Arborist / teardrop newbie looking 4 longterm Teardrop sites

[arboristjoe]

HI all,

I am a Grad student in Forestry and certified arborist about to get my first teardrop... so my first questions center around where to park it cheaply.

1…. How easy is it to find long term parking areas for a teardrop ?
I would like to area to have electric plug ins, bathrooms, and showers..

2… What is a typical cost for a long term parking area for a teardrop ?
3.. what are some good web sites to find long term teardrop parking areas that are economical with electric plug ins, bathrooms, and showers ?

Note : I need to save money after I graduate from college , and my first job may include a lot of traveling , so it may make more sense for me to
just live in my teardrop when I am actually at my base city.. My job travels would be by plane and hotels while traveling for the job will be
reimbursed

I am really looking forward to some good discussions and happy travels when I get my first teardrop.

cheers
joe

[GuitarPhotog]

Some clue to what part of the country you're in would be helpful.

The answers to your questions vary widely depending on location.

<Chas>

[arboristjoe]

thanks Guitar.......

good point... Now I am in Amherst, MA area, though I am hesitant to try to
sleep in a teardrop from November to March here

Later on, I may be looking for "long term parking" near Charlotte, NC..

And another possibility is the Northwest suburban areas of Chicago towards Streamwood, St Charles, Elgin areas..

cheers
joe

[bobhenry]

In our area most campgrounds are an 8-9 month business, opening in late march and closing in early November. There are few campgrounds that were smart enough to bury the water lines below the frost line and are open year around in our climate. There are a few but are a bit more expensive. The KOA chain is a year around campground. I think you will need to simply pick up the phone and start asking the right questions. I am starting to make the same effort in our area of the country as I will be building a larger 8 x 20 build as a park model trailer for long term living.
As I am about to retire, I am investigating being a state park "Host" who is simply the on site super, a "go to guy" if there are problems with the equipment , neighbors, or what ever may happen. With this responsibility go the perks of free site rent and long term parking privledges. I have also thought of offering my presence as a land steward for absentee land owners. A tenant on his land to protect his interest as a reporting presence to protect against illegal tree harvesting or perhaps the planting of illegal " Crops". Just think outside the box a bit and post some notices of what you can offer in trade for parking with utilities and see what happens.

P.S. Report back your findings as you are not alone in this search

[arboristjoe]

thank you BobHenry, that has definitely got me doing some brainstorming.. Being an arborist, there is plenty that I can do in trade for a free or cheaper site as you suggested... I grew up on a farm, so I remember my dad doing some "horse trading" so to speak, thinking outside the box sort of bartering.

cheers
joe

[alex k]

i would agree with looking for a position at state or county parks . here in pennsylvania there are many things that you could do as a conservatory volunteer

[Woodbutcher]

Hi Joe, welcome to the board. I live in Bartlett Illinois and do not know of any places near by that would fit your needs. Bob Henrys suggestion makes good sense and should be looked at further. But parking full time has a pretty high cost if you figure 20-30 bucks a night at most camp grounds. So I'm not sure you would save any money

[bobhenry]

Many of the land grant colleges my be interested in your arborist credentials. Many of them have forrestation projects and I am sure they would offer a spot to park in trade for your service.

[arboristjoe]

thanks Woodbutcher,

yeah, I am definitely not looking to spend 20 bucks a nite..

I can even do without the shower facilities, since where-ever that I end up getting a job, either the workplace will have a shower, or I can join a gym for fairly cheap to have shower access.

My only real needs are some electricity, and a way to deal with having to take a #2 at 3 or 4 in the morning.

How are Walmarts in general about camper parking ??

I thought I heard that Cracker Barrels were receptive to RV's as well ??

[arboristjoe]

thanks bob henry and alex

[LWW]

I think long term parking a Walmart is not a good idea. I understand they have been receptive of overniters in the past and a long term camper would probable be the cause of the dreaded "No Overnite Parking" signs. Larryw

[arboristjoe]

probably true Larry, and I guess I would worry a bit about vandalism depending where it is, though I would not park the teardrop there solo at anytime..

[asianflava]

Now I am in Amherst, MA area, though I am hesitant to try to
sleep in a teardrop from November to March here

Actually, sleeping would be the least of your worries it's nice and cozy even during the winter.

The problem is that you have to go outside for just about anything.

[jstrubberg]

Joe;

You're going to face some serious challenges trying to make a teardrop home base. The least of them is where to park it.

What are you going to do about professional clothing? Two shirts and two pairs of slacks aren't going to cut it for most employers. Teardrops have NO hanging space at all, so forget a jacket and tie for meetings.

Food you can get around, although you're going to get sick of buying ice.

Storage in general is going to defeat you, I'm afraid. Things as simple as multiple pairs of shoes or boots are going to be close to impossible. Forget books, magazines, extra shoelaces, tools to fix the car....

The there's mail service. I can tell you as an employer that putting down "none" for address on an applciation is going to get you passed over real quick. Phone service is usually spotty in most of the parks I have stayed in as well.

Another example. You're talking about required air travel. Where are you going to store a suitcase in a teardrop?

[arboristjoe]

hi jstrubberg,

you raise many valid points there... and your signature line is sometime the unintended tale of my life.. My brother always rails on me for all the time I sort and organize my stuff...

I would probably rent a small 10x 5 unit in town for things I do not need everyday. and I usually do not have the rear seats in my Toyota Rav4, so I can hang nicer clothes in there.. and keep some other things in totes.

and even as an junior consulting arborist or whatever position that I get, the dress code is somewhat casual since we are always outside in nature looking at trees..

yeah, you are right about these points, but then again, i have been known to go against the grain and do things the hard way..

appreciate the perspective,

have a good evening.

joe