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robbiedoo's avatar
robbiedoo
Explorer
Nov 25, 2014

RV for use as a cabin

Hello all,

First, "Hello!", this is my first post. I'm greener than green when it comes to RVs, so please take it easy on me. :)

My wife & I bought a lake lot last spring and had planned on building a cabin, but after we added everything up it made much more financial sense to us to get a fifth wheel and use that instead.

Fast forward to last weekend and we finally found a model we both loved. A 40' 2004 Pilgrim Open Road with a separate media room in the back, we both love it. So, we signed the papers and in the spring it's ours.

We don't own a truck, so we arranged the dealer to deliver it to our lake lot once the snow melts.

Essentially the rig will be used as a stationary cabin. We'll get power hooked up and likely install a septic system. I know we'll need water so maybe an external tank? Any tips or ideas on that?

I've been searching a bit to try and find tips for setting up in a permanent location but I come up with mostly tips on living in an RV - which are helpful but not exactly what I'm looking for. Should I use concrete slabs for parking it on? Do I need to get the weight off the tires? Things like that

Can anyone share experiences or tips for setting up the unit where it might stay for an extended period of time? I'm sure there is lots I need to take into consideration, but of course I'm only thinking of things like building a deck off the front.

20 Replies

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  • robbiedoo's avatar
    robbiedoo
    Explorer
    Nov 26, 2014
    I'm sure its fine. Everybody at the lake has their own fifth wheel or RV, and they have decks and power brought in as well.

    I know its fine because we have one really crabby neighbor who complains to the county about EVERYTHING. We built a shed with a camping potty so we could use the facilities outside of our old trailer and he came along to tell us to take it down.

    We didn't and got a letter from the county telling us outhouses weren't allowed. We let them know exactly what we were doing and all is well now.

    But, if there were issues with campers being used in the area, I would bet my house he would have complained about it.

    Zoning isn't an issue, I also checked with full timers out there.

    Any other tips not zoning related?
  • Fizz's avatar
    Fizz
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2014
    Check the zoning.
    Our trailer is stored at the cottage.
    Can't have it off it's wheels.
    No permanent hookups.
    Could also be a conflict with your insurance, is it a traler or a cabin?
  • donn0128's avatar
    donn0128
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2014
    Other than the above comments something like a park model would have been a far better option.
  • DrewE's avatar
    DrewE
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2014
    In addition to what others have said, if you plan on using the unit in cold weather, you may want to consider getting a large capacity propane tank rather than fiddling with portable 20lb bottles. The furnace uses a good bit of propane.

    Water presumably would need some sort of a well setup, a pump and perhaps an associated pressure tank. You could probably do away with the tank if you just operated the pump to fill the fresh water tank in the trailer periodically and then used the trailer's pump and water system. If you are planning on being there in freezing weather, using the built-in water tank is essential (rather than relying on an external pressure tank and "city water" pressure from it) as the feed hose would otherwise freeze up pretty quickly.

    I second the suggestion to size electrical service (and septic and water systems) for more than just the one RV. In particular, it would be a big shame if you ever wanted to build a cabin and had to construct an entirely new septic system and run a new service entrance.
  • rolling_rhoda's avatar
    rolling_rhoda
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2014
    Hi and welcome!

    If you haven't already, please check local ordinances. Our neighbors did as you are planning to for a few months. One day a police car pulled up and informed them that they were breaking the law and had three days to move. On our lake we can't have utilities without a fixed structure that includes living quarters. We lake dwellers were unaware of the ordinance, as more than ten lots were used this way, but it was enforced for everyone after one cranky person complained.
  • wildtoad's avatar
    wildtoad
    Explorer II
    Nov 25, 2014
    Quite frankly, I would have built the cabin, in stages if needed. You have better options for heating, insulation, and less likely to have to deal with all the issues with RV's such as leaks. In regards to water, I don't understand the external tank question. Can you dig a well to get water? Can you get water from the lake? Do you plan to use the "Cabin" in the winter or close it down?
  • rjf7g's avatar
    rjf7g
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2014
    Are you sure your lot is zoned for a camper? You will want a fresh water supply, sewer, and electrical service. I suggest installing the 30A or 50A service you will need for your camper plus another setup for a friend or two to bring their campers plus a few outdoor power posts for other uses. We have a "cooking table" set up on a 20A circuit and it doesn't run through our camper. You may also want to build a covered patio or something (depends on zoning) and you would want it powered as well. Enjoy!
  • Dakota98's avatar
    Dakota98
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2014
    the bear II wrote:
    A concrete pad would be a good idea but not needed.

    You do want to support it so consider using the type of leveling jacks used on mobile homes.

    Most folks find skirting around the bottom of the RV helps to keep the critters and cold out.

    Since you are green (eco) you might consider solar and or wind power along with some sort of rain water catch system. Many of the websites that cater to "off the grid or survivalists" will have great tips for you.


    Had to laugh a little, OP said they were "green" to RV ownership, not ECO GREEN.
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    Nov 25, 2014
    A concrete pad would be a good idea but not needed.

    You do want to support it so consider using the type of leveling jacks used on mobile homes.

    Most folks find skirting around the bottom of the RV helps to keep the critters and cold out.

    Since you are green (eco) you might consider solar and or wind power along with some sort of rain water catch system. Many of the websites that cater to "off the grid or survivalists" will have great tips for you.

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