Travel Trailer Recommendations for Relocating to the Oil Fields

Now that I think about it, one of the FEMA jobs might be the best way to go. My reasoning is this: You are likely going to be out in the middle of nowhere, in rough terrain in a man-camp or maybe even on well site. The RV is going to get dirty and beat up, and it probably isn't going to be worth much a few years down the road. So I can't see investing a ton of money into anything really luxurious. Just get a good basic FEMA and if it lasts five years, you more than get your money's worth from it.

FEMAs aren't bad trailers; they are just very bare-bones and basic, which is probably a good thing out in the patch. More moving parts means more things can break. I definitely would have to think twice about taking an expensive fifth-wheel with four power slideouts and all kinds of other stuff into that environment. Also, you might not be within 100 miles of an RV tech to take care of your big problems, and a slide that's stuck in the extended position is a big problem when you need to move the RV.

I have a little Toyota right now. But if I was starting from scratch and going out into the bush, I would probably find a nice used 23-28' class C MH with a diesel powertrain and then find one of those little GEO trackers in good shape and set it up to tow behind the MH, four wheels down. Ideally, a VW diesel Golf or Cabrio would be better, but they are very rare.

That way you can place the MH on a site and use the car to travel. And, if you have to move to another site, just hook the GEO to the back of the MH and off you go.

Diesel class C's are a little hard to find but they are out there. I would go that way instead of towing with the standard Ford 460 or Chevy 454 gas MH rigs, just because you are towing. My first MH had the 460, and I towed my little Pontiac with it, but she really struggled, even though the car was fairly small and light. It's not out of the question to use a gas rig, but a diesel has towing power.

One other thing when it comes to trailers. If you are going to be out in the bush, you will likely need a generator, unless the man-camp has full RV hookups. To run your standard roof-top AC you are going to need at least 2.5Kw of power, and more likely 3.5Kw. That translates to a couple thousand dollars of a good Honda generator.

There are other kinds that have as much power and are cheaper, but when you're a million miles from nowhere and you need juice, you need something you know isn't going to let you down. When it comes to portable generators Honda is aces. The Chinese Harbor Freight jobs are well-priced and good for light-duty stuff, but they aren't designed for harsh environments.

Generator power is one of the main reasons I would go with a small MH. Most MHs have on-board power, sufficient to power everything in the rig. And the Kohler gensets most MH makers use are top-notch gennies, if properly maintained.

Just guessing, a good diesel rig about 26' thats less than 25 years old and a Tracker with decent miles on it will probably run you around $15-18K total, so it is pricier, but probably the better way to go.

 

Will-Northwoods has a model called the Nash-basically a plain version of the Arctic Fox-they are reported to be just as weatherproof. I was going to buy a Nash had I not gotten a smokin' deal on this one.

 

BTW, the posts I made were based on using an RV in Texas, or anyplace with at least a temperate climate. North Dakota is a whole different animal, especially in the dead of winter.

Also, here's the web address for Archer in Houston:

http://www.archerrvs.com/index.php

I haven't been by there since spring, but every time I go throguh Houston I pass by their yard and they have tons and tons of inventory.

There are also other companies out there selling FEMAs that will finance. I know that the Austin CraigsList used to list two or three.

You don't need to struggle saving money while missing out on a good job because you cant re-locate to Texas. Most of these guys will take your job as collateral. You pay extra for the unit, but at least you have something better than a tent ot you car/truck.

 

yes, im paying $400 a month here in Hobbs, includes everything...............

 

The ones that cheap are the same they threw the inmates out of from Katrina after they lived in them for years. Quick clean up but lots of problems. The more expensive ones would be more reliable as far as cleanliness and mechanical systems go.

 

Yeah, my experience with FEMAs is that you need to pay a minimum of 4-5K to get a decent one. It is overpriced for a bare-bones RV, but the other options are even more expensive.

 

I bought a 2010 Northwood Nash 22GQ model to live in while working the Texas oil patch. The main reason I bought the Nash was because it is what they call a 4 season model, the underside of the trailer is all insulated and protected. Now I have not spent a winter in Texas so I don't know how cold is going to get here in the desert at night, but I'm sure I'll be fine. Mine is advertised as a 23' model, no slide outs. I can stand up in the shower and everything is in great condition or new.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TKthyODlGI

My trailer weights in at around 4,500lbs, I tow it with a 3/4 ton gasser pick-up.

I think the Nash is very similar to the Arctic Fox, I think there are made by the same company.