lappir

Wasn't really asking for investment advice, but about the experiences of those who contribute to this forum. I've found for the most part all members are honest, straight forward and supportive. The answer to almost any question can have "it depends" in it's reply. Thank you very much for your reply. Rod

Would a small inverter to power the 110vac use that much more power on just a Star Link Router? Rod

Where were you in Oklahoma? Rolling Retreats? I'd hoped to get "Flex Armor" on my drome box roof, but things are preventing that this time. Maybe after the HDT Rally in the Fall. I rode there a month or so ago to buy a water pump. Longer ride than I thought it would be, but I had the time. Next time I'll stay away from the 4 lane roads. Rod

Not sure what type you are looking at and how it might help you. I recently met a person who spent a lot of money on a device to assist in parking their small light weight travel trailer and found it to be not even close to being worth the money spent. If you are able to rent one and it works as you like, you then have the option to purchase one. Would be great if the rental place would allow you to buy the one that worked, but that doesn't often happen. Rod

Even if I purchase property it will not change my domicile in South Dakota. I will not be permanently living at any one location until I can no longer travel, at least that's the plan. Rod

Yep. My trailer I think could qualify as a "Mobile" home and I could take the wheels and tires off of it to "Tie" it down. Mentioned that to the "Planning Department" employees I was speaking with. I have their "Code" and it's very grey in it's narrative. Leaves it up to the person in authority to determine what the black and white answer is. Those I spoke with didn't have the authority and the only way to really get the answer is to just do it and see what happens if an inspection is actually done. I was told I could apply for a "Building Permit" to get that inspection, but it seems like a lot of work and maybe money on a property I don't own and would not purchase if the "Permit" was declined. Sort of a Rock and Hard Place situation. I'm done looking for now. Maybe in the coming Fall I will have more information on how to approach and also if my youngest is any closer to knowing what she will do with her degree when she is finished with school. My older children live in an area that I will visit in the spring, summer and fall, but cannot live there between Thanksgiving and Easter usually, at least not unless I purchase some expensive land in that area. If the youngest chooses to be closer to her Mom in Florida then Oklahoma, New Mexico, Utah or maybe Colorado may enter the search. Graduation is supposed to be in 2025. Rod

Well the thought of buying property in this location took a big hit today. You can "Park" your RV for unlimited time on certain designated areas, but you cannot reside in said "Home". At least not within the City Limits of Norman, and they have a large area that back in 1956 the annexed to build Lake Thunderbird. Of course that's the side of town I like the most. There may be ways around, but now that I've stirred the pot I would for sure be looked into if I happened to request a "Building Permit". Rod

Looks like a very nice Volvo, congratulations. Bring it all to the National Rally in October. Rod

Thanks again to all who have participated and for Kirk starting another post and poll for us to share how old we all are. I turned 67 in January and stopped working the year before in February. Applied for the SS payments when I was at full retirement age and right now have no debt. I might borrow a small amount of money for the right property, but only if it has a house on it that I could rent out while still living in my Home on wheels on the property any time I wanted to. Today I met a few of the potential neighbors. One very friendly, one friendly and the other that doesn't associate with the neighbors "Because they all come here and then die". His wife was nice thought. Rod

Thanks for thinking of something I didn't when I posted about the property thing. Age certainly makes a difference. For many years I felt I'd never "Retire" would just keep on working. Now that I've given the not working a chance, it's really not that bad. Rod

But you can put a dish cloth or paper towel between and not get any beeps. Don't leave either there if I'm not right there watching, but it does make clean up of the splatters if you have any a bit more easy, especially if the cloth is damp. Rod

Thank you to everyone who shared their experiences and thoughts. I am trying very hard to do my due diligence with the city, county and state to make sure I don't have a surprise later. The property isn't exactly bare land. In 2020 there was a fire and a "Mobile Home" was destroyed. Also at that time the power was disconnected and never turned back on. There is a "Well" on the property, but until power is hooked back up (or maybe I can take my generator out) I won't know if it still works. The most recent owner put an inexpensive metal building up and it looks like never used it. Trash still remains from the fire and I wonder if it was also used as a "Dump" by someone. One of the "Google" earth views shows a pile of something and there are still "Tire" tracks in that area, but it doesn't look like the loaded and moved the stuff. Most likely buried. If I only could determine what it was. Monday the power company is coming out to review what it will take to bring power back. I have spoke with an "Environmental" inspector, but their "Phase 1" evaluation is what I've already done so I'm not paying them $2000 to tell me what I already know. I did not inquire what the "Phase II" evaluation would be where they would actually probe and maybe take some soil samples. Probably a lot more than what the property is worth. The Poll will stop in a month. I will continue to check for replies and post if anything interesting comes up on my side. I've spent the past several winters in the area, but was still working. I've enjoyed this winter not working and am pretty sure that will continue. I won't be staying in the summer months though unless I find a good job that doesn't keep me too busy. Rod

I thought I'd never stop working. But that seems to have changed. I finished my last Travel Contract in February 2023 and haven't taken a Nursing paycheck since. Planned to over the winter, but things didn't work out as I expected and I'm sort of glad. The past year I've been able to survive on the SS monthly payment and have dipped into one of my retirement accounts for a little extra, but the advisor assures me it won't cause me to go "Broke". I've spent the past few winters in the lower Midwest and have enjoyed some cold and snowy weather without the deep freezes of the Midwest where I grew up and am thinking about purchasing a spot to park during the winter months October to May and they I will head to the cooler weather locations during the Summer. If I can finally get the job I've been waiting to interview for in this location, the decision would be made. Since it's still not certain, I'm wondering if I should proceed in the acquisition of one of the two plots I have looked at. I know I will be here again next winter and the spot I have stayed at is in a good location, but it's also near an ambulance service that uses their sirens every single time they go on a call. So I'm asking. Is real estate really the best investment? Rod

Two years ago at the HDT Rally we had to do some bearing work. Luckily there were folks prepared with new bearings, others with the proper tools and a Muffler Shop was found to press out and reinstall the races and to the surprise to most of us they packed the bearings at the same time. Not sure what the cost was, but I think we were happy to miss part of the mess. Even then we all got a bit of grease on our hands and clothing. Marks of honor in my book. Rod

Rob is correct with how the food is heated, the amazing part (to me) is that if there isn't liquid all the way to the rim that area does not get hot until after the container is removed from the burner, and then it doesn't get as hot as the lower portion where there is contact. At least that's my experience. Rod