05/26/2026
Ok, folks this is a long one but I had to share this idea.
As I sat drawing more off grid house plans I thought. How could you get the most for a small cash amount??
If you want a place already wired for solar (12 volt power) with most of the interior finished and ready to hook up. Like I the would need because I am too old to build it myself. If you need privacy and no zoning restrictions for living the way you want. The land has to be somewhat level and ideally have septic, well,and be inexpensive. Here's what I found that is achievable.
First the land, an acre on a dead end Rd, about 30 minutes from a large "Village" with all the necessities. Hospital, Hardware, Grocery shopping, etc. There are no restrictions, visible neighbors and is not in a flood zone. It has well, septic and power pole . trees ,level,land, and creek to rear of property. An old house that needs torn down or renovated for animal shelter. All for $10,000
Next , move in ready shelter . How about a 38'
x 8' ,4 season , 5th wheel pull behind camper
? Already 12volt set up. Has kitchen with working appliances, a bathroom, bedroom and living area. It's Artic 4 season means extra heavy duty insulation and heated "basement" ( under carriage compartments) . The stow away area is flow through and can hold a quantity of 12volt, marine grade batteries. Appliance are propane gas. The frig can switch from elec to propane. Roof is good and has working AC. Price is $5,000 So pay and pull to properly less than 40 miles.
I would want a leveled spot with 10'X 50 ' concrete slab for sitting it on elevated with jacks and /or cement blocks and secure with tie downs. The excess area leaves space for sealed straw bales for R-50 Insulation around base. The raised 5th wheel hook up area could be a storage area with built shed under for 2-100 # propane tanks. That is the largest size you can self haul in a pickup or on a secure pull behind utility trailer. Besides , if you own your own tanks you can choose who you get propane from and the price they charge. A carport large enough for cover will protect and preserve the camper roof from weather damage.
In summer I would want a good sized 12X12 screened picnic shelter for a summer kitchen . Set up with propane 2 burner camp stove, portable camp sink,work table and chairs. Using it for summer cooking and canning will keep from heating up the living space. Pack and store for winter to preserve shelter.
Solar panels could be easier to maintain if mounted on frame on ground. The camper already has the controls and monitor for solar . 🌳
The pole for electric would become the addition of a small windmill.
The water holding tank would be connected to rain water collection and filter . The carport woul provided sufficient roof area for rain gutters and downspouts connected to the holding tank. The well will need a solar pump system separate from the main system
I estimate all the improvements to cost about $5,000
Sub total of $20,000 will put us in no debt , off grid living where we can grow our own non GMO, organic produce. A smoke house and green house and a few chickens would round it out.
🧑🌾🌱🌱🌱🌳🦌🐠🐓🐣🐐🐇🍏🍑🍇😊
