I'm about to graduate college with degrees in wildlife biology and animal science, leaning mostly towards the wildlife biology degree. Most of the jobs I'm interested are seasonal, and only last 3-5 months. Because I have a wide area of interest, and the economy is crap, I'm looking at jobs all over the US. I decided that buying a travel trailer (in the 20' range) would allow me the greatest mobility for work, and the greatest stability for living conditions. My parents are retired and do a lot of month long cross country RV trips so they are an immense help, but I would still like some info from people who live and work in RVs full time!
Does anybody have any hints, tips, suggestions, etc?
I'm getting my dad's Toyota Tundra when he gets a new truck later this year since my Tacoma couldn't pull a 20' trailer, my parents are cosigning the loan for the travel trailer. I'll be making anywhere from about $1200-$2000 a month with these jobs. What kind of expenses can I look forward to with hookups, site fees, etc.? Also, I have a rat terrier cross who will be coming with me. Anything I should be prepared for when finding places that allow pets for long periods of time?
All i can say is- your R-T will need some SPACE! They gotta run around and jump.
A 20' trailer can get boring day after day alone. How long have you had yours? Is it kennel trained? etc.etc.
Me, DW, & Pogo the bouncing Rat Terrier
'99 F250 7.3 Super Duty ext. cab Firestone air bags, Bilstien shocks
2003 Artic Fox 24-5 5th wheel
Jefe: Could it be that once again you are angry for something else, and you are taking it out on me?
Cost will really depend on where you end up. You may be able to get a job in a National Park or Forest that will offer a free hook-up for you. If so, your cost for that could be marginal if any at all.
Campgrounds vary so much it would be hard to say. I stayed at a KOA in NC for just $300 a month plus electricity. That was for a confirmed 2 month stay in January to March. Our big cost was propane for the hot water, cooking and heat. We burned through a tank every 6 days and we used an electric heater a lot.
Most campgrounds allow pets. Any restrictions are on breed and number but I have not seen a rat terrier as being on a 10-most wanted list. I travel with a Springer Spaniel. We never leave him alone just in case he starts barking. We have never been kicked from a campground either. He did chase a 120 pound dog from our space and his grandkids when we stayed at another campground in NC. Thought I was a goner that day but the other people were at fault for allowing the intrusion. Walking him became a major exercise requirement for me. He is very discreet where he must deposit his waste.
Food varies quite a bit. My wife and I shop about every 4 days to replenish our kitchen. We only have a 24' trailer so we do not have a lot of space.
Hope some of this helps. Good luck with your job search. I envy your field of expertise. In this day of encroaching society not enough thought is given to our wildlife. I have volunteered my time to various organizations like QU, PF and NTWF.
Your parents will be a big help.
If it were me I would look for a 4 seasons trailer with good insulation, Duel pane windows, insulated tanks and a really good weight capacity. The better the insulation, the less utilities will cost.
I also would start by getting a real gross weight on the truck. That will tell you how heavy a trailer you can pull and stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating.
If you are buying used, pay attention to possible water damage, overall condition of the roof and suspension.
There is a large group of full timers here on the web. Most of them are really helpful. Several groups of single ladies as well.
I think your idea to travel is wonderful. I wish I would have thought of it at your age.
Good Luck.
Dave C.
2005 Silverado 2500 CC
Duramax 6.6 3.73 V-2
2003 Wildcat 27RL
B&W with Companion
Prodigy
Since you're alone, a 20' might be small, but workable. It depends on the floorplan and your needs. Our son has a Toyota Tundra and bought a 32' Ultralite TT last winter that he uses on his out-of-town jobs. Right now he's in FL, but spent his first winter in N.VA with us in single digit weather. He bought a BH and had 2 workers staying with him for weeks at a time.
You'll have the ability to be more mobile than someone who needs to rent an apt at every new job location. And remember Seasonal means less when you can move South with the Snowbirds. So I think you're heading in the right direction.
2009 DRV Mobile Suite 38TKSB3....our custom home
2008 Ford F450 Lariat CC 4x4......his office
Working Fulltimers since 3/2005
"Shoot for the Moon! Even if you miss it, you will land among the Stars."
We met a young family while hiking in Yellowstone this September. They worked for the National Park Service for the summer in Yellowstone and stayed in their fifth wheel. They had two kids around age 8-10 and a father-in-law lived with them. They were leaving when Yellowstone shut down for the season and heading to jobs in the Everglades for the winter.
After talking with them for awhile, we realized there were quite a few folks who did that type of thing. With your degrees, I'd expect the best jobs would be park ranger or similar - lots of time outdoors and wildlife interactions. You make me almost wish I were younger and starting over - but not quite.
GBY
Marv
2001 Volvo VNL42T420, ISX450/1650, super 10sp w/GearMaster
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire 38RLRK (20K GVWR, tandem duals)
Piaggio MP3 400 scooter
RVing since 1979 - Fulltime since 2000 (mostly CO, MT, NC & Key West)
Retired USAF
Sailbad wrote: Your parents will be a big help.
If it were me I would look for a 4 seasons trailer with good insulation, Duel pane windows, insulated tanks and a really good weight capacity. The better the insulation, the less utilities will cost.
I also would start by getting a real gross weight on the truck. That will tell you how heavy a trailer you can pull and stay within the Gross Combined Weight Rating.
If you are buying used, pay attention to possible water damage, overall condition of the roof and suspension.
There is a large group of full timers here on the web. Most of them are really helpful. Several groups of single ladies as well.
I think your idea to travel is wonderful. I wish I would have thought of it at your age.
Good Luck.
Very good suggestions from Sailbad. You should be able to get a good price if you buy a used trailer but do check carefully for water damage and make sure all of the appliances work.
Bigfoot is one manufacturer that makes a four season trailer with heated basements and dual pane windows either standard or as an option
I went through the, "this sounds like an awesome idea" stage to the "talked my parents into it stage" and now I'm in the "Oh crap, this is really happening stage"! It would be one thing if this were for a vacation, but it gets a little daunting when it is going to be for the next couple of years (at the least) of your life!
Zomar- My rat terrier X is the strangest terrier in the world. He only has bursts of energy, then sleeps all day. It is hard to get him to walk more than a mile at a time, and he is scared of squirrels and rabbits. I've had him 2 years now. He went on a month long camping trip with my parents in their trailer to Oregon (from Kansas) and back and was an excellent camper dog, so I have pretty high hopes for him. He only barks when somebody knocks on the door.
Steveque- Thanks for the "utility" info! I've been a college student for 6 years now finishing up both degrees, so I'm still pretty good about waiting until the last possible moment to turn on heat and air, so hopefully I could keep that down to a minimum. Even my dog has a coat!
Sailbad- Thanks!
Hitchup- Keep in mind I've been a long-term college student, and am not used to having lots of space to myself! My bedroom is currently my library, office, sewing room, and storage area! I'm hoping I could set up a nice outdoor sitting area wherever I am to extend the camper somewhat. I'm actually keeping an eye out for anything for 19'-25' feet. My main specifications for floor plan are a dedicated bed and dedicated table/sitting area.
Marvmarcy- That sounds like my ideal life right there! I'm actually doing wildland firefighter training through school in January because there are always seasonal firefighter jobs in national parks!
Tonyandkaren- Thanks for the info about Bigfoot! I'll keep an eye out for that manufacturer when I'm looking!
Some more questions! My parents only travel during the summer, and put their hi-lo trailer up for the winter in our barn. What features would be absolutely essential to have if I live in a trailer full time during the winter? (I'm interested in studying bears!) Also, working in Alaska is a goal of mine. Is there anything important to have in a camper for camping/living in Alaska? Also, would it be safe to leave my dog in a camper in Alaska?
Are travel clubs a good idea, and any suggestions on which one, or couple of ones I should consider?
What about a mailing address? I'll be in the same place for several months, so I would like someplace to get mail.
Rachel G - I was on the VA State Park website last night and they were looking for rangers. You might want to give them a try - most of their ranger positions are full time and VA state parks have been in the top 5 for the last ten years or so.
We have black bears here in SW VA, along with other wildlife. I have seen several and this year, they have been in the towns and rummaging through garbage at shopping centers.
I don't know that any type of TT would be a good idea in Alaska in the winter. They couldn't possibly have that much insulation. Summer is good, but from September to April is pretty durn cold up there.
I think it's a great idea and if I were still young, I would do it in a heartbeat. Good luck!!
Merrykalia- I still have another semester, so there aren't many jobs listed yet I can apply for, but I'll keep an eye out on that website! I don't think I would try to live in a travel trailer in the dead of winter in Alaska! I don't like be frozen! Most of the seasonal jobs in Alaska go from April/May to September.
Offline
