Looking around, it seems like I have found the right place to seek some RV insight. Allow me to introduce myself:
Born and raised in beautiful Washington State, I moved to Michigan for college. I have just graduated with a mechanical engineering degree and now work full time in the automotive industry.
I'm moving out of my friend's house in 6 months (hes getting married!!!) and I have been looking for a new place to live.
I know I don't want to live in Michigan much longer, I miss the West Coast tremendously, but need to build work experience before I can move. I figure this will take at least 3 years at my current job.
So I'm obviously not buying a house, given my plan. Why not have my rent money go towards buying a motorhome while I live in it? When it comes time to move to the west coast, I'll put it in drive and be on my way!!
I would get a loan to cover purchasing a class A for 40k and keep an additional 5k to modify living space. I would change the front half into an office format with multiple computer screens, comfy chair, desk, ect. I love to cook, so I need a full kitchen and will modify accordingly. I have no problem living in close quarters, I'm very cleanly.
Random Points to my Plan:
--> $700/month X 3 years = $25,200
--> I can find a friend who has some empty land I can park on
--> Buy a large portable canvas tent to park the RV under for long term parking
--> Planning on buying Cummins diesel power plant with the thought of modifing to biofuel one day.
--> I dream of working on the road in 5 years, using satalite internet for my communications. This would be a great selling point for myself as I could go onsight to production plants for problem resolution.
--> Set up a trailer with a motorcycle, ATV, bikes.
--> Use my daily driver to get to work and back
--> Guessing I don't want to rely on my generator for long term parking, my parking location will need a power outlet close by
Questions for the experienced:
1) What about the poo? I imagine for long term parking I want to establish a bathroom out side of the motorhome.
2) Water supply choices, rain water collection? Costs?
3) What motorhome brands would be good investments?
4) Other long term parking options if I can't find a friend with land?
What does everyone think? This is out of the box for sure, but sounds like a great adventure!!
I plan to purchase land and build a custom home on it. Owning and RV at that time in my life will allow me to live onsight with the construction of my home (probably contracted out). Hopefully somewhere remote in the woods and close to the ocean =-)
I'm very green minded, each week I make less then half a bag of trash, and I could just burn the majority of it (not going to burn plastic).
People will probably think I'm a little crazy... but I can't seem to find a reason not to go with this plan!! Small custom appartment, low cost living, be isolated (I'm kinda a hermate).
Any other thoughts would be great!
5) How much should I expect heating cost in the winter to run me?
6) What is a good year range that will get me the best bang for the buck yet avoid to much depreciation in investment?
Your plan sounds workable. Call one of those porta potti co. and ask them about either pumping you out once a week or rent a potable toilet and have them maintain it.It might be worth your while to get a temp electric feed with meter.Years ago I had one put in on some beach land I had for my fried clam truck.Cheaper then running genset.
I like the way you think and all, but finding a diesel powered motorhome $35k will be your first hurtle. It would need heated tanks, etc. Second, you will need to have an address to get insurance, registration, etc. But that can be overcome. Does your friends land have electric? Where I live it is big bucks to have a pole and meter installed. Will city/town codes allow full time living in a MH?
I would look into a campground that allows year round sites. Then at least you will have hook ups.
It can be done with lots of planning.
Respect,
Brent
TV ~ Cadillac Escalade EXT, Prodigy BC, Reese Pro Series SC Rigs ~ Starcraft Travelstar 21RBS, Alcan Traveler Tent Camper "Where ever you go, there you are"
Watch the zoning, just cuz it is empty don't mean you can RV on it. Especially if there is a portaPot for a bathroom. DOn't forget, you are in Michigan. Winter is 5 months away. Winter brings new issues to RV-ing, so consider that. Bathroom stuff, better off getting the sewage guys to come pump you out, but that could be costly.
I really admire your idea, but in a northern climate there will be many obstacles.
Bill & Jolene / FL 1997 Southwind 35P 2006 Yamaha 1100 Classic &
1970 Norton Commando 750 in state of recuperation (Almost road ready!!!)
6x12 Enclosd trailer
I'm an Architect and work out of my TT that's parked on the same 25 acres that my house is on. I use it all year long. First, An RV is not an investment if your talking about money. Someday it will be worth nothing. I like a TT because I only have one engine and drive train to maintain. I dump my tanks with a tote every couple weeks in the septic tank clean-out at the house and that works well. I supplement my gas furnace with electric when it gets below 20F. I fill up my water tanks as needed with a hose by the barn. I also have a 30 amp service to the TT from the barn. It all works out well and after you do it you'll wonder why you worried about it so much before taking the plunge. Being a Mechanical Engineer I'm sure you do fine. It's going to cost money but, less than renting an apartment. Hope this helped a little.
What's really great is that I can hitch up and work from any camp site as long as I have cell service with internet.
2005 Xterra off road 4X4, 2007 26' Aluma-Lite, WD w/ friction sway, Prodigy, Yamaha EF2400, 400w inverter, front carrier w/ rod holders, Dish Network
Might want to look at some RV camps/resorts, many have long term parking for reasonable monthly rates. That would solve your grey/black and fresh water concerns, and also provide electricity w/o investing in getting power installed or a septic or porta potti. Also would solve any zoning issues with camping on property. A nearby campground here charges $300/month for full hookups. Then you could get a small electric ceramic or other type of heater, and use the propane for cooking. Might want to look at some MH's that are 4 season rated, better insulated, dual pane windows, heat pump, heated tanks, things like that. For the price range in question, probably looking more at a newer gas model MH than a DP.
Call me crazy, but I don't think your idea is all that sound. Right now is a great time to buy a house, if you have any credit at all and in three years the housing industry should be out of the doldrums. You'll be able to recover 100% of your investment at least with a house plus won't have all the problems that a cheap RV will bring you.
When you're ready to move on, sell the house and buy a decent RV. With the money you recoup from your house you'll be able to purchase a much better RV and have cash left over for the fuel, which should be at $10 a gallon by then.
2007 Mountain Aire 4528
2006 CRV SE
Based in Memphis area
It all sounds good in theory. I considered that when I retired from the Navy. But the more digging I did the worse it sounded. If you are trying to really watch your pennies I'd rent. Secondly, if you just want to own something look at small starter homes. It's a buyers market right now. I'd get a 15 year mortgage with 10-20% down. Another option is to find a small piece of land on the outside of town where you can park a trailer. You can usually find older trailers dirt cheap. It just costs a few grand to have them moved and set up. There are a lot of options. Take you think it will cost and add 50%...then you might be close.
John (USN Ret) and Debbie
The Paw Pack (Freckles, Stinky & Ranger)
'96 Monaco Windsor 36' DP 8.3L Cummins
Ready Brake w/ Demco Excali-bar
'03 Ford Explorer (Toad)
'04 Honda Insight
'04 Volvo S80 AWD
'74 Dart Swinger Drag Car
14' Boat 9.9 Mercury
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