Forum Discussion

rightlaneonly's avatar
Dec 30, 2020

Living in a Trailer

Sadly I just placed me wife in a memory care home and find myself facing life alone. Thinking of selling the house (too many reminders here) and buying a travel trailer to live in. Looking for input from anyone that has done this. Do you stay in campgrounds or mobile home parks? Is either option cost effective. I have family here in California as well as Idaho and want to spend time in both locals.
Please share with me your experiences, both good and bad.
Thank you
Lee
  • Meantime, if you are really leaning that way, you could start downsizing by selling and donating a few things. Just in case you'll have a jump on it already.
  • Thank each of you for you input. I know I need to give it time. Each decision from this point on will be difficult but not as difficult as placing her there.
    I like the idea of living in a trailer and know I can get by with little. I.m in the same kinda situation as TenOC and thinking along the same lines. Kids get what they want, salvation army the rest.Anyway I thank you all. Won't be doing anything for a couple of months at least but feel I need to move forward.
  • Most trailers are not built for full time living. It can be done but requires careful maintenance. If you already have a tow vehicle determine the maximum weight the TV will pull and carry. Buy something lighter however. If you don’t have a TV, buy or select the trailer first. Match a TV to the trailer.
  • mikim wrote:
    The very first thing I recommend is that you do not make this decision until 1 year has passed. Give yourself some time.


    Beat me to it. Don't sell the house until you've had time to let things settle out.

    As a single guy, you can get away with a fairly small trailer. Trade in your truck for a 1/2 ton and look at something in the 22-25ft range (check the towing and payload ratings). You should be able to get set up for under $20k with a good reliable rig.

    Yes, it's very much doable to stay at various RV parks. Just depends how often you want to move. We are currently in a very nice park on the Texas Gulf Coast for $550/month. On the beach, lots of activities (covid limited this year). While on the move you will pay more but rarely do we pay more than $35/n and usually in the $15-25 range.

    While some mobile home parks will allow RVs, they are usually the more run down type that are less desirable.

    Move with the seasons staying in comfortable weather.

    PS: Sorry for your difficult situation.
  • When my wife died, I was face with much the same situation. I was living in Ohio and all my children and other family members were living in Tennessee. I recognize that if I got sick with cancer (like my wife) it would be a major problem for the children. They could not take a leave of absence to take care of me since they all had good jobs, and if I died unexpected, they would have problems disposing of the house and all the stuff I had collected over a number of years.

    My solution was to pretend I had died. The important pieces of furniture that I wanted to remain in the family I gave to my children the other items which had no sentimental value I sold or gave to goodwill. I sold the house and started full time in an RV. Since then, I have travel in all the states and from Newfoundland to Alaska it was the best decision I ever made.

    I’ve told the children if I get sick at some distance from Tennessee, I will drive the RV to my son’s house and park in the backyard for my last few weeks. If I die unexpectedly simply cremate my body and give the RV to goodwill or the Salvation Army.
  • The very first thing I recommend is that you do not make this decision until 1 year has passed. Give yourself some time.
  • sorry for your situation. I would suggest looking into a park model for full time stationary living.
    bumpy