Help Ideas please....

[ioujc]

I live in an OLD house that is about 1 mile from where the new Interstate is going through. I have been feeling a real PUSH to get a camper?? trailer??, something so I can move to a friend's house/land who is of like mind, and is connected with enough people that we could rotate guard shifts, etc. All of these folks have preps already.
Wha t are your opinions on what I should look at?? Should I get a motor home or a trailer?? What are the beneifts and drawbacks of each?? If I get a camper-trailer, I would have to get someone else to help me move it, as my V-6 could not pull it...or could it?? It's a beat-up old Ford Splash 4 wheel drive. It certainly could not pull any of the bigger campers, at least I don't think so....it still has lots of power. I just don't think they are made to pull that heavy of a load. For example, when I put 1/2 a rank of wood in it, the truck front is slightly too high....I only drive it from the store where I buy the wood home (CHEAP wood) but it would not work for long trips...over 25 miles...
Can some of you give me some tips??
Also, if I were to have it functional where I live now, how do you set up the electric for it?? Can you have a full electrical line set up to it??

 

[Green Co.]

If you aren't going to be traveling, I'd prefer a travel trailer. Much cheaper for initial purchase, easier to modify or repair to meet your specs. Most dealers and even private sellers would move a trailer that you purchase from them. Probably for a fee, around here runs around $1 a mile.

Installing separate electrical service depends on so many things. The local ordinances prevailing. We have none (ordinances) here, just have to pay the electric provider to install the line to a service pole you provide. Much easier if electrical service is already available at an existing structure, then you can run a service line from there, or if the trailer is close enough, simply plug in.

If you do set up on a virgin spot, remember you must have water access and a place for sewer (line to existing municipal sewer) or install a septic system.

 

[nomifyle]

Personally, I would not get a motor home just to get from point A to stay at point B. You can hire some one to move it for you, could your friends move it for you? And I wouldn't use your vehicle to move it either, it could be dangerous and even if your were successful at moving a camper with your vehicle, then what kind of lasting stress would you put on your own vehicle.

As for electric you can just plug in to already existing electric if their power can handle the additional 30 amps. Or you can get an RV pole from the local electric company, but in my experience there are complications with that. Where I'm moving to requires a septic tank first unless you will be moving your camper out to empty the tanks. And since my set up will be permanent I'm getting the septic. If you want to hook it up where you live now, make sure your electric can handle the load. We plugged in to an outside outlet at my cousin's house (and it was way old and so was his electrical system) and we were fine until we turned on a separate free standing a/c inside our camper. It blew out half of his electrical system. Fortunately DH is a master electrician, but it cost us a bundle to finally get him in good shape. His house only had 60 amps coming in, that a/c had a big surge. What a mess.

Then there is the consideration of actually living in a camper. They are small and you can feel closed in or they can be cozy, that would depend on you. Personally, my DH and I can not live in a camper together unless it was a 40 footer with two bedrooms and believe me, they are way expensive.

I just bought a 32' FEMA camper in decent (from what I can tell) condition for $2,800, but that a real good deal down here in Katrinaland.

You have to think about what your are taking with you too, lots of weight. I'm a prepper and a pack rat so I have lots and lots of weight. Think storage possibilities.

Judy

 

[ioujc]

Thanks for the answers folks.....you are thinking the same way I am. Don't worry....I'm alone and it's just me and the critters! I think I am leaning toward the travel trailer....used and in good condition. They are really pretty cheap around here right now....I found a really nice 37' with even a washer and dryer and dishwasher for around $12,000.

 

[nomifyle]

Thanks for the answers folks.....you are thinking the same way I am. Don't worry....I'm alone and it's just me and the critters! I think I am leaning toward the travel trailer....used and in good condition. They are really pretty cheap around here right now....I found a really nice 37' with even a washer and dryer and dishwasher for around $12,000.

That certainly would have all the comforts of home, egads, a washer/dryer and a dishwasher. Personally, I think a used in good shape is the way to go. From personal experience, it doesn't take long for a new one to become used. 37' gives so much space.

Judy

 

[timbo]

With washer and dishwasher, you definitely will need two things;
One a well to get your water and two, a septic field to get rid of your water.

Now, many places, the gray water (from the two washers) can be dumped on the ground. However, that can be a lot of water so I'd go with a septic field.