I will admit, living in a 26′ camper has presented challenges I had not thought a lot about before making the move. The interior looked open and roomy enough on first inspection, but after moving into the ’96 Gulfstream, it seems to keep getting smaller with every new item I bring though the door. But this is to be expected when living in a space 260 squire feet.The first thing I did after moving the trailer to the property, was to go to the local junkyard and buy a junked out Ford van for $75 bucks. After moving the van to my new homestead, I set it on blocks and built shelves down both sides to use for extra storage, keeping clutter in the trailer to a minimum. A little dark green pant and it matched the surrounding countryside well.
I am adding more storage space by burying an old refrigerator in the ground under my trailer, on it’s back with the door facing up. The only part visible is the top of the door and about five inches of the body. I dug this hole under the trailer, cut out a three-foot door in the new skirting, now I have a small root cellar that I can use to store extra produce and other foods. Total cost $0.00, only the time needed to dig the hole to bury the thing.
Do not own a lot of stuff. If you do not need it; sell it. Find a place for everything, and keep things clean. Anything lying around and out-of-place seems like a huge mess, when living in this small of space. I know you do not want to hear this but keep all the dishes clean and put away, nothing looks worse in this small space than a sink full of dirty dishes.
Sell your desk top computer. After deciding to do this, the first thing I did was sell my big bulky desktop computer, and bought a used notebook model. Same thing with the TV, I sold the one I had and bought a smaller one with the DVD player built-in. Like I said you will need to downsize your life, but you need not do without or live in squalor.
My next project, is to build a roof over the trailer, like a shed, with all four sides open, supported by steel beams concreted into the ground, without the roof ever touching the trailer. Sort of like a car port, just bigger and wider so part of the roof does double duty as porch. The roof will also keep rain and snow off the trailer and act as a partial wind break.
Knowing what I know now, my biggest regret is not doing this sooner. I am happy in my little 260 paid for squire foot homestead. This my not be for everyone, but if you have a desire to get away and to live a more self-reliant life but little money to do it with, the travel trailer homestead could be the best way to go.
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You've been living this way for 9 years? What's your future plan?
His plan is much the same as yours or anyone else; gradual aging, decrepitude and eventual death. The difference is that his time won’t be spent chasing wealth that is never enough, ravaging his body with stress hormones, or slave-dancing for employers whose only true desire is to make themselves wealthy at the expense of his zest for a free life filled with honorable experiences.
He’s actually got the rare slim chance at being something more than a deluded worker bee. I wish him luck.
Don't judge someone until you walked a mile in his shoes!!! Who cares?! Let him live there for 20 years, as long as he likes it. Stupid idiot Internet comments.
Hi, I ran across your website while looking up travel trailer info. I sold my house after my husbands death in an auto accident, gave furniture and stuff to my three kids (all grown with places of their own), kept the 30 foot travel trailer and parked it on my daughters property( where she has a small horse farm) and have been living in it for going on a year now. I 'm in the Southeast part of the US where a number of people live in travel trailers, especially in Florida. But they are usually single or senior adults and retired couples but not families. Saves on utilities and a lot of other expenses. Also saving on the environment because travel trailer living uses less of everything. Thought I would give you some feedback on the travel trailer living subject. From At Home in Alabama.
When I was a kid I remember a guy that lived in a much smaller trailer than the one you’ve discussed (this was pre-slide days).
I noticed that this post is from 2007; what does your homestead look like now? Did you build the shelter for the trailer yet?
Did you build a bigger root-cellar?
Assume something ‘bad’ happens, and you have to move. Do you plan to take the trailer with you? What condition are the tires in? Brakes? Can you hook-up-and-go? How long would it take you to ‘get going’?
THANKS for keeping a blog!
I’ve heard the question: Do you own your posessions, or do they own you? I didn’t understand the question until much later in life (after which I found out that they mostly own me).
You’ve definitely encouraged me to get rid of the junk I’m not using.. I definitely need to lighten-up.
Hello, I just wanted to share my story and ask for any tips anyone can give me regarding living in a travel trailer.
Two and half years ago my husband of 17 years and I got a devorice; seems like everything went downhil from there. Lost my job and home. have been working pt and making very little money. Unemployement ran out. I have been scraping-by paying rent in a trailer in a not so good area. While sitting at my mothers crying over the fact I wasn’t going to make the rent again my phone rang. An old friend said his daughter had a 37′ travel trailer with a slide-out; they wanted to give it to me. I thought he meant at a “low” price; he said no they were “giving” it to me. It has had a leak and some water damage and has been setting up for a couple of years. It needs some good cleaning and the kitchen and livingroom floor needs to be replaced; other than that it is in great condition.
So I am in the process of cleaning it; have a handyman helping me replace the floor. I am also in the process of selling everything except what will fit in the trailer.
Since I am new to living in a travel trailer I would like to hear from those of you who have been doing it for a while.
Thanks
I lived in a travel-trailer for about 2 years after I came back to the USA after teaching English in Thailand for a year.
It was not comfortable at all. The problem was I did not really own the trailer but was renting it from my dad so I couldn’t really make any modifications to it.
But…some advice for those living in more mild climates. I recommend stripping-out all the kitchen appliances and building an outdoor kitchen.
In Asia most homes have outdoor kitchens or kitchens that are attached to the rear of the house so that all the mess and cooking smells don’t stink up the house.
You could also build an outdoor bathroom. Again this gives you much more space inside the trailer and keeps smells out of your living space.
Come to think of it…a composting toilet would be a good idea for this kind of lifestyle.
As an afterthought…more suggestions:
1. Finding a location to park: Maybe approach a semi-rural property owner that lives near a city (so you can earn a living!) and offer to be a gardener/handyman or security guard while on his/her property. This kind of offer would go over well with retired folks on a limited income who cannot afford to pay gardeners or repairmen.
2. Moving the darn thing! Rent a U-haul truck and hitch and transport.
3. For everyday personal transportation, I would use a bicycle. Actually, I did. No vehicle license, no insurance, no gas, no problem.
4. Yeah…If I owned one now i would strip out all the cabinets to liberate it for a more comfortable living space. You’ve really got to live in one of these things for at least a year to find out how cramped they really are!
Although, it sure beats living in a tent!
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