New here! A few questions

[Jiuchessu]

I live in Los Angeles. I am looking to buy an RV mainly for business reasons. I want to set up a place to stay in San Diego (2hrs away from Los Angeles) since I make deliveries there and don't want to stay in hotels for cost reasons AND mainly because I also need a place to park my Sprinter Work van that hauls its own Cargo Trailer. 

I figured if I buy an RV, find a lot (here is where I will need some help/advice) that has enough space to park my van and trailer, I can save money in the long run and it will also be a convenience thing having all my equipment next to me without worrying about people tagging my white van or white cargo trailer.

 

Are there lots like this? If so, how do I begging to look for them? what are they  called (if they have a specific name)?

Will/can the trailer be hooked up to plumbing? I would have to have to travel to empty it etc...

How much would a lot like this cost more or less?

 

The image shows my van and the white trailer (I also have a 2nd black trailer that I will need to store so i do need some flat/land space for them. Is this even possilble? Do trailer lots come with this much space?

[agesilaus]

If you never plan to move the RV then look for a 'park model' that designed to stay in one place and will connect to the park plumbing

 

[Jiuchessu]

50 minutes ago, agesilaus said:

If you never plan to move the RV then look for a 'park model' that designed to stay in one place and will connect to the park plumbing

I plan to mostly not move it, but I would like that option. It can use it with the family once or twice a year. I also don't need something that big. Do travel trailers have that option to hook up?

[agesilaus]

Then you have to live with the RV tank system and do not try to leave to valves open all the time on the black tank. Need to use the gray tank water to flush the lines after you use drain the BT.

Make sure the tanks are drained and flushed before you leave the RV for a long period.

 

I do not know anything about the RV Park system around SD.

Edited April 18, 2021 by agesilaus

[whj469]

I would think that RV parks, even on a monthly, seasonal or yearly engagement, in and around San Diego, CA, would be expensive? The San Diego Area is one of the nicest places in the entire US. It is said to have a high cost of living? When I looked into going there two years ago I found the RV spots expensive. I was only looking for 2 weeks or a month.

[RV_]

We stayed out on the Strand at the Military Yacht Club and RV park Fiddler's cove. Because of its location right on the bay, with the nearby Commissary, Naval air station Coronado, and Navy SEAL HQ, it was higher priced than other FamCamps. Back in the late 90s my mom had Alzheimer's and lived in Chula Vista while we were in Louisiana, so we went there and visited every year we full-timed until she died from an accident. We did try to find a bigger space any where there and the tiny lots, as well as the high cost I think you will find your idea may cost as much as a house annually nearby. There are no Escapee Parks or CoOps in the San Diego area.

It's gonna cost you regardless. Are there are lesser priced areas along I-8 that are close enough but less expensive? I haven't been there in 18 years but there were no places in the metro areas that were reasonable to my then fixed income pockets.

However, Jojoba Hillls Escapees CoOp is equidistant to LA and Sand Diego roughly and you can lease a lot there. It is gorgeous and I hate desert locales. Here is their website. they have strorage there for members too. I would check them out and see if they meet your needs. https://jojobahills.com/cms/amenities/

 

[agesilaus]

And lastly go to CGR and look at their listings for the SD area, the reviews will show a nightly price, call the park and see what their extended stay price is. Also Cali may have added restrictions for RV parks that will complicate the issue.

[fpmtngal]

I've considered campgrounds around the San Diego area (thinking about going to my 50th high school reunion in La Jolla). My impression is that there aren't all that many and the ones I was considering were very expensive (some on Mission Bay that sounded really nice).  While there are parks elsewhere that would have enough room for a travel trailer/RV plus your work truck and trailer, they aren't all that common.  Many parks (most that I have stayed in) only have room for a travel trailer and a tow vehicle, your work trailer would have to be parked elsewhere.

Yes, your trailer can be hooked up to sewer (if hookups are available at your site) but as was pointed out, you'd need to keep your black tank closed and dump when you leave.  There's a lot more to RV living than just moving into a house.

[Ray,IN]

I suspect your objective is unrealistic in/near San Diego. Land is simply too valuable there for lower-cost RV parks to survive.

Add the fact you desire to keep  a small RV, Sprinter van, 2 utility trailers, and possibly  another vehicle for family/guests, and the space required would be quite expensive to rent.

[Kirk W]

7 hours ago, Jiuchessu said:

Do travel trailers have that option to hook up?

They do, but you still have waste tanks to deal with. I think that you would be wise to spend some time learning about RVs and RV parks before you spend your money. You should also look into requirements for tow vehicles and the weights that they can tow safely as well as the weights of the different RVs. 

[NamMedevac 70]

9 hours ago, Ray,IN said:

I suspect your objective is unrealistic in/near San Diego. Land is simply too valuable there for lower-cost RV parks to survive.

Add the fact you desire to keep  a small RV, Sprinter van, 2 utility trailers, and possibly  another vehicle for family/guests, and the space required would be quite expensive to rent.

Even though San Diego and the real estate is very expensive living it is not safe now to use the beaches and this is not the first time.

Here is one of many easy to find links on this matter.  Google Search is your friend.  Please note I am responding to Ray's comment only. 

After many year living in SD a Nam medevac friend of mine moved from SD back to northern Michigan because of these factors. I spend a lot of time in northern California. Cheers

https://www.foxnews.com/science/california-beach-shut-after-tijuana-sewage-hammers-area

 

Retired Acct & SEC CFP and former Legislative Aide, pilot to two Texas Governors with 4 Honorable Army and Guard/Reserves discharges.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1739912699644241&type=3

 

Edited April 19, 2021 by NamMedevac 70

[Twotoes]

I lived in San Diego for 35 years before going full time. The beach pollution problem has been ongoing forever. We would call it Tijuana brown trout, lol lol lol. As long as you stay north of downtown SD the water was ok. As far as camp grounds, SD is one of the most expensive places. Chula Vista Marina, SD KOA and Campland by theBay average about $100 per night. There are many other camps near Mission Bay and along I-8 in La Mesa and El Cajon but I have never stayed at them. If you are retired military Admiral Baker Field in Mission Valley has a nice fam camp. There are 2 Indian Casinos, Puma on Hwy 76 and Pachenga between Temecula and the Escapees Co-Op that are nice and $50 a night. As mentioned theEscapees Co-Op is also a thought. Check out campgroundreviews.com for more info. Good luck with your search. 

[sandsys]

6 hours ago, Twotoes said:

As mentioned theEscapees Co-Op is also a thought.

I checked that out. For non-owners they have very short stay limits. For potential owners, the wait list may be several years long. If you think you might want to buy in there, you might want to get on that wait list NOW.

Linda

[Kirk W]

7 hours ago, Twotoes said:

As mentioned theEscapees Co-Op is also a thought.

The nearest to San Diego would be Jojoba Hills and it is 75 miles for the city of San Diego.

[2gypsies]

Here's the link to Escapees Jojoba Hills Co-op:

https://jojobahills.com/cms/about/frequently-asked-questions/

[RV_]

On 4/19/2021 at 2:29 PM, Kirk W said:

The nearest to San Diego would be Jojoba Hills and it is 75 miles for the city of San Diego.

 

On 4/19/2021 at 3:18 PM, 2gypsies said:

Here's the link to Escapees Jojoba Hills Co-op:

https://jojobahills.com/cms/about/frequently-asked-questions/

Hey Guys <grin> do you read threads? way UP there I already said:

"However, Jojoba Hillls Escapees CoOp is equidistant to LA and Sand Diego roughly and you can lease a lot there. It is gorgeous and I hate desert locales. Here is their website. they have strorage there for members too. I would check them out and see if they meet your needs. https://jojobahills.com/cms/amenities/

 

[RV_]

If he is military, Fiddler's Cove FAMCamp on Coronado is terrific and they redid the whole thing 17 years ago.  We stayed there every year 1997-2003. Best combo - Boat and watercraft rentals, beach and RV park.

Scroll down to the pics. We had a rear LR HitchHiker and our picture window was right where we woke up to the Bay fog and those sailboat masts swaying with the water lapping, heaven!

https://www.militarycampgrounds.us/california/fiddlers-cove-rv-park

[Kirk W]

11 hours ago, RV_ said:

If he is military,

Probably not. Unless you are retired a veteran isn't allowed. 

On 4/18/2021 at 12:49 PM, Jiuchessu said:

I live in Los Angeles. I am looking to buy an RV mainly for business reasons. I want to set up a place to stay in San Diego (2hrs away from Los Angeles) since I make deliveries there and don't want to stay in hotels for cost reasons AND mainly because I also need a place to park my Sprinter Work van that hauls its own Cargo Trailer. 

 

[NamMedevac 70]

For many years 100% Disabled P&T vets such as myself have been allowed to use military base PX/Commissary and MRWF such as on base RV parks/campgrounds, golfing, boating, etc.  and also Space A flight travel on low priority level.  I am a non lifer and have both the Military and VA Disabled permanent ID cards since 1998 and have used the facilities many times in Texas, California, etc.

Most recently any vet with a VA health ID card showing a disability is now allowed the same base privileges.

You can confirm this information by visiting the VA website and/or each military base website and clicking on their recreation link and requirements for using the RV park will be listed as to who can use the park.  Each base commander has final authority to decide who can use their facilities depending on present circumstances.

Some veterans and other forums constantly put out false information that only retired military can use base PX and recreation facilities and Space A travel and this has not been true since at least 1998.  EYHO

I am too lazy to find the law link for you but is easy to find as Google Search is your friend and links are not required as per guidelines.

https://www.facebook.com/william.perkins.79274

https://www.facebook.com/Pilot-Bill-Perkins-Exotic-Living-in-Far-East-SE-Asia-and-ME-1425108021122523

 

Edited April 21, 2021 by NamMedevac 70

[agesilaus]

2 hours ago, Kirk W said:

Probably not. Unless you are retired a veteran isn't allowed. 

That changed last year, if you have VA ID you can use FamCamps and the the other base facilities like the BX.

[fpmtngal]

Have the military campgrounds changed their policy?  Back when I was in the Army (a long time ago - like the 1980s), the campgrounds on the post had time restrictions.  I remember a friend stayed at one for several months while renovating a house and he had to move out occasionally before returning.  Or is the length of stay something that’s post/base specific?

The OP is talking about a long-term lease situation, where he can leave the RV and stay there when he’s down there.  So even if he were able to use the military campgrounds, I don’t think it would work well for him, having to move the RV out once or twice a month (I vaguely remember a 14 day limit but am probably wrong about that - is was back in the 1980s).

[Kirk W]

36 minutes ago, agesilaus said:

That changed last year, if you have VA ID you can use FamCamps and the the other base facilities like the BX.

Is that true at all military campgrounds now? The park manager at Ft. Knox told me several years ago that it was up to each base commander but seldom happened as the status was not and most were not inclined to initiate the needed order to change it.  That is good news so I'll do some checking on a couple we travel near.

 

Edited April 21, 2021 by Kirk W

[agesilaus]

16 minutes ago, Kirk W said:

Is that true at all military campgrounds now? The park manager at Ft. Knox told me several years ago that it was up to each base commander

OK It's a bit more limited than all veterans:

Quote

Veterans who meet certain requirements (see below) and their families may also be able to use military campgrounds. MWR offers access to many of its programs and facilities for:

• Military retirees and families
• Medal of Honor Recipients
• Purple Heart recipients
• Former Prisoners of War
• Veterans with service-connected disabilities (VA documented disability rating)
• Authorized family caregivers of eligible veterans enrolled in the VA Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers program
• Reserves members, Reserve Corps of the Public Health Service or a commissioned officer of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration the meets the requirements for being considered a veteran AND also meets the above criteria are eligible for campground access.
• Honorably discharged veterans are not authorized, unless they meet the additional criteria listed above.

I'm service connected so I tend to ignore the fine print sometimes.

[Kirk W]

I have a VA medical ID but am not retired or disabled. The last that I knew, my ID did nothing at a famcamp, but that was before the latest changes. Do you have an account with MWR? My Army retired son thinks that an account might let me make a reservation at one of the parks but also indicated that you need an account for each service.

FAQ:

Quote

the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018. During the first phase of rollout of these privileges, veterans who are Purple Heart recipients or former prisoners of war who have been issued a Veteran Health Identification Card from VA can present their VHIC to gain entry to DoD and Coast Guard installations and some commissary stores; and at point of sale at commissaries, exchanges and morale, welfare and recreation retail activities to complete their transactions, The VHIC must display the veteran’s eligibility status (i.e., PURPLE HEART, FORMER POW or SERVICE CONNECTED).

 

Edited April 21, 2021 by Kirk W

[NamMedevac 70]

"I'm service connected so I tend to ignore the fine print sometimes." 

Well said agealius.  I meet at least two of those requirements with my PH and 100% P&T status with good results at Army, Air Force and Naval bases in several states since 1998.

The active large Veterans Benefits Network forum has the above listed requirements and law listed on their site and very recent changes to allow all disabled vets created a lot of dismay and unhappiness among the retired military members.

I have flown space A many years ago when in the Guard and took a trip to Washington D.C. to visit the Army Warrant Officer Branch at the Pentagon and interview for a pilot flying job with Air America in  74.

The return to Texas trip was quite an adventure. Cheers to some.

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1738689559766555&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1739912699644241&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.2071282349840606&type=3

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1732362730399238&type=3

Edited April 21, 2021 by NamMedevac 70