I've seen some campgrounds that wouldn't allow a truck camper to be unloaded.

Newt

I wonder if you shouldn't also be comparing buying an RV with renting an apartment or house instead of just looking at buying a house? This option also gives you more freedom to move.

Also, I think the question of whether it is a better financial decision to buy a house or rent has thoughtful advocates on either side of the debate. Obviously, these days many home owners wish they weren't.

Cheers John

I've almost decided to pick the truck camper over anything now. Here in Tennessee you don't need a title and pay sale taxes on a truck camper. Rent here is not cheap because this is a college town and also landlords want 12 months contract.

Been having a problem finding a RV dealer to install the brackets to hold down the camper to the truck. RV dealers said they don't work on truck campers for some reason.

Thanks, Bob

I am late to this topic but I would be way ahead living in an RV. My taxes on the house are almost $5000 a year and just keep going up and up. Taxes were $1400 when we bought in 1988 and in all that time the value has only just now doubled, though taxes have gone through the roof. Taxes on our RV are $57.50 and the truck is $64.25. Utility bills have $76 of service fees planted in every bill. I could pay park rent + elect and come out ahead. natural gas bill was $26 for $9 cost of gas, I don't think buying LP would cost me anywhere near my yearly gas bill. Don't even want to think about the cost for water and waste water charges. Insurance is also a lot on the house, over $1200 a year, 1/3 that for the RV.

I would live in the RV if I could but can't see that happening any time soon.

Edited January 9, 2013 by tibbar

I think it is cheaper to live in an RV. Plus the freedom you get from living in an RV is a huge benefit. We are a family of 7 traveling full time in our RV and are loving it. Choosing an RV over a house has enabled us to live an amazing life. We are doing so many fun things. Check it out at our blog NeverEndingRVTrip.com to see how we live in our RV. The places we are going and the things we are able to see would never have been possible if we stayed in our boring house.

Just thinking about it... the northern states in the winter in an rv is not going to be ideal, even with the best made of rvs. If you're parked in ND when it's -30(F) with the wind whipping past, I can't think any of them would be all that great.

And even if the rv is fine, it's still a pain getting propane often, filling fresh water tanks, and dumping waste tanks when it's super cold outside.

If you're going to stay more towards the southern half of the US, I can see living in the rv through the winter. This is our 7th winter and the most northerly so far, southern KY. Not bad so far. Coldest night so far was earlier this week, a little above 20 degrees (F). But so far, we haven't stayed below freezing all day long. It's not nearly as challenging.

Most anything "can" be done if one is determined enough.

For my tastes, I think I'd rather have a little more room than a slide-in truck camper for extended living. A 250/2500 with a long bed and a nice cap for storage, possible an extra fuel tank, a place for a generator, etc., and maybe a 24' to about 30' camper behind would be more conventional looking for staying at typical rv parks and would also be quite a bit roomier. But I know each has their own tastes, likes and dislikes.

Sincerely, best of luck as you figure all this stuff out. And keep us informed as it happens. We're kinda like family around here and we wonder what happens to each other.

Brian