|
|
06-18-2015, 04:15 PM
|
#1
|
3 Rivet Member
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Long Beach
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 238
|
Where to park while just fiddling with the trailer?
OK - a newbie here with a dumb question.
I live in a fairly urban part of town - I'm in a high-rise condo with a concrete parking garage. No street parking of any significance.
My trailer is stored about 10 miles away.
Sometimes, I don't really need to go camping, but I'd like to take it out for a day, fiddle with the trailer, make some minor repairs, maintenance, service, etc. and then bring it back to the storage facility.
However, what I can't figure out is how/where to do this? Do I tow it somewhere random and park and fiddle with it? If so, where?
Or, do I end up reserving a campsite/rv park space and work on it then?
This seems to be a bit of a downside with urban living and having a travel trailer. Makes me wish I had a house with a long driveway where I can tinker with it any time I'd like.
Would love your suggestions/thoughts - especially from those of you who may be in the same boat!
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 04:35 PM
|
#2
|
Rivet Master
2016 25' Flying Cloud
Venice
, Florida
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,024
|
I too like to just do some maintenance & just hang out, must be a man thing. Anyway, a generator is an essential tool for that, especially in a hot climate. Usually a large parking lot, a Walmart or shopping center, a Target or even a school (when closed) works. You're not camping there, it's daylight & you don't leave the trailer unattended, so usually you won't be bothered. Fortunately my storage area is close, paved, has a dump & washing area so I don't have to move but a short distance.
__________________
Joe
Venice, FL
2016 FC 25RTB
TAC FL-47
2018 Nissan Titan XD Cummins Diesel
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 05:02 PM
|
#3
|
Rivet Master
2020 28' Flying Cloud
Upper St Clair
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 2,943
|
I do mine where she is stored. Never asked, they patrol 24/7 and office is open 7 days a week from 6:00 to 7:00 and no one has ever said a word. I do almost everything there.
__________________
2020 28' Twin Flying Cloud
2021 F350 6.7 King Ranch
USAF Master Training Instructor (TI) & (MTI)- 68-72
Volunteer K9 Rehabilitator & Trainer
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 05:25 PM
|
#4
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
I'm In
, Kentucky
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,251
|
I'm same as Paiceman, I just work on it at the storage place. They have a water spigot but no electricity for tenents. I charge up my power tools and just run on battery, use the AS inverter or the inverter in the 4Runner if I run low. Cooler weather is better but I've worked on it when it's been 92 inside the trailer. I was taking out everything on the floor in the front end.
I've also worked on it in front of my house but we have a 48 hour maximum. I don't have a 30 amp outlet at home so no A/C there either. At the storage facility I don't have to worry about time limits. At home I have access to all my tools and I can go in the house and cool off. Upside / downside to everything.
__________________
-Rich
Rich & Yvonne
2006 Safari SE -Dora-
2004 4Runner SE 4.7L V8
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 05:33 PM
|
#5
|
3 Rivet Member
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Long Beach
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 238
|
Thanks for the replies. I think my storage facility is probably out as an option. It's actually the local Airstream dealership and the trailers are packed in pretty tight - it also seems to be their service/maintenance area so they probably don't want me hanging around in the area.
The other wrinkle is that I would need to tow it out and, if I don't keep it overnight, need to bring it back by 5pm.
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 07:52 PM
|
#6
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
I'm In
, Kentucky
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 4,251
|
I think your only option is to take it out to a campground for a night or two. State and federal campgrounds are pretty reasonable and many have good views. Our first outing was to a federal campground, best available spot right overlooking a lake. It has water and electric, I think $25 a night.
__________________
-Rich
Rich & Yvonne
2006 Safari SE -Dora-
2004 4Runner SE 4.7L V8
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 09:36 PM
|
#7
|
Rivet Master
1999 34' Excella
Currently Looking...
Hillsboro
, Texas
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 6,406
|
I would pull to a vacant school lot or talk to independent mechanic shop about a workable use agreement between you and them.
Maybe bring the owners favorite beverage.... Or cash...
__________________
Peace and Blessings..
Channing
WBCCI# 30676
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 09:52 PM
|
#8
|
Rivet Master
1960 22' Safari
in the wilderness
, The great Mojave Desert
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 4,077
|
Church parking lot?
__________________
I'd rather be boon docking in the desert.
WBCCI 3344 FCU
AIR# 13896
CA 4
Yes, we have courtesy parking for you. About an hour North of Los Angeles.
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 10:14 PM
|
#9
|
Rivet Master
2013 27' FB International
El Dorado Hills
, California
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 2,023
|
Living in California you are close to the ideal. Live in a highrise, by definition you generate low manmade green house emission's. Your Airstream violates the ideal. For short range travel you bike or use the metro. Longer travel you use high speed rail (regardless of whether it exists or not). RV travel is very carbon intensive. Something you should do no more. You ought to sell, or better yet destroy your Airstream in the name of humanity.
|
|
|
06-18-2015, 11:14 PM
|
#10
|
Rivet Puller
2003 28' Safari S/O
Atlanta Burbs
, Georgia
Join Date: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,001
|
Since you store at an Airstream dealership you may be right about not working on it in a public space. They certainly don't want newbies to get the idea that an Airstream can break, needs maintenance an owner can perform themselves rather than paying a shop, or merely appear to be too difficult to tow somewhere beyond the lot. Sarcasm aside, don't assume, go ahead and ask as you might discover otherwise.
I used a rental storage area behind a large RV dealer until I had my own driveway space. On occasion, other owners worked on their units stored there as well. It was nice to have company and gain insights from others during breaks. None of us were doing extensive stuff, mostly same day tinkering. A generator in summer was a necessity on muggy summer days and was never an issue with management since we were far from the sales floor. It was nice being able to cross over to the 'store' for those bits and pieces I needed mid-repair. However, that was back in the "recession" when RV dealers were suffering, kept minimal extra units for sale, and glad to have any kind of income.
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 12:26 AM
|
#11
|
Len and Jeanne
2005 16' International CCD
2015 19' Flying Cloud
Creston Valley
, British Columbia
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 1,793
|
We keep the Bambi at an RV service center's storage facility. We actually have 2.5 acres around our house, but most of it is steeply sloping, and there's no good way to park it by the house or by the road (where we could park our 16' Bambi.) Since the RV place's gate locks after hours, we have to abide by their schedule, but so far it's not been a problem. People do work on their RVs, trucks, boats, &c at this place. So maybe you'd be happy with a different storage facility?
You might also consider a day trip for a picnic, trip to the beach, or something comparable, so long as you can find suitable parking. Your AS is great for setting up food or as your own beach cabana. You might not get much serious work done on your AS, but you could at least take it for an outing.
It likes that sort of thing.
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 12:48 AM
|
#12
|
Figment of My Imagination
2012 Interstate Coach
From All Over
, More Than Anywhere Else
Join Date: Dec 2011
Posts: 10,868
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kscherzi
Living in California you are close to the ideal. Live in a highrise, by definition you generate low manmade green house emission's. Your Airstream violates the ideal. For short range travel you bike or use the metro. Longer travel you use high speed rail (regardless of whether it exists or not). RV travel is very carbon intensive. Something you should do no more. You ought to sell, or better yet destroy your Airstream in the name of humanity.
|
Smilie when you say that, pardner, lest someone not realize you have your forked tongue planted firmly in cheek.
__________________
I thought getting old would take longer!
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 07:38 AM
|
#13
|
Full Time Adventurer
2007 27' International CCD FB
Nomadic
, USA
Join Date: Jul 2013
Posts: 2,748
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by LBOskiBear
OK - a newbie here with a dumb question.
I live in a fairly urban part of town - I'm in a high-rise condo with a concrete parking garage. No street parking of any significance.
My trailer is stored about 10 miles away.
Sometimes, I don't really need to go camping, but I'd like to take it out for a day, fiddle with the trailer, make some minor repairs, maintenance, service, etc. and then bring it back to the storage facility.
However, what I can't figure out is how/where to do this? Do I tow it somewhere random and park and fiddle with it? If so, where?
Or, do I end up reserving a campsite/rv park space and work on it then?
This seems to be a bit of a downside with urban living and having a travel trailer. Makes me wish I had a house with a long driveway where I can tinker with it any time I'd like.
Would love your suggestions/thoughts - especially from those of you who may be in the same boat!
|
Why can't you work at your storage unit?
I had the same problem, got a storage unit with power and enclosed. Like having your own workshop.
__________________
Family of 5 exploring the USA with a Ram Power Wagon & Airstream in tow.
OUR BLOG | INSTAGRAM
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 07:58 AM
|
#14
|
Rivet Master
2006 23' Safari SE
Biloxi
, Mississippi
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 8,278
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by BoldAdventure
Why can't you work at your storage unit?
]
|
See OPs post #5
__________________
MICHAEL
Do you know what a learning experience is? A learning experience is one of those things that says "You know that thing that you just did? Don't do that."
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 09:44 AM
|
#15
|
Wise Elder
2010 30' Classic
Vintage Kin Owner
South of the river
, Minnesota
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 4,169
|
Many choices. If I were in your situation I would either:
1) make a trip out of it and take it out for a night or two
-or-
2) find more suitable storage.
__________________
To learn to see below the surface, you must adjust your altitude
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 10:50 AM
|
#16
|
LABTOPIA
1958 22' Caravanner
Atlanta
, Georgia
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 74
|
In Atlanta, there are no restrictions on street parking most everywhere (even overnighting/boondocking) but downtown as long as you are legally parked and registered. this assumes you are under 6000lb trailer. over that you can only do it during the daytime.
im new too, and just picked up a 22ft '58 and almost ready to hit the roads around town with it. right now i have only solar and no inverter so i steal power from the office as i work on it on the curb for power tools or do battery tools.
dave
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 11:24 AM
|
#17
|
Rivet Master
2008 27' International FB
Venice
, Florida
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 706
|
The next best thing besides owning a house on a long driveway so you could tinker with your AS is to get a new best friend with the same. That being said, so long as you are not making a lot of noise and or dust , you should be able to go into a state, county or city park as a day visitor and hang out and do most of everything you want. If any of your projects are disturbing then you might check with the storage area to see if you are restricted in the things that you could do there. Good luck tinkering!
__________________
Bill and Janice, We're lovin' it! (Airstreaming)
Airdreamers
WBCCI #8880
AIR #41310
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 12:27 PM
|
#18
|
3 Rivet Member
2008 27' Safari FB SE
Long Beach
, California
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 238
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by airdreamers
The next best thing besides owning a house on a long driveway so you could tinker with your AS is to get a new best friend with the same. That being said, so long as you are not making a lot of noise and or dust , you should be able to go into a state, county or city park as a day visitor and hang out and do most of everything you want. If any of your projects are disturbing then you might check with the storage area to see if you are restricted in the things that you could do there. Good luck tinkering!
|
I think this is likely my best option. We have some good local parks, which I wish would allow overnight. That said, I think I would be very happy towing it to a lakeside parking lot and tinkering around.
I think this is a bit akin to pitching a tent in the backyard and spending the night there when you're a kid.
I don't care what anyone else thinks - I simply enjoying spending time/around the Airstream, and I hope it never wears off
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 02:52 PM
|
#19
|
3 Rivet Member
1958 22' Caravanner
Plattsmouth
, Nebraska
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 166
|
Have a really good friend living where along side garage parking is allowed?
Rent a garage that has power metered or unmetered. Maybe extra $ above current spot.
Would need a generator - see possibilities below (overnight) Then schmooze a manager for repeated visits
Casinos
Truck stops
overnightrvparking.com
boondockerswelcome.com = on private land
Harvest Hosts = might have to buy a lot of wine
Google in: WALMART LOCATIONS STORE DETAILS & PARKING- Allstays
click on California then view all stores on map then + to Long Beach
NOT: did not download the app but clicking on red "w" is a "no" when it works
yellow "w" is a conditional "yes" when it works
Some cities allow overnight to get $ for their businesses. I could not find a list but
perhaps the RV Campgrounds books table of contents might have " small towns
offering free overnight camping" Repeated stays might mean a donation to their
fire department. I found many,some with free power and dumping. None around
Long Beach ( but my search was rudimentary )
In low cost of living NEBRASKA, $110/ mo can rent a campsite on a small/large lake
and you pay per kilowatt for power. Some have water. None with dump stations.
You might not get much work done 'cause some are real"party animal" spots.
Probably not an option in "everything way too expensive CALIFORNIA"
|
|
|
06-19-2015, 04:11 PM
|
#20
|
1 Rivet Member
2015 20' Flying Cloud
Huntington beach
, CALIFORNIA
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 18
|
Hey , your in LB. take it down to Bolsa in HB for the day. Get their early and park next to an island in the parking lot and youncan enjoy all day
|
|
|
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
Search this Thread |
|
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|