Forum Discussion

Reliving_Life's avatar
Jul 19, 2014

Steps to full-time.

I just sold my house and most of the "stuff" that was controlling me. Plan to buy a TT and go full-time. This is a new lifestyle for me so I am reading a lot of posts to try not to make too many mistakes.

Now that I am "homeless" I suppose my next step is to establish residency then purchase my TT. I've read about mail forwarding services but would like to know from experienced RVers which service is preferred, which state is best for residency (state income tax, personal property tax, sales tax on TT, etc).

6 Replies

  • I chose to domicile in Florida and use St Brendan's Isle. They have all the forms you need at their site if you decide to choose Florida. Nice people to talk with also.

    People generally look at the states already mentioned because of the lack of a state income tax and also the fact that they treat full-timers favorably as regards Drivers license, vehicle registration, registering to vote, etc. Not to say other states won't work, but you might be blazing your own trail.

    Also agree that you don't want a PO Box address. That seems to be a red flag.

    My .02

    Tim
  • We love MYRVMail out of Crestview, FL. We have used them for the five years of our six that we have been full timing it! We chose Florida due to the ease of a physical address for needed registrations, tax issues, insurance, etc. PO box services don't fit the bill for full timers. You can visit our website where I talk more about several other options that are out there: http://yourfulltimervliving.com/rv-mail-forwarding-service-peace-of-mind-while-full-time-rving Happy hunting!
  • Thanks everyone for your advice. I will look into all of the suggestions. Clay, I would love to have a 5th wheel but truck is too small and will have to do for now. Next truck will be upgraded to pull a larger load!
  • SD, TX, and FL are the most popular states for full timing. We chose SD and use Alternative Resources as our mail forwarding service. See HERE for their web site. There is some good info about SD there.
    Also see HERE for info on setting up your legal domicile.

    I don't see many people full timing in TT. Probably because of lack of storage. Most are in 5th wheels or Class A motor homes.
  • Whatever you choose for 'domicile' make sure you thoroughly research 'Medical Insurance' coverage, requirements, limitations.
    Since passing of ACA (Obamacare) FTrs have been discovering issues with their medical insurance....ie: companies not recognizing FTrs mail forwarding service as a 'physical' address, even though state/federal/IRS does.
    Medical Insurance Companies write their own rules.
  • Hopefully, the Moderator will move this to the Full-timing Forum. If you do a search for 'domicile' you'll come up with lots of reading. One state is not ideal for everyone so you'll have to research.

    There are three main states for domicile: Texas, South Dakota, Florida. We belong to the Escapees RV Club in Texas ($29.99 special right now), and use their mail forwarding service with excellent results. It works for us.

    Good luck with your new lifestyle.