a 5th wheel on a 1/2 ton truck...but people do. 

People tow all sorts of things they shouldn't. And it's not a problem, until they have to brake hard or avoid an accident or...

You need to research the towing capacity of your Dodge Ram, using the specific model. Also find out the limit on the tongue weight.

Then you need to research the "dry" weight of whatever you're buying plus the tongue weight. On top of the dry weight you need to add in an estimate of what other weight will be in there, because dry weight is the bare bones factory weight of most things without cushions, fuel, accessories, any other junk sitting in it. So for example, my little powerboat has a dry weight of less than 2000 pounds, but to tow it I need something that tows almost 4000 pounds because that boat usually contains 40 gallons of fuel, cushions, tackle, ice chests, bimini, etc plus the trailer itself is around 800 pounds.

[Apple]

Aug 18, 2015 11:32:48 GMT -5 haapai said:

Isn't even the most inexpensive used RV or trailer several times more expensive than buying yourself out of the lease for an apartment? 

 

I'm looking at some around $13k.  If I didn't get the job in Europe (which, my chances of getting it are probably .00001%), I would still use it after the year.  I have property (close to 9 acres) I've thought about putting a better camper/trailer on since house stuff there is put on hold.  However, with the work issues, I put it out of my mind for now.

When I find a house to buy in the area (after a year), I'd still keep the trailer.  Also, depending on what DS does, the trailer may be an option for him.

Actually, come to think of it, even if I got the job in Europe I'd probably keep it, since I'd be keeping the property.  The property is a long-term thing, and I'd only sell it if I got financially desperate enough to do so.