5 Month USA trip in Campervan

Oh wow,
Didn't expect to get that amount of replies!

So I better start in the US during May to October, that's great.

As for the visa, I've got 10 years visa to the US (Non working one) and I will have to check its type once I'm home.

As for the motels, I've searched, and in the big cities ofcurse I will have to use them, but my main idea is to leave in the van to save costs - if I would travel by my self I could buy just a private car as I don't mind to sleep in that car for that long time, but when my girlfriend is in the picture I want to ensure all things will go smoothly and comfortably.

The reason I'm considering buying a van is that I can sell it, for example if I buy for $9000 I can sell once I finish the tip for lets say $4500 easily, which means I get 50% of my investment back, while when I rent it I get nothing back.

If you have more suggestions I will be glad to hear!
Marco.

How did you decide on five months as the length of the trip? Is it a career break?

The reason I ask is that we have had some long North American road-trips over the years, and we find that after about 10 or 12 weeks, you get a little travel weary. It's still wonderful, and you feel like you can do it forever, but deep down you are not getting the same hit or buzz out of every day.

Is there any chance of making this two to three months for two years in a row?

Your 10 year visa is most likely a tourist visa or a combined tourist/business visa. In that case, you can probably be admitted to the US for a maximum of 180 days. The length of the admission is up to the immigration official. Most people are granted the full 180 days. However, you should be aware that there is an unfortunate history of Israelis, especially young men, coming to the US and supporting their travels by working illegally as itinerant salespeople. Be prepared to demonstrate that you have enough funds for the trip. There is no fixed amount that you must have, just enough to show that you won't be trying to work.

The stuff about Canada & Mexico doesn't apply to people with a full visa.

Don't forget to include the costs of campgrounds into the van consideration. Just stopping by the side of the road for the night is rarely tolerated. Most free camping is going to be far away from any urban area.

If you plan to visit several national parks and other federal places, the $80 annual pass will save you money.

if I buy for $9000 I can sell once I finish the tip for lets say $4500 easily, which means I get 50% of my investment back, while when I rent it I get nothing back.

That's true, but don't forget to include the cost and hassle of maintenance and repairs. A couple of breakdowns plus towing and your calculation isn't as favorable - to say nothing of the hassle. That's a calculated risk though.

Free, primitive camping is abundant in the western US, but not always exactly where you want it. And you definitely cannot stop and sleep just anywhere on the side of the road - in most areas where dispersed camping is allowed you still need to be on public land, and on a dirt road at least 1/4 mile from a paved highway. You will without question need to pick up public land maps. Like these: https://www.benchmarkmaps.com/atlases
This website has some good ideas but is hardly comprehensive: https://freecampsites.net/
Figuring out the US public land system is not rocket science, and easier than some here on TT would make it sound, but there is still a learning curve. Use the resources available to you - maps, Forest Service and BLM websites, etc. and you'll figure out a lot faster and have a lot more fun.

Near major cities, the coasts, most non-desert areas of central and southern California, and pretty much anywhere east of the Rockies, just expect to use formal campgrounds (which will cost anywhere from free to $35).

The problem with campervan is not just the buying which will be next to impossible for someone without a visa, a US address, limited $$$, its just very limiting and actually can turn out to be cheaper to go with low end motels and a rental car. You cannot camp reasonably near any major cities, a campground spot can cost the same as a motel & they are not as flagstuff writes your picture of beautiful nature - they have almost-homeless to RV retirees living basically in a parking lot. In US you are not permitted to sleep randomly parked, the cops will wake you at 3 am when called by neighbors. Any cop interchange damages visa requisites, sometimes not to point of deportation but do not take it lightly.

How bout a 90 day (not 3 month!) trip that you are eligible for, and renting a campervan in Western areas for say a month or a few wks of that? You need to take weather into account and make national park reservations well in advance during high seasons. I would much prefer a 90 day comfortable trip than a 6 month scattershot nightmare living in close quarters with limited bathing oppts.

Dutch_uncle, ya made me laugh - lots of yrs ago my then partner & me did a megatrip in something like a campervan. We got back to Maine 4 months later and agreed to part company, though along the way we did have a few motel/hotel great stays.... Way too much closeness.

I'm not as negative about the campervan as #34, but I do think that their utility is specific.

3 months of primarily nature-based travel in the western US? A camper is ideal. I don't think it would be any cheaper than an inexpensive car rental and camping gear, but definitely more comfortable and fun. But visiting the major cities of the eastern US? A camper is, at best, an unnecessary expense in that setting. Remember, urban campgrounds are not common, not inexpensive, almost never very convenient, and sometimes not very nice.

Putting aside the issues of buying vs. renting for a moment, you should look carefully at what you're actually interested in doing and think hard about if a camper will best serve those interests.

panchow- My enlightenment with a "the more you get to know them, the less you like them" experience was on the Trans Siberian Railroad. It was a great trip, I recommend it, but the relationship was a steady erosion. It was not the fault of Soviet Railways, but the enforced togetherness provided a clearer view, and what we saw with the clearer view was unpleasant. Another form of "Socialist Realism."

How bout a 90 day (not 3 month!) trip that you are eligible for,

The OP is not eligible to enter under the VWP, if that is what you are referring to, but as the OP has a full visa, it's a moot point.

Oh funny dutch_uncle. I once took a Euro trip with a newish BF and from the moment we hit the sky out of Philly I knew it was a disaster - even armrest conflict. Perhaps that should be a marriage pre-requisite - taking a trip with the potential mate?

full not work visa? yes nutrax, sorry. But still hold with a shorter more comfy trip.

panchow- There is a lot to be said for a trial by ordeal before matrimony. It would give a quicker go-no go signal. In my case there were also early signs of problems to come. An older friend of my companion picked us up and took us to the train station. He objected to the two matched Guiness cartons of provisions I brought along for the trip across Siberia. She agreed with him that traveling with cartons was in some type of bad taste, but she also ate what I brought along, so she evidently found that it tasted better than what Intourist had available.