Feasibility of mobile housing for one

[pezfallout]

Hey, just registered but have been reading for a few days. I love the atmosphere here on the site. I haven't read one unhelpful/negative comment with all the threads I've gone through which says a lot about the community you have!

Anyways, a little history of my situation so you can understand where I'm coming from and what I'm looking to accomplish...

In the military, married and own a house in the states. Currently OCONUS on a 12 month tour and it doesn't look like I'm going to get stationed back where my house is. My wife is pursuing a nursing degree and can't move around, so she will be remaining with the house regardless of where I go. I can't afford rent and the mortgage for her so I need a mobile solution.

I should be debt free with a bit left over once I finish my tour. So here is what I'd like to do with the leftovers...

1. A turbo diesel Isuzu NPR/Mitsubishi Fuso based build. I would like a Fuso 4x4 but they're significantly more than the NPRs so it's probably not an option.

2. Will use the original box as the basis for my build since it can be as spartan as it needs to be, initially, because cash is king. I don't want to buy a camper (that I could afford) that would need repairs and custom mounting headaches.

3. Marine grade utilities, LPG/120v appliances, single sink, 1-2 burner stove, twin bed (full size if space allows), 30 gallon (or what I can feasibly fit) fresh water tank with tankless heater (or might go with an LPG water heater depending on budget).

4. Two exterior slide windows with 1-2 pop-up vents with fans

5. Depending on initial climate I'm moving to, AC or furnace. Can add either later as time allows.


By using the web to buy parts, military discount at home depot for local purchases I would like to see if I can get away with $10K for an initial build. That means aesthetic finishes are the last priority. If I can find a solid candidate for ~$5500 (which I've seen a few so far) and spend about another $5k, could I do it? I've got access to all the tools I need, nothing will be outsourced and I've got a buddy who fills in all of the gaps in what I don't know myself.

Honest opinions, real-life experience, general observations welcome.

 

[YukonRob]

No words of wisdom or helpful advice - just a sincere thank you for your service to our Country. Good luck, and stay safe.

 

[dwh]

Build a camper out of delivery truck with box? No problem.

You'll want good insulation. Perfect if you can find a used delivery truck with reefer box. If not, you'll need to insulate. The more the better when it comes to insulation. You'll occasionally wish you had more, but you'll never wish you had less.

I've got a Wedgewood 3-burner w/oven stove in my camper. I've never used all three burners. I wouldn't go less than two though, as I generally do use two in the morning to cook breakfast and make coffee at the same time. I tried out the oven when I first got this camper. Tossed in a roast at 350 degrees. After a while, I think the oven brought the temp of the entire camper up to 350... Well maybe not that high, but definitely too high. Haven't used it since (two years). I don't have a microwave and don't miss it.

DC fridges are nice, but they run on batteries and something has to charge the batteries. Unless you have power either in form of solar and parking in the sun, a shore power connection, a generator or driving regularly - you should probably go with an LPG fridge. My camper has the smallest that Norcold makes, the 323, and running it on low and also cooking 3 squares a day, a 5g tank of propane lasts over a month and it uses no electricity at all.

Air conditioning will require substantial AC power - battery power just won't do it. It can be done, but it takes a lot of batteries and rather beefy way to recharge them. Same with electric heat.

A typical RV furnace is a pig that will suck a propane tank and a battery completely dry in a couple of days. Catalytic or Propex is a better way to go if using propane. Best would be diesel fired hydronic and have hot water as well. Expensive though - a propane setup would probably be cheaper.

You didn't mention shower or toilet. Probably the handiest way to go for a toilet would be a cassette toilet. My camper has a Thetford toilet on top of a 10g black water tank. With just me, it takes about two weeks to be filled and then it has to be dumped.


You might consider picking up a used camper or trailer and stripping out the interior. You'd get just about everything you'd need to build a working camper inside of a delivery box. The basics you need is - toilet, shower, sink, stove, fridge, heat, water heat and a bed.

If you're shooting for stealth then anything that makes it look like a motorhome or camper - for instance windows - will compromise the stealthiness.

 

[1leglance]

I am pretty sure there are some builds on here that used a Uhaul box truck...
if not a google search on uhaul campers or something like that should turn up results.
If it is just you and doesn't have to be pretty then there are a ton of options.
Folding cot & sleep pad until you built nicer
Camping stove until you get nicer
Ice Chest until you get propane fridge
Truck stop shower until you get something sorted
Fast food bathroom until you build something

I think you can do alot of the build over time and save money since as a guy you don't need it pretty & done from the get go.

LED lights will help save on batteries.

My only suggestion that matters is to use camping gear to save money until you can afford the best quality stuff so it will last.

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Hey, just registered but have been reading for a few days. I love the atmosphere here on the site. I haven't read one unhelpful/negative comment with all the threads I've gone through which says a lot about the community you have!

Anyways, a little history of my situation so you can understand where I'm coming from and what I'm looking to accomplish...

In the military, married and own a house in the states. Currently OCONUS on a 12 month tour and it doesn't look like I'm going to get stationed back where my house is. My wife is pursuing a nursing degree and can't move around, so she will be remaining with the house regardless of where I go. I can't afford rent and the mortgage for her so I need a mobile solution.

I should be debt free with a bit left over once I finish my tour. So here is what I'd like to do with the leftovers...

1. A turbo diesel Isuzu NPR/Mitsubishi Fuso based build. I would like a Fuso 4x4 but they're significantly more than the NPRs so it's probably not an option.

2. Will use the original box as the basis for my build since it can be as spartan as it needs to be, initially, because cash is king. I don't want to buy a camper (that I could afford) that would need repairs and custom mounting headaches.

3. Marine grade utilities, LPG/120v appliances, single sink, 1-2 burner stove, twin bed (full size if space allows), 30 gallon (or what I can feasibly fit) fresh water tank with tankless heater (or might go with an LPG water heater depending on budget).

4. Two exterior slide windows with 1-2 pop-up vents with fans

5. Depending on initial climate I'm moving to, AC or furnace. Can add either later as time allows.


By using the web to buy parts, military discount at home depot for local purchases I would like to see if I can get away with $10K for an initial build. That means aesthetic finishes are the last priority. If I can find a solid candidate for ~$5500 (which I've seen a few so far) and spend about another $5k, could I do it? I've got access to all the tools I need, nothing will be outsourced and I've got a buddy who fills in all of the gaps in what I don't know myself.

Honest opinions, real-life experience, general observations welcome.

If you take your budget of 10K and apply it to rent, you will find that you can pay your rent for many years for the price of building the truck and then having to insure, register and maintain it.

I was in a similar situation coming off my last deployment in December, I was moving and didn't want to pay a lot in rent. I worked out the cost of buying a larger travel trailer and the cost of maintenance and improvements. I ended up after much thought and working my budget from different angles renting a inexpensive duplex.


Honestly man, you won't save any money and short term is will cost much more than renting a small apartment.

 

[pezfallout]

Wow guys, I really appreciate all of the responses! All of them constructive and several differing opinions.

Jnich77,

I can't argue the logic you have, it's pretty air tight. I guess I would have to say that it boils down to 1) a need for something to occupy my time since I'll be alone, 2) being able to go and move wherever as I please without contracts, 30 notices, etc and 3) being capable of getting some return on on my investment in the event it's no longer needed -- even if it's half of what I paid for it.

I'm a mechanic, electrician, carpenter, jack of all trades kind of person, so the project factor of it is also really appealing.

dwh/1leglance,

Great ideas and advice. I've been compiling the list items to see how close I would come to the budget. As with doing really any project, factor in about 10-15% for random nuts, bolts, metal stock, couplers, etc etc. My labor is free (my buddy works for a 12-pack haha), so maybe with the right planning I can do a real bare-bones and come in well under budget. Here's to hoping!

 

[alosix]

There's a $5k mini-class A in the for sale section that sounds perfect for this.

another $5k into that and you'd probably be able to exist without any hookups for quite some time. It would also be an easier candidate for 4x4 conversion than a FG.. I think..

Jason

 

[1leglance]

I will second that concept of that $4900 rig that is being sold here on expo as a small size class A....
Great concept and easier to get your money back out of down the road.

 

[pezfallout]

If it was in my ability that does look like it would be a great starting point. My residence/support system is located in Florida, the rig is in Oregon (if I remember right) and I'm not 100% sure where I'm headed after this. I could buy it in full right now, I'd just have no way to retrieve it and might end up having to sell it if I end up doing a second overseas assignment (Japan is currently on my short list, would love to be able to go help them recover and rebuild!).

I'm going to continue with the pricing research for the custom rig and keep my eyes open for other good candidates. Thank you all so much, again!

 

[Deleted member 9101]

Wow guys, I really appreciate all of the responses! All of them constructive and several differing opinions.

Jnich77,

I can't argue the logic you have, it's pretty air tight. I guess I would have to say that it boils down to 1) a need for something to occupy my time since I'll be alone, 2) being able to go and move wherever as I please without contracts, 30 notices, etc and 3) being capable of getting some return on on my investment in the event it's no longer needed -- even if it's half of what I paid for it.

1. Train for the Bataan death march, takes up tons of time...lol. No really, I can appreciate the need for something to occupy your time.. but this one will bleed you dry financially.

2. You still have to find a place to park it, water, and electric. Also, I know I have three duffel bags, two aid bags, 9 uniforms, and a foot locker full of gear... don't know what branch of service you are in or what your MOS is but you need storage space.

3. Being home made it will really not bring much at all when it comes time to sell. At least one made by a reputable manufacture will net some kind of return, although the ware and tear from living in it will really show.

4. Also, I see you mentioned possibility going to Japan... now you have to find a safe place to park it while you are gone.