So me and my girl friend lost the place we were renting due to the landlord having a financial melt down. It was the cheapest place we could find so now we are staying with my family so we can save money.I have no debt besides my truck which is nearly paid off. The lady and I both have low end but full time jobs but I see this as the chance we need to move and maybe travel. I have no idea what kind of camper I need. My family told me we can use it on their land even its just a matter of finding the right one.So here's a list of what I need. Maybe someone else here full times and can point me in the right direction.Firstly. I have a 2004 half ton Dodge Ram 2wd with the 4.7. So I need something that's not huge. That being said I intend on getting a 2500 or at least a newer 1500 pickup once we get the trailer paid off and definitely before any long range traveling is done.Second thing is I need something that can be used during winter since it will be a full time living establishment. Will the water need to be shut off during cold days and nights even in the optimum camper? I need something that can be left unintended during the day.Thirdly will be price. We will be looking at smaller campers due to weight and price. I'm sure most brand new 13000 dollar 17-20 foot trailers likely are not rated for winter use but I could be wrong. Anyhow sorry for the novel. Any tips for a new comer is welcomed!

First thing. Make sure the municipality where you are planning to park the camper will allow it to be used as a full time residence.

Bigbobsaget wrote: Will the water need to be shut off during cold days and nights even in the optimum camper? !No. Use your tank and pump. Winter living in a small cheap trailer is not going to be pleasant. Allow plenty of cash for propane.

Bigbobsaget wrote:I have no idea what kind of camper I need.Camper, as in "truck camper" or a travel trailer (since you mention 17-20' range as a size)?

Do not mean to be a downer, but in Missouri, in the winter, it would very likely be cheaper to live in an apartment or a mobile home.

trail-explorer wrote:Bigbobsaget wrote:I have no idea what kind of camper I need.Camper, as in "truck camper" or a travel trailer (since you mention 17-20' range as a size)?There's a good discussion about small trailers going on over in the truck camper section, where a few people are talking about smaller trailers.Who all has more than one RV?Me, I'd go for a bunk house, because you gain a lot more storage space in the bunk section. It's like two gigantic shelves.Here's another discussion:BRAND CROSS OVERS ?

Helpful tips to full timing in a camper appreciated

Bigbobsaget
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
My girl friend had 5x the clothing but otherwise all we have are just the essinstials. She's cutting back her things though. A class b sounds amazing. Just harder to get a loan then a travel trailer since all I could afford is a older class b.

With propane I'm used to getting 100 gallons of propane a year. Though I'm used to wearing sweats and a hoodie though during winter.
hitchup
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
Our son and his family just lived nearly a year in SE MO. They bought a used FEMA trailer in AR for $2000 and lived on his InLaw's farm for basically Free.

They sold it this Summer for $1800.

His older brother spent Winter near St Louis and one near Wichita, KS in his Dutchmen TT. He took our advice and hard-piped the sewer, bought a heated potable water hose and rented a 100lb LP tank.

It's not that difficult if you prep correctly.
Community Alumni
Aug 18, 2016
I'm not sure how much space you'll need, but have you ever thought about a van or a Class B? It may work for you especially since this will only be temporary for you. Far less space than a trailer, but you can have everything you need wrapped up in one little mobile package. It's a vehicle and a home at the same time.

It seems those who live in vans get by even on the tightest of budgets. Some are out there living their fulltime dreams for next to nothing. You might be able to save of decent amount of money. It doesn't take much to convert a van into living quarters either. Have a look at some of the videos on YouTube about it to see if it would work for you.
Odessa_Grandma
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
We wintered in ours in the Kansas City area last winter. We did set up a 250 gallon propane tank and used almost two tanks from October thru march. We never left any hoses out; used our water from the holding tank; filled that tank when the temps were above freezing and dumped the sewer when temps were above freezing. We kept a small electric cube heater in the underbelly and used a heat dish in the living area to supplement the furnace. I was very worried at the beginning of the season. We had tons of snow last season and we made it just fine. The unit was a cedar creek silverback with tank heaters and enclosed underbelly.

This post is now a couple of years old, but I would sure fo it again. We really did not think it was horrible
Bigbobsaget
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
Honesty I expect to take showers in my families house and do laundary. Water will be more of a warm weather thing. Lol
TomG2
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
I was serious about the garage. Even a three sided steel shed would provide some relief from the wind.
hawkeye-08
Explorer III
Aug 18, 2016
Keep asking questions, keep looking on CL, classifieds, etc. You likely won't be able to just decide to buy one tomorrow and find one, you will need to search, research and save to position yourself to do this. Arctic Fox/Nash/ORV are some 4 season trailers, but will cost you plenty and they are heavy.

Be making payments to yourself now, don't forget to allow for utilities and such as folks have mentioned. The more you can save up, the better off you will be when you find the right deal.
darsben1
Explorer
Aug 18, 2016
How you gonna dump the sewers in cold weather?
Water to the trailer is also going to be a problem.

The lines will have to be below the frost line in order to prevent freezing. Then a frost proof hydrant installed. The hose will have to be brought out and put away in freezing weather..

Cannot see you be happy, surviving maybe but not happy
jaycocreek
Explorer II
Aug 17, 2016
I'm also guessing you did some modifications (which cost money) to prepare your RV for winter living, correct?

It's hard to give advice on preparing your RV for winter as each one is different where it will freeze.My best advice to start would be skirt the RV and use a light bulb under the delicate area's.I also use a Catalytic heater,it saves on propane and electricity.

Like my currant Class C which has all the water lines and water tank inside which is not the case for my Keystone TT so different strokes are needed but inside air circulation is needed in both....

I mentioned Idaho because our winters are not the best and sub zero in the winter is the norm in alot of area's.
JAC1982
Explorer
Aug 17, 2016
Bigbobsaget wrote:
Well I just can't get over the fact that rent is the same amount as a house payment. I figure a travel trailer could be had for 200 per month or less. Though the addional costs seem to not be worth it. The idea of being able to pull off when we want to though sounds enticing. I'm sure it can be done if I were experienced.
Anyhow that's why I posted on here just to get a general consensus.

The camper itself could probably be had for that, however interest rates on a lower priced camper tend to be higher. But don't forget to factor in the licensing and taxes (I believe you pay a state tax yearly on vehicles there, correct? I think RVs go into that too). Also what about other things like, how are you going to get water to the camper? Will the land you're parking it on have a water hookup? what about dumping the sewer? Do you have a free place you can dump that safely? I would also be sure to budget for repairs/maintenance, since even a new camper will require some of that. Also, are you willing to pare down your stuff to the bare minimum? And, I mean really minimum, otherwise you will need to store your things somewhere, whether that be with your family, or in a paid facility.

Just based on my own calculations, this camper will cost you about the same as an apartment, and an apartment is actually warm LOL