Where to purchase truck & FW?

Welcome and enjoy your travels.
Last summer we met a couple from Germany who flew into South Dakota to make their purchase. They were on a one year journey and because they had already purchased truck and trailer already it was pretty easy for them to get their one year visa. I would suggest either Texas or South Dakota as your final destination. Taxes and fees anywhere else could cost you many thousands of dollars more.

There are deals to be had no matter which city or state. It varies widely from dealer to dealer and how well you negotiate the price. Most RV's are manufactured in the mid west which means destination costs will be higher in California. That could add $1000-$2000 to an RV in California.

California sales taxes range from 7.5% to 10% while Texas ranges from 6.25% to 8.25%. Which state will you call your home state and register the RV? Texas charges $45-$65 for license fees while California is based on price of RV. A $50,000 RV would cost around $400.

I think that you should do an online search regarding taxes and types of units available. You stated that 2 families are involved. So depending upon your numbers, are we talking about one or two units? If 6 or more are involved, you fiver is out of the running, as you now need 2 trucks. Having people ride in the FW while in tow is a BAD idea, and in many states illegal. A TT type trailer pulled by a Suburban would be ideal if you have more than 6 in your party. As stated, some states have a much higher taxing rate on everything from food, gas, and yes vehicles. Doing a pre flight search could result in many $$$ savings. And remember, what you purchase, you will probable have to sell prior to your return home. So buying a NEW unit might not be your best bet, as you probably will take a big $$$ hit the first few years of ownership on anything new. Purchasing a tow vehicle for the FW is also tricky. You want a truck large enough to properly tow or haul your unit safely. I still think that a proper TT will fit your needs, and with the proper tow vehicle It all depends upon your 2 family numbers. We on occasion have encountered as many a 10 people traveling, camping, in a bus conversion unit. Enjoy your stay in the USA.

I don't know about rv's but there are more trucks sold in Texas than any other state (guessing) which would seem to affect the price. Sales tax is 6.25% and the lic plates are according to weight. My truck and trailer in the sig is about $190/yr for plates.

Check out the "escapees" forum website, rigs for sale thread.

Regards
Gemstone

Strictly a guess but I'd bet the EPA and licensing regulations in Calif and the product availability in Texas would have me choosing Dallas. I'd also prefer to get to know a new rig whilst driving in Dallas vs LA.

Uh, you had better do research on ownership before you get off a plane & head for a dealership expecting to buy something & drive away as free as a bird.

There is the matter of WHERE is this vehicle going to be registered. Insurance when driving on a foreign drivers license. The transfer of funds to pay for it from your bank to the dealer.

It is not like going into Walmart & coming out with a cartload of stuff. Nowhere near that simple.

Veebyes wrote:
Uh, you had better do research on ownership before you get off a plane & head for a dealership expecting to buy something & drive away as free as a bird.

There is the matter of WHERE is this vehicle going to be registered. Insurance when driving on a foreign drivers license. The transfer of funds to pay for it from your bank to the dealer.

It is not like going into Walmart & coming out with a cartload of stuff. Nowhere near that simple.

I have done all this research that you mention thats why I didn't ask about any of it in my OP.
But thanks for your concern.

I would buy both in Texas. Less taxes, registration and etc. And cheaper prices for trucks and RV's. You could get a deal in CA but you'll still pay more tax. A bit OT. When you come out to CA, stop by Thornhill Broome State Beach (Point Magu State Park). It's 7 miles west of Malibu in SoCal. No hookups or much in the way of facilities but you're camping right on the beach. Reserveamerica.com

mpfireman wrote:
I think that you should do an online search regarding taxes and types of units available. You stated that 2 families are involved. So depending upon your numbers, are we talking about one or two units? If 6 or more are involved, you fiver is out of the running, as you now need 2 trucks. Having people ride in the FW while in tow is a BAD idea, and in many states illegal. A TT type trailer pulled by a Suburban would be ideal if you have more than 6 in your party. As stated, some states have a much higher taxing rate on everything from food, gas, and yes vehicles. Doing a pre flight search could result in many $$$ savings. And remember, what you purchase, you will probable have to sell prior to your return home. So buying a NEW unit might not be your best bet, as you probably will take a big $$$ hit the first few years of ownership on anything new. Purchasing a tow vehicle for the FW is also tricky. You want a truck large enough to properly tow or haul your unit safely. I still think that a proper TT will fit your needs, and with the proper tow vehicle It all depends upon your 2 family numbers. We on occasion have encountered as many a 10 people traveling, camping, in a bus conversion unit. Enjoy your stay in the USA.

Talk about jumping to conclusions ;) We have done extensive research so far so only need answers from my OP. But FYI We will be buying 2 separate set up's, so you can rest easy, there is no way we would allow anyone to ride in a FW. We are also shipping the FW home with us & maybe even the truck we tow it with. And yes we've researched all the conversions necessary.