Travel Trailer Selection For Off-Grid Living
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.
