question about parking/living in RV temporarily

Per diem rates average $800 to $1200 per month. Drilling has slowed but lots of pipeline work going on. The man camps are still there. I am not talking about southern WV where winter temps can be slightly more mild. I am talking about parts of WV where the weather is the same as Pittsburgh and western PA.

The RVs are from the south with TX, AR and LA plates. They usually put some sort of underpin around the camper to keep the wind out from underneath. The property owners have set these man camps up specifically for the workers. These are not campgrounds. Nothing but gravel lots with hookups.

Like I said, it can be done. I think the coastal effect actually provides slightly warmer winters for NJ than my area, but they are still COLD. It will cost you a lot to heat an RV. I've never asked any of the workers how much they spend on heat. I have seen 100b tanks hooked up to these RVs. It must be work to keep them warm. Another problem you would have is condensation. RVs don't have the breathing room like a house. They also have thin windows and walls, so your cold breath, and lots of it all night as you sleep, will condense on the walls and windows. I don't know how you could deal with that night after night.

Other options.....downsize your rental, find a better job, 2nd job.
If you're out of money, a "free" 5th wheel will not be free. You don't mention a tow vehicle and the cost setting it up to move the 5ver.
Unless you want to go stuff the rv out in the sticks and live deliverance style, RVing is rarely the cost effective solution long term unfortunately. Especially if inexperienced.

midnightsadie wrote:
and what do you do about sewer and water??

#1 & #2 problems. Probably not thought of.

cjoseph wrote:
I think it is going to be hard to pull off too.

Staying warm in the winter isn't going to be your biggest problem.

Here in the Marcellus Gas boom area, numerous man camps have sprung up, and many over winter in RVs without a problem. They, however, are being paid a handsome per diem from their employers and can afford to crank the propane and electric heaters.

You can keep a camper warm through the winter. The question is, will you be able to afford it while using lot's of propane and/or electricity.

Then, you have to heat the water line coning up from the ground with a heat tape -more electric.

Work camping may be you best option. That is usually seasonal. Maybe you will find a campground owner willing to keep you hooked up as security through the winter while they snowbird?

Good luck to you.

Your "winters" in WV are not anything like what the OPs state gets.

Even in my state, (PA) EVERY ONE of the local campgrounds around me CLOSE for winter. NONE stay open even the ones with all permanent RVs.

There IS a reason as to why..

Just not worth the hassle for the campground owners to keep water on and flowing, maintain sewage systems and maintain roads in and out of campgrounds.. Not to mention not as much RV traffic during the winter..

One would have to fill the campgrounds at all times to make it pay for all the costs and hassle.

Even around here (we ARE in the heart of the Marcellus area), I have not seen any "man camps" with RVs.. I see lots of drilling activity, lots of pads and lots of new pipelines but "man camps" in RVs ZERO.

Not saying it doesn't happen, but in reality unless there is no hotels for many miles I don't think too many drilling crews around here would be willing to live in a RV during winter in my area.

Yes, you are sort of correct in some ways, there ARE folks who DO "cold weather camp".. But it is more for FUN than for being CHEAP, often staying in remote places or fun places that offer lots of snow activities..

I am kind of doubtful that this will be the case for the OP..

Cold weather camping isn't for wimps and certainly is not going to "save" any money for the OP..

I think it is going to be hard to pull off too.

Staying warm in the winter isn't going to be your biggest problem.

Here in the Marcellus Gas boom area, numerous man camps have sprung up, and many over winter in RVs without a problem. They, however, are being paid a handsome per diem from their employers and can afford to crank the propane and electric heaters.

You can keep a camper warm through the winter. The question is, will you be able to afford it while using lot's of propane and/or electricity.

Then, you have to heat the water line coning up from the ground with a heat tape -more electric.

Work camping may be you best option. That is usually seasonal. Maybe you will find a campground owner willing to keep you hooked up as security through the winter while they snowbird?

Good luck to you.

Nope, don't know anyone in Jersey renting cheap farm lot campsites for off season camping........
Unless they're total piles of $:?&/ though, the proceeds from selling a 5ver and tow vehicle should pay for a bunch of rent.
As mentioned, even if you get this to work in October, what are you going to do Dec thru Mar?

TexasShadow wrote:
you can also look for a position as camp host in a state park that stays open all year. the host sites usually have full hookups.

Best answer! Check out the Workamping Forum. If you have the ability to pull your fiver, heading south might be a good idea. FL. has no state income tax and a lot of nice state parks..

In New Jersey in the winter, you will need a lot of propane. You will want a large external propane bottle. If you are out in a farm, will someone come and fill the bottle periodically? Can you find a place with power, water, and sewer, with a sewer connection probably being the hardest to find? It will cost you quite a bit in propane and electricity to keep things from freezing. How well insulated is your RV? I would look for a park with good monthly rates.

huskyfan68 wrote:
so i have an interesting scenario. I live in NJ and unfortunately cannot afford to pay my rent any longer. I will not be able to stay much past October. I have a 31' 5th wheel that is perfectly usable and free. Outside of finding a campground- wondering if there are any areas (land) where I could park it- I guess what I am wondering is- are there people out there with land (farms etc) that would be willing to let an RV park on their property for a smaller fee..... just a thought- It would make sense- I am out of options....

I highly doubt that you are going to find any "landowners" such as farmers be willing to allow you to "park" on their land, period. If they did, then they become your landlord.. and that can open a lot of cans -o- worms that most folk will not be willing to deal with.

Just because someone HAS "extra" land it doesn't mean that they will be willing to provide a "crash pad" for someone that may or may not be able to pay lot rent.. Not to mention the folks renting the land to you would most likely have to supply electric/water/sewage services at a minimum to prevent you from:

1- running a generator all day and night.

2- dumping raw sewage on their property.

I know myself, I paid for the land, I pay taxes on that land and if I "develop" any portion of that land (IE rent space) I would have to build and maintain another road, pay increased taxes, pay increased insurance on the land (CYA) and be liable for any environmental damage that a renter can cause.

Honestly, sell the 5vr and find a lower cost rental and be done with it.

Living out of that 5vr will not be "free" when you start adding up the expenses that it will take to heat, cool, get water, dispose of black and grey along with providing hot water and oh yeah running a RV fridge..

Your in New Jersey, living in a RV full time in the winter WILL be brutal.. Hope you like 40-50 degree temps.. Expect to use two or more 30lb tanks of propane per week.. Heating with propane in that area, you may as well just light the money up and watch it burn..

No one is going to be willing to give you free (or low cost) electric, water, sewage and a parking place..

you can also look for a position as camp host in a state park that stays open all year. the host sites usually have full hookups.