Hi all,We have been reseaching and researching but there must be people out there who have done what we intend and can give some good advice.We are New Zealander's and plan this November to arrive Los Angeles and purchase a 5th Wheel and pickup truck, kit it out and travel your beautiful country following the sunshine fulltime for the next 2 years.Need advice on best 5th wheel and pickup truck about 28 to 30' long with rear living room,quality construction up to $35k all up. Wanted a 2005 plus 5th wheel and pickup with less than 75,000 miles. Only for 2 people but reliable so we can put into storage as intend to use over next 6 to 8 years.Is California a good state to buy in. We intend to make South Dakota our residence and use it for vehicle registration, insurance and mail forwarding service. As foreign tourists we have no US income.There is so many 5th wheels I would like to single it down to a couple of models to focus on. Maybe there is a place to buy a combo setup all kitted out for like type people who travel in and out of America.Any assistance appreciated or advice on best way to structure a residence for legal and sales tax purposes.

You may have some challenges establishing a mailing address and obtaining vehicle registration and insurance. I suggest you call Paul Eidsness with Alternative Resources in Sioux Falls, SD at 605-332-3711 or 800-477-2664. If anyone can help you, he can. he has a website at www.alternativeresources.netRegarding purchasing in California, that may be a more expensive option than other states due to taxes. For a quality brand RV, look at Artic Fox. They are well know for quality RV's and outstanding customer service. Most will tell you that a diesel will give you the best option, but a larger gasoline engine will also provide good service. The three options you have for a truck are Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, and Dodge. All three are good choices, and it becomes a matter of brand choice for many. You will be well served by anyone. Just make sure you know that the vehicle will tow the RV, so choosing the RV first sometimes is a better strategy. Do not rely on the truck or RV salesman's information, as they often say anything to get you to buy. Do your own due diligence.

South Dakota is the best place to license and buy. California is probably the worst place you can choose. Met two couples last summer one from Germany one from your area. The Germans bought and osid for truck and trailer via internet. Had it ready and waiting for them when they landed. Made for an easy one year visa.

i agree fly into almost any state BUT Cal to buy

Well, there's certainly a lot of inventory in California...could be a good place to look.Per taxes on such purchases:If you buy a vehicle in California and IMMEDIATELY remove it from the State for registration elsewhere, no sales tax is due to California. Certain rules apply- read them carefully at this California DMV link. That only works, of course, if you have a State to register it in. I don't know how that goes for foreign nationals. Suggest you get that end worked out before proceeding.

Sent you a PM (private message), see link in upper right corner.

Full Timing Tourist Needs Advice | Good Sam Community

18 Replies

valhalla360
Navigator
Jul 17, 2013
I would probably look in the Phoenix Arizona area.

Lots of retiree's go down there in the winter and some don't make the trip home so there are lots of units for sale and many are families just trying to get rid of them.

Florida would be a secondary option but with the humid environment, you have to be more careful for water damage.
ocbms
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
It looks looks like you have several years planned out. Do know the climate in these places versus the time of year. If you look for a zero (-17 C degrees)rated RV, southern Cal may not be the area to look. Another Item to watch on used is how much salt had the under belly and slides seem either on the roads or ocean beach.
This linked site may help you with some license and Insurance requirements
Happy Travels
Clay
stickdog
Explorer
Jul 17, 2013
There are several foreign nationals that frequent the Escapee's forum that are doing what you plan, they can offer advice how to best achieve your goals.
Dayle1
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2013
Sent you a PM (private message), see link in upper right corner.
Francesca_Knowl
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
Well, there's certainly a lot of inventory in California...could be a good place to look.

Per taxes on such purchases:

If you buy a vehicle in California and IMMEDIATELY remove it from the State for registration elsewhere, no sales tax is due to California. Certain rules apply- read them carefully at this California DMV link.

That only works, of course, if you have a State to register it in. I don't know how that goes for foreign nationals. Suggest you get that end worked out before proceeding.
Wheel_Estate
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
i agree fly into almost any state BUT Cal to buy
donn0128
Explorer II
Jul 16, 2013
South Dakota is the best place to license and buy. California is probably the worst place you can choose. Met two couples last summer one from Germany one from your area. The Germans bought and osid for truck and trailer via internet. Had it ready and waiting for them when they landed. Made for an easy one year visa.
I_am_still_wayn
Explorer
Jul 16, 2013
You may have some challenges establishing a mailing address and obtaining vehicle registration and insurance. I suggest you call Paul Eidsness with Alternative Resources in Sioux Falls, SD at 605-332-3711 or 800-477-2664. If anyone can help you, he can. he has a website at www.alternativeresources.net

Regarding purchasing in California, that may be a more expensive option than other states due to taxes. For a quality brand RV, look at Artic Fox. They are well know for quality RV's and outstanding customer service. Most will tell you that a diesel will give you the best option, but a larger gasoline engine will also provide good service. The three options you have for a truck are Chevrolet/GMC, Ford, and Dodge. All three are good choices, and it becomes a matter of brand choice for many. You will be well served by anyone. Just make sure you know that the vehicle will tow the RV, so choosing the RV first sometimes is a better strategy. Do not rely on the truck or RV salesman's information, as they often say anything to get you to buy. Do your own due diligence.

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Full Timing Tourist Needs Advice

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