If you love getting off the beaten path in your travels, you may bring that tendency back home with you. If you are considering living in a travel trailer on your land, consult this article before you make that decision.
We are fortunate enough to live in one of the freest countries in the world. But, unfortunately, even those freedoms have a limit. In early 2016, the United States government made an important decision regarding the classification of RVs as permanent places of residence.
Our government has ruled that it is not legal to live in your RV year-round.
However, no need to worry! There are plenty of ways you can still do this (legally!) for the majority of the year.
Let’s take a look at a few things to consider in preparation for living in a travel trailer on your land.
Table of Contents
Preparation
The first step in this process is finding a plot of livable land. To cut down on the hassle, finding a home outside of your city limits will make this decision simpler. You will be able to avoid the regulations and zoning laws that apply within the city.
The next step is to figure out how to get access to the basic utilities you’re going to need. You will need to plan the logistics for getting a connection to water and electric lines, Internet and phone service, and a septic system.
If it will be impossible to get access to these in the plot of land you’re thinking of buying, you may want to reconsider.
Building off of that, you will inevitably need to make some trips into the nearest town for supplies. So, keep in mind where some key establishments are located, like hospitals, grocery stores, and gas stations.
Moving In
Once you find a good plot of land, you need to prepare it to move in. You may want to rent some equipment to clear out trees or other natural obstacles. You should plan out a way to get the plot of land to a minimum level of habitability and budget accordingly.
If you are looking for more than just an open space to park your RV, you can consider sprucing up your new land. Some ideas would be laying a concrete foundation for parking, adding a patio, or planting a garden. These additions are up to personal taste but can make your new living arrangement feel like a home.
Important Considerations
Living off the grid has its perks, but it comes with an increase in responsibility. There are certain benefits that you have while living in the city that you will now need to provide for yourself.
You will need to keep in mind how you will protect your property in a sparsely populated area. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, like tornado alley, you will need to formulate a plan to prepare for a potential incident. Lastly, how you will get access to the essentials listed above, like food and gasoline, need to be thought of.
We don’t think anything bad is going to happen if you choose to go off the grid, but it’s important to be prepared for everything.
Summary: Living in a Travel Trailer on Your Land
Making your more out into the country is an exciting decision. It gives you the freedom to live how you want, but it comes with some important considerations. Planning is an essential aspect of living in a travel trailer on your land.
As we said, it is unfortunately not legal to live on your land full time in an RV. However, it is still possible to live there for the majority of the year. Although enforcement varies greatly by county, we don’t encourage you to break the law.
Each area has different restrictions, so it’s a good idea to do some independent research to see how your county handles this law. Some places allow you to live in your RV for three months, then spend a few days on the property before returning.
If you are a little bit creative, you can easily make it work. If you think there is any essential information we missed out on, drop us a comment below. Good luck!
We would like to thank you for reading this article. Find out more about the List of Travel Trailers and A-Frame Camper Guide.
Travel Trailer Brands: 2021 Complete List of Manufacturers