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JAY-LEN's avatar
JAY-LEN
Explorer
May 09, 2014

changing from 5'er to motorhome

We have been full timing in a 5th wheel for about 3 years now and were wanting to change to class A but it seems to be more complicated then just finding 1 we like, here's a couple of issues, any thoughts on on them would be appreciated.
1. We are from calif. Would it worth our time to change home states ?

2. Right now i have a 04 ford 1 ton 4 wheel drive automatic an push botton 4 wheel can i tow it ?

3. How would i go about selling my my 5'er and p/u if need be while on the road ?
Would like to thank everyone in advance for there help,
  • UsualSuspect's avatar
    UsualSuspect
    Explorer
    May 18, 2014
    1. Since you are full timing I would look at a state that is retirement income friendly, as well as tax friendly. If you plan on staying a resident you might as well pay the sales tax. If you get caught they will give you 30 days to pay with penalties for the past due taxes, if you don;t pay they will come and impound the rig until you do.

    2. Looking in the Dinghy towing guide for 04 it states "Manual Transfer Case Only". I would look in the Owners Manual or call Ford and ask.

    3. I would try and sell it myself. If you are going to be in an area for a while advertise it locally.

    Good luck!
  • Ductape's avatar
    Ductape
    Explorer
    May 17, 2014
    FL is not sales tax free.

    Trade in what you have if selling is a bother.
  • timmac's avatar
    timmac
    Explorer
    May 13, 2014
    Going to need a diesel motorhome to tow that much weight..
  • lanerd's avatar
    lanerd
    Explorer II
    May 09, 2014
    JAY-LEN wrote:
    We have been full timing in a 5th wheel for about 3 years now and were wanting to change to class A but it seems to be more complicated then just finding 1 we like, here's a couple of issues, any thoughts on on them would be appreciated.
    1. We are from calif. Would it worth our time to change home states ?
    If your intentions are to purchase a new or used motor home from a dealer....moving to a sales tax free state (Oregon, SD, Texas, Florida,etc) will definitely save you thousands of $$

    2. Right now i have a 04 ford 1 ton 4 wheel drive automatic an push botton 4 wheel can i tow it ?
    First, check your owner's manual under recreational towing. However, it's my understanding that unless you have a manual shift transfer case, you cannot.

    3. How would i go about selling my my 5'er and p/u if need be while on the road ?
    Put for sale signs on them.

    Would like to thank everyone in advance for there(You mean: their) help,
    You're very welcome.


    Ron
  • gbopp's avatar
    gbopp
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    Check the weight of your 04 Ford 1 ton.

    Then, check the towing capacity of whatever Class A you are considering.

    Make sure the Class A can pull the weight of your truck and anything you have in the truck.
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    if you legally change home states to say SD, it will be to your advantage. just don't let them catch you staying for more than 90 days or whatever it is in CA in a row. what does the owner's manual say about towing the ford?
    bumpy
  • the_bear_II's avatar
    the_bear_II
    Explorer
    May 09, 2014
    1. Change Home state for lower registration fees ? Income taxes ? Cheaper price ? Probably.... but transportation costs may do away with savings. Plus if you're caught living in California with an out of state registered vehicle based upon a false residence in the other state, you may get fined.

    2. Don't have an answer.

    3. Either a friend or consignment dealer would handle the sale.

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