I am meeting the president of a company tomorrow for lunch and he will have a job offer for me. I live in Northwest Arkansas and the job is in Conover, NC. Since I learned of the pending offer a few days ago I have been trying to talk myself into moving. This will be a two year gig which is just perfect because I plan to retire Jan 2021. I live in a great area now and want to retire in Northwest Arkansas. So I don't want to sell my house nor am I keen on renting it out. I was prepared to tell him I could not take the job because I don't want to sell or rent my home. But at 2:20 am this morning I woke up worrying about all this and it came to me. Hey, buy a small used travel trailer (like a Casita) and find a long term camp site close enough to my job. I'm a single Joe, just me so that makes everything much easier.I have no type of RV now but having researched more hours than you can imagine with my pending retirement I am very familar with my options of Class A,B,C, Truck Camper, etc. I have a Silverdao 1500, so a truck camper is out due to payload and I would want more room for this long term deal.Here is the big question - if I buy a small travel trailer can I stay at an RV park full time? I see some close enough to work. Please advise me of a solution involving a low cost RV (under 20k) and any ideas how to arrange this. I would be thrilled to take the job, live in a great area at the Blue Ridge Mountains and not sell/rent my house.Thanks for any wisdom you may be able to share.

I would say research RV parks in the area to see if they even offer seasonal/full time RVing. Give them a call if your questions aren't answered on their website. As far as size goes, think about that idea of getting a small trailer. You'll be living in it every day for 2 years. If more space is what you need, for $20k you could get a slightly used bigger trailer.Do you plan on RVing more or full time RVing when you do retire? If so, do you buy your retirement rig now?

I am hoping I can live in the RV park and work from home. How the time frame gets split up is to be determined. So I may be able to get by on a smaller trailer if I'm there only a couple weeks at a time. But you make a good point about thinking about a larger trailer. This scenario gives me 100% flexibility and I get to start my RV life while working full-time. If he will go for it, and I think he will, this is exciting.A quick glance shows several RV parks close to Conover. My future RV life is in two phases. First is just me and I'm thinking a small travel trailer for touring the US, mainly the west. When my buddy is ready to retire a couple years later, we are thinking about a Class C. Then I may sell my travel trailer and get a truck/truck camper for myself to do fishing trips to various lakes.I've done a ton of research but long term RV parks was not one of the topics. So I'm kinda starting from scratch.

If you are going to "work from home" in an RV park I am assuming you will be using the internet heavily? Make sure about internet access.

I would never try to talk anyone out of buying an rv, but did you consider an apartment? My brother was in a similar situation, was planning to retire and sold his house before he did. He rented a furnished apartment of if Airbnb.Since you’re planning this in a multiphase fashion, it might be cheaper and save some aggravation in selling the tt.

I wish you could see my 24' Jayco trailer, it has plenty of floor space with a huge walk in corner shower. A tiny trailer with the toilet in the shower are not for me.

I need some help quick - got a job offer coming-need advice

30 Replies

breeves2245
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
Thanks for all the feedback. I got a good shot at working from home and making trips there as needed as opposed to relocation. I would say 80/20 home/there. I'll get confirmation next week. If it works out, I'll be in the market for a travel trailer.

My quick education on RV parks was eye opening. No I do not need all the amenities and once I discovered other options (private land, etc) the plan would be easier to execute.

I may have to move my future posts to the Travel Trailer forum!
ken56
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
Insurance on a vacant house is expensive IF you can find a company to do it. You are leaving behind the home you wish to return to so have you considered security concerns for it? Will you be returning to it fairly regularly? What you want to do is possible but plan for the big picture.
Merrykalia
Explorer II
Dec 31, 2018
RV resorts are the problem! Do you need the amenities that the resorts offer? You only need a spot that has water, electric and sewer. Forget the resorts and find a small campground.

If you are meeting with the president of the company, ask about temporary housing, campgrounds, apartments, etc. He/She may be able to help you or at least put you in contact with someone who can.

If you are set to get a camper, don't go with something so small you will be getting in your own way - get something about 20' at a minimum. You will want to have a few conveniences and if it's so small, you will not be comfortable in the long-term. Also, don't buy new. You will not be able to get your $$ back in two years, probably 75% or less. If you purchase a 3-4 year old well cared for RV, you will be able to get back 85-90% of the amount you paid for it after two years.

Don't get so set in what you THINK would work, but keep your options open for any type of housing and GOOD LUCK with the interview and finding a temporary housing opportunity.
breeves2245
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
Thanks for all the suggestions. Your feedback gives me some more ideas. Leaving for the interview in a few minutes and we'll see how it goes!
Beentherefixedt
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
What I don't get is this...if this job is important enough for the president of the company to reqruit you they should be willing to RENT you a trailer or an apartment for your two year stay.

I have made this bargain a couple of times while I was consulting. It is not unusual and will solve your problem.

Two years of rent or a good per-diem would not impact the company's bottom line in any significant fashion as long as we are talking about a larger fully funded real company here.

If that isnt a possibility then I would contact all of the RV places around the area and see if there is anyone willing to rent a unit to you. Mobile home parks often have good deals on trailers for rent.
bukhrn
Explorer III
Dec 31, 2018
Rather than buying an RV that you may or may not want to keep later on, how about checking into a vacant park model, many CG's have them that they rent out long term.
huachuca
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
Scamp makes a 19' molded fiberglass camper with a modified GooseNeck/5thWheel/Bumper type hitch that has a bit more room than the Casita (also a good trailer). With it, you have separate bed and living areas and a bit more room. Scamps, Casitas and other of this construction type lose relatively little of their value over time with minimal maintenance so you won't take a bath when it comes time to sell.

One example https://www.fiberglass-rv-4sale.com/for-sale/2010-19-scamp-deluxe-5th-wheel-12000-albuquerque-nm
lots2seeinmyrv
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
https://asheville.craigslist.org/prk/d/lake-lure-rv-site-camper-siteper-month/6782525315.html

https://hickory.craigslist.org/apa/d/morganton-check-out-this-deal-prime/6771150571.html

Cheap, includes water....

https://hickory.craigslist.org/apa/d/morganton-check-out-this-deal-prime/6771150571.html
lots2seeinmyrv
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
https://hickory.craigslist.org/prk/d/lenoir-4-bay-garage-storage-shop/6777252774.html

$500 a month. Maybe you can work something out with this lot to put a camper in the garage and live in it.

Has power, water available?

Should have a bathroom?

You can always dump your tanks at a local campground, they usually charge a small fee.
breeves2245
Explorer
Dec 31, 2018
Ok, my dream is not squashed yet. A quick search with hipcamp.com reveals sites for $10-$20/night. No hookups, but that's fine.

The dream lives.

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I need some help quick - got a job offer coming-need advice

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