Size Matters
Look for at least a 21-foot trailer; they are measured from the tip of the tongue to the back bumper. Mine is 26-foot and I still feel closed in at times. I built a porch across the front of the trailer and a small 8’X10’ room across the back for storage. This made the place feel a lot bigger, during the summer the screened in porch will be used as another room for working, cooking, reading and hanging out.
Wood Stove
Another thing to think about is setting up the wood stove. Can you remove a table or chair and have enough room to set it up? You need space between the stove and walls to avoid the chance of fire in the trailer. I lined the area around the stove with six-inch concrete block; the last thing I want to do is burn the place down. I have invested too much time and effort here, just to watch it a go down in flames. I can easily remove the stove and block during warmer weather opening the space up a bit.
All the comforts of home
Any trailer intended for full-time living should have all the comforts given by a “regular” home. Look for one with a kitchen sink, propane stove, propane refrigerator, shower, and vanity, toilet with holding tank, water system with storage tank, hot-water heater and 12-volt lighting system. Everything should work as intended, if not pass it by, you don’t need the cost of a fixer upper.
Leaks and soft spots
Check for soft spots in the floor, especially around and under sinks, shower and the toilet. Also check the roof for leaks and water damage. A trailer with black mold or water stains on the ceiling should be avoided. The area around rooftop air conditioners is notorious for springing leaks and causing damage. Don’t forget to look under and around windows and doors for mold, rot and other water damage.
Their loss your gain
As the economy continues to decline and job losses mount, people will begin looking for ways to cut their costs and pay the bills. The first thing put up for sale will likely be the travel trailer. Most trailers are used maybe one or two times a year for camping or vacation, the owners think they are too good or upper class to live in a tin can, so they sell it off to the highest bidder and end up living under a bridge after the bank forecloses on their $300,000 home. You should have little trouble finding a suitable trailer at a reasonable price.
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{ 7 comments }
Thank you for the advice. I plan on doing this in a few months and will be putting the home on my friends land and splitting elec. and water. This will only be for about 6 months while I search for the perfect property for me. I am very excited about it and look forward to customizing it to my needs. Once I find my property, I want to have solar power and everything else to live off the grid and quit paying all these stupid bills. If you think about it, careers are a 21st century invention and what do you get out of it….Stress, too many things to keep up with, useless spending on junk, and bills that swallow you whole. I rather work on my land to survive and be stress free than to be miserable everyday working for the man. This life, ofcourse, is not for everyone, but if you like the outdoors and roughing it like the ol times then it is perfect.
hi! did you do it? i noticed your post was months ago…….. i’m doing the same exact thing! it’s a bit overwhelming right now trying to make sure i’m not forgetting anything….. and looking for the perfect and affordable slice of land. i’m very interested to hear how your doing! i plan on heading out from NJ at the end of september, any advice?
thank you!
I would love to buy a small travel trailer to pull with my 2004 Dodge Dakota V6. As I love the outdoors, I think it would be a great way to enjoy it. My main concern is how hard it is to find places that you could park and spend a few days in the same place. I would be working full time but would have the mobility.
Thanks in advance for any help you can give..
I work as a pipe-fitter in British Columbia Canada and i haul a 24 ft Passport travel trailer and travel from job to job some of them are for 10 days or so and others are for months, when i know where i am going i search the campgrounds on line then when i find one that suits my needs i email them first with what i require and then make a phone call to follow up, i also found if you explain that you are working near by at what ever place and you will be staying for a month or so (ask about cheaper rates because of length of stay) most will accommodate except for provincial and regional campgrounds so start looking private if you are going to be there longer than 14 days, but i also found out that it doesn’t hurt to ask either, if they give you the extra time be prepared to move if you are over the 14 days so dont get too comfortable.
anyway hope i could help
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Anonymous December 3, 2008 8:47 PM
What a silver spoon you might be!!!
I am looking for a replacement stove for my 1972 ARGOSY Travel Trailer: my present stove measures 20″ wide 18″ deep and 18″ High. My main problem is that I can’t find replacement parts for the Oven
I was searching about this issue everywhere,I was really curious about this…Really big thanks.I am thinking for a long time travel, i guess i ll choose a relax place, coz im really tired.I need some silent shores :)
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