I am seriously contemplating putting my house on the market and moving to a state I'd prefer living in. I'm disabled and want to get to a cheaper area and can't afford two mortgages, so I got permission from a friend of mine to hook up the RV at his house at least until I am able to sell the house (which may well be quite some time).
So, I have some questions. (actually a lot, I hope you guys are patient!)
Right now, I am looking for a travel trailer. In my price range, it seems I can get a used FEMA trailer or a 10+ year old non FEMA trailer. The FEMA trailers are restored and all appliances are working. I would likely not be able to find a 15 year old travel trailer in that condition. But, I am concerned about formaldehyde,as are some of my friends. My other friends are concerned about storms (hurricane and tornado). Tornadoes are very rare where I am moving. There has not been a tornado related death in at least 10 years. Hurricanes are more frequent, but it seems this would be an advantage of having a travel trailer, I would just have it towed out of range of the storm. If something happened and I couldn't do that, I would just go into my friend's house during the storm. Can any of you tell me how to ease my friends minds concerning these issues?
Here are the two FEMA trailers I am looking at right now:
Things I like about this trailer: Regular (not convection) oven, more storage, gas stove, built in microwave.
Things I do not like: no door on bedroom, small bathroom, booth style table (I am single, I don't need a bed, a foldout couch, a booth table that also makes into a bed, AND bunk beds). The cats might like the bunk beds, though.
Things I like: big bathroom, walk in shower, table vs booth style table. IT has a slide out but it is also only 30' long vs 32' for the other one so I'm not sure how much more room I would be getting.
Things I don't like. Only convection oven, no built in microwave.
Price on this is $4,700.
Do these seem like reasonable prices? Should I continue to look for an older travel trailer that meets my needs? I have noticed that the non-FEMA trailers are nicer. However I don't think I have seen any 10-15 year old trailers in my price range with cable hookups.
I am 45, disabled and on SSDI, however, I do have a very part time job that I can work from anywhere. It requires internet connection and a computer and it would be nice to have a workspace for that.
My friend is going to let me hook into his electric and sewer, but he does not have gas hookups. How does that work? Is that what propane tanks are for, or would I have to get a gas line run? Should I just go with the all electric in order to avoid these issues?
Anyone with any advice or any things I haven't thought of would be much appreciated. This is pretty scary, but I figure if I hate it I can take my house back off the market or preferably tough it out until I sell it and can buy another in a cheaper area. Or I might really like it, who knows?
Terry and Jo said
11:50 PM Nov 10, 2011
Kelley,
As you have posted in two places, but this one has most of the questions that you have, I will respond to this one. I don't see anything about this post that classifies it as "spam."
I am not knowledgeable about any of the FEMA trailers. However, I wasn't impressed with their hurried "walk-through" with the video camera. For one thing, in the 32-footer, the narrator made a reference to "lots of work area" in the kitchen, but I didn't see it.
Depending on where you will be placing your trailer, I would also look into how much insulation there was for winter or summer living. They also didn't say anything about air conditioning, so if none is on it, one would have to remove a window and put in a window air conditioner to keep cool in the summer.
In that case, you would need to make sure that there was an electrical outlet near any window used for a window air conditioner.
For the prices you quoted, I suppose they would be a good deal, provided they are checked out very well by someone you trust that knows about trailers.
As for gas, I presume they are equipped with propane tanks, although I didn't see any on the units. You would want to make sure they came with two cylinders. If you will be in one place for a lengthy period of time, say more than a year or two, one can contact a local LP supplier and see if one could lease an LP tank and have it set onsite of the trailer and fill it.
Be sure and check with that supplier as to what requirements there are for the placement of tanks near structures in the locality where you would be setting up. For instance, here in Oklahoma, anything over 100 gallons has to be located at least 8 or 10 feet from any structure (or future structure) and more than 6 feet away from overhead power lines.
They will likely require leak tests on the trailer to verify that there are no gas leaks. So, be sure that the dealer verifies for you that there are no leaks. You won't want to purchase something that won't be ready for hookup without being repaired or updated.
Good luck with your research and planning. And, welcome to the forums.
Terry
sthrngirl said
02:44 PM Nov 11, 2011
Terry, Thank you for the advice.
These Holiday Ramblers are 32 Foot 6 inches long, 5,400 pounds, and have queen bed master bedroom, Carrier Central AC package with heat, home grade 15 sq ft refrigerator, gas stove top with oven, gas 10 gallon hot water heater. The appliances are all tested and the units are fumigated and any repairs made before sale. I have seen other FEMA trailers selling for just a bit less with huge holes in the siding and etc.
They do come with 2 propane tanks.
I have looked at other travel trailers and I definitely know where you are coming from with the lack of work room and storage space and etc. I saw one that was absolutely stunning...for $14,000. Unfortunately, I have $5,000.
Of course it is all relative. I think you could park any one of these in my parents kitchen.
THANK YOU for the advice on propane tanks. With me being solo, how long can I expect a tank to last?
Terry and Jo said
07:57 PM Nov 11, 2011
That would be hard to say. However, I have heard of a couple of different folks that have leased a 100 gallon tank and said that the tank lasted all winter. That wouldn't quite be 100 gallons. With propane tanks, they generally never fill them over 85% full.
So, a "tankfull" would be roughly 85 gallons. The reason they probably tend to last that long is because the heaters are heating up a lot smaller space than a home. This is our first year with full-timing in our fifth wheel, so I have no clue as to what we will need in the way of fuel.
Terry
sthrngirl said
12:19 AM Nov 12, 2011
Terry,
If that is the case a tank should last me a long time. I might need to run the heat 5-10 times during the winter if it is a "harsh" winter. I will be parked in the deep South.
Summers are a different story, unfortunately. Guess we can't have it all unless wer are living in Hawaii.
So the propane would be used mostly for hot water and cooking.
Terry and Jo said
07:58 AM Nov 12, 2011
Under those circumstances, one can use 100 lb cylinders instead of a tank. Our case leads us to need to be fairly close to the coach with the tank so as not to impose too much into the next site's area. Since we had put up a small fence around our coach to create a secure space for our dogs, I can't put cylinders or tanks right inside the fence. I need the ability to pull the fifth wheel out on occasion for service work or go on vacation.
The 100 lb cylinders would work inside our fence because those can be man-handled using a 2-wheeled dolly to move them out, even when full. A 100 gallon tank cannot be moved as easily.
A 100 gallon tank holds 85 when filled properly. By comparison, the 40 lb cylinders in our coach hold roughly 9.5 gallons. Thus, if such a thing existed, an 80 lb cylinder would hold roughly 19 gallons. Add the additional 20 lbs to make a 100 lb cylinder and you might end up with roughly 22 to 23 gallons. (If I could remember how many gallons a 20 lb cylinder held and multiplied that number by 5, I could be more exact on how many gallons would be available.)
Some of the other tenants here in our mobile home park are using 2 of the 100 lb cylinders. I choose to use the 100 gallon tank because it has a gauge on it to indicate how full the tank is. Cylinders have no gauges.
Terry
sthrngirl said
07:34 PM Nov 12, 2011
Terry,
How funny! I am going to put up a cat yard for the cats. Also skirt the trailer so in case they do get out, they can't hide under the trailer.
Hi all,
I am seriously contemplating putting my house on the market and moving to a state I'd prefer living in. I'm disabled and want to get to a cheaper area and can't afford two mortgages, so I got permission from a friend of mine to hook up the RV at his house at least until I am able to sell the house (which may well be quite some time).
So, I have some questions. (actually a lot, I hope you guys are patient!)
Right now, I am looking for a travel trailer. In my price range, it seems I can get a used FEMA trailer or a 10+ year old non FEMA trailer. The FEMA trailers are restored and all appliances are working. I would likely not be able to find a 15 year old travel trailer in that condition. But, I am concerned about formaldehyde,as are some of my friends. My other friends are concerned about storms (hurricane and tornado). Tornadoes are very rare where I am moving.
There has not been a tornado related death in at least 10 years. Hurricanes are more frequent, but it seems this would be an advantage of having a travel trailer, I would just have it towed out of range of the storm. If something happened and I couldn't do that, I would just go into my friend's house during the storm.
Can any of you tell me how to ease my friends minds concerning these issues?
Here are the two FEMA trailers I am looking at right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQCTT8zRxio
Things I like about this trailer: Regular (not convection) oven, more storage, gas stove, built in microwave.
Things I do not like: no door on bedroom, small bathroom, booth style table (I am single, I don't need a bed, a foldout couch, a booth table that also makes into a bed, AND bunk beds). The cats might like the bunk beds, though.
Price is $4,000
Next trailer I am looking at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jrG_QImKdZk
This is an ADA trailer with slide out.
Things I like: big bathroom, walk in shower, table vs booth style table. IT
has a slide out but it is also only 30' long vs 32' for the other one so I'm not sure how much more room I would be getting.
Things I don't like. Only convection oven, no built in microwave.
Price on this is $4,700.
Do these seem like reasonable prices? Should I continue to look for an older travel trailer that meets my needs? I have noticed that the non-FEMA trailers are nicer. However I don't think I have seen any 10-15 year old trailers in my price range with cable hookups.
I am 45, disabled and on SSDI, however, I do have a very part time job that I can work from anywhere. It requires internet connection and a computer and it would be nice to have a workspace for that.
My friend is going to let me hook into his electric and sewer, but he does not have gas hookups. How does that work? Is that what propane tanks are for, or would I have to get a gas line run? Should I just go with the all electric in order to avoid these issues?
Anyone with any advice or any things I haven't thought of would be much
appreciated. This is pretty scary, but I figure if I hate it I can take my
house back off the market or preferably tough it out until I sell it and can buy another in a cheaper area. Or I might really like it, who knows?
Kelley,
As you have posted in two places, but this one has most of the questions that you have, I will respond to this one. I don't see anything about this post that classifies it as "spam."
I am not knowledgeable about any of the FEMA trailers. However, I wasn't impressed with their hurried "walk-through" with the video camera. For one thing, in the 32-footer, the narrator made a reference to "lots of work area" in the kitchen, but I didn't see it.
Depending on where you will be placing your trailer, I would also look into how much insulation there was for winter or summer living. They also didn't say anything about air conditioning, so if none is on it, one would have to remove a window and put in a window air conditioner to keep cool in the summer.
In that case, you would need to make sure that there was an electrical outlet near any window used for a window air conditioner.
For the prices you quoted, I suppose they would be a good deal, provided they are checked out very well by someone you trust that knows about trailers.
As for gas, I presume they are equipped with propane tanks, although I didn't see any on the units. You would want to make sure they came with two cylinders. If you will be in one place for a lengthy period of time, say more than a year or two, one can contact a local LP supplier and see if one could lease an LP tank and have it set onsite of the trailer and fill it.
Be sure and check with that supplier as to what requirements there are for the placement of tanks near structures in the locality where you would be setting up. For instance, here in Oklahoma, anything over 100 gallons has to be located at least 8 or 10 feet from any structure (or future structure) and more than 6 feet away from overhead power lines.
They will likely require leak tests on the trailer to verify that there are no gas leaks. So, be sure that the dealer verifies for you that there are no leaks. You won't want to purchase something that won't be ready for hookup without being repaired or updated.
Good luck with your research and planning. And, welcome to the forums.
Terry
Thank you for the advice.
These Holiday Ramblers are 32 Foot 6 inches long, 5,400 pounds, and have queen bed master bedroom, Carrier Central AC package with heat, home grade 15 sq ft refrigerator, gas stove top with oven, gas 10 gallon hot water heater. The appliances are all tested and the units are fumigated and any repairs made before sale. I have seen other FEMA trailers selling for just a bit less with huge holes in the siding and etc.
They do come with 2 propane tanks.
I have looked at other travel trailers and I definitely know where you are coming from with the lack of work room and storage space and etc. I saw one that was absolutely stunning...for $14,000. Unfortunately, I have $5,000.
Of course it is all relative. I think you could park any one of these in my parents kitchen.
THANK YOU for the advice on propane tanks. With me being solo, how long can I expect a tank to last?
That would be hard to say. However, I have heard of a couple of different folks that have leased a 100 gallon tank and said that the tank lasted all winter. That wouldn't quite be 100 gallons. With propane tanks, they generally never fill them over 85% full.
So, a "tankfull" would be roughly 85 gallons. The reason they probably tend to last that long is because the heaters are heating up a lot smaller space than a home. This is our first year with full-timing in our fifth wheel, so I have no clue as to what we will need in the way of fuel.
Terry
Terry,
If that is the case a tank should last me a long time. I might need to run the heat 5-10 times during the winter if it is a "harsh" winter. I will be parked in the deep South.
Summers are a different story, unfortunately. Guess we can't have it all unless wer are living in Hawaii.
So the propane would be used mostly for hot water and cooking.
Under those circumstances, one can use 100 lb cylinders instead of a tank. Our case leads us to need to be fairly close to the coach with the tank so as not to impose too much into the next site's area. Since we had put up a small fence around our coach to create a secure space for our dogs, I can't put cylinders or tanks right inside the fence. I need the ability to pull the fifth wheel out on occasion for service work or go on vacation.
The 100 lb cylinders would work inside our fence because those can be man-handled using a 2-wheeled dolly to move them out, even when full. A 100 gallon tank cannot be moved as easily.
A 100 gallon tank holds 85 when filled properly. By comparison, the 40 lb cylinders in our coach hold roughly 9.5 gallons. Thus, if such a thing existed, an 80 lb cylinder would hold roughly 19 gallons. Add the additional 20 lbs to make a 100 lb cylinder and you might end up with roughly 22 to 23 gallons. (If I could remember how many gallons a 20 lb cylinder held and multiplied that number by 5, I could be more exact on how many gallons would be available.)
Some of the other tenants here in our mobile home park are using 2 of the 100 lb cylinders. I choose to use the 100 gallon tank because it has a gauge on it to indicate how full the tank is. Cylinders have no gauges.
Terry
How funny! I am going to put up a cat yard for the cats. Also skirt the trailer so in case they do get out, they can't hide under the trailer.