Motorhome and Private Truck Registrations Allowed by Each State

Purchased my 610 Volvo from an individual living in California who had, in turn, purchased the vehicle from Larry Ziegler. The vehicle was equipped with 5 of the famous 6 items required of a Motor Home as well as a Trailer Saver hitch & was registered in California as a Motor Home.

When I attempted to register the vehicle in Arizona as a Motor Home I was informed by two different MVD offices that if the vehicle has ANY kind of fifth wheel hitch it is considered commercial.
I asked why the rules for this vehicle were different than those for a pickup and was told "because they are".  I did contemplate removing the hitch for MVD purposes but decided that there was too much risk of a problem down the road so, instead, went the LLC route Wyoming.  License in Wyoming was cheaper on both the truck and the fifth with the fifth plate permanent and the truck permanent next year.
 

Note:

Recreational vehicles are exempted from any drivers license requirements based on weight. Thus the 26,001 regulations do not apply to motor homes or truck/trailer combinations in Arizona.

Mr. Lawson,
In order to convert a class 8 truck into a motorhome, it will have to be on a single chassis and it must be the same chassis as the truck.  You need to surrender the truck title and a letter describing the changes made converting the truck into a motorhome.  The new title will show the model as (MH) motorhome.

The license fee will be $30.00.  It will be registered with a Passenger tag.

Marsha Ellis,
Supervisor Motor Vehicle Records Unit

It appears California has gotten more difficult on motorhome registration of an HDT. 

From ScottE;
I have just registered it as a "housecar" or motorhome here in Ca.  Both the CHP Commercial Officer and I went to for VIN# verification, and the DMV person I dealt with suggested I register it that way, since it qualifies completely according to the Ca. Vehicle Code.

License fee was only $356 compared to $583 for my F350!  It's actually very easy to register it that way in California now as long as requirements are met.

The DMV said it's becoming very common here.

ScottE's Follow Up Post;
I went to 3 different CHP offices along with going to the Banning Scales and spoke with several different officers and with Commercial Officers, too.

All said the exact same thing.  The truck MUST be a 2 axle, must say "NOT FOR HIRE" on it, and can never have any company logos or signage on it.

It must be used only for RV use, i.e.. pulling your 5er or towing a boat.  You can never haul a trailer with a race car, show car, race bikes, motocross race items, etc.  You cannot even pull a trailer that has a wrap done to it, similar to the ones with the Monster Energy Drink seen around the country.

If there is any compensation(including trophies, cash, sponsor items, etc.) it is considered to be "for profit", and thus commercial.

All of the CHP recommended removing the commercial fifth wheel and all trailer air lines, so it doesn't even look capable of being used commercially.

All of them also state that the regulations state it "must be designed for human habitation", so it is required that there be a toilet and "cooking device"(no specifics required).  A refrigerator is not required, but you must have a way of storing food products, so an electric cooler in the side box is acceptable.

Doing all of that meets the requirements for CVC362 as a "Housecar", and you can legally register as a motorhome.  My registration cost a total of $356 for a year.  My 2004 F350 dually costs my $588!

For retitling purposes, the DMV requires a certified weight ticket, VIN# verification, and a statement of facts of construction.

I had my truck frame work, singling, brake controller, and fifth wheel hitch install done by a local truck dealer collision center, which itemized everything on the invoice and shows tax paid.

If you do the conversion yourself, keep proof of costs(receipts).  You will have to fill out a form showing what work was done and the costs involved.  You will then be taxed on the new value of the truck.

It was much easier and cheaper to have it professionally done.

Before getting the weight ticket, remove all you can.  I removed my hitch, rear fenders, and had the rear tires singled out, along with weighing with 1/8 tank fuel level.  My tractor weighed 14561#.

Ideally, you want to be under 15000#, or you do fall into a commercial weight fee, which greatly increase your registration fees to about $833 per year.  Your title will then always show an unladed weight of 15001#, which is standard in California with all commercial trucks, and does not reflect the trucks true weight.

It's done that way so the DMV will automatically know it's a commercial weight fee registration.  Anything less than 15000# will show true unladed weight.

I then took all of my paperwork to Bracken Tax and License Service(909-390-0024) in Ontario, CA (ask for Teresa or Bonnie).  They handled all of the DMV for me.  Their cost is $50.  I've used them for years to handle all of my licensing, permits, insurance and taxes for my trucking business.

If you choose to go to a DMV office and do it yourself, go to Redlands and deal with Deanna Miller.  She is very familiar with the requirements and process.

Personally, I'd rather spend the $50 and let them stand in line deal with the DMV personnel!  I only needed to go to the DMV office for VIN# verification because the VIN# on the title didn't match the truck.

Sorry for the uncondensed version!

It sounds much worse than it actually was!

From Louh;
Just a word of caution, I know 3 people now who just recently bought HDT's in hopes of registering them as MH's and couldn't.

They have tried just about every DMV known to man and have had no luck.  It seems the DMV is getting wise to the MH thing.  Before it is "MH" you need to have Class B CDL with air brakes endorsement to drive it.  Two of those people don't have it and are now stuck with a truck that they are trying to sell but can't even legally drive.

CA is also on the start of a new emissions law as it sounds like you already know.  It says something like "Heavy-duty diesel trucks operating in California are required by impending rules to demonstrate PM emission reductions, below the 2000 baseline, of 75% by 2010 and 85% by 2020."  You can do a search on " CA particulate matter regulations".

It sounds like trucks will need to be upgraded at the cost of over $10,000.

I don't think MH's will be stuck with that but if you can't get MH status, then your faced with that.  My brother in-law who sells HDT's has been telling me of the huge mess this is creating and how it is ruining the used truck market here in CA.  Most people don't want to stick 10 grand in a truck and would rather buy a new one.  Then there is all the maintenance that follows, some say having the truck plugged in after every 16 hours of use for a min. of 8 hours into a 220v outlet so the system can continue to "burn" off the particulates?

Ok, I'm done venting my frustration towards CA's laws. (not really but I'll stop now)

I'm just saying, be aware of what you may be facing and that it is getting real hard to register here now.  Try a search to see if anyone has got registered lately.  One of the guys I knew, got his truck inspected by a 3rd party, non DMV or highway patrol verifier.  It worked for a while.  He was able to get the DMV to buy his story since all the paperwork was correct, but then the main Sacramento DMV kicked it back about a month later.

2nd Follow up by ScottE;

Let me shed some light on this subject and dispel some myths regarding the legalities in California  I spent several months researching this before pulling the trigger, going to 3 different DMV's and also to the CHP inspection stations and scales, talking with commercial officers, and talking to an officer who did several BIT inspections for my company.  I owned and operated a flatbed/heavy haul trucking company for many years.

First off, it is perfectly legal and fairly easy to register your HDT as a MH here in CA, as long as you do what is REQUIRED.  Too many people are just going to the DMV and hoping for a miracle.  If you follow what I put here, I guarantee every DMV will gladly register your HDT.

First off, the truck must be properly converted.

All officers I spoke to highly recommended removing all air lines and the replacing the commercial hitch with an RV hitch instead.  I removed my air lines and added a quick connect to the Emergency side and put a plug into the Service side.  I also added a MaxBrake controller inside.  All said appearance is everything to them, (i.e.. "if it looks like a duck....")

It MUST be no more than two axles.  3 axles are considered a "Motor truck" under the CA Vehicle Code(CVC).  One other tidbit here is that when bobtailing your HDT (no more than 2 axles), you may be in any lane on the highway and not restricted to the 2 right lanes.  CVC states "Vehicles with more than 3 axles and Trucks (you are a MH when legally licensed)

It was also highly recommended to have lettering such as "NOT FOR HIRE/PRIVATE COACH" plainly visible in a contrasting color on the truck.

Both the DMV's and the CHP said the truck must be equipped as required under Federal Law for habitation.

Here is the 2nd biggest issue besides converting to 2 axles; you must take the converted truck for a VIN# verification and have the "Vehicle Type" changed to "MH" by the person verifying!  If this is not done, the truck VIN# will always show it as a motor truck and MH registration will be illegal.  If it is changed, your truck will now show as a MH in the California DMV records, and you are legal.

As for licensing, you must have at least a "Non-Commercial Class A" if you are registered here.  Air brake endorsement is not required unless your fifth wheel is equipped with them.  A Class B does not allow you to pull a fifth wheel equipped vehicle ever.

Here is the link to the DMV showing the licensing requirements:
 

DMV Licensing Requirements

Now, to handle all of the DMV paperwork other than the VIN # verification, I highly recommend using a licensing service.  It costs about $50 but is well worth not having headaches!  LOL!  For years I have used a Licensing service in Ontario, Ca.  for my trucking company.  They are familiar with doing these and handled everything for me.  When they finished at the DMV, they called me to come pick up my plate and new registration from them.

Their info is posted below.
Bracken Tax and License Service
1155 S. Milliken Ave #B Ontario, CA
(909)390-0024

Talk to Teresa and she'll get everything handled for you...LEGALLY!

If anyone has any other questions, please feel free to contact me at scott@theericksons.us

P.S.
I was waved in to a CHP roadside Commercial Vehicle Inspection that was happening, and as I rolled up and the officer looked at the plate and the side of the truck, he told me to go continue and have a great day, commenting "Nice setup!"

As far as the emissions go, HDT's legally registered as motorhomes here are exempt from the particulate filters.  The pending requirements are strictly for commercial motor vehicles.  I was sent all of the paperwork regarding this by the State, and inquired about it as well.  I was especially concerned because the first rumors of the new emissions rules said that all diesels in California will be required to have emissions equipment, and I have a 50' Hatteras sportfisher that is powered by twin Detroit 8V71TI's, and don't want to even think about the associated costs to do them!  I was told that the new requirements will be for busses and commercial vehicles only, and that RV's, marine diesels, and diesel generators are not included.

The Ongoing California Registration Debate;

TruckNut who has been battling with the state of California for several years to get his KW T-2000 registered as a MH/PT with little or no success to date.

As usual, most people including TruckNut say getting an HDT registered as a MH or as a Private Truck is Next to IMPOSSIBLE in the Overly Regulated state of California, however, ScottEcontinues to state it's Doable as Long As You Follow The Guidelines that he Outlines in His Previous Posts mentioned above.
 

Note:

From 5th_Wheeler:
Here's my advice, I don't live in Great State of California, but if I did, I would be Damn Well Sure that I had All My Facts In Order about the Current California MH/PT Registration Regulations and Policies before I Purchased An HDT with Expectations about having it Registered as anything other than a Commercially Licensed Truck or you Might Just End Up With 17 Pounds of Rolling Scrap Metal that you Cannot Register as Anything other than a Commercially Licensed Rig after YOUR PURCHASE.

From Raquel (Raquel):
I just got home and it's done!  I met "the guy" ( a VIN verifier which eases the change from tractor to motorhome) in an abandoned business parking lot.  He was really impressed with the truck and what our plans are for it.  A really nice guy whom I would recommend to anyone in N. California who needs to have the body type changed on their truck.  Definitely cheaper than driving to Ontario, CA to have them do it down there.

Mobile Vehicle Verifier
Bob Phillips
Cell: 916-765-7090
Email: mobilevinverifier@gmail.com
http://www.vehicleverifier.com.

More on the HDT Debate from Chad Heiser
These latest discoveries in the CA codes have caused Backen to not persue HDT registrations.
Here is the link to the chapter in the DMV handbook that is currently preventing housecar/motorhome conversions of HDT's in California.  Follow the link and look at two particular sections - Truck Tractor (CVC 655) and Housecars or Motorhomes (CVC 260, 362).

The handbook shows under the definition of Truck Tractor:

Note: Truck tractors must always be registered as commercial vehicles, even if they have living quarters.

• The living quarters are secondary or incidental to the primary function of the vehicle, which is still drawing other vehicles.
• Truck tractors with living quarters cannot be registered as housecars.

The handbook shows under commercial vehicle exclusions under the definition of a Housecar or Motorhome:

Note: Truck tractors as defined in CVC §655 that have been:

• Initially manufactured.
• Modified by a second stage manufacturer.
• Otherwise altered to include living quarters,

are considered commercial vehicles under CVC §260, unless the living quarters permanently prevent the truck tractor from towing or drawing other vehicles.

Mine is a 97 FLD120SD Midroof.

It took 4 hours at the DMV, but I got it registered as a recreational truck.  Plates cost $120 per year, insurance $33 per month.

The only catch is I have to keep the paper in the truck, issued by the state, stating it has a known tare weight of 17,800lbs, and is exempt from the 7000lb law.

From MCraven210 (Mike):
Ours is registered as a motor home.  The lady a the DMV came out to the truck to verify the VIN and it was no problem.

From DamianF (Damian):
My old Kenworth is re-titled as a Motorhome in Colorado.  At the time I did it, it wasn't so easily done, and Denver City & County wouldn't even discuss the option with me.  So even now, you may find some counties are easier and more amenable to your request.  In Colorado, it was, and I believe it still is, an administrative procedure that allows a class 8 truck to be converted to a motorhome if the necessary minimum physical requirements are met.  I don't believe it's formally by state statute yet, although the requirements are in line with the federal regulations for the same conversion.  I run standard passenger plates, stickered on the rear plate.  I think port of entries are easier and more clearly understanding because it's technically a motorhome, but it principally is still a class 8 truck for the DOT to inspect if they choose to, just like any other truck, car, boat, or bicycle, etc. that they may choose to inspect.  So it doesn't drip, brakes are good, lights work, it holds air, all that fun stuff.  If you move here, I think a county with a lot of agricultural activities would be easier to work with.  Good luck.

I was expecting a nightmare retitling the HDT as a RV - it turned out to be easy.  They were sooooo nice and very helpful and it only cost about $80.

Also, the provision for exemption to CDL drivers license is limited to a private straight truck.

Florida is not good for HDTs.

From Fl Fireman:
Basically I walked into our county's DMV to do a one stop shop.

1st was to transfer title from Michigan where the truck was purchased and titled.  As that was being done they also registered it as a MH at the same time.

Now the girl didn't know what to do and as I'm sure others have done the supervisor was called in.  Her biggest thing was to ask me that the living quarters are not a detachable item.  I repeated no the interior of the cab has been modified to be a Motor Home and is not detachable.

Here in Florida we only need one item installed to make it a motor home.  I chose the 110 electric route.  Since it does not specify, I'm using my inverters as my 110 supply wired to the electrical outlets that supply power for my TV's and DVD players.

Read the state guide lines below:

E. Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin for Motor Homes and Van Conversions:
1.) The department will require a second stage MCO on units that have been converted from a van type vehicle to a recreational type vehicle. In order for a converted unit to qualify as a recreational vehicle, it must have at least one of the following installed by a licensed recreational vehicle manufacturer:

a. 110 volt electrical wiring
b. LP gas piping
c. Plumbing system (consisting of permanently attached water-using toilet facility)

2.) The second stage MCO will bear the name and vin number assigned by the converting manufacturer which must accompany the first stage MCO. The converting manufacturer must be licensed and bonded by this department as a recreational vehicle manufacturer.

3.) The vin number shown on the second MCO, issued by the converting manufacturer, must be identical to the vin number shown on the first stage MCO which was initiated by the manufacturer of the vehicle, e.g., Ford, Dodge, and which is permanently affixed to the vehicle.

4.) Motor homes and van conversions are to be titled in the following manner:

a. All 1981 and later model year motor homes and all model year van conversions:
Form HSMV 82040, Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration, or HSMV 82041, Application for Vehicle/Vessel Certificate of Title and/or Registration, should show the make and year of the vehicle on the second stage MCO and the vin number as shown on the first stage MCO.
 

Note:

Always show the year on the second stage MCO, even if NMVTIS brings back a different year for the vehicle.  However, there should never be more than a two model year difference.

b. 1980 and prior model year motor homes:

Form HSMV 82040, Application for Certificate of Title with/without Registration, or form HSMV 82041, Application for Vehicle/Vessel Certificate of Title and/or Registration, should show the make, year and vin number on the second stage MCO. The vin number shown on the first stage MCO is not to be used.

c. A motor home and van conversion previously titled in another state will be titled in Florida using the same description of the vehicle as shown on the out-of-state certificate of title.  NOTE: If a "title only" is being applied for on a recreational vehicle and will be tagged at a later date, an affidavit is required.  The affidavit must state that the recreational vehicle is in dead storage and will remain in dead storage until it is properly registered.

Now since I did the modifications myself they required me to sign this affidavit below.  Now this allowed me to use the vehicles current vin as individuals will not have access to the 2nd MCO VINs.

F. Conversion Affidavit:
In the case of an individual converting their own vehicle and requesting to have the identity changed on the title in order to have it registered and licensed as a recreational vehicle, the customer must submit an affidavit to the tax collector. The affidavit must certify that the unit has been converted to the extent to include one of the aforementioned items to qualify it as a recreational vehicle.

EXAMPLE:

This is to certify that I, ______________, owner of a (Year) __________, (Make)_______, (VIN) ___________________, hereby request the vehicle be classified as recreational vehicle for the following reason:
( ) Installed 110 volt electrical wiring
( ) Installed LP gas piping
( ) Installed plumbing system

Now the truck needed to have proof of insurance.

Since it was not a MH yet I insured it as a commercial truck that was only to be used locally.  It was fairly cheap insurance and got the truck here from MI and the ability to get it to and from the guy who modified the rear end for me.  The only 2 things they needed was the weight, which I obtained from the county landfill scale for $2.50 and the length of the vehicle.

Now I will say this there is some state pictures of converted class 8's that they show as being acceptable and not acceptable.  The one they showed as not acceptable was a Toterhome and they are saying these are not MH in FL as they have a fifth wheel style hitch in place.  Yet a tag along trailer hitch is fine to them!  OK so when I drove the truck in it had - NO - hitch on the back!  Get it?  They did the rest and I walked out with temp title, registration and tag.

From Gunship Guy (Jim):
Mine is now sold, but when I registered it in FL (in 2005) I had zero problems once I did my own research to counter the misinformation I was getting from Tallahassee.

The state office told me "no way, no how" in no uncertain terms.  I spoke with a supervisor who seemed quite sure of herself in saying that "once a commercial vehicle, always a commercial vehicle".  Well, I looked up the statutes myself and found it clearly stated my truck could be registered as a MH once it met certain requirements.  They had numerous listed but I only had to meet 3 of them. Eating and sleeping facilities and shore power.  I also had to have the VIN verified by a law enforcement officer.

I took all of my info the our local office and the only thing they asked me was the weight of the truck and to sign an affidavit stating I would never tow commercially.  They never asked to see the truck or to view any of my supporting documents showing I met the requirements.  I was out of there in about 10 minutes with regular plates and a new registration listing the truck as a MH.

From Lostinfl (Jim):
I registered mine in Florida with no problem at all.

I contacted a supervisor at the tax office who was familiar with HDT'S and Florida Statutes.  She walked me through the process and only required that I either bring the HDT to the tag office or have a law enforcement officer merely validate the vin # (easiest way).

As stated, it is easier registering if the vehicle was previously registered as a motorhome in any state.

Start research here - Florida Statute 320.01 along with procedure TL-13 used by the Division of Motor Vehicles to determine whether or not a vehicle meets the requirements to be titled as a recreational vehicle in the State of Florida.  Also, look up the definition of recreational vehicle in your county codes @ your county website.  I had discussion with code enforcement over my vehicle, provided copies of all info I have listed and issue resolved in my favor by the end of the day.

That being said, Florida is tough on ANY fifth wheel hitch, must be a bumper hitch only.  Easier to register without any fifth wheel hitch and only a bumper hitch.

Keep calling your tax office, you may find someone familiar with the statute, but have copies with you to show them.  Also, may wish to contact the local DOT office for their written definition as further support.

From Dave K (Dave):
I had my Volvo registered in GA as a private truck, all GA requires for that is Class A, NON commercial driver's license to operate and insurance as a private vehicle.  GA DOT officer's I checked with around Dalton area Northwest GA) confirmed I was not even required to have annual safety checks.  I had the truck inspected annually each year to shut up other states who may give me grief, but it was not an issue in GA.

In order to get our vehicles all into one state for registration, we turned all the titles over to John Bennett's office in Montana.  (I own physical property in Montana so I have a different situation than you will)  Our 1996 Volvo is registered permanently for the cost of fees that a single year in GA as a private truck would have cost us.  I believe I was paying around $250.00 a year for GA plates with 54,999 lbs. rating.  Once you cross over the 54,999lb GVW plates, the fees go up again, so I recommend you weigh your rig as a whole completely ahead of time for accurate GVW requirements.  The lower you go, the lower the fees.

GA is big truck friendly. I don't know what the rules are on MH tags and title anymore, but I am going to Dalton, GA within the week to get some DMV paperwork taken care of on a non-related issue.

There used to be several GA titled trucks and/or MH plated trucks on this forum, but I believe most owners have left the group, sold their trucks, or moved to other states to get away from GA's high cost Ad Valorem Tax fees.

From GeorgiaHybrid (Dave)
Just thought I would let you know about the registration on our truck.  The Dade County Georgia Tax Assessors Office are very familiar with a HDT registration now and should be able to help the other counties in the process.  Georgia really doesn’t know what to do with our trucks but now that a precedent has been set, it shouldn’t be too hard to follow.

If you are going to pull any other type of trailer, the truck has to be registered to cover the weight of both.

A truck registered @ 26,000 GCWR as non-commercial is about $70-80 a year depending on the county.

If you aren't driving for hire no CDL or endorsements are needed, as they don't issue non-commercial class A licenses, and no system to add an air brake endorsement to a class D license.

Although through my conversations with the IDOT, they consider as commercial any vehicle used in commerce, i.e. if you are selling crafts out of your RV, or using it to travel from craft fair to craft fair to sell stuff you make.  In this instance you would have to registered commercial, which I think would be the case in most states if they checked close enough.

RV/Motorhome plates with NO Inspection, just answer the questions.

"Don't Expand on the Truth"!

From LLonearth (Larry):
Illinois regulations:

A recreational vehicle is defined as "Every camping trailer, motor home, mini-motor home, travel trailer, truck camper or van camper used primarily for recreational purposes and not used commercially nor owned by a commercial business" (625 ILCS 5/1-169).

A motor home, mini-motor home, or van camper displaying Recreational Vehicle (RV) license plates must contain at least four of the following six equipment items:

1) a cooking facility with an on-board fuel source;
2) a gas or electric refrigerator; \
3) a toilet with exterior evacuation;
4) a heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel source separate from the vehicle engine;
5) a drinkable water supply system that includes at least a sink, a faucet, and a water tank with a an exterior service supply connection;
6) a 110-15 volt electric power supply.

If a van does not meet the RV equipment requirements, the applicant should purchase either passenger or B-truck license plates, depending on the design and use of the vehicle (625 ILCS 5/1-145.01).

From Dennis M (Dennis):
We are registered in Illinois and have had no problems whatsoever.

The main thing to remember is do not offer any more information than is required at registration.  I made sure that my Volvo had the minimum mods required, took my paper work to the Elgin SOS office (DO NOT take the truck with you).

Handed the clerk the paper work, said "I need RV plates for this conversion to a motor home", she looked it over, looked up the appropriate page in her three ring binder, looked at me and said "so this is an over-the-road tractor that has been converted to a motor home?"  I answered "yes" and walked out with RV plates.

My title says "Volvo Motor Home".

You will need a non-CDL class B operators license for a class 8 tractor (oops, motor home) or a class A operators license if the trailer is over 10k.  The written test is a snap - I studied the CDL manual but when I went to take the test (you do have to go to a commercial SOS facility) he asked if I had studied the non-CDL manual.  He handed me a small booklet that I read on the spot and then took and passed the test.

When you come back for the driving portion of the test you HAVE to have a Class A or CDL licensed driver with you.  The driving test was also a snap, I did not even have to back it up!

No walk around other than the examiner checking the lights and no questions on air brakes.

I had been told you cannot float shift, but when I said I was bit rusty on double clutching the examiner said to shift like I always do.  Passed with no problem.

From John (C-IL):
Illinois is a snap to get a conversion like Dennis said.

If you have no need for the CDL just get the class A.  In order for the CDL to be valid you have to have a physical card and be on a random drug test list, therefore, getting a CDL is just additional work with no benefit to you.

Conversion just means that you need to have the minimal things for life support, but they do need to be in the truck.

A generator that is permanently attached to the truck, heat, running water, microwave and a dorm fridge will get you there.

While you are doing it the shore power with a couple of outlets to run the microwave, heater and fridge will be a great convenience and also add to the usefulness of the conversion stuff.

The toilet is the hardest part because in Illinois it is supposed to be permanently attached and have the fittings for outside evacuation which means you would probably need a holding tank.

BTW, your running water also needs to have an external fill fitting.

From WildJohn (John):
I second everything posted above.

I live in the far south of Illinois and our local Sec of State office is great.

I went in with all the information related to the laws and a list of the conversions I had done and walked out with the registration.

I had taken the written 'class a noncommercial test' previously in Champaign so all I had to do as to take the driving test.

Now that was interesting since the tester was not sure what test to give so since she was trained as a commercial tester (that facility doesn't offer them) she gave me the complete cdl test.  Over 45 minutes on the road test.

She loved the truck (OOPS RV) and that may have influenced how much time she spent ..LOL.. got dinged for shifting going over railroad tracks at about 10mph..oops...

You won't have any problem with it.  My only problem was when I upgraded they took off my M rating so I had to end up going through the rider training coarse to get my Motorcycle classification back.

The class was very well worth it.  After YEARS of riding I was surprised to learn several points.

From Dennis M (Dennis):
I am not aware of any inspection requirement in IL.  I never had one done and, as I noted above, don't offer any more info than needed.

I, to, had asked at the local BMV six months ago, and got the same CDL story, and figured I was in for a fight.

Download the "change of body" form from the BMV website (in Indiana, anyway), make enough of the changes needed to convince the officer that must fill out the form that you are serious about what you are doing, and it doesn't hurt to also have the legal definition (as defined by the state) of what constitutes an RV to show him at the same time.

It took the officer about 15 minutes in his squad car to fill it out & check on whatever he needed to, then charged me the legal amount ($10.) for the inspection.

I took that form, along with the out of state inspection form, and the Georgia title to the BMV.  If not for a glitch pertaining to the odometer, it would have taken all of 20 minutes at the BMV.

They're not equipped, nor trained to answer questions about what needs to be done to make this conversion, but if you do your homework, present them with the proper paperwork (that they are trained to respond to), they will do their job effectively.

If you are a legal resident of Indiana, you can do this at any license branch in the state, but I believe you will have to do this in person, as the vehicle must be inspected by the local law enforcement.

Good luck, and don't get discouraged.  From the time I bought the truck, it was less than two weeks that I had the RV plate on it!

Note:

The following information was current back in Early 2005 so it MAY or MAY NOT be correct for registering a converted HDT in Louisiana now.

Most Importantly, only speak with someone in the - Specialized Plate and Title Unit - as others will probably lead you astray when it comes to information about registering a converted HDT as a Motorhome in Louisiana.

The vehicle application form number you need is - DPSMV 1799

This is a 2 page form but the state only sent me page 1 of 2 so evidentially page 2 is not needed.

The person who faxed me the form plus the 5 pages of information titled ( MOTOR HOME CONSTRUCTED FROM 18-WHEELER OR SCHOOL BUS ) that I couldn't find online was Karlus in the Specialized Plate and Title Unit at Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections.

Their phone numbers and fax number is as follows:

Phone: 1-225-925-6381 or 225-925-6382
Fax: 1-225-925-7059

BTW, here is a cut and paste from a post that another forum member posted in a Thread way back when about registering an HDT as a Motorhome in Louisiana.

I live in West Monroe, La. and have a 1999 Volvo 610 that I have registered here in Louisiana as a Motor Home.  I was lucky, when I bought mine it was already registered as a motor home in Virginia.  I got my title and tags from a Auto Title Company rather than LA DMV.

I did get information from Louisiana Department of Public Safety and Corrections Office of Motor Vehicles Specialized Plate & Title Unit before I purchased my truck.  They sent me all the information required to title a Motor Home constructed from 18-wheeler or school bus.

You can contact them at the Special Plate Unit at 225-925-6381 or 225-925-6382.  I talked to a lady by name of Emily ( NOTE: Emily no longer worked in that dept. when I contacted them so I spoke with an employee by the name of Karlus in the same department ) and she was very helpful and prompt in sending the information to me.

One thing the regulations states is the converted 18-wheeler must have at least four of the following permanently installed systems.

A. Cooking facilities
B. Ice box or mechanical refrigerator
C. Potable water supply including plumbing and a sink with faucet either self-contained or with connections for an external source, or both.
D. Self-contained toilet or a toilet connected to a plumbing system with connection for external water disposal, or both.
E. Heating or air conditioning system., or both, separate from the vehicle engine or the vehicle engine electrical system.
F. A one hundred ten/one hundred fifteen volt alternating current electrical system either with its own power supply or with a connection for an external source, or both, or a liquefied petroleum system and supply.

BTW, the 6 items listed above (you only need 4 of the 6) are the standard items one needs to qualify as a MH per the Federal Government.

I went to the Michigan SOS office in Benton Harbor for my first attempt to get the Volvo registered as a motorhome and guess what?  I got it done on the first try.  Thank you for everyone's advice on what to take along.  I even had another VIN number (Thanks Gary) but I did not need to use it.  I took along my receipts and I had written a deposition ahead of time telling what is in the truck and mentioned that this was what the Federal standards required to be considered a motorhome.  They copied all my papers and receipts and one hour after I walked in I walked out with the plates and registration.

I went to Volvo in Grand Rapids yesterday and had some computer setting changed and now I don't have to learn French. Plus 688,700 miles looks better than 1,108,xxx kilometers.  I'm still working on cleaning and painting the frame.  Jacolyn has already cleaned the interior and is in the process of 'Girlifying' it.  Matching sheets and coverlet (whatever the hell is that??), a throw pillow and throw rugs.  What have I gotten into???

From Dale G (Dale):
I'm the new kid on the block here and I just went thru this process in May (2013).  I went thru the Secretary of States office in Romeo and they had done this in the past and were some what familar with what was being done.  If the truck is titled as a motorhome currently it will be no problem as they will accept it's current classification.  The hard part was establishing the value of the motorhome because the registration is based on the the original value.  When they run the VIN it will come up with the original value of the truck and you do not want to pay for the plates based on this.  After a phone call to the States office in Lansing they agreed that the truck had been re-purposed from it's original intent to it's current classification and they accepted the purchase price as the new value.  It took a couple of calls but I had looked into all of this before the purchase and this was what was told to me in advance of my purchase.  There is no special drivers licence for a motorhome in Michigan unless you are double towing and then you would have to get what they call a recreational doudle licence.  Good luck

It was a surprisingly easy and painless process.

I don't think the DMV staff see many of these; the staffer said a few times "this doesn't look like an RV to me; but I guess you are following the rules so it must be ok".

Anyway; I have new shiny plates and all the HDT paperwork is now wrapped.

Good deal!

From BUZZZ:
I recently (08-2008) got the revised statutes for the state of Missouri from the St. Joseph Highway patrol in response to my phone inquiry.  They are shown in the link below.  When you get there you have to click on each to make it readable size (no geek card) sorry.

From Mcouncil (Mike):
I just registered mine in Missouri a couple of months ago so I will tell you what I had to do.  There is a Federal list of requirements that Missouri follows.

The unit must have 5 out of the 6: Separate heating/cooling controls; Potable water; Shore power; Toilet facility; Refrigeration; Cooking.

My sleeper had separate heat/cool controls, shore power, frig. and I added a microwave and a porta-potti making 5 out of 6.

I took my papers (not the truck) to my local DMV and about 10 minutes later left with an RV registration.

No sweat!

From seniramsu 3/1/2017

Because it wasn't a simple inspection and trip to the DMV for my plates, thought I would share what was needed in Missouri to get your HDT converted.

In order to register a HDT (Volvo 780) as an RV Missouri, you will need to do the following:

1. Go to the local DMV and purchase a MO-551 form. (http://dor.mo.gov/forms/551.pdf, $26 estimated cost)

2. Schedule an appt. with Highway Patrol to have the HDT inspected.

3. Volvo780 was passed with the following (Commercial plate MUST be removed):

      a. Bed (Sleeping)

      b. Dinette (Eating area)

      c. Microwave (Cooking)

      d. Inverter (Separate 120V power)

      e. Smoke alarm

      f. Webasco cab heater (Separate heat, there was a lot of debate on this as the law says electric or propane. This is diesel, they let it slide.)

      g. Fire extinguisher

    I had a porta potty, and I was told that it would not pass inspection due to it not being permanently installed. It had to be bolted down.

4. With a signed off 551 form, send it along with other paperwork to Jefferson City (Title, sales tax, proof of ins, bill of sale.  Everything you would normally provide to get tags.) You'll also have to provide pictures of your items that qualified as an RV (All the things that the highway patrol just inspected).  Also, provide a pic from the front of the truck showing the entire front and side; from the rear showing the entire rear and side).

   We also had to provide a check for $7.50 and one for $2.50 for processing.

5. I then received a phone call from the Highway Patrol Office letting me know my new VIN plate was in.  Schedule another appt and go have Highway Patrol install the new VIN plate.  After that process, they will let the DMV know that has been completed.

6. Jefferson City DMV will send you your new title, 2016 Specially Constructed RV Conversion, so that you can get plates. 

The entire process was just shy of 3 months to complete. We started in late November 2016 and as of March 1st 2017, we are still waiting on the title to show up in the mail.

With a call to the Highway Patrol, they were able to get us the title number and we used that to get the plates on the truck.

No questions asked, no lines to wait in, and you are on your way.  I recently bought plates for 4 vehicles in less than 20 min.

I registered my FL112 at 16k lbs. for around $120.

My HDT is registered as a private truck.

Nevada DMV declined to register my "truck" as a MH.

From RoadWarrior420:
Steve, so I think I pulled off a major coup d'etat with DMV.  I had the dealer remove the commercial hitch when I picked up the truck.  So I go to DMV and think I have all of the proper paperwork and Jabba the Hut at the counter starts off with you have this and that wrong.  Turns out I needed to only sign one thing and fill out one section on another form.  I then get my number called and get the only man in the all estrogen DMV team.  I proceed to tell the young man behind the counter what it is I am registering and that too bad NYS doesn't allow us to register an HDT as a motorhome even though it has sleeping quarters, sink (it doesn't), self power (no gen), potty (it doesn't), stove (I could put a microwave in but it has nothing) etc.   I showed him pics of the hitch removed and he says let me make a quick phone call. He goes to a desk about 15' away and I hear him say yes it has that, and that etc.  He comes back and says "ok this is how we are going to do this".  Now mind you it has a GVWR of 53,200lbs on the door. He says "your truck is showing it weighs 18,250lbs but you removed the hitch but I am going to leave that weight and keep it there.  He says "How much does your 5th wheel weigh?"  I say 17,000lbs dry and about 20,000lbs loaded up with golf cart, batteries and other crap.  So he then says to me "Ok, how much do you want to put down for the combined weight of the two?  So I say, ok the 2 fully loaded even with fuel, passengers etc are going to be about 40k and that was giving me an extra 1000lbs on top of the golf cart if I ever wanted to add a smart car bed.  So I say 45k?  He says No, lets do 44,800lbs because you then get into another level of problems and other stuff.  I say Ok great.  Bottom line, I got my truck registered as a UTILITY, NOT A TRACTOR.  Which means I need no CDL and really I only need the R endorsement once I hook up the trailer and he said he has never even done an R endorsement and the lady who was next to him who has worked there since before cars said she has seen maybe 5 in her whole life.  But based on my registration, I really won't be bothered. It would be like pulling with my F350 and my 5th wheel now which puts me overweight LIKE EVERYONE ELSE.  Nobody will bother me.  The second I show the registration, I am cleared. Its the same as if I rented a big UHaul. I have to say, I was stressed about registering this thing.

Update: So I did it.  I have officially gotten my 2013 Volvo VNL 730 registered in NYS as a House on Wheels (Motorhome).  I have passenger plates

My understanding is that you will still need a NYS Class A CDL to pull a trailer over 10,000 lbs. with it.

No actually.  I only need what is called an R endorsement, which I took this afternoon.  I am non Revenue so that is all I needed.  I am done and legit!!!

I had one done a few months back.  I put all the "stuff" in it that the "house car" regulation requires and I just unbolted and removed the big hitch.  The inspector didn't like it at first, quizzed me pretty hard about my intent with it, and finally relented and took some pics and took the paperwork back to his boss.

I'm in the Triangle area of NC.  He called me the next day and said "yeah, we can do it."  And he did it.  Mine is a Volvo 670, still tandem, etc.

Be VERY polite with the inspector, but be persistent.  Remove that big FW.  You REALLY need an air ride hitch for a normal fifth wheel camper anyway to keep from tearing it up as the ride will be bone jarring to the trailer otherwise.

Anyway, the regs are clear on this and they sort of have to abide by them even if they don't really want to.  But the only way to "make" them would cost a lot in lawyers fees, so a little honey will go a long way to getting it done.  I think it was news to my inspector that I could just register the thing in Montana if I really wanted to circumvent my own state, but all that would do was cost me AND the state of NC money (and me a lot of aggravation), so he helped me out.

Remember that NOTHING was done other than a microwave added when I got it registered as a "house car" in NC (it already had bed, fridge, and shore power connection).

From Donnie follow up;
Inspector Hooks did mine, but I'm not sure if he works that far over (North Raleigh) or not.  I'm actually just barely in Chatham County, but really near Orange and Alamance.  And yeah, I had *no* hitch on mine and am only planning to do a ball since I pull race trailers, not campers, with mine.

Generally speaking they are fine with any hitch other than the big FW, but I have heard of them getting picky about any FW.  Might be worthwhile to fab a plate and borrow a ball to put on it for the inspection.  Sort of sucks to have to do that, but sometimes reasoning only goes so far.  Oh, and make sure the FW camper isn't around where the inspection happens.

And FWIW, they acted like there was just NO WAY they could do what I was asking at first.

Both on the phone before seeing it and then after coming out to see it.  No way this could happen.  They had turned down many before me, they said.  But I gave them no reason to believe it would ever be commercial and they relented after much politeness.  But remember, too, that these "inspectors" that do this are sworn officers of the state that carry guns and handcuffs and put people in jail almost every day for something.

They are the same guys that "inspect" anyone with a car dealer's license and they are REALLY busy right now thanks to the economy.  Be patient, be ice, and be persistent without being insistent.  That's my best advice.

NADA House Car as defined in Item 30:

North Dakota Century Code t39c01 - t39c01.pdf

I live in Stillwater and as Jack said have an HDT registered as a motorhome.

You DO NO HAVE to convert anything to get a private vehicle registration and tag--the same tag as on a car or 1/2 ton pickup.

I CHOOSE to convert mine to a motorhome to avoid hassles when I travel by having a registration certificate that says "RV" on it as a body style.  You have to have 3 of the 5 listed items (sleeping facilities, running water, cooking facilities, toilet, and shore power connection.  I put a microwave, fridge, TV, inverter, and Porta potty in mine, of course it already had sleeping facilities.  Then you just fill out the form.

NO INSPECTION NECESSARY BY ANYONE -- take it to the DMV along with your title and get a new title, registration and tag.

I recommend that you use the tag agent on 25th just Northeast of the capital as they just take the paperwork (are familiar with it), ask no questions, process it, take you cash and give you a tag and registration.

Title will be mailed in a few days.  It is really easy and NO HASSLE.  Most small tag agents will have no idea what you are talking about and will complicate the process by call the state and questions being asked that you MIGHT not want to answer.  Just my experiences.

Gene

PS If you go to the tax commission or the tag agent I recommended they will get you the proper form and instructions to fill it out so that it will qualify as an RV.

But I have always been a legal resident - I am another active duty military guy who can call anywhere home if I so choose.

RV registration there is solely based on length.  Max is 45' per licensed unit be it a bus or trailer.

My entire family still lives there and I will probably end up retiring there or ID or WA which will probably be a chunk of change to move everything in.

South Dakota has come out with codes to cover conversion of a truck to a motorhome SD-32-3-65.pdf

Link to the current for for a Truck to RV Conversion.Affidavit

From 10-9jc:
All HDT conversions for private use can be registered as either Commercial or Non-commercial in SD, however there are currently No Registrations Offered in SD as an RV or Motorhome for converted HDT's.

Strictly registrations as a Non-commercial truck.
 

The department manager said they have many things re-titled as MH's - vans and other things, etc.

My insurer (Progressive) was much more insistent that I meet several things, and they do not consider it a MH, but a HD truck.  To make it a MH in their eyes they say it has to have "a full bathroom, including shower, not just a Porta-potty in a cabinet, plus the normal, heat, air, 110 volt power, bed, etc.  They also have never asked for photos, or inspection.

Mine still has the tags that give the class 8 capacities, but after singling I will be making a reconstructed tag with the new vehicle weights - it needs to be done before I get that little detail attended to.  After learning the facts from T-DOT I got my title in my local county (they didn't know anything about all this and had to call Nashville office for instructions).

I got my insurance over the phone and Internet and off I went to Knoxville to drive my used T2 home.  But I selected New Years day for driving so the State Weigh Stations were closed so I didn't have to do a long explanation about glad hands, commercial hitch, my not having anything but a normal drivers license - oh yea - I have a motorcycle endorsement.

I think the plates are just under $25 for the state, plus county fees that bring it up to about $75 a year and I've had it tagged for a couple years.

Also, please note that the procedure for "converting" a retired truck-tractor to a Motor Home has changed.  The procedure outlined in Bulletin 069-02 is no longer in effect -- and that page can no longer be found on the State of Texas' web site -- although the requirements are unchanged.  The new procedure involves the completion of an additional form.  Here is the excerpt of the pertinent section from the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles' Motor Vehicle Title Manual, the "bible" by which all County Assessor/Collector office work when titling and registering motor vehicles:

Converted Trucks and Buses

Used trucks, truck-tractor and buses, which have been reconstructed or converted to contain living quarters, should be titled as Motor Homes and register with passenger plates. Owners should support the title application with a photograph of the interior and exterior, a weight certificate verifying the gross weight, and a Rebuilt Vehicle Statement, Form VTR-61, explaining the alteration. The make, year model, and vehicle identification number should be the same as that shown on the title covering the truck, truck-tractor or bus.

Note: When the certificate of title is issued for this type of vehicle, the notation "Reconstructed" appears.

The use of Form VTR-61 should eliminate the calls to Austin that were an inevitable part of the "experience" when attempting to register as a Motor Home in counties such as mine (Hidalgo), which were unfamiliar with the procedure, since the availability of the Motor Home registration is explicitly stated and the procedure for doing so is clearly described. The only downside is that as noted, the title is forever branded as "Reconstructed", as if the vehicle had been rebuilt from a total loss, but it accomplishes the ultimate goal of legally establishing our former truck-tractors as motor homes for the purpose of titling and registration.

Presumably, since I haven't heard from Austin about my Kenworth, nor has anybody that I know of been contacted, that those of us that retitled under the Bulletin 069-02 procedure, while it was in effect, are grandfathered in, and the Form VTR-61 procedure is only required for newly converted and retitled Motor Homes.

Form VTR-61:  http://www.txdmv.gov...hicle-statement

TxDMV Title Manual:  http://www.txdmv.gov...80-title-manual

TxDMV Registration Manual:  http://www.txdmv.gov...stration-manual

Simple the tractor is a enclosed solid body shell, reconstructed or permanently altered, I left the bed but will be adding a jack knife sofa, as when open is lodging, and I added a small micro and a small camper cooking unit from camping world. I now have lodging and cooking and am a motor home per WA RCW definition. In WA state you are required to complete a certification of fact that can be found on the WA DOL web site. Complete the form noting the state RCWs that pertain (noted above), have it notarize. Go to DOL and license as a RV no CDL required, no air brake endorcement required. One thing you will need is a current weight ticket. I ran the fuel below a quarter tank so it was fuel light and had it weighed. The registeration will show the ticket weight.

Read the RCWs noted and you will have the facts.