Wyoming law provides substantial asset protection for residents living in recreational vehicles, offering homestead exemption benefits that many RV owners overlook.
Movable Homes Receive Full Protection
Wyoming statute specifically protects "house trailer or other movable home on a lot or lots, whether or not the house trailer or other movable home is equipped with wheels or resting upon immovable support." This language explicitly covers RVs, mobile homes, and manufactured housing used as primary residences, making them eligible for Wyoming's generous $100,000 homestead exemption for individuals ($200,000 for married couples filing jointly).
Personal Property Considerations
The homestead exemption protects equity in your dwelling and the land beneath it. However, vehicles used primarily for transportation—including trucks used to tow RVs—typically fall under separate personal property exemptions rather than homestead protection. Wyoming allows debtors to exempt up to $5,000 in motor vehicle equity.
Establishing Valid Residency Requirements
To claim homestead rights for your RV, you must establish it as your primary residence and maintain legal occupancy of the land. This requires either land ownership, long-term lease agreements in appropriately zoned areas, or documented permanent RV park residency. Temporary camping spots don't satisfy residency requirements for homestead protection.
To protect your RV homestead exemption:
1. Register your RV as your primary address with Wyoming DMV
2. Maintain utility bills and correspondence showing permanent residency
3. Secure written lease agreements for any land you occupy
4. File homestead declarations with your county clerk
Understanding Wyoming's homestead exemption laws helps RV residents safeguard their most valuable asset while enjoying financial security and creditor protection.
