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

jscott37
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
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.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Jun 30, 2016
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
Explorer
Jun 30, 2016
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.

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