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drzura
Nomad
Posts: 320
Registered: 7-1-2006
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Build a small block house or purchase 5th wheel
We have a lot down in San Lucas where we have an older travel trailer. Since we may be going down more often, and the trailer leaks, the wife and I
are considering either building a small cinder block home or purchasing a 5th wheel, which has consider more space. I just would like to know what
your thoughts are on the two ideas, especially from people who have done both. And, I know there are pro's and con's to both solutions. With
building a house, there will be permits etc. required. With a larger trailer, we'll need the palapa rebuilt to accommdate the slides and the added
height. Just looking at getting some insight and pointers from other nomads. Thanks...
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motoged
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6481
Registered: 7-31-2006
Location: Kamloops, BC
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Mood: Gettin' Better
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It would be easier to move a 5th wheel unit....and a small job to improve the palapa roofing.....
I would do the trailer in that situation first....and build later if that is in the cards for you.
Good luck with your decision 
Don't believe everything you think....
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BajaTed
Senior Nomad
Posts: 859
Registered: 5-2-2010
Location: Bajamar
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The cinder block option is better for security.
5th wheelers are recyclable aluminum and a income source for tweekers.
Housekeepers home in the hills of Ensenada had these features:
1. Glass bricks for the windows.
2. Vents above the windows with rebar for ventelation.
3. Separate secure kitchen building and living quarters building attached by walkway.
4. Solid front door set back with big iron gate to front entrance.
5. Rooftop patio with motion sensors and lights.
bad guys don't know which building to break into , since they are lazy POS they
will go to somewhere easier
Es Todo Bueno
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Lee
Ultra Nomad
Posts: 3455
Registered: 10-2-2006
Location: High in the Colorado Rockies
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Security wise, depends on location of the lot.
Much depends on whether you own the lot (fido) or renting/leasing.
RV is much cheaper and movable. Personally, with a papala attached, I think it's better than block. I hate block.
Buy RV, drive it down, move in. Build for months with lots of BS.
Either way, leaving your home empty is risking theft.
US Marines: providing enemies of America an opportunity to die for their country since 1775.
What I say before any important decision.
F*ck it.
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del mar
Banned
Posts: 1057
Registered: 7-23-2016
Location: the cantina of course
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Mood: lil' fuzzy
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I'd repair the old travel trailer! 
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LancairDriver
Super Nomad
Posts: 1587
Registered: 2-22-2008
Location: On the Road
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Unless you are trying to avoid a long haul pulling the fifth wheel out at the end of the season why not take it with you and avoid the theft/vandalism
worry’s?
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woody with a view
PITA Nomad
Posts: 15937
Registered: 11-8-2004
Location: Looking at the Coronado Islands
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Mood: Everchangin'
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http://www.gaf.com/Roofing/Commercial/Products/Single_Ply_Ro...
go to roofing supply house and have them cut you enough membrane to cover your trailer roof. add 1' extra on all sides just because. buy termination
bar equal to the perimeter of the roof and add 3' extra. buy a bucket of glue and take it all with you to Baja. have the local guy remove AC unit,
pull any other roof mounted items (not vents). clean old roof with soapy water and scrub brush, rinse and let dry. glue down TPO sheet to existing
roofing material, screw on termination bar all around, trim excess TPO and reinstall AC unit and whatever else came off. Buy a gallon on Tropi-Cool to
take with you as well and use this to seal any cuts you may have made around vents, etc. put it on heavy and 2-3 coats. You are now set for 20+ years.
Check the areas tou Tropi-cool'd every couple of years just to be safe although its got a 12 year guarantee.
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drzura
Nomad
Posts: 320
Registered: 7-1-2006
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Quote: Originally posted by LancairDriver  | | Unless you are trying to avoid a long haul pulling the fifth wheel out at the end of the season why not take it with you and avoid the theft/vandalism
worry’s? |
The wife and I do not own any property in the states, so we would not have anywhere to put the trailer except at an rv storage lot. I retire from the
Coast Guard this summer so we are still figuring out what we want to do; frugally retire full time in Baja for a while, or look for employment in the
San Diego area. We have a fido on the lot down in Baja and have been thinking of building a house down there for a while. Additionally, my mother
really enjoys Baja and would like to live there full time. Just the thought of spending 500-600k on a house in San Diego really sucks.
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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You're talking Cabo San Lucas, right? Not San Lucas Cove up by me.
Home prices in the Punta Chivato area are as low as I could imagine and some will negotiate even lower. That's a turn key home with most toys
included.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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drzura
Nomad
Posts: 320
Registered: 7-1-2006
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| Quote: Originally posted by Russ | You're talking Cabo San Lucas, right? Not San Lucas Cove up by me.
Home prices in the Punta Chivato area are as low as I could imagine and some will negotiate even lower. That's a turn key home with most toys
included. |
San Lucas Cove..
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Russ
Elite Nomad
Posts: 6741
Registered: 7-4-2004
Location: Punta Chivato
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Oh, right. Now I see the location under your name. My neighbor just sold (almost gave away) his lot, Holiday camper with slide out, Large storage bldg
with bath, ramada and made a separate deal for his Grady White. The folks that bought it have a huge toy hauler that won't fit under the ramada so are
deciding what to build to accommodate it and plan for the future. They've already made a deal for the camper. Good luck to you.
Bahia Concepcion where life starts...given a chance!
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Bob and Susan
Elite Nomad
Posts: 8802
Registered: 8-20-2003
Location: Mulege BCS on the BAY
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Mood: Full Time Residents
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you work your entire life to retire and you want to live in a trailer? geeezzz
build a small house and a garage...live it up...you're NOT taking it with you
the govt will pay you EVERY month
and remember your friends and family WONT be coming down to visit...they think it's too dangerous
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LancairDriver
Super Nomad
Posts: 1587
Registered: 2-22-2008
Location: On the Road
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Get the fiver and do San Lucas from November thru April then pull it over to Asunción area to escape the heat from May thru October. Best of both
coasts. Fishing should be great both places. Of course some enjoy the blazing heat and humidity on the Cortez side in the summer.
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tobias
Nomad
Posts: 188
Registered: 1-10-2014
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| Quote: Originally posted by Russ | | Oh, right. Now I see the location under your name. My neighbor just sold (almost gave away) his lot, Holiday camper with slide out, Large storage bldg
with bath, ramada and made a separate deal for his Grady White. The folks that bought it have a huge toy hauler that won't fit under the ramada so are
deciding what to build to accommodate it and plan for the future. They've already made a deal for the camper. Good luck to you.
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What did he get for it if you dont mind me asking?
What kind of lot was it?
I am trying to get a feel for the Baja market and data points are not easy to come by and all over the place.
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pacificobob
Super Nomad
Posts: 2237
Registered: 4-23-2006
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often when a gringo has had enough of baja, and feels its time to sell and leave,many awesome deals happen. keep an eye on craigslist. good luck
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Doug/Vamonos
Nomad
Posts: 404
Registered: 6-19-2006
Location: Fullerton, CA/Camp Gecko, Bahia de los Angeles
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Mood: Muy Pacifico
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I did the trailer thing under the ramada for eight years. Last year I built the casita of cinder block with stucco and sold the camper. In my case I
am 6'5" tall. My camper was taller than most so I didn't have to bend over when walking inside. But it felt like a tin can to me. I built my casita
with tall ceilings. Tall windows. Tall doors. I NEVER hit my head now. Which is a huge thing for tall guys. :-) We HATE living in a small man's world.
I love my casita. But I'm also in a relatively safe campo and don't worry too much about a break in. But if you are a full timer then a break in is
not too likely. And the fact is the trailer will depreciate like hell. And it is sitting on the beach right next to the salt. So consider that. For
the cost of that depreciation you can build the casita and feel like you are actually living in a house. I'm very happy I did it.
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Cancamo
Nomad
Posts: 345
Registered: 4-5-2011
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Once the mice get in the heater ducts and breed, create waste, die.....
The smell will not go away.
Protecting the roof is just a patch, All the cheezy trailer plumbing, valves, hardware, rubber seals and plastic become dry and brittle in the heat.
Trailers have a shelf life here.
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bledito
Nomad
Posts: 420
Registered: 7-6-2013
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http://www.instructables.com/id/New-Innovation-in-Constructi...
move in to the camper and build one of these.
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bkbend
Senior Nomad
Posts: 693
Registered: 11-27-2003
Location: central OR or central baja
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I know people satisfied with a 5th wheel or other RV -- but many go into construction mode anyway. First is usually a bathroom with a shower you can
move around in and a sink with counter space. Then a utility room with washer/dryer. Maybe an outdoor kitchen so you don't heat or stink up the RV.
You'll need a storage room for toys and a shop for your tools. Find and patch the leak in the trailer you have and put up that block house. The
trailer becomes your guest house. And, my block house doesn't shake when the wind blows.
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BajaTed
Senior Nomad
Posts: 859
Registered: 5-2-2010
Location: Bajamar
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Multiple folks I know started with a concrete slab and a camper.
Next step is cinder block utility shed.
The dynamics of your security situation from that point should give you an idea about the future. Cowboy up and go for it
Es Todo Bueno
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