mary and bob wrote:I think the winter camping is going to be a problem. On the fiberglass forum group there was a single guy in New Jersey trying to camp in a 17 foot Casita through the winter. Multiple problems he was trying to overcome and sorta managed to survive the winter. He recently relocated to Texas. Even us spending the winter in the south in our Casita where temperatures occasionally got into the 30's it was hard to maintain an even temperature in the trailer when the temps were low. Rather than building something, I would be looking for a low cost older small travel trailer that I could sit and stand up in. Just be careful of leaks and wood rot in those older trailers.
I agree with Mary and Bob. A friend of mine tried living in her Cassita for a couple months, in Nebraska. She was going through about 60 to 80 gallons of propane each week, just to try to stay warm. She finally ended up sleeping on a relative's sofa for the rest of the winter. If you don't want to build, I also suggest looking for a small, older trailer in good condition to purchase.
Additionally, please recognize that many RV campgrounds require that your trailer be fully contained. What this little tidbit means is that the trailer must be able to contain black and grey water for 4 to 5 days and to store sufficient clean water for that long as well.
Are studio apartments expensive to rent in NJ?
Spring is almost here; so, if you do end up buying a teardrop, you will probably not begin to hate it until next winter which means you'll have nearly a year to save up to buy something better. Or, you might consider purchasing a small cargo trailer and outfitting the inside to suit.
Please read this thread from start to finish before you decide. It is from a fellow who has lived in a trailer for the last few years. It might help you experience a little without actually having to go through it: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=41531