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Boondocker · 10-12-2008, 11:59 AM

I have been full timing for a while now and frankly, the Trade Wind is not optimal for this especially since I spend 8 months of the year in the same location. Having said that, an apartment doesn't appeal to me and when I look at most houses I have to wonder to myself, what where they thinking when they did that.

So, what I am thinking about is having a steel frame building constructed, maybe with some fancy pants siding and so forth, with a nice large living space inside (maybe even multi level- who knows) and a HUGE garage area to play with AS repairs, the truck and whatnot. It seems to me that once the shell was up, a patient guy with even modest skill should be able to finish out the living space.

My thought is that this arangement might be more functional for myself, and probally much less expensive in the end.

So, now: everyone go ahead and explain why I would regret doinig this.

Jim & Susan · 10-12-2008, 12:05 PM

Somebody on the forum has done exactly what you are talking about and even posted a few pictures of it. Looked like a pretty cool setup to me. IIRC, they had built a small, single story house like structure inside the building in one corner. The rest of the area was open, like a very large garage.

Seems like it would be cheaper to put up (initial cost) and you could add to it as you needed or could afford. Have you checked local building regs to see if all of this is kosher with the guv'ment? That part can be a real pain.

Jim

willyd · 10-12-2008, 12:06 PM

I say - "do it if it feels right" & don't regret anything. Building the building and finishing out the inside and working on your Airstream and truck will give you something to do.

Mike Leary · 10-12-2008, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

So, now: everyone go ahead and explain why I would regret doinig this.

We've thought about the same thing many times; each time logic reared it's head and our independent life style would have been compromised. I'd be thinking about a longer coach.

Boondocker · 10-12-2008, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Leary

We've thought about the same thing many times; each time logic reared it's head and our independent life style would have been compromised. I'd be thinking about a longer coach.

I'm thinking about that too, on the other hand a longer/wider AS would limit the places where I can go. And before anyone weighs in telling me I'm wrong- I know the places I go. I might get by with a narrow body 30ft but not a longer or wider unit. The other thing is that living in the AS during the semester has no real appeal. So today I am leaning toward the shed. No telling how I will lean tomorrow though....

Mike Leary · 10-12-2008, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

And before anyone weighs in telling me I'm wrong- I know the places I go.. No telling how I will lean tomorrow though....

Good points, and worth considering. We've lived in small coaches, especially
when I was working, and found them wanting. It boiled down to, for us, how
much stuff and room we needed. A lot of stuff went south in order to attain
our freedom: we can unhook and be out of our summer rental in 7 minutes,
and not worry about so-called "responsibilities" during the winter.

63Silver · 10-12-2008, 03:12 PM

Gen Dissary,
Several years ago one of neighbors won the KY lottery and used part of his winnings to build a large metal "Barn" for his horses. On one end of the barn he included a large living room, kitchen, bedroom and bath. The living room had vaulted ceilings done in a western style with an enormous stone fireplace. It is REALLY nice, landscaped, plank fences and has made a nice place to go when his wife was mad about something....

. I would say it could combine two things you need into one a home for you and your stream. I would also think if done right it should be significantly cheaper than a regular home.

63silver

ArtStream · 10-12-2008, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen Disarray

So, what I am thinking about is having a steel frame building constructed, maybe with some fancy pants siding and so forth, with a nice large living space inside (maybe even multi level- who knows) and a HUGE garage area to play with AS repairs, the truck and whatnot. It seems to me that once the shell was up, a patient guy with even modest skill should be able to finish out the living space.

Hey GD,
It's called a Barndominium.

There big in Texas. I have friends with a 40x60, 2 big doors to pull my AS in, 3 reg doorways, a bunch of windows and a fully equipped small 3 room studio inside.

I think it is a wonderful arrangement.

It's what I would consider if I were to settle down.

Michael

soldiermedic · 10-12-2008, 06:14 PM

Rodney,

My wife and I have discussed finding a few acres, putting a 30x40 steel building on it, and living in the AS with full hook-ups while building the living area inside the steel building. I find it an incredible efficient way to live, and less costly than a standard home. The problem for us is that land here is hard to find.

If I could find 4-5 acres for a good price, I would surely do what you are thinking about as long as Collin would have room to run around.

Steve

Jim Foster · 10-12-2008, 06:31 PM

Friends of ours have had 2 1/2 acres for years. A couple of years ago they built a 60x100 metal "garage" on the property, bought a used RV to put inside, sold their home, stored their furniture etc. in the garage, then built their "dream home".

They were very comfortable living in the RV for the year of construction.. He had his workshop (he does Street Rods), she had room for her stuff as well.

No reason that wouldn't work.

Only rub.......Some places won't issue a permit for a garage without plans for a home on the same property. I know an Airstream couple who ran into this in Nevada.

Cracker · 10-12-2008, 06:50 PM

With full knowlege that Airstreams - and few SOBs - are suitable for full-time winter living, I saw a guy here in Maine build an insulated garage just big enough for his SOB. Once the trailer was in place in the garage he finished-off the end - not using the expected garage door - and set up housekeeping inside. I used to pass his place frequently and I believe he lived with this arrangement for several years. Last summer he removed the trailer and had it sitting outside "For Sale." (---new home built on the back side of his property!) I believe that he matched the trailer windows with windows on the garage wall - but I never got close enough to tell. I did see a large propane tank alongside but I'm not sure if he used the trailer furnace or a separate unit in the garage. I believe that I would have opted for a good propane furnace in the enclosure and simply kept the windows open in the trailer. Sewerage, water, electricity, and necessary ventilation would be simple matters. I believe a building inspector (----they don't exist in "unincorporated" parts of Mane) would have had a problem trying to cite him for any violations! For the record, this was a fairly large - say 28' to 30' trailer. An even larger enclosure would have provided room for a jacuzzi, potted palm trees, hammock, flamingos, etc.! With properly arranged lighting you could have an artificial sunrise and sunset each day at the time of your choice - say a much later sunrise on the weekends!!!

sd90mac · 10-12-2008, 07:40 PM

Rodney,

Personally, I like the idea. I say go for it if the local zoning boards etc don't object.

Marie

summerkid · 10-12-2008, 07:49 PM

Gen, do you remember Sneakinup & I talking about our respective dreamhouses? Turns out they were both Quonset huts. I don't think you can go wrong with that pole barn -- you could always turn the AS space into a conservatory, indoor pool, basketball court, whatever.

But even better: Rescue an old barn & put it to your envisioned use.

overlander63 · 10-12-2008, 07:57 PM

Rodney, I can't think of any real reasons not to, and a whole lot of reasons to do this. I've seen steel buildings, say 30x60, for less than $35,000--and that was in an urban (read high-cost) area. Just remember when you pour the slab, to include an in-ground dump station near where the back of the trailer would normally sit. I know a couple of people that live in hangars, basically what you are thinking about doing. Many of them even have office space above the shop floor. Does Lawton have an airport? That may be a good idea to try short-term, rent a hangar, and see if you like how it works before committing to a building.

jimmini · 10-12-2008, 08:36 PM

Look at some of the units at the North Texas Airstream Community.

www.ntaci.org

NevadaGeo · 10-12-2008, 08:50 PM

I thought I was the only one with that idea.
Best check out your building codes, they might not be in favor of you living in the barn.

AZ-JH · 10-12-2008, 09:33 PM

I think it's a great idea, especially if you can do this on a few acres in rural area with far lower property taxes and more simple living.

Sugarfoot · 10-12-2008, 09:45 PM

Frankly, I've been considering something along those lines myself in the distant future. Especially if one is on the road a lot, it makes sense to me to have an "Airstream hanger" of sorts designed with some cool living quarters than to have a house to worry about as well as Airstream storage.

Frank's Trailer Works · 10-13-2008, 04:10 AM

being a guy that likes wood and things that are old, I think something like this Inventory of Antique Timber Frame Barns might be a solution too. You recycled your trailer, why not do the same with your building.

juel · 10-13-2008, 04:42 AM

I bought a 31ft Sovereign to go WITH my 24ft Argosy. Now I have a trailer for travel and a trailer for living at the lake. You have no idea how much fun one of these old Sovereigns can be and the room is fantastic. Storage is good too. Just an idea to think over; however, the metal building sounds good also. Some of these building kits can be very reasonable. I know you will take pictures of whatever you do and they will be wonderful.