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KTeaB · 06-04-2012, 08:17 PM

Hi everyone, I'm Katie from Massachusetts. I'm loving this forum and all the great information!

I'm looking for a little advice. DH is in the Air Force and will be going to a 6 month long school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS this fall and winter. I'm hoping to "move" down there with him with our 2 youngest children (6 & 7) for that time frame. My plan is to become "Snow Birds" and spend the winter in a travel trailer down there in the base campground.

So, my plan is to buy a (used but nice) travel trailer, live in it for 6 months, and then sell it. Does this sound feasible to you all? Is there any such thing as renting an RV or trailer for that long? If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

I'd love to just keep the camper, but we're out on our boat every weekend all summer, so don't really have time to use one on a regular basis when we're home in MA.

Thanks so much,

Katie

pagosajoe · 06-04-2012, 09:52 PM

Hi Katie,

First thing you may want to check is how long you can stay at the "FamCamp" at Keesler AFB. Their phone number is (228) 377-9050. Here's a link to their web site:

81FSS

Buying and selling any RV could be a challenge, but it certainly can be done. You may consider what you'd do with it if you don't sell it. It sounds like your DH has a follow-on assignment back to MA after the school. Are you willing to take the trailer with you if you can't sell it? Winter may not be a good time to try to sell an RV - but we bought ours in January - you never know.

So many things to consider in these decisions. I've gone to so many schools during my time in the USAF, I think I spent half my career in class.

Whatever you choose, all the best - military families have a challenging life! We all appreciate the sacrifices you make!

TXiceman · 06-05-2012, 06:30 AM

In order to get ou t of short term RV purchase, you are going to have to SHOP SHOP SHOP hard to find the best deal possible for a trailer that will work for you. Then you will have to work hard to sell it for the best price possible.

As noted winter is hard time to sell an RV. I doubt if you can make any money and be hard pressed to come close to breaking even on a trailer. With the current economy, it is a buyers market which will work in your favor buying and hurt you selling.

If you do your home work and get a really goo deal on the trialer up front, it woun't be too bad.

Ken

RMinflorida · 06-05-2012, 12:30 PM

Just a couple of things to think about.
Try to get a TT with a slide out, the extra room might save your sanity after six months.

If you look at buying a TT as paying rent in advance on a apartment or house, it might ease the loss of money when you sell.

Buy a MH and keep it to tow the boat.

RVing is just a expensive way to save money

travelgirl · 06-05-2012, 01:12 PM

Howdy,

There are many company's out there that rent class B and C coaches you might want to consider looking into them instead of buying one out right go to google and type in the search rv's for rent it's a toll free number there are also many local dealerships that rent class B and C coaches out as well... but if I had to rent I rather not get a TT and get a camper or coach... best of luck

henryn · 06-05-2012, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KTeaB

Hi everyone, I'm Katie from Massachusetts. I'm loving this forum and all the great information!

I'm looking for a little advice. DH is in the Air Force and will be going to a 6 month long school at Keesler AFB in Biloxi, MS this fall and winter. I'm hoping to "move" down there with him with our 2 youngest children (6 & 7) for that time frame. My plan is to become "Snow Birds" and spend the winter in a travel trailer down there in the base campground.

So, my plan is to buy a (used but nice) travel trailer, live in it for 6 months, and then sell it. Does this sound feasible to you all? Is there any such thing as renting an RV or trailer for that long? If anyone has any ideas I'd love to hear them.

I'd love to just keep the camper, but we're out on our boat every weekend all summer, so don't really have time to use one on a regular basis when we're home in MA.

Thanks so much,

Katie

I was curious and went to the site referred by Pagosajoe...81FSS. They have a buy-sell lot and it may be posssible that you can find something there. It would be worth a phone call. Someone at the campground may know of a family leaving and selling or renting their trailer for the time period you mentioned. In any event thank you and your husband for your service. In my day we had these cute little hammocks on board the "cruise" ship, aww that's another story.

bsirby · 06-05-2012, 06:41 PM

Hi Katie, welcome to IRV2. Since you have already gotten some real good advice, I will just welcome you and wish you the best.

KTeaB · 06-06-2012, 02:59 PM

Thanks so much everyone for the ideas - I will definitely be calling down there to see what I can find out.

Yes, I know I will have to find the deal of a century up here to make it worth it and not lose too much money. All in all it's better that our family stays together if we can.

Thanks again,
Katie