Paying for a Parking Spot?

[One Awesome Inch]

I'd like to know your thoughts and experiences regarding paying for a parking spot. It might take a bit of effort but either hitting up Craigslist rental properties or perhaps placing an ad yourself might end up with the desired outcome. No doubt some people might think it strange to ask to rent a spot on their property but I guess you wont know their answer unless you try and all they can say is 'no'. I would offer to meet them beforehand to show that I am not some crazy dude living in his van.

I would offer to pay a certain amount for the space and a certain amount to run an electrical cord to an available outlet. Still way cheaper than renting an apartment and if something doesn't work out just drive your van somewhere better.

How much $ though?

The advantages would be that 1. You'd have electricity (thus no heating concerns... especially in winter etc) and 2. You wouldn't have to concern yourself with looking for a place to park, stealth etc.

Something like this might especially be appealing to those who are job-bound or stationary and live in a colder climate.

Thoughts?

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

I think a certain amount of stealth would still be necessary. You - and the people you are renting from - would most probably be violating local zoning laws; thus you would have to be careful about the neighbors complaining to the authorities.

As for how much - they're going to want to make sure they get enough to cover ALL of the electricity you use plus still make a healthy enough profit to make it worth their trouble. Since they can't be sure how much you're going to add to their electric bill, it's not likely to be particularly cheap.

Regards
John

 

[Stargazer]

Unity Gain,

Yes, it's very doable! A friend of mine is parked in my Mom's driveway in a very small town while Mom is staying with my sister for the winter. She has exactly the setup you described -- an extension cord plugged in outside for electricity and since everything in the house is turned off, she pays the electric bill. Her van is nice looking and she keeps a low profile. I introduced her to the neighbors and explained she would be there to keep an eye on the place. It's working out for everybody. Mom is glad for the security and my friend loves the place! Everything is within walking distance, including a gym with a shower, grocery store, laundromat.

Before I went full-time, when I travelled for months at a time in my van, I had a vandweller do the same thing at my house.

Perhaps the part-timers on here could driveway swap. How to find a place? Hmmm...networking! Maybe start a thread here?

 

[compassrose]

For a comparison...
$425/mo = $14.166/night. Includes water, electric, sewer, cable, wifi. Park has a bathhouse and laundry facilities. Our max is budgeted at $450/mo ($15/night). I've seen a lot of B's, vans and cargo trailer conversion (including horse trailer conversions). It is considered heresy to some to say a commercial park is cheaper than a public park or some other alternatives. I have seen it posted on many RV forums that fairgrounds are a cheap place to stay. I have met two people who have told me the fairground RV sites (water/electric only) here in Roswell, NM is $500/mo. One was in the fairgrounds because our park was full, the other slipped in to their site the same day someone pulled out. Other parks in town don't like the oil field workers or workers in general. That is not unlimited electric. If you go over a certain amount (big fifth wheels do) you pay for the overage. 50 amp sites at our campground is $450/mo and few go over their power allotment. We are 30 amp. So check out the monthly rates at all the local parks. Remember that you are will not have most of the extra amenities so you should be paying much less to park in a driveway.

 

[Zil]

As pointed out by John. Most every incorporated community areas in this country have (or will soon) adopted the National or the International Property Maintenance Code. Both of these codes prohibit camping or living in a trailer or motor home. Virtually all Water and Sewer Districts prohibit any camper utility connections. Except in approved locations.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

There's parks in Az and Nv that are pretty reasonable. A nice one at Pahrump, Nv was $375 with everything included (wifi, cable and pool too). We saw several good deals in Nv, but we stayed on BLM 2 blocks from town.
Here a space can be had for $275 plus electric.

There are ads for spaces on private property that vary widely, some pretty cheap.
Last year we paid $200 + elect for 1/3 acre fenced...an ad in Craigslist.

A lot of people here in Q-zite stay on free BLM land and rent a space once a week (or every 10 days) so they can shower, do laundry, dump tanks, etc.

---

Zil, we've found that to be true in many areas. Times, they are a'changin.

 

[Patrick46]

I lived in a guy's driveway for quite a long time, and eventually, moved into the back of a small junkyard as a live-in watchdog. (I loved that set-up!!)
Yeah, and just ran an extension cord out for power...worked out great!!

I'd check the local classifieds or craigslist for house-sitting situations. They might really like that you won't need to stay IN thier house, and that you brought your own. All you'll need is a power hook-up, and maybe access to a shower and laundry...and they won't need to pay you a dime!

 

[PastTense]

Another possibility might be to rent a garage. For example an elderly person might no longer drive and would be willing to rent out her garage to supplement her income. This would be somewhat more stealthy than a driveway where neighbors would wonder about it; instead they would know you stored your van there because you didn't have room at your apartment...

 

[AltTransBikes]

I've often thought about this. I think the best case would be if the host were a friend so there would be no misunderstandings. Either that or family. I know that could be hard though. There are inexpensive in-line electric usage monitors that might be an idea to keep things on a even keel between host and guest.

Also, in every craigslist location, under housing, there is a parking/storage sub-category. I often peruse those listings. I see RV parks and campgrounds sometimes advertise there on a very regular basis, particularly in some western US locations. I've noticed at times what seems to me to be some fairly reasonable offers out there. I got the feeling that some of the ads I saw were more of the "year round" type parks rather than the mainstream spiffy RV spots but I cannot say with certainty. That might be worth checking out, the parking/storage page on CL, or even placing a 'wanted' ad there.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

We have a van dweller friend in Tucson who got a part time gig at a storage place. He had electric and access to a restroom in exchange for 2 days a week. There's a health club down the street for showers that was a cheap monthly fee. He has a motorized bike to get around town.

 

[One Awesome Inch]

Thanks for the replies. I live in Vancouver Canada where everything is more expensive.

I was thinking about $200 for the space and $50 for electric. Does that seem reasonable? I would buy a very efficient electric heater as that would be the biggest power draw for sure.

 

[Van-Tramp]

I stay at Moose Lodges regularly and donate $10 per night or $50 per week if I am using their power. I also make sure to attend the dinners, poker games, other events, and the bar which donates a few extra dollars as well.

I'd say the $200 per month is about the minimum if you are using power. Surely you wont be using $200 worth of power, but make it worthwhile to those doing you the favor as well.

Sometimes you can make arrangements with your host to work for some savings on the 'rent'. I always offer my labor an sometimes I am taken up on that offer. I never ask for a reduction in costs, but they always bring it up themselves and I do not turn it down.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

That's right, Tramp. We've had a few good situations on a temporary basis that involved some trade for a reduction. One camp with hot springs we paid one night and spent over a week with full hook-ups for a little help for a couple hours a day. Well worth it.

---

Tramp...are you a Moose member?? We were told that members or those a member sponsors can stay. We have been able to donate $5 to dump and get water tho.

 

[BC Guy]

Years ago I knew a few guys that lived for free in different towing company compounds in the lower mainland. A couple were drivers. One was unpaid security. Two were living in trailers. The other was in a van.

 

[WheelEstate USA]

All ya gotta do with a gig like that is bark once in a while, LOL.

 

[Kevin H]

I think you are putting yourself and your hosts at a bit of a risk by dwelling onsite in a city or town. I would check with the city ordinances. The neighbors will certainly know what is going on. If it is a cool neighborhood you will have a good time. If they are like most, you will have problems. People are funny. They don't generally like things that are outside the box. If you live in a van now you are most likely already familiar with that.

Have you considered volunteering at a State or City park? We are on our way to a State park in Texas where we will volunteer for around 24 hours per week for full hookups. We are tour guides in the park and have a ball. Most all State parks are always looking for volunteers for maintenance and such. Just stop at the office and talk to them. That is how we make our contacts.

 

[Patrick46]

Have you considered volunteering at a State or City park? We are on our way to a State park in Texas where we will volunteer for around 24 hours per week for full hookups. We are tour guides in the park and have a ball. Most all State parks are always looking for volunteers for maintenance and such. Just stop at the office and talk to them. That is how we make our contacts.

That not only sounds like a great idea for a feee or cheap camping spot...but what a fun way to meet new people too!!

 

[One Awesome Inch]

I think you are putting yourself and your hosts at a bit of a risk by dwelling onsite in a city or town. I would check with the city ordinances. The neighbors will certainly know what is going on. If it is a cool neighborhood you will have a good time. If they are like most, you will have problems. People are funny. They don't generally like things that are outside the box. If you live in a van now you are most likely already familiar with that.

Have you considered volunteering at a State or City park? We are on our way to a State park in Texas where we will volunteer for around 24 hours per week for full hookups. We are tour guides in the park and have a ball. Most all State parks are always looking for volunteers for maintenance and such. Just stop at the office and talk to them. That is how we make our contacts.

That's a great idea for those that can pull that off. For me personally, I have to remain stationary for job and other reasons.

I guess in the end one has to weigh whether paying $200 - $300 or more a month to rent a driveway space or pad with electric hookup is worth it. $300 a month will more than pay for fuel and alternative heating costs and as some have pointed out staying in one spot can provide their own troublesome headaches. While looking for a spot on a daily basis might be a bit of a hassle the tradeoff might be worth it. Plus, once you have a good number of spots staked out, you can just rotate them and add more when required or desired.

Pros and Cons to each scenario I guess.

 

[Zil]

Everyone seems to overlook the fact that sleeping in a camper is illegal in most residential neighborhoods. It only takes one troubled neighbor to cause problems for your host.