Forum Discussion

evo98's avatar
evo98
Explorer
Jan 22, 2014

"Hello everybody"-considering your lifestyle

My name is Greg, I'm a graduate student in Manhattan. I have been throwing money away renting a room the ghetto for 2.5 years. I think an appropriate pick-up/travel trailer set up may be a reasonable investment.

I expect to be traveling the county-looking for work. I don't need much. I don't have much to spend. Just a room with a bed and table, and a truck, with my motorcycle in the back. I've been making myself familiar with towing terms on this website and pricing some TT models on ebay.

I've never bought anything like this before and can't afford to get ripped off. Would there be a blue book for these vehicles? I'd also be interested in knowing the legal problems you know to avoid- like public parking. If I'm in the middle of a state without cash to go to a KOA, what would be the legal repercussions of 'staying' overnight in a Wal-Mart shopping center parking lot? I am very resourseful... when I need to be.
  • Francesca_Knowl's avatar
    Francesca_Knowl
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2014
    evo98 wrote:
    I'd also be interested in knowing the legal problems you know to avoid- like public parking. If I'm in the middle of a state without cash to go to a KOA, what would be the legal repercussions of 'staying' overnight in a Wal-Mart shopping center parking lot? I am very resourseful... when I need to be.

    It's easy to avoid legal difficulties if you keep some very simple rules in mind.

    First and foremost: Always ascertain whether the property you intend to "camp" on is Public or Private, and then:

    -If Public Property, find out whose jurisdiction it's in and acquaint yourself with the rules governing the overnight use thereof.

    -If Private Property, always seek/get the owner's permission before taking up "residence". And that includes Walmart- always ask the store manager before settling in for the night.
  • 2oldman's avatar
    2oldman
    Explorer II
    Jan 22, 2014
    2012Coleman wrote:
    Regarding Walmart - please enter Walmart in the search box - plenty has been said on that topic already.
    Yep.
  • mockturtle's avatar
    mockturtle
    Explorer II
    Jan 22, 2014
    Walmart overnight parking is OK by Walmart but not always OK by the city officials. Especially if they have a strong lobby from RV park owners. So some Walmarts fall under city ordinances forbidding it. From what I've seen, it looks like most allow it. Be a good citizen, buy stuff at WM, don't make a 'camp' out of it and move out in the morning. Although I've never overnighted at Wally World, I would consider it prudent to ask the manager if possible.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2014
    From the Walmart website;
    Can I park my RV at a Walmart store?
    While we do not offer electrical service or accommodations typically necessary for RV customers, Walmart values RV travelers and considers them among our best customers. Consequently, we do permit RV parking on our store parking lots as we are able. Permission to park is extended by individual store managers, based on availability of parking space and local laws. Please contact management in each store to ensure accommodations before parking your RV.
    http://corporate.walmart.com/frequently-asked-questions

    Pricing;
    http://www.nadaguides.com/RVs

    You can't really rely on the NADA pricing but it is a starting point. Pay what it is worth to you and don't worry too much what it is worth to someone else.
  • Dandy_Dan's avatar
    Dandy_Dan
    Explorer
    Jan 22, 2014
    If you go to www.KBB.com (Kelly Blue Book) they have a section for RV's.
    Regarding Wal-Mart, it differs in some areas. You might be best to go in and ask the manager if it is OK to park off to the side for the night. You don't want to put all the slides out and the grill and lawn chairs. It is a nice place if you can park there to go in and restock at the store. You will probably get different answers but I have seen some folks really take advantage of the parking lot camping.
    Good Luck in your search.
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Jan 22, 2014
    Welcome. What was your major if I can ask?
    If it is in the right science, you might consider jobs with the forest service or one or our fabulous state park systems.
    As for purchase, especially used, they are worth exactly what someone is willing to pay for them. You should be able to pick up a decent 7-10 year old trailer for around 3500-5000 dollars. But this is really a regional thing and the time of year. Right now, I'll bet you could make a fantastic deal on one in your region. No one is going to be buying with 2 feet of snow on the ground. Spring, you will be hard pressed finding a good one. What do you plan to tow with? How big of a bike are you going to put in the bed of this truck? Also remember that RV's in general are not very well insulated so you need to consider planning to travel/move in areas where the average day time temps are within your comfort zone.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jan 22, 2014
    Regarding Walmart - please enter Walmart in the search box - plenty has been said on that topic already. I'm sure others will chime in on your other questions.

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