Hello everyone,My name is Alex and I have made the decision to purchase a camper to call my home as opposed to living in a sticks & bricks house. My decision stems from the fact that I both work full-time and go to college as a full-time student. I was faced with the idea of going in four different directions; I could find a house to rent and pay ungodly amounts of $$$ per month; I could try and buy a sticks & bricks house to live in in order to mortgage it at a low enough monthly to afford it; I could buy a mobile home and find a spot to park it and establish it as a home in the all-powerful eyes of the great state of Alabama; or, I could buy a camper. My problem was made worse due to the fact that I, and my girlfriend, have two dogs (a Chihuahua and an American Pit-bull) and a cat. Finding a place that is both affordable that accepts pets is hard in the area that I need to be for school. Also, seeing as how I am in school to be a teacher, I am unsure if purchasing a home right now is the best decision because I might have to move. And, when I say that I am a beginning Rv-er, I mean to say that I plan on parking either a travel trailer, or a fifth wheel, in an RV Park and living there for the next four years as my girlfriend and I chase a masters degree. I am looking for any kind of advice that I can get my hands on having to do with tips and tricks to living in a camper. I have found a location, and have begun shopping for campers, however, I really do not know the best route to go with this adventure, haha. Much obliged to any words of wisdom, lol.

Alex, stay in the most forgiving arrangement you possibly can until you are done schooling, education, and seeing what the next four years bring.To that end, stay in a month by month apartment, or rent by the month, but do not even consider tying yourself to any kind of a camper. You need to think about the pitfalls that happen with camper life, the people that are successful are happily retired, know each other well, and have experience.Living in close quarters with a partner, two dogs and a cat, is pretty stressful for a month, not many of us can even imagine four years. Life will change, stay with a flexible future.

Your plan is doable and you can live reasonably if you're in Alabama where the winters are not 'too' harsh. However, you'll probably have a big propane bill regardless. Also, since you'll probably have to pay your own electric you have a lot of months that you'll need it...and the animals will need it.You said you've found a place to park so have you checked out if they'll accept a long-term renter? Will they accept your dogs? Are you sure they would not be barkers if left alone? This could be a problem, if so.You would probably have to have someone deliver the RV to the site unless you have a truck that can tow it.If you can pay cash for the RV that would be a big plus. Definitely look for a used one. If you and your girlfriend decide to go separate ways, will you be able to afford it on your own? You are not the first young person to do something like this but get every future expense down on paper and make sure you can swing it. You'll need to register it and get insurance. Propane and electric will be major expenses. The rent shouldn't be more than an apartment, in fact, much less. Other daily expenses should not increase.You both will probably be on somewhat different schedules for school and jobs so RV size shouldn't be a big issue. You should probably be looking at around a 30'. Good luck!

Artum Snowbird wrote:Alex, stay in the most forgiving arrangement you possibly can until you are done schooling, education, and seeing what the next four years bring.To that end, stay in a month by month apartment, or rent by the month, but do not even consider tying yourself to any kind of a camper. You need to think about the pitfalls that happen with camper life, the people that are successful are happily retired, know each other well, and have experience.Living in close quarters with a partner, two dogs and a cat, is pretty stressful for a month, not many of us can even imagine four years. Life will change, stay with a flexible future.Well, I would if I could, but the reality is that I cannot afford anything else. I have a 65-pound Pit-bull, an 8-pound Chihuahua, and a 6-pound cat. The apartments for rent have pet restrictions, weight limits for pets, and deposits for them as well. I fit all three of those categories perfectly, haha. Any house for rent is too expensive to even ponder the thought. And the idea of purchasing a home that is grounded to ta lot just seems like the kind of commitment that we are not 100% ready for. Living in a camper just seems like the most economical, and practical, decision right now.

2gypsies wrote:Your plan is doable and you can live reasonably if you're in Alabama where the winters are not 'too' harsh. However, you'll probably have a big propane bill regardless. Also, since you'll probably have to pay your own electric you have a lot of months that you'll need it...and the animals will need it.You said you've found a place to park so have you checked out if they'll accept a long-term renter? Will they accept your dogs? Are you sure they would not be barkers if left alone? This could be a problem, if so.You would probably have to have someone deliver the RV to the site unless you have a truck that can tow it.If you can pay cash for the RV that would be a big plus. Definitely look for a used one. If you and your girlfriend decide to go separate ways, will you be able to afford it on your own? You are not the first young person to do something like this but get every future expense down on paper and make sure you can swing it. You'll need to register it and get insurance. Propane and electric will be major expenses. The rent shouldn't be more than an apartment, in fact, much less. Other daily expenses should not increase.You both will probably be on somewhat different schedules for school and jobs so RV size shouldn't be a big issue. You should probably be looking at around a 30'. Good luck!Well, I have found a nice Rv-Park conveniently located to my school and my work that offers everything included,(water, electric, free internet, cable, laundry facilities, sewer hook-up) for only $500 per month. They allow dogs, our dogs are kennel-broken and very calm and docile, and I have truck that can haul a bumper-pull to the location and a friend with a fifth-wheel hitch in his truck. My only issue is that I am an inexperienced camper and am curious as to what living in such close quarters will be like.

Welcome to the forum Alex, you will get all kinds of help and information here. Only you will know if an RV will be to small for you, your girlfriend, two dogs and a cat. I suggest something used with a walk around bed, a kitchen and or living room slide. Also a 5th wheel costs more than a travel trailer but a 5th wheel has more storage and separates the living area from the bedroom.This would be one way to get into RVing and help you with your taxes too. You can deduct the interest you pay just like on a sticks and bricks.I would do it, I did it for six years and we had winters not like Alabama. Good luck with what ever you decide.

Newbie to RV-Life | Good Sam Community

33 Replies

2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jul 05, 2016
Tvov wrote:
jplante4 wrote:
... Get one of those phony service dog certificates for the pit and then they cannot refuse to rent to you.

Yeah, I know it's sleazy. They have the deck stacked against you. Even it up.
...

Please don't do that. And yes, it is sleazy.

Suggesting someone to do this is horrible. It's a lot more than sleazy.
dwayneb236
Explorer
Jul 05, 2016
I agree 100% with you but SO MANY here don't. Sad really. They do love to give their opinions. And we know all about opinions.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2016
I don't feel that it's my place to answer someones questions with my opinion of the situation they are asking about. While at this time in my life, I wouldn't consider the OP's living situation, but in my 20's while in college, I most likely would have if I had thought of it. The OP seems to have his head screwed on right and is asking good questions. Typically, this is the exact opposite of what then naysayers complain about - young people being rude and inconsiderate. I'll bet those last two words have been used thousands of times on this site - some by the very posters exhibiting that very behavior.

Hopefully the OP comes back to share his experiences and figures out how to use the block function.
dwayneb236
Explorer
Jul 05, 2016
You will hear a LOT of negative responses to this plan as you have already noticed. I say go for whatever you want to do in life. If this is what you feel is best then do it. Only you can decide what works for you. Lots of people will say it's tight quarters and it can be, but definitely doable. Thousands upon thousands do it without killing each other.

I would also do whatever it took to keep my pets. Just the way it is. Good luck and come back here for ideas.

It's not as hard as people make it out to be. Lots of sky is falling people in this world and on this forum.

And thankyou Paisley and Coleman for actually answering the question without telling them they're crazy. Some people actually want to help and not discourage.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2016
Don't leave either gray or black valves open - dump tanks when needed. You will get black flies sooner or later if you do.

Make sure you have working smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - schedule tests and have spare batteries.

With the exception of the factory furnace, don't use a heater with a combustible fuel for heat in the winter - no mater how many windows you leave open.

Checking for available park models is a great idea. But if not, look for a TT with at least one slide out for more room - makes a difference for long stays.

Upgrade the mattress - especially if used.

Run the water heater on electric only to conserve propane.

Check the tires on a used TT. Look at the date codes. Old tires are a great bargaining chip.

Keep the tires covered while parked.

Good luck!
PaisleyDale
Explorer
Jul 01, 2016
Hey Alex,

Our dogs were small, miniature schnauzers so they did not up that much room.

If it gets below freezing there,just get a hard hose and tape a heat tape to it and then cover it with foam pipe insulation. And if it gets really cold for extended times cover your dump valves with tinfoil then tape heat tape on them also. This will keep your water line operating and you will be able to dump your tanks.

Leave your black tank (toilet) closed, until full. You can leave your grey tank open (shower and sink water) all time.

Good luck, I hope this all works for you.
Tvov
Explorer II
Jul 01, 2016
jplante4 wrote:
... Get one of those phony service dog certificates for the pit and then they cannot refuse to rent to you.

Yeah, I know it's sleazy. They have the deck stacked against you. Even it up.
...

Please don't do that. And yes, it is sleazy.
cruising_spud
Explorer II
Jun 30, 2016
Alex,

My husband and I and our four year old daughter lived in a trailer (maybe thirty feet) for a year and a half while I finished college. We then stayed another six months in the trailer and added a baby to the family. We also had a dog.

Would I do it now-no way. But, we were young and needed to survive on $400.00 a month. It worked for us. We didn't see it as a big inconvenience. It was just what we could afford at the time.

Best wishes whatever you decide.
LakeN
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
If you were to commit to 4 years of RV life, you should be able to get a better lease rate than 500/mth. Check into renting a park model or leasing at least for a year time frame.
I spent a year living between a 20ft travel trailer and a 27 ft sailboat with cabin. Was newly married and teaching. It worked but after a year I realized we could not go on indefinitely.
I will say that your heat situation can be helped by using a reliable electric heater with thermostat. Having 2 dogs, have learned that it is safest to position tabletop. This will save a lot on propane heating esp if your elec is covered in rent.
Agree that 30 ft would be a good length. If the park has good bathrms, you can use their shower facilities to free up your camper shower space for storage such as hanging clothes rod, litter box, etc. When choosing camper, consider the space for clothing. There are many that offer only a small wardrobe on sides of bed.

Also, consider that if you are gone several hours a day, your dogs will have very limited space for movement in camper vs a small apt.
I'm not convinced a camper is your best move but if you both have a "rustic" personality, you might pull it off.
If you are a handyman type, you have better odds of succeeding.
jscott37
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
jplante4 wrote:
Well, I would normally suggest that you get your priorities straight and with so much on your plate (GF, school, full time job) that you consider getting rid of the animals. However as an animal lover myself, I know how hard it would be to do that. Get one of those phony service dog certificates for the pit and then they cannot refuse to rent to you.

Yeah, I know it's sleazy. They have the deck stacked against you. Even it up.

I have seen campgrounds charge extra for pit bulls and more than one dog. Really, if you can find a nice home for the pit bull, your life will greatly simplify.

I know, all things considered, we could both live on campus fairly cheaply if we just did not have any animals. However, the idea is to find accommodations where we were not forced to make that decision, because we absolute love our pet dynamic in the house with our three furry family members. The parks I have talked to have no issue with our dog being part pit, or her weight, just in her temperament. However, they are concerned with all of our animals temperament, not just our pit mix. We can make it work I think, it'll just be an adjustment.

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