View Full Version : Camper suggestions and recommendations
catherine
9-27-22, 10:44am
As y'all know, we don't have a lot of extra space here in our little house. Fine with me. I love the cozy little "Shanghai Shack" as DH calls it.
But the one disappointing thing is the lack of space for guests. We never anticipated how many people would want to visit us! :)
Good problem to have, and I always anticipated being able to put them up in a hotel rather than carry the cost of having to heat a larger home when not all of it is used. However, in the summer, places are hard to find because this is a tourist area, and in the winter, places close completely. So we are examining our options.
If I had a spare $100k or so I would raise the pitch of the roof and do a Cape Cod-ish thing with a dormer or two. That would give us two small rooms and another small bath.
But I am not entertaining that thought, unless I come into money somehow.
So now we're thinking used camper--a small one--maybe 17-21 ft. There are plenty around, but here's another issue: if we want to use it in the winter, we have been told it has to be designed for cold weather, so that pipes don't freeze. Makes sense, but it never occurred to me. There are only a handful of those campers out there, and they are more expensive. So we could use it as a sleeping space, but the person occupying it would not have access to plumbing. They'd have to come into the house to use the bathroom--but only in the winter.
In a broad sense, given my challenge, what would you do?
I live in Florida, so maybe not the best source. The motor home we had did have a winter tank warmer, though. If the camper is to be parked in a permanent site I would explore a skirting enclosure with perhaps some way to heat underneath the unit. Again, FL girl - but I'm envisioning some space heater on low. :).
Having guest space separate from the main home is fabulous for both you and your guests, though. You can decide how much privacy to give each other. Win / win.
ToomuchStuff
9-27-22, 11:41am
Do you have a garage the camper would fit in?
catherine
9-27-22, 11:44am
Do you have a garage the camper would fit in?
No, we don't. It would be exposed to the elements--including the harsh north winds off the lake.
Here in the PNW, campers exposed to the elements tend to leak and develop mold issues. Most people who use them for the purpose you describe seem to end up putting up a carport-like covered structure over them.
catherine
9-27-22, 11:52am
Here in the PNW, campers exposed to the elements tend to leak and develop mold issues. Most people who use them for the purpose you describe seem to end up putting up a carport-like covered structure over them.
And does that help? The only "carport" we have is a 100 ft. old maple. But we could perhaps come up with something with 3 walls.
And does that help? The only "carport" we have is a 100 ft. old maple. But we could perhaps come up with something with 3 walls.
Most of the ones here are just a simple roof atop posts. Generally with a bit of a pitch to the roof. Usually no walls. My neighbor’s sometimes develops walls of stacked firewood on the windward side.
I’ve even seen folks stretching the classic, elegant, blue tarp above their camper, suspended by nearby trees, but those don’t hold up in the winds here for long.
I guess the crucial part is to get some sort of “roof” over the trailer to keep the water off the trailer’s roof and prevent the inevitable leaky seams.
catherine
9-27-22, 11:58am
I’ve even seen folks stretching the classic, elegant, blue tarp above their camper, suspended by nearby trees, but those don’t hold up in the winds here for long.
The same would be true here. We tried the tarp thing over my son's teardrop, and the Four Winds laughed at us.
catherine
9-27-22, 12:02pm
I guess the crucial part is to get some sort of “roof” over the trailer to keep the water off the trailer’s roof and prevent the inevitable leaky seams.
We could do something like that--suspend a roof, or extend a roof off of another outbuilding.
But the PNW's winters are pretty benign, all things considered.
Like this:
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/9f/28/9e/9f289eabcf66557f6dbffd21686c09d7.jpg
Exactly, Tybee! Old-school "tiny homes" :-)
Because of the cost of housing here, that is a fairly common housing solution.
It doesn't get especially cold here (though we had a week+ of single-digit temps last winter, which nothing here is really prepared for), but we get tons of rain and wind in the winter, and water intrusion/mold growth is a constant battle for everyone, even in fancy-pants homes.
Great pic, Tybee!
Here is picture of my neighbors-to-the-east's Park Model camper. They stay here every summer weekend. They built that pole barn themselves (partners=1 male + 1 badass female). They also built the stone wall. Typical self-reliant locals. They're awesome.
I don't think we could do anything that sophisticated, but I think a basic wooden pitched roof with supports would do.
4857
I live in Florida, so maybe not the best source. The motor home we had did have a winter tank warmer, though. If the camper is to be parked in a permanent site I would explore a skirting enclosure with perhaps some way to heat underneath the unit. Again, FL girl - but I'm envisioning some space heater on low. :).
Having guest space separate from the main home is fabulous for both you and your guests, though. You can decide how much privacy to give each other. Win / win.
Thanks for the vote of confidence for the idea. I do look at it as a win-win, as long as I can figure out how to do it right, given the climate up here! Some of those campers are NICE!
Our camper has what the manufacturer calls an Extreme Weather Package, which means it has extra insulation, heated tanks (fresh water, gray tank and black tank), an enclosed underbelly and PEX plumbing lines (which is supposed to be more resistant to freezing than PVC).
We haven't tested it in extreme cold but I would think that if you found a camper with those features and kept its interior heated to a comfortable level, you shouldn't have a problem with the water lines or sanitary drains freezing.
Our camper has what the manufacturer calls an Extreme Weather Package, which means it has extra insulation, heated tanks (fresh water, gray tank and black tank), an enclosed underbelly and PEX plumbing lines (which is supposed to be more resistant to freezing than PVC).
We haven't tested it in extreme cold but I would think that if you found a camper with those features and kept its interior heated to a comfortable level, you shouldn't have a problem with the water lines or sanitary drains freezing.
Which camper do you have, Alan? I know yours is probably way overkill for me, but was wondering who the manufacturer is.
Our camper has what the manufacturer calls an Extreme Weather Package, which means it has extra insulation, heated tanks (fresh water, gray tank and black tank), an enclosed underbelly and PEX plumbing lines (which is supposed to be more resistant to freezing than PVC).
I used to lose my plumbing in my garage every few years, and the plumbing in one of my boats, from unexpected extreme cold weather events. (It rarely gets below freezing here even in the winter, so when it does for an extended period of time, bad things happen if you didn't plan ahead.)
I replaced the problematic lines the final time with PEX about 10 years ago, and all those runs have survived several periods of extreme cold that surely would have slain the previous plumbing.
Two Thumbs Up!
Which camper do you have, Alan? I know yours is probably way overkill for me, but was wondering who the manufacturer is.
It's a Winnebago, Minnie
https://scontent.fluk1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.15752-9/308117641_655368422674772_1382894439957577960_n.pn g?_nc_cat=102&ccb=1-7&_nc_sid=ae9488&_nc_ohc=XQ_67UaC0N4AX_99NnJ&_nc_ht=scontent.fluk1-1.fna&oh=03_AVJ0MJPvOEcbk43pSauQvj9WUffGOphYEDaGgZJV5s8O fw&oe=635AA585
would your neighbors let you put up something this big?
ttps://vermont.craigslist.org/tro/d/east-calais-2007-camper/7538244161.html
It's 2000 dollars.
would your neighbors let you put up something this big?
ttps://vermont.craigslist.org/tro/d/east-calais-2007-camper/7538244161.html
It's 2000 dollars.
Sorry, the link did not work. It's 32 feet and very roomy.
Tybee, you just omitted the leading "h" in the link. If you add it, then we can see the camper.
Simplemind
9-27-22, 7:56pm
We have used ours for guests. I wish we had a way to get it into our backyard but it won't make the corner without taking out a pear tree that has been tried and true. If I had a way to cover it I would. Leaks are always a concern. You can get cold weather packages for them. We have no way to empty the black water here so it has to wait until we can get to a dump station. I do love that it provides extra comforts that a spare bedroom does not. We can set it up for them to have coffee the next morning and it has a TV and stereo system. Heck..... I have often just gone out to sit in it and do art projects.
Tybee, thank you for the link. The price is amazing. The town is only about an hour or so away. But that is WAY too big!! :).
Alan, your Minnie is also too big for me. Our neighbors next door had one, and it was pretty nice. But the MicroMinnie is something I would consider if it were cheaper. It seems too new to have many used ones out there at good prices.
https://www.winnebago.com/models/product/towables/travel-trailer/micro-minnie-flx?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=branded&utm_content=&utm_term=&gclid=CjwKCAjw4c-ZBhAEEiwAZ105Rdfzoo_NUcrFEg0Yu0NIkzyvbdBpE47wtIeSn N8ijIi7vMOYFOD8hBoC_2MQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
I'd also consider an Airstream Bambi or Caravan, if I could get a used one at a decent price.
Is 21 feet too big?
https://vermont.craigslist.org/rvs/d/pittsford-jayco-jay-feather-19h-2005/7534296946.html
In my experience, the Bambi's are incredibly expensive when you can find them--but check the airstream forum, it's great.
Also, a Casita or a Scamp would be my first choice. Also incredibly hard to find and the prices have shot way up.
rosarugosa
9-29-22, 6:23am
I love Airstreams; I think they are adorable.
If it weren't against our local zoning laws, I would get one of these set up in our driveway and move my mother in. That would be perfect!
I love Airstreams; I think they are adorable.
If it weren't against our local zoning laws, I would get one of these set up in our driveway and move my mother in. That would be perfect!
Check with your local zoning board--those ADU laws are being changed all over the country, due to need and demand.
iris lilies
9-29-22, 1:20pm
Do you really need plumbing out in a camper used for guests? They need a bed to sleep in and maybe a place to escape for a bit, a place that’s temperature controlled.
Don’t you really just need heating and cooling? And then for Vermont you don’t really need cooling, right? I think it’s fairly easy to get electricity to a unit for heat and lights.
Can’t they use your bathroom in the few times they need to use the bathroom? They can shower and brush their teeth once in the morning, and that’s it. For the boys and men, they just flip out the equipment and urinate behind the trailer, it’s not a big deal. You are out in the country.
Do you really need plumbing out in a camper used for guests? They need a bed to sleep in and maybe a place to escape for a bit, a place that’s temperature controlled.
Don’t you really just need heating and cooling? And then for Vermont you don’t really need cooling, right? I think it’s fairly easy to get electricity to a unit.
Can’t they use your bathroom in the few times they need to use the bathroom? They can shower and brush their teeth once in the morning, and that’s it. For the boys and men, they just flip out the equipment and urinate behind the trailer, it’s not a big deal. You are out in the country.
There are handy little products women can use to the same effect, though they might take a little practice,
For the boys and men, they just flip out the equipment and urinate behind the trailer, it’s not a big deal. You are out in the country.
I know of women who can go in the out of doors without much hesitation. It would be a shame not to share the freedom of it based on gender alone.
I know of women who can go in the out of doors without much hesitation. It would be a shame not to share the freedom of it based on gender alone.
Yes--that ability raises not a little envy in me...:D
Do you really need plumbing out in a camper used for guests? They need a bed to sleep in and maybe a place to escape for a bit, a place that’s temperature controlled.
Don’t you really just need heating and cooling? And then for Vermont you don’t really need cooling, right? I think it’s fairly easy to get electricity to a unit for heat and lights.
Can’t they use your bathroom in the few times they need to use the bathroom? They can shower and brush their teeth once in the morning, and that’s it. For the boys and men, they just flip out the equipment and urinate behind the trailer, it’s not a big deal. You are out in the country.
Yes, that's definitely doable. Plus, we're much more likely to have summer guests than winter ones.
And, yes, guys can go behind a tree like Rogar said. As for women, when I was young and staying at my great-aunt's beach cottage, I slept in the downstairs bedroom, and the downstairs bathroom was accessed only by stepping out onto the back porch and then turning right into the bathroom. She didn't want me wandering around outside at night if I had to go to the bathroom, so she left a chamber pot in my room, which I used regularly. I'm guessing my guests wouldn't take that option well, however.
She was born in 1881, so as classy and refined as she was, I'm sure she thought nothing of using chamber pots.
She was born in 1881, so as classy and refined as she was, I'm sure she thought nothing of using chamber pots.
We didn't have indoor plumbing until I was in 6th grade, chamber pots were put to good use in our house, especially in winter.
We didn't have indoor plumbing until I was in 6th grade, chamber pots were put to good use in our house, especially in winter.
Wow. Reminds me of one of my very favorite "simple living" movies: A Home of Our Own with Kathy Bates. That is such a great movie--and an outhouse becomes an important part of the plot.
Wow. Reminds me of one of my very favorite "simple living" movies: A Home of Our Own with Kathy Bates. That is such a great movie--and an outhouse becomes an important part of the plot.
I accidentaly burnt ours down in 4th grade. It wasn't in a movie but it was a major factor in our life, at least for a while. ;)
I would prefer a chamber pot to leaving my bed, clambering out of a camper, traversing a strip of land, letting myself into the main house, using the indoor facility, and repeating the process in reverse. Especially in any kind of weather. Brings back memories of latrines in scout camp...
On the other hand, what about a composting toilet?
I would prefer a chamber pot to leaving my bed, clambering out of a camper, traversing a strip of land, letting myself into the main house, using the indoor facility, and repeating the process in reverse. Especially in any kind of weather. Brings back memories of latrines in scout camp...
On the other hand, what about a composting toilet?
Well, now that I think about it, we could simply use the portable boat potty. Our boat is in storage in the winter.
iris lilies
9-29-22, 8:16pm
Well, now that I think about it, we could simply use the portable boat potty. Our boat is in storage in the winter.
Your boat has a latrine? Wow that is fancy.
Your boat has a latrine? Wow that is fancy.
The boat is a pontoon boat. Not all pontoon boats have "dressing rooms" but ours does--you flip up a console-height table and unzip it (see picture). It was definitely a selling point for me, knowing how long I'd be out with DH while he fishes for The Big One. The potty is in the dressing room and it does make me feel more confident that I won't have to hang off the back of the boat.
4858
Well, now that I think about it, we could simply use the portable boat potty. Our boat is in storage in the winter.
I know little about boat toilets, but I was looking around at camp toilets and noticed this waterless composting toilet that seem somewhat reasonable. I wonder if the tiny house movement has other possibilities?
https://www.shoptinyhouses.com/products/ogo-dry-composting-toilet?currency=USD&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=Google%20Shopping&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI38n8j6q7-gIVDa_ICh3d4Q98EAQYByABEgJZH_D_BwE
I accidentaly burnt ours down in 4th grade. It wasn't in a movie but it was a major factor in our life, at least for a while. ;)
Ok, before this goes by any further without asking----how on earth did you set it afire?
Ok, before this goes by any further without asking----how on earth did you set it afire?
I think I told the story here before, but that was some time ago. To set the stage, imagine an outhouse attached to the outside wall of a larger outbuilding which is also being used as a chicken coop, a pile of fresh hay in the outbuilding for nests, a couple of missing boards along the back wall and a 55 gallon drum used for the burning of trash behind the building. Then imagine an 8 or so year old boy given a bag filled with assorted trash including a pair of his own pants, which had probably been patched beyond any further repair, and a wooden kitchen match to burn it all in the drum.
That boy was me and after igniting the trash in the barrel, I noticed one leg of the pants hanging out of the barrel while the other leg was burning inside. I must have thought it would be pretty cool to grab the outside the drum leg and then twirl the pants over my head while watching the other leg burn. Well of course part of the burning leg separated from the pants and flew into the opening in the outbuilding, igniting the fresh hay and burnt both the outbuilding and the outhouse to the ground.
Farm workers came from miles around to watch the blaze and pump water from our well to douse the house to keep it safe. I think I hid during the whole event.
ALAN!!!!! that's funny now, right?
iris lilies
9-30-22, 4:19pm
ALAN!!!!! that's funny now, right?
I want to know how old his mom was or how many years past the incident that she found it funny.
Or did she ever find it funny?
I want to know how old his mom was or how many years past the incident that she found it funny.
Or did she ever find it funny?
***SPOILER ALERT****
If you don't intend to see A Home of Our Own or if you've already seen it, you might want to see 1:27:50 to about 1:35:25. Maybe this was how it happened with Alan and his mom.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0ep1-IgLlRg
ALAN!!!!! that's funny now, right?
I want to know how old his mom was or how many years past the incident that she found it funny.
Or did she ever find it funny?
If I was 8 at the time, that would have made her 26, I don't recall if she ever thought it was funny but I know my dad definitely didn't.
Now, 60 or so years later, I still don't find it amusing but I got over being mortified by it years ago.
A couple of years ago my younger brother brought it up with me, he's 8 years younger than me so he only knew about it as part of family history. He wanted to know how it happened so after going over it point by point he seemed to find it hilarious, but that boy always has been strange.
Update:
My DD/DSIL asked if we would be OK with them buying a camper and keeping it here. They LOVE it up here but sometimes they are forced to go back home after a long day here due to space constraints. And now they have a 9-month old baby.
We were non-commital in our attitude--had some concerns about that related to where we would keep it; what siblings would think, etc.
Then we figured it could be a win-win if we offered to pay 50% in exchange for being able to have family and friends use it whenever DD/DSIL are not there.
They loved the idea
Next day DH saw a 2018 22' Forest River Grey Wolf for sale in the local newspaper by a private seller in the Islands.
We saw it, took pictures, sent to DD/DSIL
They loved it
We advised them to go the local RV showroom to be sure they didn't like something else better
They did (go to the RV store) and they didn't (like anything else better)
We arranged for them to see the local one
They liked it
Seller turned out to be DH's mechanic which cut DH at the knees in his ability to use his superb negotiating skills
We bought it at asking price
Wow. I'm happy about it but my head is still spinning. Overall it should be a great thing. But we'll see how it all pans out.
Wow. That as quick!
That's the way we tend to operate. We do nothing forever but then we'll strike fast.
Congratulations! I bet it gets tons of use!
iris lilies
5-23-23, 8:44am
I think that is a great solution to space constraints! It makes so much sense to me.
I think that is a great solution to space constraints! It makes so much sense to me.
Thanks for your endorsement! When my DS asked me how this fit into my "simple living" values I told him that my life energy is worth spending on more time with my family. And, also, investing half-interest in a used camper is a LOT cheaper than putting a second floor on our cottage.
happystuff
5-23-23, 9:27am
That's a great idea for addressing space issues. Congrats all around!!
iris lilies
5-23-23, 11:24am
Thanks for your endorsement! When my DS asked me how this fit into my "simple living" values I told him that my life energy is worth spending on more time with my family. And, also, investing half-interest in a used camper is a LOT cheaper than putting a second floor on our cottage.
That’s what I think about the building-on idea.
frankly, it is temporary. Those RV’s don’t last forever. This one will last about as long as you need it to last. Your grand children are very young now but in 10 to 15 years they all will not want to trek up to Vermont, they will have their own life and friends. Though you DO have a boat and a lake, so that will be an enduring attraction.
Teacher Terry
5-24-23, 1:35am
I think it’s an excellent solution! When we had our motor home we used it as a guest room frequently since we only had one guest room in the house.
Now you just need a porch for it:
https://i.pinimg.com/1200x/5a/82/3c/5a823c5bfc5704ff0bb4d6347359aa54.jpg
Powered by vBulletin® Version 4.2.5 Copyright © 2025 vBulletin Solutions Inc. All rights reserved.