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Old 06-26-2015, 09:25 PM   #71 (permalink)
slowmover
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Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Posts: 2,442

2004 CTD - '04 DODGE RAM 2500 SLT
Team Cummins
90 day: 19.36 mpg (US)
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The key to an RV and low living cost has a bit of depth. Ideally, the vehicles are paid for. And that they can be rebuilt to extend life of each out to twenty years or more. Easier on a pickup than on a conventional RV with the exception of Airstream.

The advantage of the latter is that it will live well past twenty five years AND can be pulled by a wider range of vehicles. The standard fulltime size is 28' or larger. Smaller has no benefit as to any form of economy. Can be pulled by minivan or V6 Charger or other. One can keep car duties to a lower number if one is careful.

Utilities will be higher, yes, as not enough thermal mass. Temps that stay below freezing start to be a problem. Etc. but for someone who values being able to pick up and move on, it is better than paying rent endlessly.

Much depends on family size and obligations. For children at home probably easiest to keep buying used every five-six years. Singles and couples have more options.

Owning land is the the thing. For those that don't, trailers, park trailers and mobile homes have advantages.

And a trailer can be the first home on a piece of land. If one has a genset, a good sized solar system, composting toilet already in RV, then some things can be moved to a permanent building after construction. Demo of an old Airstream is about $1200 in metal. And that can be used at the homesite for all kinds of uses. The frame rebuilt for some light hauling.

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