Pros and Cons of Owning RV Land

Now that we have finished initial development of our RV property in TN we want to share our experience on buying and developing the land. We weigh the pros & cons, share our thoughts on how we feel so far, and give you an idea of development costs. Read all about the details here: rvlifestyle.com/pros-and-cons...
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00:00 The RV Podcast 409
00:22 Hershey Show Updated and Waggle Sweepstakes!
06:06 RV & Travel News & Stories
16:56 Pros & Cons of Owning RV Land
37:58 Viewer Q&A!
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By background, we're journalists Mike and Jennifer Wendland and this channel is all about freedom and fun through RV travel! We travel North America in our RV doing travel videos, how-tos, RV walk-through tours and video tips about how to get the most out of the RV Lifestyle.
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[@honey8636]

I 100% agree with you, Jennifer. This is the mothers responsibility for leaving her kids in the van. This doesn't even make sense.

[@traveldreamer4616]

I agree that it is a tragic situation. The fire and death are due to the irresponsible actions of the adults. I don’t see how Walmart is negligent. Leaving children unattended in a vehicle puts them in danger for many reasons.

[@deestanley9836]

Walmart should not be held responsible, the mother should be. No caring mom would leave their children asleep in a car in any situation. Especially in a large parking lot, where anything could happen. Sounds like she just wants to blame someone beside herself!

[@dawndouglas3437]

Sounds like she wants a big pay day for her own stupidity.

[@mawrawmiller561]

Regarding the Walmart case, RV News reported that the couple camping was cooking outside in the overnight camping area and then put the stove away before it had cooled down and parked in the shopping lot next to the van with the sleeping children and went inside. Walmart said they would defend themselves in court.

[@tracyk.8306]

Yes! And as responsible dry campers, you're not supposed to cook outside, and set up camp in the parking lot.

[@nancysala7769]

We already spoke to the developer. We are seriously looking at purchasing 5 acres there. Thank you so much for all your videos. Very informative. Maybe we'll be neighbors soon.

[@norm4907]

Mike, add a sign to your gate saying “Video Surveillance “

[@stephenrees438]

I have been following your journey for sometime now. You folks are living the dream that I want to live. Our hope is to be where you are now in a few years ourselves. Thank you so much for sharing your experience and your expense. This information will help prepare us for our retirement and home base. 😊

[@debicaron6046]

Thank you for the pros and cons..Developing the land was an eye opener..something to think about.

[@debbiejohnson5550]

Thanks for all the information you provided.

[@kencooper5201]

Great informative episode!! Thanks Guys.

[@bobshroyer6792]

I bought 1 acre in Northwestern AZ from an affiliated company of the one you bought from. $19,900 plus Septic and land clearing cost $11,000. I did build a large deck 12x20 and had a Gazebo installed and added a 12x10 Tuff Shed. These items cost another $13-15,000. Total cost approx. $45,000 (I use solar and haul water from the community water facility). When I later add electric, that would add another $5-8K If I added a 2500-gallon water storage that would cost about $4-5,000

[@EdPattermann]

Bob, could you share the company name or website? Ty.

[@susansnyder6373]

I have suggestion for cleaning toilet. I use: Unique RV Toilet Bowl Cleaner and Black Holding Tank Enhancer Liquid it cleans bowl extremely well( have porcelain toilet). And it also does not effect black tan enzymes from breaking down in your tank like bleach or a house toilet bowl cleaner would. contains no caustic chemicals like bleach to remove even the toughest toilet bowl stains while enhancing the bacterial breakdown inside your

[@ellen6229]

Thank You Both, First time to the Channel and I thoroughly enjoyed your show , Great Advice too , Looking forward to Watching 😊

[@JohnJohn-wr1jo]

Sorry for such a negative take, but from personal experience. Biggest reason for not owning this type of property. With a minimal purchase amounts you never know what type of people your sharing the land with. Throw in the potential Air BNB horrors and it's a recipie for disaster. My parents purchased a one acre lot in an RV/Recreational community 50 years ago. At the time they bought was roughly 5 years into the development of the community. Located in a rural area with no restrictions on use. They placed a park trailer, deck, storage shed and had water and electricity run to their site. First five years life was good. It was a weekend getaway for the family and in the summer Mom and the kids spent most of the summer. Residents got along and most pitched in when someone was working on big projects. Slowly things started to deteriorate. Personal property crimes, break ins, and vandalism, drug parties, overdoses, eventually assaults, arsons, and several murders. It turned into the wild wild west on many weekends. What changed? Initially the intention was a weekend RV destination, summer, part time residency. Eventually it transitioned into full time low income housing for poorer residents of the area. Most of who were good honest neighbors. Unfortunately not all fit this description. It's sad because most of the long timers, like our family, couldn't tolerate the conditions and issues and sold at a considerable loss. I've been back once many years after leaving and it looked like a third world country. The owners Initially worked together to try and prevent these issues from growing but we're thwarted through intimidation, vandalism, assaults and targeted arson. 20 years later similar issues with neighbors who purchased a lot for their travel trailer in Central Florida. Won't get into it but same outcome.

[@janetfolkerts5827]

I have heard of this lawsuit and the potential of other big box stores following with a no parking policy due to the possibilities. I do not find Walmart responsible. In addition to the loss of life to the child and the one burned. It is sad for everyone involved. The elderly man who is charged with manslaughter, the other owners of vehicles damaged. However, in today's world of human trafficing being a top crime I can't imagine leaving children unattended. Thank you for the wisdom of budgeting 1/2 of land price for development. As always, your videos are packed with insightful HOW TO's and suggestions. THANK YOU.

[@faithrada]

One way of camping that I used to do was.. I packed my tent in my van and would set it up next to the van. Depending on rhe weather and area..... I might store my "stuff" in the tent to create more van space... OR CAMP OUTSIDE in the tent. It is nice to have the security of the van ... for instance when a bear walked through the site., but to tent and be closer to nature when it feels safe. It's a great combination.

[@dorothymccarthy4231]

Do enjoy watching you both. Waiting 45 years for my rv. Husband want to wait now for electric. Hugs

[@MaryLutzavonrep]

Hi! We have the same rig as you 😊 we’re also in Michigan! We subscribe to your newsletter, too. We’re new to the RV life, just started in June 2022.

[@mikeventi637]

Love you guys....love Tennessee too....but just to let ya know check out the Micro-Air thermostat upgrade. It is wifi and can be controlled while away from rig. We have pets too and it monitors inside temps and you can adjust as needed. And if you ha e the new Victron MultiPlus-II 3000Va 2x120V and the cerbo control you can rest assured that if you loose power the ac can be handled by batteriea for a ahort period. It is what we just did to our 5th wheel. Best of luck. We too are looking for some similar setup of land to rest an rv from time to time...

[@dorothymccarthy4231]

That pet monitor is great. Love to win one

[@michellelomas1225]

Hi guys! We love your stories - thank you so much for all you do! Our kids live in Austin, Tx. Do you know of any RV Land options in that area? Also have family in Az. Do you know any places there? Look forward to hearing from you!!

[@pdub6453]

Being from the Midwest, often the epicenter for tornados, weather would be a consideration.

[@victoriarash5011]

We love come to visit if we can

[@tracyk.8306]

With respect to the bleach question, should also mention you want regular 100% bleach, not the splash- free bleach or soaped up bleach that can destroy your hoses and fixtures. If you find just disinfecting bleach, that's fine. We unfortunately did no-splash bleach the first time and that took several more rinses to get the lye and soap stuff out. Definitely don't want suds coming out of your taps!

[@joyceschetter5871]

Well I’ve missed the waggle link. Can you list it here? Thank you

[@smlink51]

Many years ago (in the 70’s) my parents bought land in what was “supposed to be” a park like setting for RV’s. Some people built small cabins, one family built a nice A-frame with a wrap around deck overlooking a nice creek. BUT as time passed on it seemed that many “low income” locals found this to be cheaper than renting apartments and they brought in many small pull behind travel trailers that now are completely ran down, abandoned, and now it looks like a junkyard. My oldest sister now lives in a double wide and she is sort of stuck there with all the trash, abandoned small trailers, cars and junk. Now, those lots were smaller (40’x180’) and my parents bought 8 lots giving them (320’x180’) so she isn’t crowded like others. I sincerely hope that y’all don’t have any problems like that.

[@mawrawmiller561]

Look into Norwex for chemical free cleaning. They use antimicrobial silver impregnated microcloths.

[@franniefargo3536]

What about tent camping in Florida?

[@jeffconley819]

My ultimate RV lot has to be near a large lake system for fishing .

[@davidpatrick1813]

Use organic vinegar for cleaning

[@deborah4579]

The Walmart tragedy is a lesson for all. Never leave your children in a motor vehicle, never put away a cooking appliance unless it’s cool to the touch. Always park your rv away from others in a parking lot. Feels sorry for everyone involved there. Love the Tennessee property. Well named. Hoping to get the Hershey 😊

[@shegone911]

Yall rented a cart can yall mention that hot tip from last years show. I would like to get a xart

[@RVLifestyle]

what is an xart?

[@dennyj8650]

Quite interested in finding land to buy, where I can park my SUV and camp with it. NO HOA for me. Need to find where one can buy such land, and not have to worry about changing rules and zoning laws about what I can do with and on my own property! Hoping I don't have to go live in a desert somewhere!

[@cwstyle3]

Hello Mike and Jen. Nice to see you both. I feel the parent should have taken her children into Walmart. Your children are precious and it’s such a tragedy. Prayers to all🙏🏼. Thank you for sharing all stories. Take care and see you both next time💕PS. Heard the good news of you both owning RV land. Congrats and good luck on your endeavors. 👏🎉

[@jasoncr8419]

Pet update. Dogs were in the county animal shelter. “We’ve received samples from a small number of dogs, and of those, several have tested positive for parvovirus,” said Dodd. “So we do know that there are some dogs infected.” It’s unclear why they didn’t come up positive initially, but Dodd says this is just the start of testing, and he hopes to have more data next week.

[@PittsWithAPurpose]

I agree. I never left my kids in the car. It’s called child abandonment in our state, if under a certain age.

[@stickx1]

Can you put a Doublewide manufactured home on the property

[@bobboitt3126]

Every county has different laws. It always pays to talk to a county rep before you buy land and discuss with them your intentions. That way there's no bad surprises.

[@garyhammonds1780]

Are you going to bring your books for sale

[@RVLifestyle]

Nope. We’re there to have fun. Not work. :-)

[@beelust4312]

What do you do for trash 🗑 at your property?

[@RVLifestyle]

We haul it to the dump

[@nia6849]

How often do you haul the trash per month and how far away?

[@Carlossantos-wg8rs]

Nice property, linden tenn #2 in crime stats of small rural area in the state, hospital far. big drug problem .1 1/2 hours to Real entertainment or Restaurants (Nashville Tenn.)

[@debicaron6046]

Close to Nashville..and larger city has the crime..Comes with the territory

[@Fldonna]

Times have changed. Crime and drugs are everywhere.

[@RVLifestyle]

@@marycorsellistroche984 LOL...Crime rates mean nothing when there are fewer than 1,000 people in town. People leave their cars running when running errands and their doors open. They have pretty much zero serious crime.

[@mikemanjo2458]

Totally the mom's responsibility. She should have taken them with her or waited until later.

[@artbykcappadona5166]

Here in Fl they have a new vaccine for this pneumonia.

[@mariondiemert430]

In bear country? In a tent you are just a burrito for a bear.....

[@RVLifestyle]

lol!!!!

[@semicountryliving3095]

Guys, have tornadoes ripped through there, and if so, how are you prepared for that?

[@RVLifestyle]

No. They haven't.

[@tthoutx1]

Walmart lawsuit, neither were RVs. Both were minivans. The couples van that caught on fire slept the night in his minivan in the parking lot, cook breakfast in the grill, dumped out the charcoal put the hot grill back in the rear of the minivan. Move the minivan to the front line next to The minivan with the girls sleeping in it. Total negligence, but this is the new America let’s prosecute the group that has nothing to do with it. Kind of like gun ownership?

[@catherinedunahee6787]

What is a barndiminium? I am not sure I spelled that right.

[@RVLifestyle]

Condominium built like a barn. You can see it in our latest property update: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sJ7Yo3hqj7ilbKs

[@traveldreamer4616]

Wonder if you can have animals such as chickens.

[@RVLifestyle]

If you don't mind the coyotes eating them

[@susantaylor8554]

Who leaves 6 and 9 year go shopping. She needs be changed her self.

[@bigdanc.8429]

What in the world did she leave the kids in the car alone. She needs to be held accountable and walmart bears no responsibility.

[@candacemeifert-polk7383]

I have to agree that we should never leave our children in a car or Van unattended! . My feeling is that this poor, grieving mother, is trying to blane others for her mistake, as horrible as this is . I would wake my children up and bring them with me , or wait till they wake to shop!!! Fatal error on her part! As far as the fire, campers need to be very careful when cooking near other vehicles. I am sure this camper will be paying big time for his fatal error too! Just a tradegy😢

[@karlcostigan7633]

Thee only reason they are suing Walmart is they have deep pockets period.

[@christianemmanuelf.domingo793]

I wants a land too but i dont like house or any kind of sticking like a sore thumb unatural structures, i want a stealth bunker home and reserve the pure nature scenery as much as i could even the pipe vents must be covered with live moss or vines or decoy living bushes and trees and solar pannels must be small and scathered on trees, maybe turn the surface into permaculture food jungle that just look like an empty jungle for an untrained eye, why would i turn the scenery into a residential /city sore eyes i wanna get far away from, im just saying im just sharing my setup ideas, but its ur land its the norm to build all sorts of stuctures and its yall cup of tea so i understand i aint judging but i also watch abunch of doomsday prepper videos, gun videos sustainable offgrid lifestyles that got me into looking at permaculture farming videos and camping videos so i guess cant blame me neither for having such unconventional idea that maybe i can combine all this good stuff together lol nice video tho lots of info keep it up

[@victoriarash5011]

It’s not Walmart fault. It’s the owner.

[@debbietaylor8091]

The mother was negligent in leaving her children in her van unattended. Who in their right mind as a parent would leave there children unattended like that

[@RiverRoamFree]

Why would you leave your sleeping children in a van. It is heartbreaking but as a mother I would never leave my children who are young and could never defend or save themselves. It was an accident and they do happen but should also hold mom responsible for leaving her children alone.

[@dawndouglas3437]

Moms should not leave their little kids in any car along for any reason at all!!! Never leave them alone in a car. Totally the mothers fault for leaving her kids ALONE while she went shopping.