Advice needed on permanent setup

I would at least dig and pour cement at the corners to tie it down. I'd also install a residential frig. It's only $350 and you wont have to worry about it catching on fire. If you install a residential toilet, check the back spacing first as there are different toilets or use an offset flange.

If you keep the rv toilet you have to keep the valve closed until it's ready to dump. I would use a lot of water and flush the tank often to prevent a build up directly under the toilet. With it being stationary you wont get any of the benefit of agitation while traveling. Ideally it would be good to place it on cement but at least have pad areas for the tires and supports. I'd plan on supporting it in the center also. You may also consider lowering it.

4. Any other advice on this setup? I'm sure there are some things I haven't thought about. wrote:

I would think long and hard about a fifth-wheel for an elderly person because of the stairs leading to the bath and bed room. I am not young and have a fifth-wheel so I am beginning to see a problem.

You might want to think about something that can be made handicap Accessible. I know this is far out but you said "permanently"

importman wrote:

1. Should I plan on using blocks under it for more stability or will the stabilizers be sufficient?
2. Does anyone have any ideas on tying down a fiver like the way mobile homes are tied down?
3. Do I need to use a kingpin support?
4. Any other advice on this setup? I'm sure there are some things I haven't thought about.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice you can give me concerning this. I always appreciate input from anyone generous enough to share their knowledge.

1. Definitely blocks and in three or more places on each side, and get it high enough that all weight is off the axles & springs.

2. You'd probably have to drill some holes in the frame flanges to attach eyebolts and tie it down. Not that difficult, but there's no place to tie it otherwise.

3. If you've blocked it and tied it down, I doubt the front will move at all. If it does then support the kingpin.

4. Couple of things. Skirting will help keep things warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer. Also, you really might want to remove just the black tank so you can plumb the toilet directly into your sewer. Otherwise, you will have to keep it's valve closed and dump it every week (just like if it was still being used to camp). If you leave it open, you'll end up with a pyramid of stuff that'll eventually block the tank completely. Don't think I'd want to try fixing THAT problem.

If the camper is never going to be moved again, and you have no plans to ever sell it, and it will be anchored down on this spot forever, then you really do need to remove the black and grey tank and plumb in permanently. Then install a household toilet with a water tank on the back.

If you do not remove the black tank, you'll need to leave outside valve closed, constantly wait for the tank to fill, then dump it. Otherwise, the black tank will fill up with the famous "poop pyramid" and you'll probably end up removing the tank completely. If you don't mind flushing the black tank every few day for "mom" then keep it. But if you don't, take it out.

You will also need to replace the toilet with a household toilet so there is plenty of water to flush on down the pipes. RV toilets are designed to simply plop into a tank. There's not enough water to flush down a pipe line. In a very short time, you'll have a poop blockage and be replacing the PVC pipes.

You mentioned a freeze free spigot for water. Although you are in SC, you are still subject to freezing. You should replace the grey tank also, otherwise, the water held in the grey tank is subject to freezing also. Dumping a grey tank is not as critical as the black tank, but still, food particles and grease can build up in the grey tank very quick too, making it smell. A direct drain and direct plumbing is much better.

Anchoring down? Visit an RV park or look it up on the Internet how mobile homes are anchored down. Do the same. To do so properly, you should bury foundation blocks of concrete with anchors attached. Then strap to the frame of the trailer. Check it out.

If this is what you really want to do, then you really need to think in therms of 100% permanentacy for the 5er, NEVER to be moved again. Secure it down. Rest the frame on permanent blocks with real footers so it's truly solid.

Now, I've not said anything about the zoning rules where you live, but you really should check and make sure you are clear to do this. If you go this route with your camper, your property is no longer a "single family dwelling". It's now "multiple family", and local zoning may not permit this.

If you are trying to get around this zoning, then keep the 5er truly "mobile", set up like you'd do at any campground, and then Mom can live there in stealth fashion and probably get away with it. Only you know your zoning. But assuming you can do this, make the camper a permanent structure.

You definately don't want this happening with Mom inside. This trailer sat in this spot for over 45 years, and this last December.....

I sure hope the zoning allows you to add another permanent residence to your property!

Would not remove tanks, you can purchase a fitting with threads and then use pvc pipe. I would use some type of concrete blocks with a piece of wood in between the block and stabilizer. you can purchase hurricane straps over the internet. I would put boards under the tires and purchase tire covers.