Hello all,I'm trying to decide how I want to live...On the one hand I've been considering buying a stick home ($200k-$240k range, designed to keep at least half of my take home free), but I'm having trouble finding ones that appeal to me... (And of the few that did... I've already lost a few $k to contracts that failed because the seller wouldn't come down to the appraisal price or similar)Renting's not a very attractive option where I live because it's substantially more expensive than a mortgage payment.And the third option... is full timing. This has a kind of appeal to me - the ability to be mobile and go where I will. (Though the dayjob will kind of limit that.) MHs in particular seem attractive for being so self contained (But if I can't drive it that much... maybe another type is better?). And even large used ones can be had for substantially less than that house purchase price.The comparative lack of space wouldn't really be a problem for me -- currently I own zero furnishings currently and pretty much all of what I own in a small collection of boxes.What I'm looking for here, then... If you were in my position, how would you decide? And, what sort of TCO would I be looking at (for, say, a good year vs a bad one)?I am kind of worried about the potential for noise issues if I stay in a park (I really like peace and quiet). And, while many winter days here can reach ~40F, the nights can get very very cold.Any thoughts? Experiences? Helpful tips? All responses are welcome^^

While listing your location as 'between keyboard and chair' may be cute, it doesn't help much for those trying to give advice based on location. You shouldn't have to worry about noise in a park. If the low temps are frequently below freezing, all the parks will probably be closed.

MountainInMyMirror wrote: I've been considering buying a stick home ($200k-$240k range, designed to keep at least half of my take home free), but I'm having trouble finding ones that appeal to me... If you're having trouble finding a home in that price range you'll probably have problems finding an RV to suit you.full timing - This has a kind of appeal to me - the ability to be mobile and go where I will. (Though the dayjob will kind of limit that.)If your day job is not mobile then full-timing doesn't really make sense. You won't be able to travel.MHs in particular seem attractive for being so self contained (But if I can't drive it that much... maybe another type is better?). And even large used ones can be had for substantially less than that house purchase price.The comparative lack of space wouldn't really be a problem for me -- All RVs are equally self-contained. A motorhome is no better than a trailer in that respect. However, I wouldn't advise buying a motorhome if it's going to be sitting in one place. If you really want to save money, a stationary park model would be better for you. You could get a brand new park model for under $75,000. A high quality trailer or 5th wheel could be had for that much, also. A high quality newer used motorhome would be $100,000 and up. I am kind of worried about the potential for noise issues if I stay in a park (I really like peace and quiet). And, while many winter days here can reach ~40F, the nights can get very very cold.If you need to stay in Flagstaff for your job then you'd have to do a lot to your RV to keep it warm during your winters. RVs are not insulated like a home would be, even if they say '4-season'. You'll be spending a lot of money on propane to keep it heated and special precautions for your holding tanks and dump and fresh water hoses. Also, if you're not over 55 and could then utilize 55+ parks which would be quieter, you will have to adjust to noise. That's a given.We have full-timed for over 16 years and it's a wonderful lifestyle. However, we're retired and we traveled constantly during that time with a lot of volunteering thrown in. That's completely different than what you are planning.Personally, I don't think it would be easy for you to 'full-time'. You've got some serious thinking to do. Good luck

I wouldn't get a Class A unless you can travel a lot. Not practical. I've been to Flagstaff and I didn't see any RV parks that were open all year that would meet your requirements. Another thing is the temperature. RV's unless they are well made and well insulated don't keep you warm in below freeing temps. A fifth wheel and truck would be the best choice for living, but again where would you park it? I think I would keep looking for a house as reasonably priced as possible to leave money for a truck camper or travel trailer to travel when you're not working. Even if you have to rent for awhile until you find the right place. How about new construction? A park model would be great but I didn't see any mobile home or RV parks with park models open all year. Maybe a lot with a park model? Tough decision. Best wishes in your decision.

Check in Trailer Life magazine or Motorhome magazine about some of the subdivisions that have a small house with a large covered carport where you can either back the trailer or MH into the carport or have a circular drive to be able to drive straight in. This way you would have a sticks and brix that is small enough for you and your stuff with a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. and the MH or trailer can be plugged into electric in the covered carport or garage for a spare/guest house. This way you would have a warm house for winter, with a motor home or trailer to go traveling on weekends, etc. and stay in the area for your work.If you don't have to stay in Flagstaff, check out work kamping. there are several blogs and I think there is a web site. maybe your skills can be used in other areas where you get a free or low cost cg site, stay employed and travel.Something to think about.

Pondering Wandering (full timing) | Good Sam Community

15 Replies

lizbard
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
Check in Trailer Life magazine or Motorhome magazine about some of the subdivisions that have a small house with a large covered carport where you can either back the trailer or MH into the carport or have a circular drive to be able to drive straight in. This way you would have a sticks and brix that is small enough for you and your stuff with a full kitchen, living room, bedroom, etc. and the MH or trailer can be plugged into electric in the covered carport or garage for a spare/guest house.

This way you would have a warm house for winter, with a motor home or trailer to go traveling on weekends, etc. and stay in the area for your work.

If you don't have to stay in Flagstaff, check out work kamping. there are several blogs and I think there is a web site. maybe your skills can be used in other areas where you get a free or low cost cg site, stay employed and travel.

Something to think about.
sdianel_-acct_c
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
I wouldn't get a Class A unless you can travel a lot. Not practical. I've been to Flagstaff and I didn't see any RV parks that were open all year that would meet your requirements. Another thing is the temperature. RV's unless they are well made and well insulated don't keep you warm in below freeing temps. A fifth wheel and truck would be the best choice for living, but again where would you park it? I think I would keep looking for a house as reasonably priced as possible to leave money for a truck camper or travel trailer to travel when you're not working. Even if you have to rent for awhile until you find the right place. How about new construction? A park model would be great but I didn't see any mobile home or RV parks with park models open all year. Maybe a lot with a park model? Tough decision. Best wishes in your decision.
2gypsies1
Explorer III
Aug 12, 2013
MountainInMyMirror wrote:
I've been considering buying a stick home ($200k-$240k range, designed to keep at least half of my take home free), but I'm having trouble finding ones that appeal to me...

If you're having trouble finding a home in that price range you'll probably have problems finding an RV to suit you.

full timing - This has a kind of appeal to me - the ability to be mobile and go where I will. (Though the dayjob will kind of limit that.)

If your day job is not mobile then full-timing doesn't really make sense. You won't be able to travel.

MHs in particular seem attractive for being so self contained (But if I can't drive it that much... maybe another type is better?). And even large used ones can be had for substantially less than that house purchase price.
The comparative lack of space wouldn't really be a problem for me --

All RVs are equally self-contained. A motorhome is no better than a trailer in that respect. However, I wouldn't advise buying a motorhome if it's going to be sitting in one place. If you really want to save money, a stationary park model would be better for you. You could get a brand new park model for under $75,000. A high quality trailer or 5th wheel could be had for that much, also. A high quality newer used motorhome would be $100,000 and up.

I am kind of worried about the potential for noise issues if I stay in a park (I really like peace and quiet). And, while many winter days here can reach ~40F, the nights can get very very cold.

If you need to stay in Flagstaff for your job then you'd have to do a lot to your RV to keep it warm during your winters. RVs are not insulated like a home would be, even if they say '4-season'. You'll be spending a lot of money on propane to keep it heated and special precautions for your holding tanks and dump and fresh water hoses. Also, if you're not over 55 and could then utilize 55+ parks which would be quieter, you will have to adjust to noise. That's a given.

We have full-timed for over 16 years and it's a wonderful lifestyle. However, we're retired and we traveled constantly during that time with a lot of volunteering thrown in. That's completely different than what you are planning.

Personally, I don't think it would be easy for you to 'full-time'. You've got some serious thinking to do. Good luck
MountainInMyMir
Explorer
Aug 12, 2013
Flagstaff, AZ...
HappyKayakers
Explorer III
Aug 12, 2013
While listing your location as 'between keyboard and chair' may be cute, it doesn't help much for those trying to give advice based on location. You shouldn't have to worry about noise in a park. If the low temps are frequently below freezing, all the parks will probably be closed.

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Pondering Wandering (full timing)

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