Considering purchasing RV for permanent living

[Retirededucator]

Welcome any suggestions/ advice regarding purchasing a travel trailer or 5th Wheel, purchasing a lot (with zoning) and docking my RV for full time living. Will sell house that is too much space and maintenance for me- retired in my mid 60's. Visited several RV dealers to day to get a feel for money and space and the guts to do this. Already learned not to sell house first but to purchase the RV then sell and move due to red tape and "full time" residency. Hoping to eliminate debt as my current too large home is starving for attention, so was already a learning experience. Very nervous about making this transition and not sure why. Lots of "stuff" to deal with, and new lifestyle. Not much into travel any more; don't have vehicle for towing anyway. Would rather purchase a brand new trailer but realize the depreciation etc but concerned about buying someone's problems. Just me and my 2 Russianblues.
Thoughts are welcomed.
EDIT:Edit: my plan explained: live in rv temporarily for couple of years on lot to build cabin later. Full time residency meaning docking it for a few years to build cabin later on same lot. "Full time r v " . Not wanting to establish other permanent residency in mobile park, fees associated with condo, pricing, etc though appreciate the advice. Would not be gaining anything. Have nice home - just need less space so transition is to get to a new cabin- 1000 sq ft. RV would be purchased as temporary living space to get there and assumed "full time rving" would be the same. What I am hearing is a travel trailer and 5th wheel isn't really full time status. and need to upgrade? Full time rving explained? Thanks.

[jamesroadking]

I lived in RV's for 10 years and I can tell you Living full time in an RV if you're not traveling is not any fun. Buy a condo, or better yet a double wide manufactured home in a rural country county with low property taxes and insurance rates and no neighbors breathing down your back.
I can shoot guns in my backyard, my dogs run free in my fenced in 5 acres, I can have all the bonfires I want, got tons of wood to burn, got my own swimming pool, and am so much happier not hearing any neighbors.

[Ralph_Cramden]

Most have a clause such as this in the warranty docs.

"The Warrantor further makes no warranty with regard to any product used for commercial purposes, as a permanent or full time residence or as a rental unit, or any product not registered and normally used in the United States or Canada. For purposes of this warranty, it shall be deemed conclusive evidence of commercial purposes if the product is licensed, titled, registered, or insured in the name of any corporation, LLC, or any other form of business or commercial entity. "Full time" for the purposes of this warranty shall mean continuous occupation of the Recreational Vehicle for a period exceeding 30 days or 18 days per month in two or more consecutive months"


As well as something slyly worded like this in the manual which does not direct you to the above in same manual.


"Your recreational vehicle was designed for recreational use and short-term occupancy."

[bikendan]

double post

[bikendan]

i agree with the others.
why not get a mobile home or park model if you don't want to travel?

an RV is made to travel, at least some of the time. it's a vehicle!

you can easily get a mobile home or park model for the price of a 5th wheel and have better insulation.

[Rick_Y]

Tiny homes are quite popular right now and would be built better than most RVs. Or, a Park model RV which is meant to be set in one place and stay there.

[rockhillmanor]

X2
Buy a mobile home in a nice park.

[ScottG]

If you're not going to travel, I agree with Don above. Skip the RV (including MH's) in favor of something that's meant to be lived in. It will be more comfortable, hold up better and be more energy efficient.

[DSDP_Don]

RV's are not really made for full time living, especially trailers. The materials in both the fabrics and cabinets will not stand up to long time use. I would just buy a mobile or park model for what you want to do. Five to ten years from now, you'll be disappointed with how poorly a trailer has held up.

[toedtoes]

I agree. An RV will require regular maintenance to keep it functional. Roof leaks are far greater a situation with an RV than a traditional building.

You'll still have all the maintenance of the grounds. You'll need to deal with dumping the black and grey waters, run piping for fresh water, run electrical, and so on.

[coolmom42]

If all you want is smaller and less maintenance, you would be better off looking for a condo, or purchasing a mobile home in a good area.

[2gypsies1]

If you're not interested in travel why don't you just buy a mobile home in a nice park? They are better insulated for hot and cold temps.

[ScottG]

Probably OK in the SE but just don't try to live in it in a cold, damp location.
While doable, it's just too miserable.