What should I expect to pay for a home on wheels?

[Omphaloskepsis]

Basically, I am apartment hunting and my sister offered to let me park something in their backyard while I finish school. I will have internet and electricity there and maybe plumbing. I can use their house for bathroom things.

What does a cheap 5th wheel (??) go for? What would be the best approach to buying one. This will be my first time buying a home. I want something cheap and small.. I am handy with tools and wouldn't mind fixing it up.. I can put down about 2K and pay about 300 per month. Any clue about my options? Is this a reasonable decision to make?

And, would the ladies find living in my sisters back yard a turn-off?

[Tyler Durden]

1. Google motor homes and RV's

I do it all the time for giggles, and occasionally there's a real winner.

Deb won't let me buy one, though. Pout.

[idgiehkt]

2. something a little bit different

Have you thought about one of these?

http://www.tumbleweedhouses.com/houses.htm

I love this one, it says you can build it on your own for about $4000



otherwise I think it's about 15 or 20k

I think that most people recommend looking on craigslist for stuff like that, because it can be found locally. You live in Oregon, which is a pretty liberal state so I'm sure you can find like-minded women who understand. One of my boyfriends lived in a camper at the bottom of the mountain from where his dad had built their family's cabin. It might actually be a good litmus test for compatibility, i.e. the ones that find it a turn off you can eliminate...but I come from a town where everyone pretty much tries to live economically and alot of people are into alternative arrangements

[BlackVelvet04]

3. We sold a fifth wheel for $5500

about 10 years ago.

"And, would the ladies find living in my sisters back yard a turn-off?"

Not as much as you living in your sister's basement.

[Omphaloskepsis]

6. I found this for $1400. I talked him down to 1K.

http://eugene.craigslist.org/rvs/354652983.html

My sister is going to take me down to look at it in a few days.

[Blue Diadem]

4. Make sure to check out any zoning? laws for the area.

In our small village, no one can have anyone living in a trailer parked on their property for very long. I never knew about any such laws until someone went to town council and complained about an elderly lady's out of state relatives. They'd brought their RV to stay in while they cared for her in her final days. Pretty crappy thing for the complainer to do.

Anyway..if she lives in a town I would suggest checking out whatever the laws are that would cover that.

[Omphaloskepsis]

5. That is not a problem.. She has a huge lot surrounded by trees.

And her husband is a electrician who is well versed in these things. He said it would be alright.

[Blue Diadem]

7. good deal!

I see up thread that you may have found one too. That's great!

[cobalt1999]

8. another option I know people have done...

This one is $1000.

Buy an older sailboat. They have all you may need, bed, stove, frig, toilet, and shower. The downside is you will have to rent a slip at a marina...not sure how much they go for in your area. Here in north Florida, that would run you about $400/month, but you get power, water, and, in some cases, cable in addition to access to the marina showers and bathrooms.

[wildhorses]

9. pm Joan_Alpern she has been researching campers --

she might have some good info and, i am sure she will be glad to help. tell her wildhorses sent you. good luck with your home project:hi:

[CabalPowered]

10. Another option

That is if you live in Oregon, which I thought I read downthread..

http://www.pacificdomes.com/

I believe they're in Ashland so you could order and pick it up without having to pay for shipping.

[Generic Brad]

11. A turn off? It depends

If you look like Matthew McConaughey, go shirtless most of the time, and park your four wheeler on the beach - you should have no problem. It seems to be working out well for him.

[guitar man]

12. I just bought this

for $2k about a month ago. It's an '83 21ft. Road Ranger, needed a little minor fixin' up here and there, but pretty solid for the most part. Remember, if you get a 5th wheel trailer, you'll need a pickup and ill need the 5th wheel installed, but they tow SO much better than a bumper-pull it's worth it.

[commander bunnypants]

15. love the shag

CB

[guitar man]

17. I know

Isn't it fabulous? :P

[ChoralScholar]

13. If you're willing to live in a used Ford Tempo, I'd say

400-500 dollars.

[guitar man]

14. a little advice

when looking at a used rv or travel trailer, check the roof carefully and check carefully inside for signs of water damage. What might not be readily apparent on a bright sunny day may come back to haunt you when it starts raining :cry:

[LSK]

16. you can easily find a very good one for under 10k

If you can stand something 20 years old, then ones from the mid-late 80s can be had for about $5k.

Check out www.rvtraderonline.com

You can go either with a travel trailer or 5th wheel.

Some of the common brands are Fleetwood(Prowler, Wilderness, Terry), Holiday Rambler (high quality), and Coachman.

A 30 footer should give you some good room with a fixed bed, dinette, and couch. Most if not all you will look at should include a bath with toilet, sink and shower, 4 burner stove, sink, refrigerator, water heater and heat. Most also have a roof mounted air conditioner.