ISO guidance re permanent RV setup

[OneGrassRoot]

I don’t even know who to ask these questions - maybe a general contractor?

Assuming all zoning laws are accommodated, how viable is it to connect an RV to a single family residence as far as utilities, specifically septic (lot has individual septic tank used by household) and a community well setup?

My county recently loosened restrictions on “accessory dwelling units” and I’m trying to find an affordable option for a separate self-contained living space in my backyard for my ailing elderly mother.

Stick built homes, tiny houses and other manufactured home options aren’t affordable - even before the connection of utilities issue.

I started a deeper dive and discovered fifth wheel RVs which come in sizes that would fit in my backyard and used ones are more affordable and quite nice!

But I’m stuck on how realistic connecting utilities is given the septic and community well. And don’t know who to ask. That part may be cost prohibitive.

Any personal experience or insight?

😊

[jmbar2]

1. I was curious about it at one time

It's best to start with your local authorities regarding the septic. Each region has very different standards. In some cases, old septics are grandfathered in and cannot be added to, or new ones installed.

Keep us informed - I'm curious as to what you find out. I like the idea a lot.

[OneGrassRoot]

2. Will do - and thank you! n/t

[janterry]

3. There are a bunch of RV forums out there

I'd def. ask there for some opinions.

and this looked helpful:
https://rvblogger.com/blog/rv-hookup-at-home/

[OneGrassRoot]

4. Aha - great idea! Thx 😊 n/t

[Timewas]

5. Not real difficult

You connect a hose from the house for water and set up a plug,preferably 30 amp for power, then need a connection for the sewer line, to existing septic system, you can leave the grey water(sinks and shower)connection open but leave the black water(toilet) connection closed and only drain as necessary...use additives to both tanks to keep odors down and help digest sludge.. that is basics. Also may want to add a skirting around trailer to keep winds and such out of underneath...especially if a fifth wheel as the bedroom will be in the upper area...local ordinances will come into play... ie permits and inspections

That is basically it ..

(on edit) also probably want to take tires off and store them so they won't rot ...

[OneGrassRoot]

6. Great suggestions...

thank you. Yeah, I envisioned taking tires off, not so much for tires rotting (which I didn't know about), but to accommodate my mom's need to remove stairs as much as possible. Having grown up living in a mobile home, I definitely understand the value of adding skirting. And even though I don't have to do this in my house (I'm in NC and it can get very cold but not like northern states), I would imagine I would need to let a faucet drip in the RV to avoid lines freezing.

[Thunderbeast]

7. When I replaced my septic system I added a "clean-out".

I located it next to the driveway so that I could reach it with the tank hoses. I have a hose bib and 20 amp receptical handy to it as well.

Your challenges will be more bureaucratic than technical. You can direct-bury underground-rated wire to a 30 amp x 120 volt outlet box on a post adjacent to the RV. PVC or PEX (very good for cold weather) can be run in the same trench for your water supply.

[OneGrassRoot]

8. Thanks for those details...

I had just started learning about the "clean out" thing before seeing your post.