jrkerns

Just got the word today that the Army is moving the wife and I to Germany. We are pretty excited. I'm worried that I'll have to sell the truck though I remember seeing that there were some guys on here that live in Germany and elsewhere in Europe and was wondering if it would be worth it to take it with us or to sell it in the States(we are planning to do alot of travel mostly by train, and if we sell the truck now I get a new one when we get back). Also wondering what the price of diesel vs. gas is like over there. Thanks in advance.

Jason

P.S.- Also feel free to let me know of anything else to watch out for

Totallyrad

My daughter is in Germany, she likes it. She did mention that cabs are really high, don't know about diesel but I'll ask.

tshikle

Wife's Sister and family are in Germany. Think they are stationed at Dormstad, (I know the spelling isn't right hope you get the idea). They have been there about 1 1/2 years, She is there now with their 3 boys, Husband is in Iraq. They left their Dodge P/U here with my in-laws, But took their car (Cavalier). They said the Cavalier is not built for the Autobon, get their doors sucked off all of the time. I think fuel prices are higher there don't know exact prices. Where are you going to be stationed? I don't remember what they went through to get their car there, but believe it basically painless, It was part of the stuff the Army moved for them. Different way of life there, from what they tell us. Good Luck.

bbrfarm13

Wish you the best of luck jrkerns.
I was there from 12-84 to 7-88. wife came to join me 6 months into the tour. I was a tanker 3-33 Armor that changed to 4/8 cav after a while. Gelnhausen W Germany, The best time of my life, And friends met I'll never forget. We both wanted to European out but could not came back found out wife was pregnant and been here since. But we still remember camping the black forrest and the almost every weekend drive to Salzberg to go skiing

Xonid

I was down in Bavaria for 2 years. Loved it, one of the best times I've had. Off-course I was at the right age to have fun.
Since it was 20 years ago, can't really advise you on the fuel prices. You do get voucher to pay for the fuel so it should be comparable to stateside prices.

There was hardly any full size trucks on the road back then. So you'll probably stick out like a soar thumb. A lot of streets are very narrow so it may be tight at times.
I would check with your sponsor on vehicle licensing. There may be a weight restriction and check insurance, it may not be worth it.

It's a good time, I wish I could I go back. Good luck.

I'm sure other will have more input on this. Where you going? K-town?

AlpineRAM

I know some US Army soldiers stationed in Germany who have brought their trucks and said that it's absolutely painless to bring it as long as it passes inspection. (Needs to have a spare tire, working brakes, no oil leaks etc). They got cupons that got them fuel at US pricing.
I'd suggest to bring your truck because since you can import it duty free as long as you don't sell it over here it's a blast to drive these behemoths around unsuspecting Volkswagen

AlpineRAM

Chrisreyn

You might get in touch with Pistolwhipt. He is in transit I think now, but is stationed in Stuttgart. He could give ya some idea of whats involved.

sadlerb_98

Sell it. I would get a new one from AAFES new car sales and have it delivered here in the states when you get back. I've used AAFES new car sales before and there were always a good deal. If I ever go to germany I am selling both cars and will get a couple of BMW beaters there. Good luck.

Bob

TomW

You're gonna love Germany! Spent a couple of years there myself.

A few things to think about before shipping your truck..

1. Roads there (especially the back roads) aren't your typical wide two lane roads. You are going to find some areas where your truck and that oncoming bus are NOT going to fit.

2. Terrorism.. This one's a biggie. While the Red Army Faction and other groups from the 70's and 80's aren't as active, you still have to worry about it. Driving your truck there is going to scream AMERICAN, which can put you and your family at risk. It's far better to drive a vehicle that blends in with the locals, thereby giving you a bit of an edge.

3. While you are going to get gas ration coupons to purchase fuel on base, keep in mind that those coupons are good JUST on base. If you travel anywhere, expect to pay full price on the economy for fuel, and it ain't cheap!

My recommendation would be to sell your truck and buy a decent used vehicle once you're in country. You can purchase a new vehicle through AAFES before coming back stateside, and that brand new truck can be waiting for you when you arrive back in the US.

AlpineRAM

As far as I've been told the cupons are valid on all stations of 2 major chains and are not limited to the base. They are valid in all NATO member states IIRC.
The roads may seem narrow, but I'm driving my truck in Austria where the roads are a bit narrower than in Germany and I didn't encounter problems yet.
The bit about terrorism isn't to be taken lightheartedly- but a guy with the typical US Army haircut is going to stand out nevertheless. As far as I know there haven't been any attacks on US soldiers for the last few years- except bar brawls and those don't count IMHO.
I think it's perfectly feasible to take a truck over here- but buying a cheap local beater to drive around is also an option that has it's advantages.

AlpineRAM

dssimecek

Came back from Vilseck Germany in Nov 05. Our daughter's husband is in Iraq. As I recall diesel was about 1.23 euro per liter. She had her mini van shipped over. Has to pass inspection, no craced glass, no leaks, less that 1/4 take of fuel in it.
The off base stations took the ration cupons, and the on/off base prices were not that much different. Don't think Viseck had diesel fuel.
Think about fuel cost, and how much you will be driving the truck. Having a beater over there has advantages. Usully can pick up a beater from somone that is returning to the states. Also the licience plates, if issued on base if you bring your truck identify your truck as military. If you buy a beater off base it will have local plates.

Let us know how you like it when you get there.

gud luk

Davey

jrkerns

Thanks to all with the advice. The wife and I have decided to sell it so check the classifieds