We are really doing it.

[Dan1125]

We are making our purchase, a 2009 Gulf Stream 43 Trio and will soon be packing it up and heading out as we look forward to our full time adventure with enthusiasm. Kids get the 'stuff' and donating what is left. I would like to ask the forum members what special tools should I save and bring along.

[JMonroe]

Congratulations!

Hopefully we're not too far behind you, but we do have a house to sell, and 37 years of 'stuff' to find another home for first.

As for special tools, just bring a good attitutude. Everything else will work out from there. Remember, plans not withstanding, you don't have to be anywhere immediately!

[missourijan]

Just a small toolbox with several sizes of screwdrivers and that special #2 squarehead, hammer, rubber mallet, plumber tape, electrical tape, gorilla tape, needlenose & regular pliers, small nails, caulking (especially outdoor for rv's) caulk gun, drill, wood glue, gorilla glue, step stool and if possible, 8 ft ladder. We've used all that and even have a circular saw and have used that!

[Dan1125]

Thank you for the reply and now I'm thinking about where to register it. A subject for a different board and posting and am just saying a lot to consider and finish.

[Dixieray53]

Congrats. I think you will love that floor plan as much as we do...I have not found a floor plan I like better. When are you heading out to pick it up?

[missourijan]

Just my 2 cents, SD registration has been great. Reasonable and the mail forwarding companies are so helpful and make it easy. We use My Home Address in Emery, SD. Call any of them and they will explain the procedure to you.

[Bob/Becky D - VA]

I bought a fold up plastic Craftsman tool kit from Sears that has various pliers, wrenches, screwdrives, sockets, etc. It's a fairly complete set that measures about 18"x14"x4" and stores nicely in the motorhome.

I would also recommend an electrical parts box. I use a small fishing box with trays that I keep a soldering iron, solder, various size spools of wire, bulbs, and an assortment of connectors, a crimping tool, tape, and fuzes.

Also recommend a general parts box. I use a larger fishing box with drawers and dividers that I keep and assortment of wood and metal screws, glue, small electric drill/screwdriver, various sizes of velcro and other assundry items.

Found by doing so I save a lot of trips to the hardware store where it costs more for the gas there and back than the item is worth that I need.

Bob

[ralper]

SD My Home Address: 411 N. 6th St Emery SD 57332
Emery is a small town and your insurance will be lower there than Sioux Falls.
Change your address now and contact who you get mail from now to get them to change your address. Get your mail general delivery where ever you are. Use the Weather Underground web site to see the weather and get zip codes too.
Where I bought my truck and 5 er the sales tax was 8.5% in both places. I got temp registrations and went to SD and paid 3% excise tax. Saved over $ 5000.00 right away. No state income tax. They love Full Timers. We pay the fees and do not use the roads etc.

[Vegasdan]

I second the SD domicile. Lower taxes on vehicles, no state income tax and low insurance rates. As far as tools, you'll never have the right one. Seriously, basic tools are good. I carry a good set of multiple tip screw drivers, 3/8" socket set, combination wrench set, hack saw, electrical pliers and connectors, electrical volt/amp meter, hammer, long nose pliers, side cutters, adjustible pliers, crescent wrench, vise grip, etc and lots of duct tape.

[Dan1125]

Thank you for the good advice and the SD info saves 5.5% sales tax. It all makes sense since we will be full time and will likely sell the house while the takes us to where ever we feel like going. I'm smiling and looking forward to it!