Community Forums

Brian.Jackie · 03-12-2014, 03:04 AM

Hello, we're an early retired UK couple wanting to visit the USA for 3 months (the maximum we're allowed). We're thinking of touring in an RV (not a big vehicle, maybe a Group B), but browsing RV rental sites it seems quite expensive, so we're wondering about buying a used vehicle and reselling at the end. This raises lots of questions: Is it practical? Are there taxes to pay in addition to the purchase price of the vehicle? How easy is it to register in our name as foreigners? How can we get insurance for three months? Can we buy and sell in different States?
We've got lots more, but would really appreciate some help and we're really looking forward to coming and meeting some of you people. We're looking late July to late October. Thanks and sorry for asking basic questions. Brian and Jackie

Medico · 03-12-2014, 04:38 AM

Welcome and glad to meet you!

Do a search for other threads from foreign visitors. You might be surprised. Also posting your questions in another category might get you more answers. Many that might have info for you do not visit the New Members Forum.

chawkins99 · 03-12-2014, 05:00 AM

I suggest you read the Danes on Tour blog. They have a section "Europeans guide to RVing in the USA" Danes on tour

They tried what you are considering and ran into many problems.

For a 3 month tour, probably not worth it but more, you may consider what they did.

Chiefbvfd · 03-12-2014, 05:49 AM

Welcome...

BpK9Miami · 03-12-2014, 06:07 AM

Just relating to the Visa issue. It's true you're limited to 90 days on the Visa Waiver Program. Yet it does not mean you cannot apply for a B2 "Tourist" visa from the Department of State. Your intent to stay longer than 90 days is the basis on which you can apply, and is not that uncommon. If approved, upon entry into the US you can legally stay 180-364 days (typically 6 months, but a Supervisory CBP Officer at a Port of Entry may grant up to a full 364 days).

It may be worth your time to explore this angle as the benefits may work well with your goal of travel.

Good luck.

**JohnRR** · 03-12-2014, 06:07 AM

I hope you enjoy my country as well as I did for the four years I spent in yours.

Can you cross over into Canada after your ninety days then come back to the US after a period of time for another stay?

MSHappyCampers · 03-12-2014, 08:15 AM

Hi Brian & Jackie! Welcome to IRV2! It's great to have you join us!

Sorry I can't help with your questions. Enjoy the forum!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!

frankdamp · 03-12-2014, 09:59 AM

IMHO, as an ex-pat Brit in Washington State, my advice would be just take a deep breath and pay the rental price. The hassles of a quick buy-sell just aren't worth it - here are some examples.

You have to have an in-state address to re-register in most states and in many (including WA) you have to pay sales tax. That was close to $3000 for us at an 8.5% rate. You have to have both that address and a US driver's license to get a decent rate on insurance.

Selling it could take a couple of months, unless you're prepared to take a big loss for a quick sale, and getting a dealer to make an overseas money transfer (if you left it for a dealer to sell) would also be a hassle.

You would probably have to equip it, too. Crockery, cutlery, cookware, bedding, maybe even water and sewer hoses. When we bought our current MH, equipping it set us back about $700.

One option would be to buy it with the plan to ship it back to the UK when you're done and sell it there. Ther'es quite a demand for US-built RVs in the UK.

Good luck in your planning.