For anyone who has lived full time in a van or a small rv.?

Question

What do you think is the minimal budget to be able to make it? Any advice?

Answer 1

You still will need a family size tent to set up outdoor kitchen so you are not a fire hazard in the van and for daytime privacy. It is like going from living room to the kitchen to the van/ bedroom where you sleep at night.
You must be active in the daylight hours and not hide out, you have to get good full rest when you sleep and be aware of hibernating to avoid life.
Same rules of living apply but never leave anything unlocked or ungaurded that you cann not afford to live without. People do take chances, hoping to take advantage.
Park in State parks or county parks that are well maintained, do not visit public restrooms or showers after dark, critters of the 4 and 2 legged kind lurk there.
Your safety is worth the possible $400 or so to park, you can shop online fopr lower rates and be sure to call and confirm before arrival.
There are no surprises when you plan for them.
Have an alternate form of transportation. If you are not able to tow a car behind, consider an electric scooter or mountain bike in case of short shopping trips or if you breakdown out of cell phone range.
Many campers are friendly and able to help but it is always a safety first issue. I am a single woman and I will get into a vehicle with some folks but NOT with anyone who gives a negative signal or feeling. Be prepared.
Living out of doors is more than the rent and utilities, it is planning and prep and weather watching and you are doing the right thing reserching the $$ but here are some sites that can help too
Tips on living in a van. Real estate on the go. Message History. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May ... In. LivingVan · Living in a Van. Home ...groups.yahoo.com/group/LivingVan
www.grasshoppertakeover.com/roadnotes/LivingInAVan.htm
We are collecting hints and tips for living in a very small space. Many camper, RV and mobile home dwellers know some valuable secrets they could ...www.phancypages.com/newsletter/ZNewsletter847.htm
spaces, I could definitely see myself travelling around in a camper-type thing. ... not build a small, nicely detailed house for daily living, then put the ...crasch.livejournal.com/339505.html

Answer 2

I have lived fulltime for over two years in a med size fifth wheel trailer, with a teen son, three dogs and a cat.

You can get by on $600-700 a month if you are thrifty. Most RV parks have some monthly rental spaces, avg of $300-350, including utilities, cable tv, shower facilities, often internet, electricity and propane both are extra. This will be cheaper than trying to stay in state or county campgrounds, which will cost a minimum of $600 a month without the RV park amenities.

There are people who live in vans/RV's and just move around, which of course is cheaper, but then you don't have electricity, heat, or cooking facilities. If you can afford to settle in an RV or trailer park, do it.

There are also people in rural areas that have room and hookups for an RV on their property, often for relatives, or from a former owner, if you advertise in classified, you might be able to get in on something like that.

My son and I lived on $950 a month, including RV Park rent, car insurance, trailer insurance, transportation to/from his school daily, clothing, food, and we had enough each month for entertainment, a few CD's or DVD's, etc.

Answer 3

Had a friend in Florida who did this every year for the "season", about 6 months...she stayed in the parking lot of the condo (it was okay with the association), but she had to go to a pump out station for all the necessities (like a clean washroom)...she had power and everytihing, but plugged into her own 1 bedroom unit...She loved it!!