and another crazy one joins in...

[Matt_RV]

Hello iRV2ers!

I've been lurking around this forum for quite a while and now decided to join, hoping to make some contacts, get some informations and perhaps contribute one or the other intelligent advise.

So... why am I calling myself crazy? Because I probably am to finally do what I have in mind. I'm an Austrian citizen, not yet 30 years old and have been working on cruise ships for more than 5 years as a technical officer. During that time I earned lots of vacation days that sum up to almost one year of vacation throughout. As I also summed up some money I decided on realizing a dream of mine which is to go to the US, buy a motorhome and see everything there is to see!

The trip will probably start beginning of next March for about 5 months, then I'll have to return to the ship and plan on continuing the trip after the assignment.

With regards to the RV I am looking at 36ft Diesel pushers of the late 90s or early 2000s. That should fit my budget and as I actually enjoy fixing things I guess I shouldn't get bored with one of those...
As US immigration law probably won't let me stay for too long I am looking for an RV that I could take with me to Europe as one of the largest souvenirs one ever brought from a trip. That means the vehicle may not be wider than 255cm (about 100.4in). Otherwise it wouldn't be street-legal. So I'll probably try and go for a Monaco Diplomat or Windsor, alternatively the Holiday Rambler equivalents.
So if you guys know anyone who's planning on selling their RV by beginning of next year, I'd really be looking forward to get a PN!

My plan is to register it in South Dakota and also to get myself a SD drivers license. I figured that'd be the "most economic" thing to do looking at taxes and insurance costs.

So long, I guess that's it for an initial introduction... questions?

cheers,
Matt

[CaptainGeezer]

Sounds like a plan to me! And welcome aboard the forums. My wife and I are planning a tour of the western states ourselves next spring. Maybe we'll cross paths along the way. Good luck with your plans, I hope it's all a wonderful experience for you.

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi Matt! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us!

Hope you find the perfect rig for your needs!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

[denlock]

[beamisl]

Hi Matt,


Wow, that sounds like a blast to me! Welcome to the forum. There is a lot of info here and I would suggest reading through some old threads. Everything on working on things on the MH and emptying the tanks and leveling. Just about anything RV.


There is a man on here from Thailand named (Rail) He is on a thread called" Good Morning" often. He was here last summer in the US and he bought a MH with a friend's help (sight unseen) and then resold it when he left. You may want to look him up since you want to do something similar. He may be able to give you some insight.


Good luck with your plans, most people wouldn't take this on. Lynne

[beamisl]

Matt,


He's under Guardrail53.

[roadster27]

Hi , I am from Canada and am planning a trip in 2017 , for 6 months (the max USA will let you stay without paying income tax ,
register in Montana under a LLC ltd company , pay no taxes on the motorhome , and can register a 11 year old MH for a single reg fee and permanent once time fee $285 .

I would try driving a car in Europe before taking a House , the roads are tiny , as I have been to Europe 3 times and a very small car is very smart , My son and I noted in a shopping mall parking lot , that there were 20 drivers mirrors knocked off the parked cars , proof that they drive like jerks on very narrow roads ,
in Scotland there is a road that goes around Loch Ness and on the far side the speed limit is still 70 mph but as narrow as a back lane in Canada and Greece were half the size in some places .

So in reflection buy a nice Mhome in the USA , we have an older American Tradition 40 ft , they go for $60-80,000 , have a great Spartan chassis and a 8.3 diesel pusher and nicely outfitted , after you use it for a few years you will not loose much if any when you sell it , look at the $20-30,000 in shipping to get it to Europe , and buy a Mercedes B van to do europe and get double the fuel milage , (the fuel cost double or more there)

[hal1phx]

Well ... you certainly meet the first qualification to hang out here .... we're all a bit crazy ... but its a bit for fun that way ...
Good luck with your adventure ... hope it all comes together nicely for you ....

[Bruce C]

Be sure to check our classified section from time to time. Alot of nice coaches there from our members. Good luck.

[JFNM]

Howdy and welcome Matt! Best of luck to you - there is a tremendous amount to see in this country. I'm in love with the west - some people love it, some don't.

[Matt_RV]

Hi all! Thank you very miuch for the hearty welcome! I hope to see and meet one or the other of you once I'm on the road.

@roadster27: thanks for the advice with the LLC company, I just don't think I'll be allowed to create one with my B tourist visa...
I'm originally from Austria, Europe and we DO have lots of those narrow roads, yes... and you're right, a full-size class A is definitely not what the roads and local campgrounds were made for. Still there are a few around, my father drives a 91 Gulfstream Sunsport... The south of Europe doesn't really welcome these vehicles, but the further you go north landscape and roads open up. Travelling Scandinavia in a class A is awesome (however I guess it's comparable to Canada... lots of woods )

@beamisl: thanks for the contact! I'll definitely write a PN!

[tim myers]

Matt, when your adventure starts I hope you keep us up to date with your travels, sounds like a great adventure in the making.

[Matt_RV]

Howdy!

yea, I'm sure I won't get bored travelling and of course I'll keep you all updated, perhaps we even manage to travel together a few miles? Would sure be nice to meet and exchange stories in person! Oh and of course: if anyone of you ever needs technical help, I'll always be glad to take a look and help!

[Scarab0088]

Best luck and safe travels.