Lost in Decissions

[madmac]

We, the wife and I bought a fifthwheel not long ago with the intent to just see the world. I am a few years away from retirement yet but this was our plan. The fifth is almost paid off and we are almost completely out of debt. Man it feels good. The fifthwheel is our home. It has all we need. Well here is our problem. With fuel getting so high and other world problems I feel we need to find a piece of land, homestead it and maybe travel by car rather than toting this fifthwheel around. So now I need to figure out just were to buy. We live in AZ. and like the weather but most land is setup to build houses on or the price is way too high. Parking the fifthwheel on a piece of land somewhere will give me options to build a small cabin or just live in it when we come back from a trip. What to do and were to buy has got me stumped.

[flatwater]

madmac , Your in luck. As long as the fifth is all you need , you should be able to find a good deal on some land that really would not be good for a house. So long as you can find a level piece that you can get your fifth in and out. This makes a good bargaining tool when it comes time to buy land ie: it's pretty rocky , the soil is not very good, It's not very level !! If you want the perfect piece of land you will pay the price
Flatwater

[flatwater]

A friend of mine bought a 5 acre piece just down the road from me that is hilly with a few pines and a lot of scab rock. but the neat thing about it half way up the hill was a nice little level area about one half acre in size. He scaled down his cabin plans a little , had a road bulldozed in and does raised gardening with dirt he hauled in. Once he got up on the hill he also had a nice little view.
Flatwater

[madmac]

Well flatwater that is what I am thinking I need to do. You are right about only needing a small flat spot to park it. I am looking, got about three years tops to find my spot.

[SkooliesRock]

madmac- Why buy at all? There are alot of retirees who can't wait to sell their homes so they can travel. Some clubs like Good Sam & Escapees offer mail-forwarding services, and provide you with a "home" address.

You & your wife ever look into work-camping? It's where you exchange a few hours (be sure it's clear going-in) in exchange for a full-hookup campsite, many furnish wi-fi now, so you'd have internet access.

Owning property ties you down & burdens you with taxes. Sounds like you're "free & clear" debt wise, and you've already got your home on wheels......how much cash would you save on land, taxes, and upkeep? It could just as easily be put into your tank & provide the means to "see the world", which is what you wanted at one time.

[SkooliesRock]

Here's a couple sites I've lurked on a little. Give them a read if you have the time, you'll see several "full-timers" there who love it.

http://www.rv.net/forum/

http://escapees.infopop.cc/eve/forums

[madmac]

Thanks. Maybe I am just worried this old world is going to change and feel a need to hunker down so I can weather the storm. Not really sure. Maybe just cold feet. Yes we still want to travel but with the economy I am not sure it will be posible. I have been offered a job here at one of our lakes for free space.

[SkooliesRock]

I'd give it some serious consideration. Give the offer made to you a temporary try.... you can always buy later.