Camping on your land ?

[G. Leis]

quote:

---

Aloha Mella,

Since you've probably done the research what are the fifth wheel options? What would you recommend? Bring it from the mainland or buy it locally?

Also, if the fifth wheel is hidden from view and inside your property, what could the neighbors complain about? Or what legal actions would one have to worry about?

Do you need a permit or something for the fifth wheel?

Ajit

---

Hi Ajit,

I take this question since I've been researching the scenario for about a month now.

As leilaniguy indicates, the pickin's are indeed slim in Hawaii for not only 5th wheels, but travel trailers or RVs of any kind. There are no dealers, so what few you do find for sale are from private parties. Depending on the specs, $60K for a newish 5er isn't too outlandish (3 years or newer, over 30', 2 or more slide-outs, e.g.); whereas $18K for ANY 20 yr. old rig is WAAAAAY too much IMHO.

We're looking at something on the order of a 26-30' unit and are currently leaning toward a conventional tow-behind travel trailer since we only have a 1/2 ton truck and the 5th wheel choices are relatively limited for tow vehicles of this size - the average 5W is significantly heavier than a trailer of equivalent length, and they have a higher percentage of their weight (20-25% vs. 10-15%) on the hitch which generally means a 3/4 or 1 ton truck is needed.

Price-wise, new vehicles large enough to use as temporary housing (which to me is at least 25') are going to run from about $12K-30K for trailers and $20K to infinity for 5th wheels.

Both types depreciate fairly quickly so I feel 1 or 2 year old used models offer the best value provided you can find one with the features you want.

As for shipping costs from the mainland I received 2 quotes a few weeks ago based on 27'L x 8'W x 11.5'H dimensions: $6307 from Pasha (San Diego-Hilo), and $7738 from Matson (Oakland-Hilo). Roll on/roll off ships in both cases.

Permits are not needed, but some subdivisions may have CCR issues.

aloha,
Gene (a.k.a. Mr. mella l)





Edited by - G. Leis on 12/20/2005 18:44:54