Mary Anne Bargen learned that her travel trailer is more than just a tool for travel.
I would love to own a travel trailer. I finally bought one during the Pandemic.
While parked in the driveway, my trailer has come in handy when I've taken several trips in it.
I've made my travel trailer useful without leaving home.
I've wanted to own a travel trailer for a long time. It wasn't possible until COVID.
Mary Anne Bargen is a fox.
I would love to own a travel trailer. I'd longingly stare at them on the highways, imagining life on the road, living full-time, and traveling via my home-on-wheels.
The desire to travel grew ten-fold when COVID hit, as it also presented itself as a safe way to travel.
I purchased a rebuilt 1974 Perris Pacer after weeks of searching for a new one. With a home base in Los Angeles shared with my boyfriend, dog, and cat, a travel trailer seemed to be a fair compromise, even though I had always pictured myself in an Airstream.
We sewed and hung curtains adorned with foxes inside the trailer that we purchased from a family that rebuilt her. We've been camping in the desert and visiting national parks since she felt like a prized possession.
She is good for weekend adventures, but comes in handy every day, even while parked in the driveway.
A travel trailer can be used for an extra bedroom or guest suite.
Mary Anne Bargen is the author of a book.
We decided to downsize from a two-bedroom, two-bath to a one-bedroom, one-bath because of the lower rents.
We had extra beds and privacy for overnight guests.
The trailer sleeps up to three adults and offers a comfortable stay for family and friends who prefer their own space to crash on our couch or sleep on an inflatable air mattress in the middle of the living room.
We've hosted a few friends who enjoyed the unique experience of passing through town.
I used my travel trailer as a second home office because of the tight working quarters.
Mary Anne Bargen is the author in her home office.
After a year and a half of working from home, my partner and I have learned a lot about each other. I'm a loud zoom talker. When I met his coworkers in person, they told me they could hear me through his calls.
The experience taught me a few things. Our home was too small for two people and my partner needed to amplify his microphone more.
Thankfully, Foxy was close enough to use the internet, but far enough away to drown out some of my enthusiasm.
It also gave two people who spend a lot of time together a chance to separate from each other and not have to watch each other go through the motions of work.
When the house underwent repairs, the travel trailer became a go-to place to relax.
Mary Anne Bargen stayed in Foxy while her kitchen floors were replaced.
Our home is cozy and has an open plan, so when the kitchen floors needed to be replaced, our office/living room/dining room became unavailable.
We were able to walk out to the driveway and hang out in the trailer while we waited for the floors to be completed, because of the help of Foxy.
Our dog and cat are both very protective of each other, so having a familiar spot to land meant everyone still felt comfortable.
While still parked at home, my trailer offered the opportunity to take a free staycation.
A travel trailer can be used for a staycation.
Traveling is a huge way for me to escape from the stress of daily life. I was affected by the loss of that ability.
Thankfully, Foxy offered a transportive stay just a few feet away. I've packed nothing but a book and my dog for an overnight stay many times, just for a change of scenery.
This type of staycation gives me the comforts of home, but I feel like I'm on an adventure somewhere else. It was much more comfortable to retreat to my trailer than it was to go camping in my backyard as a kid.
I was given a free one at that. I could get away on my own, without having to hitch a ride, fill the tank, or drive for hours. It was quiet, relaxing, and peaceful, but without all the work, I'm a more refreshed version of myself.
I made my trailer into a "She Shed" to hold puzzles, crafts, and sewing.
The author is Mary Anne Bargen.
I suppose it's an apt way to describe what's become my haven to go and listen to books on tape and podcasts, or where I can leave sewing projects and the occasional LEGO set out while still in progress.
Without much discussion, my boyfriend and I decided that Foxy would be my safe place for these activities.
Since it's not an option to leave half-completed projects out in the house with the animals around, I often go through phases of wanting to learn how to play the ukulele.
After a recent thrifting outing in Palm Springs, I found an incredible 80s puzzle intact and immediately put it on the table.
On and off the road, my travel trailer adds so much value to my life.
Mary Anne Bargen said that the travel trailer became a safe haven.
If you're thinking of owning a travel trailer, camper van, RV, or another mobile home like I did, or even just planning to rent one for an extended period of time, know that you're likely to find many added uses beyond a bed.
Even though she is parked in the driveway, Foxy is still fulfilling her duty as a dream weaver.
The original article is on Insider.
