Rick Priest joining 12-25-2013 - RV-Dreams Community Forum

rpriest500 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Rick Priest joining 12-25-2013

Camper Chronicles · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hi Rick and welcome to the group.

Lots of research material out there on the three questions you threw out. The short answer is your mileage may vary :).

South Dakota will be our home state no sAles tax, lots of mail forwarding companies, and easy access to plates and drivers license but it really does depend on your particular situation. Howard has a great post about choosing.

Internet connection all over the place. Depends on what you need and where you'll be although most folks seem to use Sprint for cell service. Technomadia have tons of great infor on this subject on their website.

Welcome to the group and congrats on your retirement

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome aboard Rick and Merry Christmas.

The Restless Youngs · RV-Dreams Family Member

This forum is full of great information! Welcome!! South Dakota, Texas and Florida seem to be the popular states for full timing, mail forwarding, etc. No state tax seems to drive that.

On the internet question--ditto what Trace said-Technomadia seems to have a lot of resources to answer that question--between their website and book they recently released. I beleive their website is technomadia.com.

Welcome!!

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

There is a small camper called the Casita.
This young lady full-times in one and does quite well!
www.interstellarorchard.com/the-rig/

Terry and Jo · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome, Rick.

Glad to have you at RV Dreams' forums. Feel free to ask the questions that come to mind as it is the best way to avoid costly mistakes.

Your first three items all depend on your state of residence. But, while states with no state income taxes are nice, check for ones that also provide reasonable insurance costs, because your insurance will be based on your state of residency.

As for the internet, I'll agree that Technomadia is a good source. However, look into Millenicom which uses either the Sprint or Verizon networks. If I remember right, Verizon has the best coverage in the U.S., but that also depends on where you plan to travel. While we are "static" full-timers (meaning we don't travel much yet), we use Verizon's phones and MiFi for our internet. I see us changing to Millenicom someday because their 20 gig plan is around $70 a month and our current plan is higher.

Good luck with your research and planning. Oh, and another couple is traveling with a Casita. Their blog is at Casita Escapes.

Terry

TheNewhalls · RV-Dreams Family Member

Here is another blog about someone living in a Casita.

http://rvsueandcrew.net/

-- Edited by TheNewhalls on Wednesday 25th of December 2013 10:23:15 AM

rpriest500 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Just discovered the Rockwood/Nash Four Season 17R. http://www.northwoodmfg.com/index.php?page=model&make=nash&id=1055 Large rear window by dinette. 22' 4". 4,000lbs. Under $20K. nice. Generator cubby hole. Tandem axles. Black water flush. Limited availability in the NW only? (ID, WA...)? My FJ can't handle it on non-flat roads. Time to upgrade vehicle also. 60K on this one. Want to start my adventure with a good horse underneath me. I've been in Illinois for 12 years. Indy born and raised by the race track.

Spoiler: Wonder why I want to wander?

Jo and Ben · RV-Dreams Family Member

Welcome Rick! Have you looked at the R-Pod campers (made by Forest River)? They are pretty dang cute and lightweight while having everything you need. If we didn't need a huge 5th wheel, I would be seriously looking at the R-Pod. We will be establishing domicile in South Dakota, along with many others. Among other things, we'll save a bundle on vehicle registrations. The health insurance issue is not a problem for us, but would be something to look into before deciding. Best of luck!

SnowGypsy · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think the Camplite and Escape are good choices to consider but you might want to add another: www.taylorcoach.com. It is factory direct out of Canada. They have been in business something like 35 years or so and there are several youtube videos of units that they have built from 8' to 24'. Enjoy the hunt!

rvingft · RV-Dreams Family Member

Merry Christmas and welcome!
Drivers license? & License plates? -
keep them all in the smae state ~ don't try to "cherry pick" the benefits from different states. Decide which is the "best" state for your needs and make that your "Permanent address" you intend to return to. Homeland Security is now in charge of drivers' licenses so it's not like it used to be when you "move". You have to jump thru a lot more hoops than before. And you may have to return to that state after a few years just to renew the license. Many have removed the online renewals after 5 years option.
Escapees is a great RV Club to join and offers tons of information for RVers of all levels.

Internet connection? Campground's WiFi (free).
Don't depend on the CPG & RVP wifi to be consistent. Yes, its sometimes offered, but slow and not dependable. Most RVers I've met and seen forum posts on agree that Verizon has the most consistent coverage. A smart phone can also be used as a hot spot to connect your PC to.

Rest areas (power?).
Some of the Ohio turnpike rest areas have areas for RV with connections - most others do not. Don't depend on them for connections. There are lots of resources to find low-cost places to stay. BoondockersWelcome; DaysEnd; AllStays; Oh!Ranger are just a few of the resources available.

AT&T.
2nd choice after Verizon; Sprint not so much ~ it depends on where you will be traveling.

Have Fun! Part of the journey IS the research!