moving into a travel trailer full time, tips? - RV-Dreams Community Forum

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

moving into a travel trailer full time, tips?

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Should have said this in my first post. Welcome to the RV Dreams forums.

Northeast Texas and Arkansas can get pretty cold at times. It can at least get to the point where your outside water lines could be in danger of freezing, so you will need to either insulate the hoses and the hydrant, or watch your temperatures and when there is a possibility of freezing, fill your fresh tank and then unhook the hoses and drain them. If you can, look for a trailer that will either heat the underbelly or will have heated holding tanks. I don't know if any 18' - 24' trailers are so equipped, so keep that in mind when shopping.

We live in the Oklahoma City area and recently had temps down to about 14 degrees. Of course, our trailer is much larger and is better equipped for cold weather with thicker walls and insulation than most campers have. Keep in mind that most small trailer are designed more as "campers" for occasional camping instead of being equipped for long-term living.

Terry

-- Edited by Terry and Jo on Friday 11th of January 2013 06:41:56 PM

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

In the winter look for a space that gets the early day sun; saves propane, in the summer make sure you have shade from noon until dark; save on the electric bill. 30 amps will run the air conditioner and low watt appliances; you can't run the hair blow drier, toaster, microwave or high watt appliances at the same time as the AC. If you do you will have to reset the breaker either in the TT or at the main plug-in. Laptop or desktop will give you no problems.

-- Edited by PIEERE on Friday 11th of January 2013 06:41:31 PM

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

@Terry and Jo: Thank you for the welcome, insulating the hoses and the hydrant will likely be the way to go price wise. However do you mean by the hydrant? Also, do they not sell pre-insulated hoses? And if so worth investing in?

@PIEERE: Could you go in the difference between high and low watt appliances a bit? microwave fridge high I'm assuming?

-- Edited by TexasPanda on Friday 11th of January 2013 06:54:30 PM

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Also one big concern that I forgot to ask about, food storage. Currently ill cook lets say tacos and eat them for 2-3 days because I am lazy. But with a mini fridge that is not exactly possible, any small space cooking tips? I read the forum on here about cooking but its all about eating healthier or organic

-- Edited by TexasPanda on Friday 11th of January 2013 07:00:36 PM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Taco bell !!!!!.......

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Friday 11th of January 2013 07:10:21 PM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

At 18 with a small fridge ,I would pick up a small grill and only cook to order....cooking tips when someone is 18 is tough....best way to learn is to create a budget and stick to it.........learning to manage your money now will go along way later. seeing where you spend every dollar you make will help you control the wasted spending......it also will help you move up

you now have a good start, your about to get off living on a borrowed couch and into something that belongs to you, take care of it. fix it up and it will pay you back..........in your own words "I am lazy"..........that is a choice controlled only by you,we all were 18 and unless we were silver spoon fed, we all started roughly where you are at.

Grab hold of your bootstraps set a goal and do it!!!........time is going to start flying and its better to do it now than look back and wish you had!!!!

If we met tommorow, you would think ......how could someone afford those things.................I would give you my lifes savings , this fancy coach and all I own....just to be 18 again!!!!

( must be able to take everything I learned along the way with me!!....there was a couple of mistakes I need to fix,and a couple of bits of wisdom I'd hate to loose!!)

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Friday 11th of January 2013 07:35:18 PM

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Hello everyone,

I am looking at buying a small travel trailer. Got my eye on an 18' and 23' that I will park near my job to be stationary full time. Still under 20 and just trying to save money and get off a friends couch. Just wondering if I could get some tips from people that have tried this. If you could let tell me about any of your problems or what you liked about it such as power issues, space issues (only living on a couch so i dont think it will be much of a problem but still), waste just anything you could help with id appreciate it.

Thanks

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Electric ....Water....septic.......the three things important , but all that is available at the local campground.......if its your first time around,it is cheaper to get your site by the month....daily rates will make you wish you stayed on the couch!!!!

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

I've already stopped and talked to the campground and got the rates for the month, I am huge into research. I take baby steps which doesn't get me far but usually keeps me from ending up from failing to badly. The 18' I'm looking at does not have holding tanks, would that be a problem so long as I am not on the move? As well the owner says it can only handle 30amps but I really don't know how much that is

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

Don't know what part of the country or city you are in, but taking in to consideration. Do a search on RVPark Revies you should find the state, city or town, then the rates and phone #'s. If you are in the part of the country (Texas) that stays fairly warm most of the year that would be ideal. when you have to start heating RVs' it can get quite expensive. Set your self up with a budget and stick by it. And what Mike said.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

most likely if it is only 18 to 24 ft....it only has a 30 amp power supply.......

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

If the trailer you are looking for has a toilet, you will likely have a holding tank for that. Most every camper I ever saw at least had a fresh water holding tank. While I've not been involved with a lot of campers/rv's, even the 26 footers we had worked on 30 amp electric. The trailer will likely only have one furnace, one air conditioner and a few other appliances, so a 30 amp system should suffice.

If you are going to stay in one town for some time, look into renting a spot in a mobile home park. Some of them are set up to accomodate RV's, and you will generally find it cheaper than renting a space in an RV park. We are in a small mobile home park right next to a good RV park. The RV park charges about $590 a month and if one is there long-term, they may also have to have their electric put on a separate meter. Our lot rent is about $190, which includes water and sewer. Our lot rent and utilities (electric and LP gas) runs us less than the rate at the RV Park.

Good luck with the research and planning.

Terry

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

30 amps will take care of you no problem......

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Assuming I could find the space, could I put my desktop in the trailer, would it be a power problem?

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

you could turn on the lights....forget to turn the TV off....leave the electric heat on and still be able to run your computer!!!!.......if you trip the breaker turn the power down on the heater!!!!!!!

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Thanks mike, puts my mind at ease. Looks like ill be calling this man back to get the trailer from him, haven't heard of any problems I can't overcome

I really do appreciate all the replies

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Lazy may have been a poor choice I just have no problem eating leftovers for several days. Why bother with cooking a fresh meal if you don't need to? However changing from that frame of mind to cooking to over will be a heck of a change.

But thanks for the advice I look forward to putting it to use. I hope to be moved in before February if it all works out.

As for the taco bell, not a fan of eating out haven't been for years something about it just doesn't set right with me anymore

PIEERE · RV-Dreams Family Member

TexasPanda wrote:
@Terry and Jo: Thank you for the welcome, insulating the hoses and the hydrant will likely be the way to go price wise. However do you mean by the hydrant? Also, do they not sell pre-insulated hoses? And if so worth investing in?

@PIEERE: Could you go in the difference between high and low watt appliances a bit? microwave fridge high I'm assuming?

-- Edited by TexasPanda on Friday 11th of January 2013 06:54:30 PM

The fridge can be run on propane or electric. Every appliance usually has a specification sticker which will tell you the watts. Microwaves usuall are rated anywhere between 800-1100 watts. Watts= volts X Amps or Amps= Watts Divided by Volts. If you have 30 amps you have 3600 watts available. The roof AC will draw 1800-2200 watts when the compressor engages, so if you kick on the 1100 watt microwave you are limiting the circuit breaker and the sudden draw will usually pop the breaker. You can also google the formula for voltage as I have to admit formulas are not my specialty. Hope this helps.

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've spent up to a month and overall 25% of 2012 in our current TT (which is soon be gone) and found that if we grocery shopped every 5-7 days we didn't have any issues. Leftovers were stored in small ziploc containers, and yes, we had "planned overs" at times. We actually spent less in groceries than when we are at home because we were more conscious of everything in the fridge and therefore had a lot less spoilage, plus we didn't buy things on a whim very often.

I don't think the rates in DFW (not sure which part of TX you are in) will be much different than the rates Terry quoted for OKC, my Mom and step-Dad were temporarily living in their 5th wheel in Cedar Hill and Terry's costs sound about the same as theirs.

Our TT is rated as a 4 Seasons which would be great for Texas, both a great heating system and AC unit, both are a little noisy when running which makes conversations on the phone a little more difficult. Since I work from home, and spend most of my day on the phone / laptop, we had to make conscious decisions of when to run the AC vs. when it needed to be off because I was faciliating a conference call. If you can find a unit rated for 4 seasons, it might be good investment.

Running on 30 amps, the only time we had an issue was if I tried to use my blow drier when my hubby was using the microwave or if the AC was running. We both have laptops and other electrical devices and never had an issue with blowing a circuit unless we were using any 2 of the 3 items (blow drier, AC, microwave), never tried running all 3 at the same time, just assumed that would be problematic. Other than that, he was able to run the tools he needed for work, plugged in at the picnic table outside, while I worked inside with my laptop and other devices on or being charged.

I would advise checking the water pressure and buying one of the water pressure devices if you're going to be permanently attached, plus of course, a water filter. I still remember one campground in the Glen Rose area where the water was rust colored when we were camping for just a weekend, eons ago when we were TX residents. Ick, don't want to drink that color of water.

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

Should I run the fridge off propane alone or would I be spending a fortune in propane? Haven't checked the rates in several years.

I only have a my phone charger, a razor, and a desktop (hoping not to have to downsize to a laptop), fridge and a/c to learn to balance. Glad I have already downsized or this would so much harder. I will start checking the watts on all of them to see where I am at, I shall double check that formula just to be sure though.

Appreciate the tip on the water filter haha, since that is all I drink I dread thinking of turning on the sink and getting rust colored water.

Thanks again everyone, anything else is appreciated as well

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

TexasPanda wrote:
@Terry and Jo: Thank you for the welcome, insulating the hoses and the hydrant will likely be the way to go price wise. However do you mean by the hydrant? Also, do they not sell pre-insulated hoses? And if so worth investing in?

I don't remember what they are called, but I have seen insulated covers that can be slipped down over the top of the hydrant. If you can't find some of those, I don't imagine it would take much to make up an insulated "sock" that will slip over the top of the hydrant and go down to the ground. If you happen to have a situation where the faucets are underground, then a box or bucket can be placed over the hydrant in that way. In our case, we have a fairly large box with a hinged top sitting over our underground hydrants. I added a bit of heat by placing an automotive trouble light inside that box, hanging from the inside of the hinged lid.

As for "insulated hoses" they do make a heated one. However, those cost about $100 for a single 25' length of hose. I've had others tell me that those only last about a year. We have encased our hoses with 6' lengths of split foam tubes, wrapped a heat cable around those (two hoses - one for fresh water and one for black tank flushing), then insulation is wrapped around that and then a foil tape. All of that assembled water system is then slipped into 4" PVC piping. At 14 degrees a while back, we almost froze up in the hoses. That is why one might need to fill the fresh water tank and then unhook and drain the hoses.

Terry

wildbill2673 · RV-Dreams Family Member

space for your belongings is all good and well do not forget about space for yourself you will want room to roam when the weather is bad.

if you are not going to have the ability to haul a bumper pull then consider a motorhome.

as far as not haveing enough power if the camper has a power cord hatch you can run an addtional power cord to power other things.

not all campers are made equal some are made cheaper than others.

unless your couch is being taken from you keep saveing the more money you have the better unit you can afford.

one last one do not be affraid to ask questions here when you find one that you might want to buy there are years of experience and knowledge here.

WELCOME

TexasPanda · RV-Dreams Community Member

I have a 1995 3/4 ton to haul with. As well as just being a burden to a friend who has been more than mind making a 90 mile round trip to work is very expensive in a 10 mpg truck, so the move is needed.

I will trictry out your insulationks once the time comes no doubt but if all else fails drain the tank, glad there is a plan if the hoses can't handle the weather. I don't remember a time it has dropped below about 25 however.

I will keep the space issue for myself in mind as I shop.

Also when I get more specs I will post them and get all of your options. Shopping via craigslist and just driving around when I get off graveyard so not able to call or stop right then so haven't had time to talk to but one person. I do know the 18' i've looked at is a 1975 starcraft however the age it has been sitting an old man's garage and is in great condition (plus its dirt cheap which doesn't hurt my interest). The only other one I have seen is a 23' layton but that is all of the information I have been able to get so far. Living in smaller area makes it a bit harder to shop. Looking forward to hearing from yall.

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Without having weights of trailers to go by, your 3/4 ton truck ought to be able to handle at least up to a 26' trailer. I say that because we had two different 26-foot trailers (one bumper pull and one fifth wheel) that we pulled with a Ford F250.

Terry

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm older, but in a similar situation, renting here is Northern California is expensive, and working in social services is low paying. I looked at an 18ft and a 25ft, and settled for the 25ft. I've lived in one room since I moved to California, and really wanted a seperate bedroom. smile But if I was a guy, without much stuff, an 18ft might do. I have a You Tube channel documenting some of my adventures with trailer living, and there's a lot of younger "urban campers" on You Tube. My channel: http://www.youtube.com/2012escapee1

Some things that are to be considered, especially since you are younger, and surely somewhat computer saavy, is internet connections. Sure, if you are permanent in a park, you can do regular DSL, but if you want to move around, get mobile WiFi. I have a Sprint mobile hot spot with 12 GB of data per month. I also have a WiFi signal booster, for if I get into an area without good signals. Another thing, TV. Personally, I can do without, but I also have unlimited data on my Sprint cell phone, so I can watch You Tube all day.

One very cool thing about getting a trailer is, it's pretty cheap to trick it out as "green" or to "bug out". My solar panels, installed, cost less that $800. I rigged up my own rainwater collection system for less than $50. A wind generator for an RV goes for around than $300. You can keep your tank filled, and have 60 gallons of water on hand at all times, for when disaster strikes. Even without solar, your batteries will keep you going for a day or two. Tricking out your trailer is a lot less expensive than a house, and no building codes! evileye

Propane is wonderful! It's about $28 to fill one of my 7 gallon tanks, and that lasts, in winter 3-4 weeks, summer, 6+ weeks. That will heat your water, cook your food, keep you warm, and even power the fridge.

A far as cooking, I keep a bag of baby spinach on hand, plus shredded carrots, and gluten free pasta, sun dried tomatoes, parmesan or feta cheese... boil the pasta, throw in some carrots, last minute, throw in some spinach and sun dried tomatoes, drain, toss with feta. Another quick pasta dish; take some plain yogurt, mix with garlic, set aside for a hour or so. Boil pasta, throw in spinach, veggies, toss with the yogurt sauce, sprinkle with parmesan or feta.

Oh, here's another tasty, healthy recipe I came up with; I bought a big fish cheap, cooked it, and put it in portions in the freezer. Chop up some fresh cilantro, tomatoes, green onions if you like, and toss the defrosted fish portion with that, and some green salsa. Serve with warmed corntortillas. Instant ceviche, yummy!

I keep dried fruits (raisins, figs, papaya, etc) on hand, as well as Tasty Bites Indian food (just heat up in hot water). I also do a lot of Super Green smoothies in a blender, plus yogurt. And don't forget to take your vitamins! Since you are young, start eating healthy now, go organic, so that when you get older, you won't be old. I've been (more or less) an organic vegetarian for 30 years, and believe me, it's paid off!

I'd say, go for the trailer! Better than sofa surfing!

Jane

biggrin

-- Edited by Hina on Friday 25th of January 2013 04:58:52 PM

-- Edited by Hina on Friday 25th of January 2013 05:08:47 PM

Hina · RV-Dreams Family Member

Oh, here's some more cooking tips; you will probably be getting your first pots and pans. Don't get teflon or aluminum, it's bad for your health! Aluminum can contribute to Alzheimers, and Teflon flakes off into your food, and is toxic. DO get a cast iron frying pan. I use that more than anything! You need to "season" it, by rubbing a light coat of vegetable oil on it, then put it on the stove on high, until it starts to smoke. Then let it cool off. Better than teflon! Don't scrub your cast iron pan, unless you have scrambled eggs or something stuck in there, just wipe it out with a paper towel. Every so often, recoat it with a little cooking oil. Also, get a 1-2 quart stainless steel or enameled sauce pan, maybe a big pot for boiling bigger stuff, and a tea kettle. That's about all you need. You can pick up strainers, pancake flippers, forks, knives, spoons, pot holders, etc at the dollar store.

More cooking ideas; I lived for years in a place with no kitchen, so I had to make do with a toaster oven and a coffee maker. You can cook those Chinese rice noodles in a coffee maker, they don't need to be boiled. Throw in baby spinach, it will all cook. I like the Tasty Bite Indian foods in the foil packets, those also "cook" in a coffee maker.

I also keep cartons of rice and soy milk under the sofa, don't need to be refrigerated. Also, how about some organic protein bars, and trail mix? If you have a Trader Joe's nearby, they have lots of yummy, organic storable foods, cheap, such as a delicious Thai Tuna in a foil packet, you just need to warm in hot water.

Also, about plumbing. You need special RV toilet paper, so as not to clog your system. If you can't get that, look for "septic safe" TP. Also, I keep a little trash can near the bathroom, and throw the pee-pee paper in there, and then in the trash, rather than down the tank. Stretches the time I need to dump, and reduces the possibility of problems.

You may also want to get a small shop vac, if you have carpet.

As far as the age on the trailers you are looking at, VERY IMPORTANT, look for water spots on the ceiling and floor! Trailers leak! And if it smells musty, you don't want to get into a "toxic mold" situation. It's very important that the trailers stay dry. They tend to "condense" in the winter, with foggy windows on the inside. I run a dehumidifer, and keep the windows open as much as possible. If the roof does have a little leak, it might not be too expensive to fix, with a bucket of that roof rubber stuff, you can paint on. Be honest with yourself, if it is too dirty and musty inside, it may take quiet a bit of elbow grease to get it liveable. You do not want to live in a moldy situation!

Jane

kb0zke · RV-Dreams Family Member

Pay close attention to Hina's last paragraph above! ANY mold evidence is an instant rejection of that trailer.

Since you mentioned being into research (good for you!) find a few trailers that have a floor plan that suits you and sound like they may be in your budget. Research prices for those, and it won't take long for you to figure out a reasonable price. NADA is a decent starting point IF you are looking at a mass-produced trailer that is reasonably new. Older Airstreams, etc., are not even close.

30A electric service is pretty much the norm for trailers, unless it has dual air conditioners. Get a surge protector and use it. Progressive Industries has them. Get the kind that hangs on the electric pedestal. They are cheaper that hard-wired and will work as well. They aren't as convenient in that they are just surge protectors, not full-blown electrical management systems, but for someone just starting out they will do just fine. You will most likely trade trailers a few times fairly soon as you get used to what you really need. Once you get something that you will keep for several years you can invest in a hard-wired unit.

If you have good cell phone service in your area you might want to check millenicom.com for your Internet service. You can get the Advanced Plan for $60/month which gives you 20GB of use or an unlimited plan for $70. They use different carriers, and don't want to tell you which one they are using, but you can check their site or just ask them what will work in your ZIP code.

Good luck!