Community Forums

BEAR0834 · 10-12-2012, 02:28 AM

Hi all
looking everywhere for advice with regards to nomading around the US.
We are two Australians who currently own a 2007 Crossroads Cruiser tripleslide and a 2012 GMC Denali HD. Yes we drive on the correct side of the road

and the GMC and 5th have the steering wheel and the trailer door on the LHS.
We have had the 5th wheeler now for 5 years and have been constantly on the road around Australia for the last 2 years. We love 5th wheelers and would like to spend 12months or so in the US roaming. We would like some advice on the best way to see the american heartland after reading the book by Robert Mottram and thought it would be a great idea to follow his journey as it seemed to cover all the bases.
We are also looking to buy both the towvehicle and 5th when we arrive in the states so all the advice would be thankful.
Haven't done all the threads on 5th Wheelers yet but will get to them as we plan our trip
Greg and Robyn

Lued · 10-12-2012, 06:20 AM

Sounds like fun, go North in the summer and travel south in the winter.

Lots to see.

Glassalley52 · 10-12-2012, 06:51 AM

Welcome.

450Donn · 10-12-2012, 07:01 AM

Met a couple form Germany who did exactly that. The problem comes from immigration. 180 days is the limit. They got around that by buying site unseen, having the titles in hand when they landed. They were then granted permission. This couple purchased and licensed their vehicles in South Dakota. Picked them up in October and started their journey heading south. Basically following the sun. When we met them in Oregon they were headed north to Canada and were planning to drive across Canada and end up back at their starting point around the first of October, about now actually. They had arrangements already in place to sell/consign their truck and trailer and fly back to Germany. We also met a couple from NZ who were here for six weeks. they have a son in Vancouver Canada area and he bought a really old motor home for them. they were traveling acorss the far west and also having a great time. Check with US immigration about the amount of time you can actually be in the US first. And welcome. Hope you can getmheremfor a year and enjoy the time you have

harv12 · 10-12-2012, 07:44 AM

Welcome to the forum and good look with the plan. We hope to one day do just the opposite as you folks.
Best of luck and keep us posted as to your progress!

Chickadee · 10-12-2012, 08:11 AM

Greg and Robyn (BEAR0834):

Hello from Sioux Falls, South Dakota and a GREAT BIG WELCOME to the iRV2 gang !! That's going to be one wonderful trip you're planning. Hope the rules allow you plenty of time to enjoy your visit. It would be nice if you could spend at least an entire year.

My wife Lynette and I retired back in 05, sold our house and all our stuff, moved to South Dakota, bought a motor home and have lived on the road full time since then. We spend the winters months (ie., Oct. through April) down South (Florida, Arizona or Texas) and bounce around the Northern U.S. during the summer months. It would be fun to run into you folks during your visit.

If there are any questions we might help you with, don't hesitate to ask.

Steve & Lynette

frankdamp · 10-12-2012, 09:30 AM

I believe that, if you leave the US briefly, that 180 day clock starts over. As Australians, going into Canada for a few days shouldn't be an issue, as they're both Commonwealth countries.

It would be worthwhile checking with a US Consulate in Oz to see if this out and back in deal still works. There have been a lot of changes to the rules in the last 5 years or so, and I might be way out of date.

Good luck with your adventures. Bear in mind that Washington and Oregon are at their best in spring and late summer/early autumn. We've had over 2 months of clear, dry, sunny weather that came to an end just this morning. We're now in our typical "600 scattered, 1200 overcast, 1 mile visibility, rain & fog". Unlike the southern states and the eastern seaboard, it can rain for 24 hours here and we only get a half inch. In Virginia summer afternoons you can see 3" of rain in 45 minutes.

MSHappyCampers · 10-12-2012, 12:07 PM

Hi Greg & Robyn! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined us! We pulled a 5er for 11 years before going to the Class A a few months ago. Loved it! Good luck on your venture! God bless!

BEAR0834 · 10-13-2012, 02:36 PM

Thank you all for your kind welcome and tips. we are at plan #72 at the moment to develop up the best way of making this come off.
Some questions....
We have alot of stuff to go through here first as the 4 legged kids have to be considered. Should we be able to bring them with us, do you guys have similar restrictions on some caravan/motorhome parks where some will accept and others won't accept puppies?
I believe that quite a few of you go boondocking? is this the case?
our rig is setup with 500amp/hr of battery and solar panels so that we can stand alone for sometime and with an extra water bladder we can stay for up to 10days.