Forum Discussion

A_Miel's avatar
A_Miel
Explorer
Oct 02, 2017

Some advice for newby please!

Hello, I am a 61 year old grandma, planning to buy my first RV for the purpose of full-time living. I will be placing it on my daughter's property in Western WA. Hoping to be a big help to her with her 4 kids.

Here are a few questions and any advice is welcome!
- Should I buy a roof on poles (Costco has them) to put over the RV, since it is so rainy in Western WA?
- I want to buy a good quality brand that will do well in winter weather. Are Arctic Fox or Lance the best?
- I thought I would buy a used 5th wheel, year 2014-2016. If I were to sell it in 2 years, how much depreciation should I expect?
- If I buy from a private seller, what is the best way to find someone to help me move it/hook it up to my daughter's septic, water & electric, and help build a trench to run the line into the septic?
- FYI, I do have permission from the county to live on the property and hook up to septic for a period of 2 years.

Thanks in advance for your advice.
  • kerrlakeRoo's avatar
    kerrlakeRoo
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2017
    Grnma, how will you doing this be a help to your daughter? At best buy or rent your trailer, set it on a lot in a park and make sure you can live/function in this living circumstance before putting your daughter in a difficult position.
    With my 84 year old uncle, I built a 460 sqft "inlaw" suite to house him, a liv/din rm combination, a tiny kitchen because he ate most meals with us, and a 12x12 bedroom. And he was more secure, and we were as well.
  • Trackrig's avatar
    Trackrig
    Explorer II
    Oct 02, 2017
    As for the cover, yes you should have one, but check how much weight it will handle. I don't think the Costco ones will be high enough and they won't support the snow if you get some wet heavy snow.

    Bill
  • Njmurvin's avatar
    Njmurvin
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2017
    It's considered best practice to allow your black tank to fill up and periodically dump it as opposed to leaving the valve open to the septic/sewer as you would a house. By allowing it to fill, liquid waste and flush water with assistance from gravity (and a black water flush) will help to push the solid waste contents out of the tank. By leaving the valve open, the liquid waste and flush water will slowly trickle out and the solid waste (including toilet paper) will tend to accumulate in the tank - particularly at the outlet.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2017
    A.Miel wrote:
    Temps in winter are moderate, between 28- 45 usually. Stairs are fine. Will hook to septic.

    Even if hooked to septic you will still have to dump the toilet tank about once a week. You CANNOT leave the tank valve open as you will plug up the tank which is a chore to get unplugged.
    Otherwise at the temps you state you should be fine. Maybe you will want to look into a large tank that the propane company will come to fill.
    I do not know your building codes but you may HAVE to get a licensed plumber and electrician. BE sure the electrician knows the trailer is 110 volt only service. Sometimes unknowing electricians look at the plug on the end of the cord and assume 220 service.
    As for hauling ask a local RV dealer who they use
  • A_Miel's avatar
    A_Miel
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2017
    Temps in winter are moderate, between 28- 45 usually. Stairs are fine. Will hook to septic.
  • darsben1's avatar
    darsben1
    Explorer
    Oct 02, 2017
    What are the temps in the winter?
    How well do you do on stairs
    Will you mind dumping the poop tank on your trailer every few days?

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