Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 12:41:52 GMT -5
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.
Exactly some of the stuff I need to know... I'm not buying a new truck to haul anything, so if a trailer can't be hauled safely with the current one, it's out of the running as an option altogether and I'll be looking at strictly rentals and other cheap housing. Yes, I could borrow a truck, etc, but I've learned I can't really rely on people, so if I can't do it myself, with my son's help, it's off the table.
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Aug 18, 2015 12:45:05 GMT -5
How about a furnished studio apartment on a month-to-month lease?
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 12:49:13 GMT -5
How about a furnished studio apartment on a month-to-month lease? If the town has one, perfect. Even if it's not furnished, perfect (I have furniture I was going to get rid of to go more minimalist at my current house. I haven't yet, so now I'm waiting to see if I need to live somewhere else part time before I do.) It's a small town, and online I've only found two rentals under $800/month (which I can't afford). The problem isn't my willingness to rent something small (the smaller the better if it means lower priced), it's the availability. ETA: as long as it allows for my son to stay a few days now and then, I can do it. If he can't stay at all for some weird reason (like it's renting a room in a house where there is a teenage girl and the owner is not ok with it), then I have to find something else. Otherwise, he can sleep on a sleeping bag for a few nights if I find a room for rent, and I'd be fine with it.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 18, 2015 12:49:19 GMT -5
I think the first thing I'd do before shopping is look up all the ratings on your truck. I've never pulled RVs but have a lot of horse trailer pulling miles under my belt and I think you're going to run into limitations with it just being a 1/2 ton gas engine. Might as well know what those are right off the bat.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 18, 2015 12:50:24 GMT -5
I know you're concerned about not having room for your DS/dog to come up to visit you on the weekends. Is there a reason you can't go "home" on the weekends instead? Sorry if this has been answered already.
DH and I lived in ILs' 24' camper from around August - October a few years ago. I say "lived in" but it was parked in their driveway and we went inside for meals and showers, so it wasn't quite roughing it. Once it started getting below 40 at night, it was really too cold to stay in the camper so we moved inside. As poorly insulated as it was, I'm guessing any type of heat source would have to be going 24/7 just to maintain a reasonable temperature, which I'm sure would be pricey.
Hopefully you'll be able to find some good apartments or rental houses... I'm really not sure buying a camper (even if you'll use it elsewhere later) is the best plan.
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 18, 2015 12:53:16 GMT -5
Another thing you can consider is maybe looking at a local motel/hotel? You might be able to negotiate a rate for a long term stay.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 12:57:12 GMT -5
I know you're concerned about not having room for your DS/dog to come up to visit you on the weekends. Is there a reason you can't go "home" on the weekends instead? Sorry if this has been answered already. DH and I lived in ILs' 24' camper from around August - October a few years ago. I say "lived in" but it was parked in their driveway and we went inside for meals and showers, so it wasn't quite roughing it. Once it started getting below 40 at night, it was really too cold to stay in the camper so we moved inside. As poorly insulated as it was, I'm guessing any type of heat source would have to be going 24/7 just to maintain a reasonable temperature, which I'm sure would be pricey. Hopefully you'll be able to find some good apartments or rental houses... I'm really not sure buying a camper (even if you'll use it elsewhere later) is the best plan. I plan to go home every weekend. However, during the two week school breaks? I need to work, so it would be nice if he came to me for a week of that. Or, maybe there is something fun going on in my area for the weekend and it would be better to have him come to me. Just stuff like that. Me coming home is part of why I'm not worried about something small. I can still use a "real" stove, oven, refrigerator, freezer, washing machine, etc, on the weekends. I mostly just need a place to crash at night, heat up my meals, stay warm, and occasionally have my son stay for a few days when needed. I know I couldn't do it in anything less than a four-season camper, too cold. Just not sure how warm/well insulated those really are (and not trusting a salesman to tell me the truth).
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Tennesseer
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Post by Tennesseer on Aug 18, 2015 13:01:34 GMT -5
How about a furnished studio apartment on a month-to-month lease? If the town has one, perfect. Even if it's not furnished, perfect (I have furniture I was going to get rid of to go more minimalist at my current house. I haven't yet, so now I'm waiting to see if I need to live somewhere else part time before I do.) It's a small town, and online I've only found two rentals under $800/month (which I can't afford). The problem isn't my willingness to rent something small (the smaller the better if it means lower priced), it's the availability. ETA: as long as it allows for my son to stay a few days now and then, I can do it. If he can't stay at all for some weird reason (like it's renting a room in a house where there is a teenage girl and the owner is not ok with it), then I have to find something else. Otherwise, he can sleep on a sleeping bag for a few nights if I find a room for rent, and I'd be fine with it. I understand. Good luck.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 13:04:36 GMT -5
Another thing you can consider is maybe looking at a local motel/hotel? You might be able to negotiate a rate for a long term stay. The three I've found do weekly rates of $300 or so. There was one long term one that may have had lower prices, but it's booked. One reservation I have with those is that the ones in my hometown are not where I'd want to stay, even for a night. Lots of druggies and garbage outside (I admit I have very limited exposure to this type of motel). I really am exploring all options. I can't do $300/week. It's another thing I'm looking into while I'm there though. I plan to drive around, write down any numbers for rentals/hotels/etc that I can find, so that I can make phone calls from home later. I also plan to drive through the preferred park and stop by a realtor office (or two, or three). So far I'm not finding much online, but I know small towns can be like that, you have to be there, or know someone, to find what you are looking for. Also, if driving through the parks there gives me a bad vibe, that will end up completely off the table as well.
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 18, 2015 13:09:27 GMT -5
I know it varies by area, but it's hard for me to understand the idea that a trailer park might have less scummy inhabitants than the weekly motels. Around here, unless it's one of those funny, "upscalish" senior parks with a golf course, the trailer parks have a pretty rough crowd that rents them. Some of the parks look nicer than others, but when you get into the people that live there... it's the welfare moms and Clevon relatives. The inexpensive apartments also have some of that, but they also have a mix of relatively normal people who just need a temporary place to stay.
Edited to add - the description above is about the year round parks where there are more permanent type trailers, not the temporary RV parks. The temporary RV parks are more expensive and have a mix of people. It's the year round ones where people put in somewhat permanent fixtures that things go south.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 13:30:08 GMT -5
I know it varies by area, but it's hard for me to understand the idea that a trailer park might have less scummy inhabitants than the weekly motels. Around here, unless it's one of those funny, "upscalish" senior parks with a golf course, the trailer parks have a pretty rough crowd that rents them. Some of the parks look nicer than others, but when you get into the people that live there... it's the welfare moms and Clevon relatives. The inexpensive apartments also have some of that, but they also have a mix of relatively normal people who just need a temporary place to stay.
Edited to add - the description above is about the year round parks where there are more permanent type trailers, not the temporary RV parks. The temporary RV parks are more expensive and have a mix of people. It's the year round ones where people put in somewhat permanent fixtures that things go south. We have trailer areas of both types around here. A couple trailer areas I would live in no problem, but not one of those motels. I'm not sure, yet, how the area will be there. One thing I do know... the park I'm looking at right now is right next to a river, fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, forests, reservoir, etc. If the type there are mostly old retired guys who go hunting/fishing all day, I'm good. I've also found out that the full mechanical crew will be meeting me for lunch, instead of just the two former coworkers, so I can probably ask them if they know anything (they've been there longer than former coworkers). We're meeting at a cafe that is really close to the rv park.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 13:39:46 GMT -5
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. I'll put those on my list to ask (bolded part). The guy did refer to it as sewer, not tank, but I know that means nothing if I don't ask! How big is "large tank" (I'm thinking the double size tanks that come with a trailer, or larger?). I'm only looking at "four season" trailers, wouldn't try the winter in a three-season. What would you recommend if having to winter? Any brand over another? With the electric... what area do you live in? Mostly asking there because I see the prices for other locations and they are insane. Here, I can run my AC in the 70s all day long (outside temps upward of 110 degrees), and my highest electric bill was $120. Do you know how many kWH of electricity you tend to go through when it's cold/hot? Other than asking locals what they pay, that would give me a better estimate for cost.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 13:42:25 GMT -5
Another question... Insurance?
How do you do insurance on an RV/Trailer you're living in part time? How does it compare to house/car?
A lot of questions I'm asking because, right now, it's easier to type than make a bunch of calls.
Hopefully I find out this weekend that there are a ton of inexpensive rentals as options (or at least a handful of better ones than I see online), but I like to plan in stages for the "what ifs".
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 18, 2015 13:44:25 GMT -5
It seems to me that you value your time and your money, and yet you are looking hardest at the option that is going to cost you the most time and the most money in the long run.
At the very least, you're going to pay $13K for the trailer + lot rent. At this point, you are going to be paying more than the $800 apartment and the care/maintenance duties for the trailer are going to cost you more than the additional travel time to work.
If you WANT to live in a trailer, then go into it that you're really not saving money or time, you are doing it simply because you WANT to.
JMHO
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Aug 18, 2015 14:02:22 GMT -5
I've never lived in a trailer/RV so can't be of any help at all. I just love your spirit of adventure, though, Apple! In so many ways, you remind me of myself 40 years ago. I've still got a portable "root", it just got stuck in the ground here somewhere along the way. I miss being able to just pick up and go wherever my muse takes me. Gettin' old sucks, so do it NOW! Get thyself abroad! milee, what the heck is a bimini? You do neat stuff, too! Old, jealous ladies wanna know!
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NoNamePerson
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Post by NoNamePerson on Aug 18, 2015 14:10:46 GMT -5
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. Do they have wifi would be my first question Sorry I couldn't resist!!
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:13:49 GMT -5
It seems to me that you value your time and your money, and yet you are looking hardest at the option that is going to cost you the most time and the most money in the long run. At the very least, you're going to pay $13K for the trailer + lot rent. At this point, you are going to be paying more than the $800 apartment and the care/maintenance duties for the trailer are going to cost you more than the additional travel time to work. If you WANT to live in a trailer, then go into it that you're really not saving money or time, you are doing it simply because you WANT to. JMHO Again, not looking at just this option. This is just the only option I need detailed advice on. So, no, I don't need advice on what kind of apartments to look at, how rent includes everything, how owning a house requires maintenance. I get all that. What I don't know are the realistic issues of living in an RV/trailer, and need more than "bad idea", I need details of what to expect, what is bad, what is not so bad. If I'd never been a homeowner before, I'd be asking "why is buying a house a good/bad idea", but, I've BTDT, so I'm not asking about that. I wanted specific advice on trailers because that is the one option I don't fully understand. I know trailer cost+lot rent+ utilities = $x. I know rent = $x. I know owning a home = mortgage + utilities + repairs + saving for future repairs + unexpected bad things happen + taxes +... = $$x. Just because I'm not asking advice on renting an apartment does not mean I'm not looking at renting an apartment. It means that today, I don't need that advice. How will an RV/trailer cost the most time? What is required on it that takes up all the time? That is what I need to know to decide if, for me, it is a better/worse option than an apartment or other living situation. I have needs that don't match other people's needs. I have things I don't care about that other people would place high priority on (don't need washer, dryer, a lot of room, even a shower if I can do that at work... I still have a home and will only be at the place 3 or 4 nights a week). How is it going to cost all this extra money? I know that $500/month for one year is less than $13k (plus lot fee and electric/propane). But how is it going to cost more than that? I understand housing costs, I understand apartment costs, I don't understand RV/Trailer costs (and some other associated issues). So, that is what I'm asking for. Again, just because I'm not asking for apartment advice does not mean my mind is set and I'm not considering it. I just don't need pages of apartment advice, which is why this thread was specifically titled for RV/Trailer. If I asked for advice for things to do in Australia, I don't need advice, at the time, for stuff to look at in Japan. Maybe I've done Japan, or it's out for some other reason, or I'm saving it for the future, or I lived there for 17 years (the number of years I've had a house). I need advice on the things I don't know more than the things I do right now. So, the thread was specific to RVs/Trailers. I'm still looking at other stuff, but I know how to do the other stuff already!
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:15:26 GMT -5
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. Do they have wifi would be my first question Sorry I couldn't resist!! They have cable I don't even have that at home! And, I'll be testing out my cell phone for data issues while I'm there this weekend, so I suppose, if that works, I could go a few nights a week without wifi
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:23:21 GMT -5
If I buy the trailer through the credit union, I'm looking at payments of around $130/month. Lot rent $190/month. =$320/month plus electricity/propane. Let's say the electricity/propane costs $200/month, so $520 (thanks, WB...). Five minutes from work. That's still a lot less than $800/month rent, for a lot of space I don't want/need.
Plus, I get to keep the trailer when I go.
Sure, $800/month would not be a big deal if I wasn't also paying my mortgage and property. But, that's almost the cost of my mortgage, and I have no desire to pay that much for a house to sleep in, alone, for a few nights a week. It's not worth it to me if I find something more desirable. What I'm trying to find out is, minus the financial reasons, would an RV/Trailer be more desirable? I can't know that unless I do it or find out the actual pitfalls and ways you can remedy them (or not). Most campers aren't meant for winter remedied by four season can handle winter fine. Can a four season really handle winter? Not sure, that's why I'm asking. Also why I'm asking about any other details I need to know to make an informed decision.
ETA: fixed bad math/typo, *sigh*
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Aug 18, 2015 14:27:38 GMT -5
My post was not meant to be antagonistic. I understand you are researching options, but this is a lot of work that you're putting into something that will be your third choice.
I don't know how an RV takes time, but I do know that there are maintenance issues from listening to Stablest talk as to the maintenance she needs to do for her RV. She talks about emptying tanks, getting gas, etc. I also read about the costs that she puts into it. It seems to me that you might want to contact her, as she spends a lot of time in her's. She'd be able to give you a better idea of things you have to do to maintain things. She'd also give you an idea of the costs - as it seems to me like she spends a lot of $$ for things that you'd wouldn't think would cost that much.
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 18, 2015 14:34:22 GMT -5
If I buy the trailer through the credit union, I'm looking at payments of around $130/month. Lot rent $190/month. =$220/month plus electricity/propane. Let's say the electricity/propane costs $200/month, so $420. Five minutes from work. That's still a lot less than $800/month rent, for a lot of space I don't want/need. Plus, I get to keep the trailer when I go. Sure, $800/month would not be a big deal if I wasn't also paying my mortgage and property. But, that's almost the cost of my mortgage, and I have no desire to pay that much for a house to sleep in, alone, for a few nights a week. It's not worth it to me if I find something more desirable. What I'm trying to find out is, minus the financial reasons, would an RV/Trailer be more desirable? I can't know that unless I do it or find out the actual pitfalls and ways you can remedy them (or not). Most campers aren't meant for winter remedied by four season can handle winter fine. Can a four season really handle winter? Not sure, that's why I'm asking. Also why I'm asking about any other details I need to know to make an informed decision. Not trying to drive you away from YMAM at all, but if you're really only concerned about the practical/non-financial considerations, an RV forum would probably be the best source of info. I'm not sure there are many posters here (except maybe Patstab) who have RV ownership experience and can provide answers to the questions you have.
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 18, 2015 14:35:03 GMT -5
milee, what the heck is a bimini? The bimini is the canvas sun shade for the boat. It takes a lot of work to do all this outdoor stuff yet still maintain my pasty white exterior.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:37:48 GMT -5
My post was not meant to be antagonistic. I understand you are researching options, but this is a lot of work that you're putting into something that will be your third choice. I don't know how an RV takes time, but I do know that there are maintenance issues from listening to Stablest talk as to the maintenance she needs to do for her RV. She talks about emptying tanks, getting gas, etc. I also read about the costs that she puts into it. It seems to me that you might want to contact her, as she spends a lot of time in her's. She'd be able to give you a better idea of things you have to do to maintain things. She'd also give you an idea of the costs - as it seems to me like she spends a lot of $$ for things that you'd wouldn't think would cost that much. Thanks. Her advice/thoughts would be greatly appreciated! I pretty much put a lot of work/thought into all my options, because, with my life, option A-F, or even Y, never work out. Hell, I was flat out told I would be transferred to a location close to home, to do my job or one similar, and management backed out on it. I knew they might, and had 100 different scenarios figured out in my head of what they might do, because they are completely screwed up. The one they went with was not even a thought, and everyone was shocked with the move they decided to make, even though, at this point, they're not shocked by anything they see done, because they've seen a lot of stupid stuff done. Mostly though, I don't want to get trapped with a job offer in a couple weeks, when it turns out there are no viable rentals, no viable houses, etc, within an hour, without getting some idea on all my options, even third choice. I've been thrown at every turn the last year, I just want to do what I can to be less thrown on this. Right now, I don't even know if I'll get the job, but I have to hope for something, because what I'm going through at work is literally going to destroy me if I can't. Plus, planning allows for distraction, and I really need distraction. And, the more I know about even poor options, the better I can convince myself I'm going to survive what's coming.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:40:53 GMT -5
If I buy the trailer through the credit union, I'm looking at payments of around $130/month. Lot rent $190/month. =$220/month plus electricity/propane. Let's say the electricity/propane costs $200/month, so $420. Five minutes from work. That's still a lot less than $800/month rent, for a lot of space I don't want/need. Plus, I get to keep the trailer when I go. Sure, $800/month would not be a big deal if I wasn't also paying my mortgage and property. But, that's almost the cost of my mortgage, and I have no desire to pay that much for a house to sleep in, alone, for a few nights a week. It's not worth it to me if I find something more desirable. What I'm trying to find out is, minus the financial reasons, would an RV/Trailer be more desirable? I can't know that unless I do it or find out the actual pitfalls and ways you can remedy them (or not). Most campers aren't meant for winter remedied by four season can handle winter fine. Can a four season really handle winter? Not sure, that's why I'm asking. Also why I'm asking about any other details I need to know to make an informed decision. Not trying to drive you away from YMAM at all, but if you're really only concerned about the practical/non-financial considerations, an RV forum would probably be the best source of info. I'm not sure there are many posters here (except maybe Patstab) who have RV ownership experience and can provide answers to the questions you have. Honestly, I don't hang out enough here anymore to know who may/may not all have the experience. But, I do know a lot of people have done things in the past they don't have to anymore, so maybe someone has some history we don't know about Hell, wasn't Phil a truck driver for a while? I was hoping there might be more hidden experiences out there, but not too worried if there's not. Just pointing out that yes, RV/Trailer advice is what I really want/need. Although, I know this is YM, so there will be advice for everything else too
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midjd
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Post by midjd on Aug 18, 2015 14:41:57 GMT -5
Apple. I'm a planner too, and in your situation I can certainly understand wanting to have every conceivable option mapped out. I hope (and suspect) you'll find a few good rental houses when you go to visit. I would guess in a town that size they're not going to get many hits from Craigslist and the other online sources. And good luck on your interview!
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mmhmm
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Post by mmhmm on Aug 18, 2015 14:44:04 GMT -5
I'm going to tag @patstab for this thread. She spends a lot of time in her RV and should have some useful information for you, Apple.
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Apple
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Post by Apple on Aug 18, 2015 14:45:30 GMT -5
Oh... and as for the work thing...
Woke up puking this morning from the anxiety/stress, so I'm not there today. So, really do need the distraction, and at least this one could end up being productive! Even if I was at work, I'd have asked at break time, I just wouldn't be able to respond much until tonight.
So, if anyone has some magical voodoo to make sure I get this job or another one I applied to in my hometown, please, work your magic!
(and, I may delete this post since it has a little more detail on work stuff, so please don't quote! I know it's not much, but it might be too much... never know)
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milee
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Post by milee on Aug 18, 2015 14:47:36 GMT -5
One thing you should understand when you're talking about a mobile home that's meant to be moveable, trailer or RV is that the quality and type of construction is very, very much more flimsy than that of a house - even the "4 season" models. I had a longterm client who was one of the premiere mobile manufacturers, so regularly toured their plants (fascinating, by the way!). To be light enough to be portable and also - primarily - to save on cost, all the components and construction materials are thinner, lighter, cheaper, flimsier than what you get in even a cheap and cheerful house. Basic example - instead of 2x4s, they'll use 2x3s or even specialty spec 1.75 x 3s. The plumbing won't be Schedule 40 PVC, it will be PEX or even Schedule 20. Every single blasted thing will be cheaper, flimsier and lighter than your house. Great for cost and ability to move it. Sucky and awful for durability and ease and cost of maintenance.
So you will be dealing with constant upkeep of little, stupid things. And those little, stupid things won't always be things you can repair with a quick trip for parts at Home Depot. They will be custom (read - expensive) parts, even though they're not as durable as the basic stuff you'd have in a house.
That's a big part of why mobiles depreciate. They are not as durable as standard housing. And trailers and RVs are even worse. Plus, the more you move it, the more things get jogged and likely to fail.
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muttleynfelix
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Post by muttleynfelix on Aug 18, 2015 14:48:48 GMT -5
I'll see if DH can send you a PM tonight. He lived in a 5th wheel in Colorado for 3years (?). He loved it (at least from his stories). I think it got old after 3 years though.
You are probably going to want to spend some money on a skirting for the trailer to be used in winter. There may be someone in the park looking to sell (that is what DH did when he moved away, just sold it as is, it was still sitting there 5 years later when he took me out there).
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Wisconsin Beth
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Post by Wisconsin Beth on Aug 18, 2015 14:50:38 GMT -5
If I buy the trailer through the credit union, I'm looking at payments of around $130/month. Lot rent $190/month. =$220/month plus electricity/propane. Let's say the electricity/propane costs $200/month, so $420. Five minutes from work. That's still a lot less than $800/month rent, for a lot of space I don't want/need. 130+190=320. Plus the 200 for utilities = 520. Still less than 800. I spend time in a trailer but it's a summer only, perm. parked one. So I have no real advice on that part.
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