Re: [A/S] RV storage in Florida

[Terry Tyler <tylerbears@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hi djkayak@bellsouth.net,

As Hunter mentioned (text below), there are Airstream Parks with lots for
sale. And, yes, if you buy a lot, you can use the storage area. Recently,
owners who were long term renters at one of the parks in Melbourne were told
their park would be closed permanently by their landlord (the Airport)
because of expansion plans. Those people (several hundred) have begun
finding new places to rent. With that in mind, supply/demand ratios have
changed in that town.

There are lots available at Traveler's Rest near Dade City and at Paradise
Park near Punta Gorda. Some of the lots include an Airstream. The age of the
Airstream varies widely. An old one all set up on the lot would mean you'd
have a inexpensive place to live and a parking place (storage lot) for your
"traveling Airstream". Like everywhere else in the world, prices vary
depending on the improvements (concrete slab, etc.) and location.

As a "drive-up" who wants a place to stay long term, the Airstream Parks can
usually accomodate you. Renting a site usually costs $15 a day. But, lots
are for sale every day and they are available on a first come, first serve
basis. Instead of daily site rental cost, there is a yearly maintenance fee
that averages out to considerably less than the daily rental rate. If you
don't have Tedra's book listing all Airstream Parks, why don't you buy it?
Send $10 to Tedra Smith, 1022 New Winsor Loop, Sun City Center, FL 33573.

Escapees (SKP) Parks were developed with a different goal in mind. True,
they will accomodate you for limited periods of time, depending on the time
of year (supply/demand). But, you are not going to buy a lot in a SKP park
today or this year or next year or the year after. Why?

Nine years ago, we wanted to buy into the Zolfo SKP park, so we put down our
deposit. It took 8 years before we were #1 on the list and were offered the
option to buy a lot. By then, we had become addicted to the full timers
lifestyle and no longer wanted to stay in one place. We turned down the
option, got our deposit money back and took our names off the list. The
choice was ours. 

We are still on the list to buy a lot at one of the SKP parks in Arizona.
Seven years ago, we were #327. This year, we are #67. Although we will
probably turn down that option also, we're keeping it open to have the
choice. Things change, you know. He who thinks ahead has choices.

Why am I telling you so much about the SKP parks when they aren't an option
for you? If you want the choice of living in an Escapees Park in the future,
then now's the time to plunk down your $20 (or more) and get on the list in
each park that interests you. Being short sighted now won't be of any help
ten years from now. Personal perspectives do have a way of changing whether
we believe it or not.

Likewise, as a restorer of Airstreams, you might find that the Airstream
park in Punda Gorda with its metal shop, a woodworking shop and a heated
swimming pool in the winter could be attractive to you in the future.
Decisions made this year have a way of narrowing or expanding our choices
next year.

There is always an easy solution to every human problem - neat, plausible,
and wrong. You already know this, but only you can decide which solution
will best fit your needs. It may not be neat or easy or obvious to the
casual onlooker. All of us will be interested in how you work this out.

Terry
mailto:tylerbears@airstream.net