Question re full-time living

[leslaeanne]

First, is this the "right" place to ask a "full-timer" question?

Later: looks like it may be. Sorry, I've not utilized this forum for much.

So, my question is about full-time living/permanently parked. Is there something in particular I need to pay attention to (besides being level)? Like, rest on tires? or not? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Leslae

[Chateau_Nomad]

Originally Posted by leslaeanne

First, is this the "right" place to ask a "full-timer" question?

Later: looks like it may be. Sorry, I've not utilized this forum for much.

So, my question is about full-time living/permanently parked. Is there something in particular I need to pay attention to (besides being level)? Like, rest on tires? or not? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Leslae

Tell me you're not in a motorhome that's "permanently parked". Towed trailers are a better fit for that (IMO). Motorhomes have engines and mechanicals that need maintenance, and should be driven occasionally.

[leslaeanne]

Unfortunately, I cannot tell you that. Didn't plan on this arrangement but, here I am. Just want to make a "not-so-great" situation do-able. I have been driving it the past two years but I'm anticipating that luxury coming to an end. Of course, circumstances can change...ya never know! Meanwhile, I want to be prepared!

[airforceret]

I've known a couple people to retire permanently in a motorhome without many issues. Fuel is usually the biggest issue as it gets old even when you add stabil or other preservatives after a couple years. Starting it periodically and letting it run 30 minutes or so will help with the sitting idle issue, and over time if ran often enough, you can replenish the fuel with a gas can to help minimize stale fuel. Worst case is draining the fuel later before going back on the road but that is problematic. I wouldn't be afraid of parking a MH for an extended period. Hundreds if not thousands sit in storage every winter for months without long term issues.

[ducksface]

There are full timer forums.

Some advice from someone who has seen this fail over and over and always.

Sell it and rent a room.
If it's pets keeping you from doing this...

It fails
Every
Single
Time.

Without fail...it fails.

Others will tell you differently.
Others are wrong.

[leslaeanne]

I have kept gas in it over the winter just in case I need it to heat it. First winter I needed to do that; last winter I didn't start it up but I did drive it when Spring rolled around. Now I'm not anticipating that but the fuel that's left in it (1/4 tank?) should be enough to use for heat if needed. (I've heard this winter might be a doozie!)

Should I raise it up off the tires a bit?

[ducksface]

Originally Posted by leslaeanne

I have kept gas in it over the winter just in case I need it to heat it. First winter I needed to do that; last winter I didn't start it up but I did drive it when Spring rolled around. Now I'm not anticipating that but the fuel that's left in it (1/4 tank?) should be enough to use for heat if needed. (I've heard this winter might be a doozie!)

Should I raise it up off the tires a bit?

Are there not others in your park doing what you're doing or are you on a friend's property and isolated?

[leslaeanne]

My space rent is all i can afford right now. $400 versus a $!000-1400 apartment, or a "room" in someone's house that doesn't allow for privacy, pets, etc. (I live in an area that doesn't afford many options.)

Like i said: I'm trying to make a "not-so-great" situation as "do-able" as possible. If I fail, I fail.

[leslaeanne]

Actually, I'm the only rig on wheels at this time. A small park...ten spots. The rest are mobile homes; one is empty, and, oh! I can ask the new people...a fifth-wheel just pulled in a couple of weeks ago. Duh! Right?

[ducksface]

You're choosing/forced onto a hard path.
We'll help you all we can but a $700 heater or a water leak will DESTROY you.

Please reconsider.
Privacy is a lock on a door.
If this is pets, reconsider.

[airforceret]

Yeah I'm must be one of the others that is supposedly wrong. I call BS. I've seen it work... and yes I'm sure for some it fails. So do trailers! Not a fan of being called a liar but some here apparently know it all! Naysayers are just that... Naysayers!

[MJC62]

"Full time" as in parked in one place permanently? Or move with the seasons?
If your plan is to remain parked in one spot permanently, then as Chateau says a trailer or a 5th wheel is the way to go, perhaps a park model. If permanently parked is your new bag, then sell the motorhome while it still has value and pursue a more suitable option.
If, on the other hand you are chasing the seasons, then no problem with a motorhome. My brother does 6 months in an RV park down south in the winter and then brings his MH home to Indiana and uses it sporadically during the summer. Our motorhome is parked in storage for 5 months at a time during the winter.
The one thing to remember while sitting parked for extended periods is to exercise the generator per factory recommendations and run the motorhomes engine on a regular schedule also to keep it in shape. There isn't anything much worse for an internal combustion engine than leaving it sit unused, not running it. Seals dry out, cylinder walls can rust, belts can rot, and the list goes on.
That's my humble opinion. Take it with about a buck and half and you can get a coffee at McDonalds...

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by leslaeanne

First, is this the "right" place to ask a "full-timer" question?

Later: looks like it may be. Sorry, I've not utilized this forum for much.

So, my question is about full-time living/permanently parked. Is there something in particular I need to pay attention to (besides being level)? Like, rest on tires? or not? Etc...

Thanks in advance,

Leslae

What make and model Motorhome? Aside from fuel issues some are better suited to full timing than others. The location will also be a factor. We full time between or Motorhome and a Park Model trailer. Each has its own pros and cons.

[ducksface]

Yes it does work.
Motorhomes line the streets in California.
Those folks had a plan.
I'm sure it was very similar.

Chose wisely who says what here and to what depths they go to make an idea seed itself, a path be seen, an acknowledgement of risk revealed, a history of the history of such things
Versus
those who say things like:
some anomalous chance someone says they know of

Bs

Some

Liar

Naysayer

Know it all.

I'm sure that post awakened a thought process for the op.
It sure did for me.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...e_GDhxg6wpaIt5

[Bob Nodine]

Sounds like this lady has very limited financial resources. Those who are suggesting she sell the motorhome and purchase a trailer mean well but that could be difficult if she does not have the resources to first purchase the trailer and move into it. She is now paying $400 per month for a space so I don't see her being able to travel to a different climate to chase the weather where she would likely pay over $1000 per month for a spot. She is worried about tires. The biggest problem with tires on a motorhome is aging. Tires usually dry rot in about seven years. It would be a good ideal to place a vapor barrier under them and cover them to protect them from the sun. I hope she has some transportation besides the motorhome. Maybe she can find a job to supplement her income. I am keenly aware of the problems of living on a fixed income and what happens as inflation reduces your buying power. If one is not fortunate enough to hit that phase of life with a good nest egg then they are likely to fall below the poverty line before the Good Lord calls them home.

[Chateau_Nomad]

Sometimes a situation re-appraisal is necessary...

The raw basics: Food, shelter and income to sustain both.

Food is pretty self explanatory.

Shelter could be fixed OR mobile living quarters. You will ALWAYS have maintenance expenses on ANY shelter... failure to budget for that will destroy the roof over your head. Unfortunately a motorhome is NOT cheap in that respect. A travel trailer is cheaper to maintain, with caveats.

IMO, for "permanent/temporary" living quarters (I'm thinking this isn't your long term life plan) a good condition small travel trailer with a BASIC tow vehicle is going to be less of a financial burden to reasonably maintain. You have a way to move your living quarters if necessary, AND you have basic common sense transportation.

I don't claim to be a life planning expert by any stretch... but I do have experience starting from near ground zero. What I found most helpful and FAR less chaotic and stressful was to just STOP.... sit down and assess the situation... create a financial plan - write it all down. Make a plan that works for you and stick to it.

[Scubawise]

Originally Posted by ducksface

Yes it does work.
Motorhomes line the streets in California.
Those folks had a plan.
I'm sure it was very similar.

Chose wisely who says what here and to what depths they go to make an idea seed itself, a path be seen, an acknowledgement of risk revealed, a history of the history of such things
Versus
those who say things like:
some anomalous chance someone says they know of

Bs

Some

Liar

Naysayer

Know it all.

I'm sure that post awakened a thought process for the op.
It sure did for me.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&sour...e_GDhxg6wpaIt5

What a sad video of the homeless.
Shame..

[DavidEM]

Please tell us what model Thor you have. That will help with more specific responses.

Tires:

Cover them to keep the sun off. Every three months or so, drive forward and then back to a place a few feet fore or aft of the previous spot to keep the rubber from taking a “set”.

Gas:

Add Stabil to the gas tank and if possible drive the rig for a few miles to mix it up and suck stabilized gas into the fuel system. This step is critical if your engine is carbureted, less so if fuel injected.

Start and run the engine until it reaches operating temperature every three months to bring in stabilized fuel and burn off condensate. Do this for the generator as well with it under load.

If you have a diesel chassis engine and generator, nothing is required. Diesel can last a long time just sitting, unlike gas.

Heating:

Do you plan to run electric space heaters or a built in propane heater? If the latter, depending on how much you use, arrange for a propane truck to come and fill you up if it gets low.

Following these steps should let you live in your RV for years.

David

[glenthompson]

While not permanent we were full time for 1.5 years after we sold our house much faster than expected and hadn't decided where we wanted to move. At the time we had a full time lot in Florida we used in the winter so we moved there in the early fall, spent the winter, then the pandemic hit and we weren't going anywhere.

The motorhome we lived in is still running great and has had no long term problems. We did use it some for short trips so it did nt sit completely unused.

My recommendations:

• Drive it some - if just a day trip somewhere. You want to get up to operating temperature for an hour or more.
• Use your generator if you have one - monthly under load for an hour.
• Regular oil changes - once a year at a minimum. This could be one of your outings.
• Roof maintenance - One small leak can wreak havoc on your rig. If parked under trees, wash it regularly.
• Keep your tires covered. Also check inflation pressures regularly.

[Boomdaddy3]

Originally Posted by DavidEM

Please tell us what model Thor you have. That will help with more specific responses.

Tires:

Cover them to keep the sun off. Every three months or so, drive forward and then back to a place a few feet fore or aft of the previous spot to keep the rubber from taking a “set”.

Gas:

Add Stabil to the gas tank and if possible drive the rig for a few miles to mix it up and suck stabilized gas into the fuel system. This step is critical if your engine is carbureted, less so if fuel injected.

Start and run the engine until it reaches operating temperature every three months to bring in stabilized fuel and burn off condensate. Do this for the generator as well with it under load.

If you have a diesel chassis engine and generator, nothing is required. Diesel can last a long time just sitting, unlike gas.

Heating:

Do you plan to run electric space heaters or a built-in propane heater? If the latter, depending on how much you use, arrange for a propane truck to come and fill you up if it gets low.

Following these steps should let you live in your RV for years.

I second David's suggestions.

However, I would idle the engine for 1h every month. I would also run the vehicle AC when doing that if the weather permits. We are full-timers in a Class A motorhome and I follow these procedures.

If you have a generator, run it at least once a month for about an hour under load or it will not start when needed. You will need to run the AC (in summer) or an electric space heater (in the winter) to generate the load.

I would echo the advice to sell the motorhome if you can & have a travel trailer delivered to your site. In general, you can get a better travel trailer for the same money and it would eliminate all the chassis maintenance considerations. Motorhome systems must be "exercised" to stay healthy (just like us). You should at least investigate this option if you are truly not going to be moving for years.

This is good forum - I recommend you start reading on different topics over time to ensure you are performing the appropriate maintenance (lubrication, cleaning, etc.) to make your vehicle last. I suggest you add your motorhome model to your signature or any posts you make. For example, we have a 2022 Thor ACE 29.5. Adding this information will make it easier for people to help you on this forum.

Best of luck and hope this works out for you.

blessings,
george