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paulsonlaw
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# Posted: 8 Jan 2010 03:22pm
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I think what I tell most when on a budget or wanting to live off the grid is to consider the camper cabin way.
Get an older camper off criagslist or where ever for about 500 to a grand. You can use everything out of it for your cabin! The 12v wiring & lights, gauges & controls, even the generator if it has one. The fridges are normally 12v/120v & propane combos. The heaters are small but very effective & use much less lp. One would be very, very surprized of all the fittings, pumps, heaters, wiring, appliances, windows, & other parts. You can even use the kitchen!
The best part is you can stay in it until the shell is built & move everything on in! Had the old lady not "required" everything to be like that of a house I would have jumped on the idea, really saves a ton & parts are cheap & easy to replace.
*** If anyone has done the "camper cabin way" on here plz post your pics, Thanks!
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MikeOnBike
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# Posted: 8 Jan 2010 03:51pm
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My brother pulled appliances out of an RV trailer with a broken roof and water damage. All of the appliances work. He paid $1000 for the trailer, stripped the appliances and sold the bare frame for almost that. He will begin construction of his cabin this next summer.
Some friends have an old camper they set on blocks for their cabin. They built a roof over it to handle the winter snow but did not enclose it. They have it parked on a friends mountain property. Works great for them.
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Moontreeranch
Member
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# Posted: 12 Jan 2010 08:51pm - Edited by: Moontreeranch
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I got the cushions for my "dining area" from an RV salvage yard...whole set for about 1/2 what it would cost to just get the foam.
here it is during construction..couple more cushions up in the loft
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lawnjocky
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# Posted: 27 Jan 2010 07:05pm
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I just built this one for my trips back and forth.
Jocko
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hbarker1
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# Posted: 31 Jan 2010 08:30pm
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wish we could find a source for those wrecked / salvaged campers.
internets full of links but they are parting them out .
Any one know an insurance claims adjuster in the rv biz?
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toyota_mdt_tech
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# Posted: 2 Feb 2010 09:21pm - Edited by: toyota_mdt_tech
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I bought the little Magic Chef cooktop/oven from an old trailer. Its all stainless, 4 burners and has a nice stainless cover to go over the burners giving you extra counter space. I also bought the cute little double basin stainless sink from the same trailer. Looks like the photo, except its all stainless silver and 4 burners instead of 3 on top.
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Rob_O
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# Posted: 28 Jul 2010 11:33pm
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I may be going the "Camper Cabin Way". Going to look at a 16' travel trailer tomorrow or Friday. He wanted a grand, I offered $500, he called me an hour later and said come get it
Owner says one or both of the water tanks is rusted out/cracked/leaking (Yeah, it's old) but it has a newish rooftop AC unit, working 3-way fridge, working gas stove/oven, newish porcelain toilet and a roof that doesn't leak - didn't ask but I assume it has some sort of furnace as well.
If all the mechanicals work as he says, I'm going to grab it and run.
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islandguy
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2010 01:16pm
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Oh why must I be the one to rain on the parade? carefull with some of those old appliances, they may be more of a fire hazard, and may also produce more carbon monoxide than when new. Fridges in particular have a habit of failing when past a certain lifespan, and I have heard, but not confirmed, that rv fridges need the movement of road travel to keep working properly. I'm not being paranoid, nor am I saying its not a good idea, but really old appliances just may not be safe.
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dk1393
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:15pm
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I have a propane frig from an RV. It works great and I have had no problems at all. It uses about 1 lb of propane a day.
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Anonymous
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2010 05:25pm
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lawnjocky, is that wood stove homemade? neat lil stove!!!
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Rob_O
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2010 08:39pm
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Went by to check out the trailer this evening, found no evidence of leaks. We have had some pretty good storms the past couple days so I figured I should ck it out ASAP
Tanks were empty so I couldn't check out any of the appliances. It did have everything he mentioned, plus a small water heater
Quoting: islandguy Oh why must I be the one to rain on the parade? carefull with some of those old appliances, they may be more of a fire hazard, and may also produce more carbon monoxide than when new.
Good info there. Anyone considering a used RV or travel trailer should have the mechanical systems checked out thoroughly. My day job is mechanical repair - HVAC, electrical, plumbing and appliances - so I believe I have it covered.
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Rob_O
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# Posted: 29 Jul 2010 10:57pm
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Quoting: Anonymous lawnjocky, is that wood stove homemade? neat lil stove!!!
I believe Token built that for himself. He posted some great info in another thread I can't seem to find right now
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munkyfst
Member
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2010 01:39am
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islandguy,
just the oppositeon the movment thing, most older rv fridges need to be absolutly still to work properly, and any propane fired appliance MUST be vented. Easily done, small round hole out the wall, piece of flexpipe if you need it and tadaa... done.
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munkyfst
Member
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# Posted: 26 Sep 2010 01:41am
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lawnjoky,
we need to talk about marketing those skillz lol
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