ridgerunner609
Somewhere in the Hills of WV
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Joined: 05/28/2012
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Hello,
So, I have a question for everyone and I would appreciate any help you can give me. I'm a good bit younger than most of you and I'm looking at possibly getting a 28-32 foot lightweight travel trailer or a lightweight half ton towable 5th wheel with at least one slide. Preferably a super slide. The reason I'm looking at this is that I'm currently going to school on the GI Bill and have a year left for my BA and another year and a half after that for my Masters degree. I would be living in this full time, what are the general opinions on it? I know it will be small compared to a normal apartment but compared to the rest of the stuff in a college town it may as well be the hilton and I've lived in smaller and worse when I was in the Corps. Are there any models I should really look at or anything I should really avoid? I'm looking at mid 2000s repos and trailers in the 8 to 12000 dollar range. Thanks for any help you can give me.
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jetboater454
Camping or home
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Joined: 07/21/2009
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Best bet is look for one you will be comfortable in.Decent tv viewing from the couch/chair ect.Make sure every thing works.
"If momma not happy  ....Who cares.I have my TH AND my toys  .
2008 3500 Dodge Ram CTD dually 4X4
2007 Gulfstream Endura Max 40
2001 Polaris Ranger 4X4
Mod Pics
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hallock5
Texas
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Joined: 01/30/2012
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and if you are planning to stay in an RV park in the Winter in cold country, make sure they are open during colder months.
2008 Jayco Eagle Superlite 28.5RLS
2002 Ford 4x4 SuperCab 7.3 (Jr International) Diesel
Sad to say, time to sell to a good home.
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tandkj
Full timer
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Semper Fi! Depending on what part of the country you are going to be living in, look for something that is four season if it's going to be in West VA. It will get cold. Something that is on the upscale that will take the wear and tear of normal living.
Tis another fine day to serve in and for the glory of the Corps. Every day is a holiday and every meal a feast.
08 Camelot
07 Ranger Toad
One Golden Retriever at the Rainbow Bridge and a new one traveling with us.
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wannavolunteerFT
South Georgia
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I think living in TT or 5th wheel is very doable for school. For your price range, you should be able to find something suitable. Look at floor plan more than length. I have seen some that were longer that just wouldn't work for full time. On the other hand, remember that one with a bunkhouse might could be modified to give you a desk/study area if that is the way you study. I needed more open floor space to assemble projects/models and used my table for typing, but some people need a real desk area. Anyway, don't consider all the furniture in the TT as impossible to change.. look at some of the mods and pics on this forum and you will see some good adaptations.
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Eycom
32043
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Joined: 09/12/2004
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The question in my mind is where are you going to school. If say in Morgantown at U. of W.V, is there an available campground open year round or a relative's property where you could legally park a camper for full time use (W/E/S). Winters can be rough and call for special measures plus a lot of propane. If in Fl. at the U of F or even Tallahassee at F.S.U., you wouldn't have near the problems and long term sites are easier to find.
As a note, I've spent considerable time in Morgantown, both living there and passing through in an RV. WV, Wild and Wonderful, is a beautiful place to camp, but not a place I'd want to full time in.
RVn Full-time
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coolmom42
Middle Tennessee
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It's definitely do-able in a moderate climate---but you will spend a lot of money on heating and cooling.
You may find that you could rent an apartment cheaper, than the total cost of a RV lot with hookups, and electric & propane.
2006 Toyota Sienna
Single empty-nester in Middle TN
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rockhillmanor
On the Road
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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ridgerunner609 wrote:Hello, ...... I'm a good bit younger than most of you and I'm looking at possibly getting a 28-32 foot lightweight travel trailer......
What makes you think we are all old?! 
"We must be willing to get rid of the life we've planned,
so as to have the life that is waiting for us".
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ridgerunner609
Somewhere in the Hills of WV
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I'm actually going to FSU right now and I'm looking at WVU for grad school. Both are in WV. If I don't there for grad school I'm looking at moving south somewhere warmer and doing the same thing. Currently I'm looking at both bunkhouses and the ones designed more for couples. I figure at the very least I could turn the bunks into decent storage. The bonus is I live alone so it's that much easier. I will be taking some fairly advanced classes and will have decent sized papers to write so a desk would definitely be nice but if I have to I could make do with the table that they have. I just wouldn't be able to use it to eat at. How much propane could I expect to use in the winter? How well are the trailers insulated if it's a 4 season trailer? Would 2 30 Lb tanks on a trailer and a 100 lb tank work or should I get one of the big 500 lb tanks? I'm familiar with the winters, especially in the mountains I was born and raised in the state. Also, I'm looking at some regular trailer parks and campgrounds both, are there any particular things to watch for with either one?
* This post was
edited 05/28/12 12:30pm by ridgerunner609 *
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Eycom
32043
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North Fl. isn't too bad during the winter. I spend time in the Gainesville and Tallahassee areas during that time as I have family in both. You might check with Big Oak RV Park on N. Monroe and Tallahassee RV Park on Mahan Dr. (near I-10) for monthly rates (the latter being my preference). BTW, Tallahassee RV Park is quite popular with out of town legislators when the legislature is in session. Both are reasonably close to the university.
You should be fine with two 30# tanks. On average, in that area I probably go through a 30# tank per month during the winter. But, I also augment the furnace with a ceramic heater during cold spells. Just realize, that's a rough guestimate and dependent upon my habits and usage. YMMV! While I'm not very knowledgeable concerning TT's, I don't believe your selection for 4 seasons will be a large one.
I would consider looking into RV Consumer Group which rates RVs relative to their use. While there are those who place little confidence in their data for various and sundry reasons, I'm one of many who feel it's of significant value. While researching for my camper back in '03 and early '04, I found back issues (printed format) in Tallahassee's regional library. With the advent of DVD's that may not be possible today. While the $140 membership may seem a little steep, it's small in the overall equation to finding what you need.
With regards to WV, I've camped in numerous areas of the State. Business has taken me through there from Charlotte, NC many times during the winter in route to Pitts and Buffalo. I've dry camped at the Tamarak, Wally Worlds (Fayetteville & Summersville) on US 19 and rest areas along I-79. I never found a campground open that time a year. Camp Creek SP has limited facilities for winter travelers. But, even Coopers Rock SP outside of Morgantown closes when the snow gets too bad. If I can be of further help to you, feel free to drop me a PM.
Go Noles! '70
* This post was
edited 05/28/12 11:51am by Eycom *
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