Any RVer's on this thread...need advice

[Dirty Harry]

I have to uproot myself and go out west to find work. The family is staying here in Ohio (can't uproot the kids out of school).

I was thinking about getting a RV to live in since housing in S. Calif is a bit pricey to try and maintain 2 households. Anyone here have any experience with this?

I can find a decent RV for around $4-5000, and will probably be spending at least $1000/mo. on a hotel/apt. Is it gonna be cheaper in the long-run? I found a full hook-up park for $495/mo.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Harry

[SQUEXX]

I've considered the same thing..........

Google search, RV Living:

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=rv+living&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=&oq=&gs_rfai=&fp=62c7546c9e19fcb7

[EE_]

Here's what I've found

Most parks won't allow older RV's (10 yr or older)

All parks only allow 6 month stays. After that you have to be out for two weeks before you can return.

You can get a somewhat decent apartment in a gated community for $750 a month (it's just you, right)

You're talking about spending $5,000 for RV and $500 a month to park. Throw in $1,500 for gas to get here.
Spread that money over a year and that's about $1,000+ a month

[philo beddoe]

I have to uproot myself and go out west to find work. The family is staying here in Ohio (can't uproot the kids out of school).

I was thinking about getting a RV to live in since housing in S. Calif is a bit pricey to try and maintain 2 households. Anyone here have any experience with this?

I can find a decent RV for around $4-5000, and will probably be spending at least $1000/mo. on a hotel/apt. Is it gonna be cheaper in the long-run? I found a full hook-up park for $495/mo.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Harry
Here is whats typical of socal now...it depends what you want... Rv living wont be any cheaper than a motel

[MNeagle]

Why S. CA? Isn't the unemployment there especially bad?

Have you checked into North Dakota options? Much closer to home. http://gold-silver.us/forum/general-discussion/go-to-north-dakota-young-oil-man/

Good luck either way & keep us posted on your adventure.

[RobinsNest]

Harry, I think it depends on how willing you are to "rough it" and endure inconvenience. My brother has been living in his older motor home in California for the past five years (with a dog, no less.) He parks the rv in a variety of places and moves frequently. In some areas you can park in Walmart parking lots for free (only good for a night or two.) He also frequents truck stops where parking is free for several days at a time if you purchase gas. Truck stops usually have showers, often have electrical plug ins and/or water, and some even have internet hookups for a reasonable price. Craig also utilizes rest stops along the freeways, state and national parks (which frequently don't charge for stays during the off-season), and in a pinch has been known to "camp out" in the parking lot of larger hospitals and Indian casinos for a couple of days. In some of the smaller outlying towns where truck stops and rest stops are rare, he looks for streets where truckers have pulled off the road and parked to spend the nights. The highway patrol or police general hit these streets about every two weeks and give the truckers 24 hours to move their rigs. Craig works construction and often finds that the construction boss is willing to let him park his rig on site for free in exchange for "keeping an eye on things" at night and on weekends, so that's another option once you find work. You also might want to consider joining a lodge before you head west. The Eagles, Moose, Elk, Sons of Norway, and other lodges frequently have a couple of RV spaces located at their lodge and rent them to members for a few dollars a night. If you have a military ID card, almost every military installation has RV spots available for next to nothing. These options are possible only if you have a cell phone for communication, a post office box for mail, a self-contained RV, and are willing to put up with some inconvenience. The bottom line is that my brother hasn't paid rent in more than five years.

[Dirty Harry]

Here's what I've found

Most parks won't allow older RV's (10 yr or older)

All parks only allow 6 month stays. After that you have to be out for two weeks before you can return.

You can get a somewhat decent apartment in a gated community for $750 a month (it's just you, right)

You're talking about spending $5,000 for RV and $500 a month to park. Throw in $1,500 for gas to get here.
Spread that money over a year and that's about $1,000+ a month

Didn't know about the age limit or the 6 mo. stay..good to know. If I went this route I was gonna buy one out there. and go from there.

[Dirty Harry]

Why S. CA? Isn't the unemployment there especially bad?

Have you checked into North Dakota options? Much closer to home. http://gold-silver.us/forum/general-discussion/go-to-north-dakota-young-oil-man/

Good luck either way & keep us posted on your adventure.

Thanks, the job is already a done deal. Working on the Metro-link rail upgrade project. Only been through South Dakota once, never ND. Sure was beautiful though.

[Dirty Harry]

Harry, I think it depends on how willing you are to "rough it" and endure inconvenience. My brother has been living in his older motor home in California for the past five years (with a dog, no less.) He parks the rv in a variety of places and moves frequently. In some areas you can park in Walmart parking lots for free (only good for a night or two.) He also frequents truck stops where parking is free for several days at a time if you purchase gas. Truck stops usually have showers, often have electrical plug ins and/or water, and some even have internet hookups for a reasonable price. Craig also utilizes rest stops along the freeways, state and national parks (which frequently don't charge for stays during the off-season), and in a pinch has been known to "camp out" in the parking lot of larger hospitals and Indian casinos for a couple of days. In some of the smaller outlying towns where truck stops and rest stops are rare, he looks for streets where truckers have pulled off the road and parked to spend the nights. The highway patrol or police general hit these streets about every two weeks and give the truckers 24 hours to move their rigs. Craig works construction and often finds that the construction boss is willing to let him park his rig on site for free in exchange for "keeping an eye on things" at night and on weekends, so that's another option once you find work. You also might want to consider joining a lodge before you head west. The Eagles, Moose, Elk, Sons of Norway, and other lodges frequently have a couple of RV spaces located at their lodge and rent them to members for a few dollars a night. If you have a military ID card, almost every military installation has RV spots available for next to nothing. These options are possible only if you have a cell phone for communication, a post office box for mail, a self-contained RV, and are willing to put up with some inconvenience. The bottom line is that my brother hasn't paid rent in more than five years.

RN, thanks for the input. The whole RV thing came at me on a whim. Got Obamaized here in Ohio, and can't seem to find anything. Stay out of your trade too long and you will find a hard time getting back in.
I just have a hard time pissing away a $1000 a month on rent and not get anything in return (at least not tangible). This job pays enough that I can still maintain my home while living out there, but I'm a natural miser and want to make the most out of what I can.

[MNeagle]

Maybe consider being a roommate??

[EE_]

Maybe consider being a roommate??


Roommates might be a good idea?

http://images.fanpop.com/images/image_uploads/Hot-Girls-Eating-Pizza-pizza-803050_500_375.jpg

[Liquid]

Another alternative if you really wanted to live on the cheap in So.Cal, is look into a small boat.

Every now and then, marina's have lien sales. Basically, when someone stops paying their dock fees, the marina takes ownership of the boat. This happens over months on non-payment, the boat gets abandoned. The boat is then a liability to the marina (taking up space with no revenue).

I've seen marina's basically give boats away, just to get the dock revenue going.

One lien sale I went to, had a 30 foot boat that could have sold for only $200, and there was no takers!

With this economy, lot's of boats being abandoned. Just another thought for you. Dock fees for a 30 footer would be around $250 a month, with electrical and water. Cheap living.

[Dirty Harry]

One lien sale I went to, had a 30 foot boat that could have sold for only $200, and there was no takers!

With this economy, lot's of boats being abandoned. Just another thought for you. Dock fees for a 30 footer would be around $250 a month, with electrical and water. Cheap living.

Wow, now I would love to fall into something like that. Thanks.
Imagine..a guy named liquid, suggesting a boat...

[Liquid]

Wow, now I would love to fall into something like that. Thanks.
Imagine..a guy named liquid, suggesting a boat...


Yup, right now I'm enjoying a beautiful sunny day, relaxing, tinkering on the boat. My neighbor enjoys dancing in the sun, in a bikini. Yup, life is great.

A couple of things to consider if you want to go this route though..

Often, those lien sale boats may need a lot of work. Most marinas require that the boat have a functioning engine. Don't grab a $200 boat, only to find out you need to put in a $2000 engine.

Also, there is a requirement that only 10% of the boat owners can actually live on their boats. You would have to 'sneakaboard'. Which isn't a problem if you are quiet about.

For starters, the best thing to do is contact the marinas in the area where you are going to work, ask about lien sales and such..

[TheNocturnalEgyptian]

Good luck with the new job. I think you'll be near 10+ board members...that's awesome. We should all get together.


It is really hard to find cheap living here. My advice is to bite the bullet (to a degree), and instead opt for something extremely close to where you will be working, if there is an option that is reasonably priced. Frustration in this city is directly correlated to driving, and by living close to your work, you will be freeing up several hours each day and understanding life here a little differently.

[Dirty Harry]

Unless you're going to be monastic and live, eat, and sleep your job only, sooner or later you're going to want to see what southern California offers, and that means wheels. An R.V. would be a terrible mode of transportation for both cost and parking issues. I like Liquid's idea - I knew people at my marina that lived aboard - it was $500 a month but it came with electricity at the slip, clean bathrooms and hot showers ashore, a grocery store, and 24-hour security. I even considered it myself (we had a Catalina 30) but my wife wanted earth to grow food in. For a guy by himself it would be ideal if you find the right boat and marina. As far as tooling around the state, there's plenty of $2000 90's-vintage 4-cylinder Jap specials to be had and there's no rust. An R.V. also has the disadvantage of being a burglary target. You can't always be there and they open like tuna cans. A boat is behind a locked gate, and it's more obvious when people even try to board, let alone get into a locked cockpit.

Thanks, but job comes with a company vehicle. Also thought about a cheap 'beater' for personal use, but being 2400 miles away from home, my mind is gonna be on working my @ss off for a while. The boat thing is very intriguing, and never would have crossed my mind.

[Dirty Harry]

Good luck with the new job. I think you'll be near 10+ board members...that's awesome. We should all get together.


It is really hard to find cheap living here. My advice is to bite the bullet (to a degree), and instead opt for something extremely close to where you will be working, if there is an option that is reasonably priced. Frustration in this city is directly correlated to driving, and by living close to your work, you will be freeing up several hours each day and understanding life here a little differently.

A meet-up would be great. Love to meet some of you guys. I can relate with the traffic thing...use to work/travel the Baltimore/DC area.

[Black Blade]

Stealth Camping

I have looked around my town at the possibilities for those either traveling or find themselves homeless for some reason. It appears that there is a subculture of people living around town in various vehicles ranging from tents, cars, trucks, campers and RVs. Finding a safe place to rest isn't all that difficult and most of the local parks and rest areas are open to people for temporary rest and some people find ways to stealthily park and rest all over town.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/RestStop2.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/RestStop1.jpg

Rest Area - Rest rooms, RV dump station, playground, eating areas.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/TruckStop.jpg

Truck Stop - Rest Rooms, Showers, Television Room, Snacks, Restaurant.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/Hospital.jpg

Hospital - Rest Rooms, Snacks, Coffee Shop, Diner.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/Walmart2.jpg

Walmart - Rest Rooms, Food, Necessities. Personal Vehicles and Campers allowed. This section was filled with people "camping" in their vehicles from the Gulf Coast immediately following Katrina.

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/Park2.jpg

http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll287/jhwarner1/Park1.jpg

Local Parks - Rest Room, Dump Station. This park tends to have campers (Tents, Cars, Campers, RVs). Lots of local police security but travelers welcome.


http://peakoilpetroleumandpeciousmetals.yuku.com/reply/17971/t/URBAN-SURVIVAL.html#reply-17971

[Black Blade]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQ-JvJyshIg&feature=player_embedded

[Dirty Harry]

Great vid BB.
That's one reason I'm making this move...so my family doesn't become just another statistic in Obamas dream world. It's gonna be hard being away from the family, but a guy has to do what a guy has to do.

[TPTB]

I have lived a vehicular subculture for the better part of 20 years. Voluntarily.

At the moment I live in a bus conversion on acreage in the country, but I spent many years off and on in smaller set ups.

My favorite stealth rig was a 1.5 ton plain white 14 ft. box van that I converted into a cozy little mobile home for myself, my wife, and a 60 lb. Border Collie in which I was able to park just about anywhere without much interest by the constabulary.

I almost never stayed in commercial campgrounds, yuck! except maybe occasionally while traveling. Most of the time I'd just grab a motel room for a shower if I was feeling decedent.

As a consequence, I haven't actually needed to pay income tax for most of my adult life simply because I haven't needed the income large enough to need to pay tax on. And because of the savings I was able to buy real estate and profit, but ironically my life during the most financially successful times, basically sucked. lol I found myself miserable and anxious the entire time.

The idea offered by Liquid though, sounds intriguing. I'd focus hard on that angle if I were you. That'd be too cool and a psychologically invigorating lifestyle... and it would eliminate much of the inherent exposure to the street which can be dangerous if you aren't in the right location.

As much as I hate to admit it, the closer you can live to the wealthy, the better chance you have living a sort of alternative lifestyle, especially if you're young, attractive and healthy.

However, that does not include the suburban upper middle working class. Stay away from from them and their gated neighborhoods. lol... They're getting hit hard from both lower and upper class strata.

[Liquid]

Very cool TPTB, I've always thought I'd enjoy 'land cruising' as a second to boating. Great post.

To be happy on a boat though, you need to be active, and be able to get by with not all the 'stuff' a lot of folks accumulate. You just don't have room for it. Basically, boat folks are the exact opposite of what our gov wants, we don't consume anything more than needed. But there's great communities on the dock.

Much like mrmn said, it's very secure, and folks always look out for each other. I rarely even lock my boat actually, unless I'm gone for a good amount of time. I've left expensive things on deck, for times, and not had anything taken. Boat folks, look out for each other.

I just thought I'd share this with the OP as an option to consider, but I"m biased in my recommendation. Boats aren't for everyone. Like you said TPTB, it's an alternative lifestyle.

[Quantum]

An RV is a great idea. Follow the jobs. If they move, you can move on the spur of the moment. My parents used to live in an RV full-time, and miss it. A boyhood friend can't afford to live where he works, despite his high salary, so he RVs on the weekdays, and drives home about 150 miles for the weekend.

After the kids move on with their own lives, my wife & I will likely get an RV, and cut loose more ties to the System.

[Dirty Harry]

Great posts guys. Thanks for all the info. I land in the belly of the beast monday night. New boss is putting me up for a week while I get my shyt together. lol

Been watching the for sale ads, and have a line on a couple prospects. Won't make a move I think until I check out that boat deal out first though.

Keep 'em coming....I appreciate all the advice.

harry

[Quantum]

Here's what I've found

Most parks won't allow older RV's (10 yr or older)

All parks only allow 6 month stays. After that you have to be out for two weeks before you can return.


That's not true from what I've found. Many are very lenient provided your RV is in good condition, regardless of age. If you have a 7 year old machine with missing/broken/duct taped parts, they'll frown on that before a 1986 in pristine condition.

And there are many I just looked up who offer "extended stay" rates and amenities, with no maximum stay.




You can get a somewhat decent apartment in a gated community for $750 a month (it's just you, right)


Where? Not just in SoCal, but where, anywhere?

[Liquid]

Just don't underestimate the monthly cost of the RV. One marina I was at, I was paying $250 a month, full amenities. Shared the facilities with a car park for RV's. Well, the RV's were paying $1200 a month for the same amenities.

Never did understand why my bills were 1/5 that of the RV, just because my "RV" floated.

EDIT: My bad..thinking back on it, it was ~$340. $8 and change per foot.

[cedarchopper]

Quantum's right, the age of the RV is not an issue if it is in good condition...there are many vintage RV clubs, I've never heard of any of them being turned down at an RV park no matter the age if in good condition. Most park owners have policy's that they can point to if they don't get a good impression from you and your rig, but they don't enforce it on nice rigs. The exception would be some high dollar RV Resorts, they do enforce it, but those are private membership type deals.

RV's are the way to go if you want living quarters away from home. There is a pretty steep learning curve with RV's though...what manufacturers make quality products, learning how to maintain 12/110 volts systems, propane systems, water and waste tanks, etc. It takes a certain level of handiness to RV economically.

You can probably live for 1/2 of what it will cost to live in an apartment...and no deposits or leases.

[BabushkaLady]

I have to uproot myself and go out west to find work. The family is staying here in Ohio (can't uproot the kids out of school).

I was thinking about getting a RV to live in since housing in S. Calif is a bit pricey to try and maintain 2 households. Anyone here have any experience with this?

I can find a decent RV for around $4-5000, and will probably be spending at least $1000/mo. on a hotel/apt. Is it gonna be cheaper in the long-run? I found a full hook-up park for $495/mo.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Harry



Great responses! My 2cents comes from some experience actually doing that once. Camping is a great way to go, but won't really work in S. Cal with the commutes. A RV can be expensive and problematic in some instances. The best way to do the RV idea is to find someone's property that you can park on. It would be some income for the resident and much lower expenses for you. The boat idea is good also. Have you checked any Hostels? They're not just for the "youth", most of them take anyone.

I would suggest you look for temporary housing until your family adjusts to you being gone! I understand you are willing to do what you need to do---but this will be stressful on everyone. You may not like the job or even the State!

Good Luck!

[BabushkaLady]

I just remembered another far-away job. I did a stint in Atlanta. I told my employers my plight and ended up staying with a co-worker that was going through a divorce. Put the word out ASAP with the new employers.

Geesh, I must be getting tired or old! I'll probably remember other temporary houses/jobs from my past. They seem to fade from memory once you're home. :)

[Liquid]

Well, I'll be. I forgot my manners. Forgot a proper welcome... ;D

Man's coming from Ohio, to Cali. Welcome to California, Mr. Harry.

Don't forget, to take full advantage while you are here..grab a board on your day off, step into liquid..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QFy9mifu0YY&f

[BabushkaLady]

Here's a trailer that I used one summer. It was full of merchandise so I never camped in it. I tent camped crossed county selling the merchandise. One of the nice things about the trailer is that I could detach from my vehicle and leave it. It has an interior light, ceiling vent, tall interior (I think 6'4"), carpeted and could accommodate a porta potty. The windows are a plus and just looks like a construction trailer. All you would need is a place to shower.

I hope this photo goes like I think . . . first try with a pic here.

[gunDriller]

there's a lot of homeowners & home-sitters that would be glad to have another $300 to cover household fees.

maybe using Craigslist etc. you can find someone who has stopped paying their mortgage & will let you park in their driveway. so you would be sort of like room-mates but your room is your RV.

i lived in a truck with a camper shell in San Francisco for about 5 weeks once. just by knowing the city & being discrete, it was healthy & relaxing - almost like a vacation.

compared to paying $1100 for a studio apartment - the mobile approach wins.

does your RV have wireless ? one alternative to poaching on wireless is to talk to the neighbors till you find out whose wireless network is who's, then kick in a few bucks to help pay for their Internet access.

[Black Blade]

Another good one where a guy was homeless.So he decides to hit the road and live in his truck (long thread - 53 pages)

http://www.whenshtf.com/showthread.php?8419-Jobless-and-living-in-my-truck...-(with-Pics)

Tips on RV and Van living:

http://vandwellers.org/homeless/index.html

BTW, another thread on people living in unusual circumstances (becoming less unusual all the time as the economy deteriorates. You may want to look at the article in this thread with the college kid living in a van:

http://gold-silver.us/forum/preparedness/extreme-living/

[TPTB]

I knew a homeless guy who lived in the Bahama's. He ate like a king from the open buffets at the Resort hotels along the beaches. After dark, he'd string a hammock up between a couple Palms and sleep right on the beach.
He would walk around the Islands along the beaches never squatting or mooching long enough at any one Hotel to draw attention to himself.

[gunDriller]

when i did it my expenses were pretty low.

3 pieces of bread for breakfast, then $2 for coffee.

$4 to get in the gym, to go swimming shave etc.

then to Kinko's for apartment hunting. that was my biggest expense, Internet access at Kinko's.

as far as bathroom facilities ... all i will say is that human beings have been improvising in this regard for thousands of years 8)

[philo beddoe]

there's a lot of homeowners & home-sitters that would be glad to have another $300 to cover household fees.

maybe using Craigslist etc. you can find someone who has stopped paying their mortgage & will let you park in their driveway. so you would be sort of like room-mates but your room is your RV.

i lived in a truck with a camper shell in San Francisco for about 5 weeks once. just by knowing the city & being discrete, it was healthy & relaxing - almost like a vacation.

compared to paying $1100 for a studio apartment - the mobile approach wins.

does your RV have wireless ? one alternative to poaching on wireless is to talk to the neighbors till you find out whose wireless network is who's, then kick in a few bucks to help pay for their Internet access.
I think if you owned a home, letting someone rv it on your driveway is just asking for trouble.

[JTM3]

Do you have a truck?

If you do it might be best to put a small mattress in the bed with a small dresser and stuff and put a truck "cap" over it.

Find a relatively nice place to park.