Life in the RV park
Dec 27th 2019 | 7:29 am
#16
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,812
From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Life in the RV park
How appropriate for 'the trailer park' 
I love driving the long open roads of the US, and there are hundreds of places I'd love to see (mostly National Parks), but something about RVing doesn't quite sit right so I think I'll be constrained to traveling by car and staying in motels. One practicality that I've learned is that you really do need to tow a car along, because once you get to your destination and 'settle in', you don't want to have to pack up the RV just to pop to the local grocery store for supplies; or if you decide to pop out to a local eatery for dinner. Also, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be just stopping for the night in some roadside spot. But I guess if I got some practice with the concept, I'd feel better about it.
What are the financial realities of the lifestyle - how much to spend a night at a decent place with 'hookups'? Can one always get a 'spot' near popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park?
The $750/mo - that's presumably a payment to the 'RV park' owner, and includes the space and all the hookups. Would a similar rate apply for 'one night stands' in popular spots near National Parks?
Does the RV itself need a lot of maintenance, or is it just like any vehicle? I guess in your case, currently, you aren't using it to travel extensively; the numbers would change when you start traveling every few days perhaps. In order to have an RV comfortable enough to live in permanently, is $100,000 enough?
I love driving the long open roads of the US, and there are hundreds of places I'd love to see (mostly National Parks), but something about RVing doesn't quite sit right so I think I'll be constrained to traveling by car and staying in motels. One practicality that I've learned is that you really do need to tow a car along, because once you get to your destination and 'settle in', you don't want to have to pack up the RV just to pop to the local grocery store for supplies; or if you decide to pop out to a local eatery for dinner. Also, I'm not sure how comfortable I'd be just stopping for the night in some roadside spot. But I guess if I got some practice with the concept, I'd feel better about it.
What are the financial realities of the lifestyle - how much to spend a night at a decent place with 'hookups'? Can one always get a 'spot' near popular destinations such as the Grand Canyon or Zion National Park?
The $750/mo - that's presumably a payment to the 'RV park' owner, and includes the space and all the hookups. Would a similar rate apply for 'one night stands' in popular spots near National Parks?
Does the RV itself need a lot of maintenance, or is it just like any vehicle? I guess in your case, currently, you aren't using it to travel extensively; the numbers would change when you start traveling every few days perhaps. In order to have an RV comfortable enough to live in permanently, is $100,000 enough?
A few years ago we had a 40ft motorhome and towed a car behind that. Backing up that combination is almost impossible so if you get in a tight spot you have to unhook the car. We sold that when we moved to Florida as we weren't using it.
Nightly rates vary enormously from $20-$30/night to over $100/night. Most places do cheaper weekly and monthly rates but the popular ones can charge premium prices. In Florida, it's difficult to find anywhere in the winter due to the snow-birds flocking from colder climes.
You can get decent travel trailers or fifth wheels from $30,000 up. $100,000 would buy you a very nice fifth wheel but then you need a big truck to pull it. Used will come in much cheaper. $100,000 would buy you an entry-level gas-powered class A. Check out what $2.8m will buy you.
Dec 27th 2019 | 7:53 am
#17
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,519
From: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Re: Life in the RV park
Ahhh - this one! Yes, seen these! Rather a far cry from the typical 'RV' experience.
https://www.curbed.com/2018/4/16/172...-for-sale-bean
https://www.curbed.com/2018/4/16/172...-for-sale-bean
Dec 27th 2019 | 8:01 am
#18
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 14,670
From: Bay Area, CA
Re: Life in the RV park
We have a 40ft bumper-pull travel trailer we pull with a GMC Sierra 2500. The combination is about 60ft long. Maneuvering it can be difficult at times but I try to plan ahead to avoid tight situations. I use Google Maps with Street View to scout out gas stations where I can comfortably get in and out.
A few years ago we had a 40ft motorhome and towed a car behind that. Backing up that combination is almost impossible so if you get in a tight spot you have to unhook the car. We sold that when we moved to Florida as we weren't using it.
Nightly rates vary enormously from $20-$30/night to over $100/night. Most places do cheaper weekly and monthly rates but the popular ones can charge premium prices. In Florida, it's difficult to find anywhere in the winter due to the snow-birds flocking from colder climes.
You can get decent travel trailers or fifth wheels from $30,000 up. $100,000 would buy you a very nice fifth wheel but then you need a big truck to pull it. Used will come in much cheaper. $100,000 would buy you an entry-level gas-powered class A. Check out what $2.8m will buy you.
A few years ago we had a 40ft motorhome and towed a car behind that. Backing up that combination is almost impossible so if you get in a tight spot you have to unhook the car. We sold that when we moved to Florida as we weren't using it.
Nightly rates vary enormously from $20-$30/night to over $100/night. Most places do cheaper weekly and monthly rates but the popular ones can charge premium prices. In Florida, it's difficult to find anywhere in the winter due to the snow-birds flocking from colder climes.
You can get decent travel trailers or fifth wheels from $30,000 up. $100,000 would buy you a very nice fifth wheel but then you need a big truck to pull it. Used will come in much cheaper. $100,000 would buy you an entry-level gas-powered class A. Check out what $2.8m will buy you.
Gas tank on the $2.8M vehicle you linked to - 222 gallons! so that's about $500 a fill-up! It has a 500 HP engine. Doesn't say what size it is (in liters), nor the mpg rating. If 10 mpg is a reasonable estimate (no idea on that one!), then that means filling up every 2,000 miles perhaps? Reading all those specs, I just keep thinking 'weight, weight, weight' (for example, a power-lift TV, or fireplace, or dishwasher!).
I suspect these high-end models are not just used by rich travelers, but also, perhaps, as mobile 'living spaces' for movie stars while 'on location'?
Regarding the availability of 'spaces' at various 'parks', etc, if you can't find a space, then what's the legality of just 'stopping by the roadside'? I know some 'wallmart' parking lots are fair game, but what's the general situation when it comes to stopping somewhere (that is not an RV park) for the night?
Last edited by Steerpike; Dec 27th 2019 at 8:07 am.
Dec 27th 2019 | 8:37 am
#19
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,812
From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Life in the RV park
Gas stations - hadn't thought of that! I guess you try to fill up outside of major metro areas, and focus on those stations that cater to trucks.
Gas tank on the $2.8M vehicle you linked to - 222 gallons! so that's about $500 a fill-up! It has a 500 HP engine. Doesn't say what size it is (in liters), nor the mpg rating. If 10 mpg is a reasonable estimate (no idea on that one!), then that means filling up every 2,000 miles perhaps? Reading all those specs, I just keep thinking 'weight, weight, weight' (for example, a power-lift TV, or fireplace, or dishwasher!).
I suspect these high-end models are not just used by rich travelers, but also, perhaps, as mobile 'living spaces' for movie stars while 'on location'?
Regarding the availability of 'spaces' at various 'parks', etc, if you can't find a space, then what's the legality of just 'stopping by the roadside'? I know some 'wallmart' parking lots are fair game, but what's the general situation when it comes to stopping somewhere (that is not an RV park) for the night?
Gas tank on the $2.8M vehicle you linked to - 222 gallons! so that's about $500 a fill-up! It has a 500 HP engine. Doesn't say what size it is (in liters), nor the mpg rating. If 10 mpg is a reasonable estimate (no idea on that one!), then that means filling up every 2,000 miles perhaps? Reading all those specs, I just keep thinking 'weight, weight, weight' (for example, a power-lift TV, or fireplace, or dishwasher!).
I suspect these high-end models are not just used by rich travelers, but also, perhaps, as mobile 'living spaces' for movie stars while 'on location'?
Regarding the availability of 'spaces' at various 'parks', etc, if you can't find a space, then what's the legality of just 'stopping by the roadside'? I know some 'wallmart' parking lots are fair game, but what's the general situation when it comes to stopping somewhere (that is not an RV park) for the night?
Fuel consumption is probably closer to 5mpg (and that's diesel). My truck gets about 7.5mpg when towing. I only get 12mpg solo.
My motorhome had an 8.3l Cummins Diesel and I averaged around 8.5mpg. That had a 100g tank so cost about $300 to fill. A big benefit of the diesels is you can use the truck stops which are usually much more accessible for filling. They also fill MUCH faster. With a gas motorhome (or truck), you have to go through the regular pumps that are usually much tighter access. It is nice to be able to go 1,000 miles or more between fills.
500HP is not that great when you consider you can get that in a Corvette. Where these things excel is in the torque that can produce over 2,000ft/lbs of torque. My Cummins was 300HP and about 950ft/lbs. It didn't accelerate well but would chug along at 65mph all day running about 1200rpm.
Dec 27th 2019 | 8:56 am
#20
NM, not new, not Mexico!
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 3,579
From: Socorro, NM
Dec 27th 2019 | 9:38 am
#21
Concierge
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 47,658
Re: Life in the RV park
Use to have a StarCraft that slept six. Indoor/Outdoor kitchen, shower and a port-a-potty in case we used parks without shower/toilet accommodations. We loved it.
Dec 27th 2019 | 10:19 am
#22
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Life in the RV park
I knew a friend who lived in an RV for 3 years so she could save a down payment on a house, she saved like 100,000 almost in rent in those 4 years, but she also had the money needed to buy an RV.
If we had the $$ to buy a used RV, I think I would seriously consider it, not many places to park legally though which is the tricky part in these parts. But if we could just do it for 4 years, we would be able to save around $85,000, amazing how much money can go towards just housing.
Some don't even get an RV, they buy a van and live in it, but that is trickier due to no bathroom/shower/cooking but cheaper to obtain a van.
Before the city cracked down on RV living there were certain streets where RV's would line with people living in them.
If we had the $$ to buy a used RV, I think I would seriously consider it, not many places to park legally though which is the tricky part in these parts. But if we could just do it for 4 years, we would be able to save around $85,000, amazing how much money can go towards just housing.
Some don't even get an RV, they buy a van and live in it, but that is trickier due to no bathroom/shower/cooking but cheaper to obtain a van.
Before the city cracked down on RV living there were certain streets where RV's would line with people living in them.
We moved into our RV in June when we sold our house in anticipation of getting laid off (which happened in October).
It was only intended to be short term but I'm actually enjoying it. It's cheap living. We're currently paying $750/month including all utilities.
I got another job on, basically, the same pay and conditions but 100 miles from where we were. Just pack up and move. Simple.
I have another 10 years to retirement, but if we continue this way, I could probably save $200,000+. Then we will go touring the US and when we're done with that, buy a house (who knows where) and enjoy life.
It was only intended to be short term but I'm actually enjoying it. It's cheap living. We're currently paying $750/month including all utilities.
I got another job on, basically, the same pay and conditions but 100 miles from where we were. Just pack up and move. Simple.
I have another 10 years to retirement, but if we continue this way, I could probably save $200,000+. Then we will go touring the US and when we're done with that, buy a house (who knows where) and enjoy life.
Dec 27th 2019 | 3:23 pm
#23
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 2,812
From: Huntsville, AL
Re: Life in the RV park
Regarding the availability of 'spaces' at various 'parks', etc, if you can't find a space, then what's the legality of just 'stopping by the roadside'? I know some 'wallmart' parking lots are fair game, but what's the general situation when it comes to stopping somewhere (that is not an RV park) for the night?
I believe it is generally accepted to overnight at rest areas and truck stops. Really not sure about parking up at the roadside but I'm sure people do. Security would be my biggest concern.
Dec 27th 2019 | 3:37 pm
#24
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Life in the RV park
Pretty much every state rest stop in every state I have traveled seems to allow at least 8 hours of parking, I have slept a few hours in car at rest stops, just choose a busy one with others doing the same and avoid the empty creepy ones.
I've never stopped anywhere other than an official RV park/campground. I know 'most' Walmarts will allow overnighting but it's advised to go inside and ask the manager first. I would be nervous stopping at a Walmart in many areas. There are often some shady characters wandering around.
I believe it is generally accepted to overnight at rest areas and truck stops. Really not sure about parking up at the roadside but I'm sure people do. Security would be my biggest concern.
I believe it is generally accepted to overnight at rest areas and truck stops. Really not sure about parking up at the roadside but I'm sure people do. Security would be my biggest concern.
Jan 2nd 2020 | 5:52 am
#25
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 3,430
From: WA state
Re: Life in the RV park
While I am well away from retirement, I'm already planning my trip around the US when it comes.
The best compromise I can see is getting a truck and a small trailer - bigger than the teardrop but not a 40ft one either. Combined cost is roughly the same as an RV of the same size but with much more flexibility.
The best compromise I can see is getting a truck and a small trailer - bigger than the teardrop but not a 40ft one either. Combined cost is roughly the same as an RV of the same size but with much more flexibility.
Jan 2nd 2020 | 7:56 am
#26
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 1,519
From: Near Lynchburg Tennessee, home of Jack Daniels
Re: Life in the RV park
While I am well away from retirement, I'm already planning my trip around the US when it comes.
The best compromise I can see is getting a truck and a small trailer - bigger than the teardrop but not a 40ft one either. Combined cost is roughly the same as an RV of the same size but with much more flexibility.
The best compromise I can see is getting a truck and a small trailer - bigger than the teardrop but not a 40ft one either. Combined cost is roughly the same as an RV of the same size but with much more flexibility.
