Tandem axle HDT insurance?

Need some help with the search feature.

I've been trying to use the search feature to find other companies that insure tandem drive axle MHs.  I find a few sporadic replies here and there that mention insurance, but nothing about what company or any details.  I called Miller Insurance and they said no on the tandem and that .. motorhomes only have one drive axle .??????HUH??  When did this happen?

I could use some help with the search feature please.  What might be some of the right search keywords and phrases to use?  I seem to use too much broken phrase type wording and get way off topic.  I do not have enough experience in RV language yet to know the right words to look for I guess.

Thanks for any help.

Also, is there really a 26,000 pound weight limit on motorhomes?

I hope this helps, all I can say is that there is all kinds of inconsistent information straight out of the insurers themselves.  One day they say one thing and the next day the exact opposite.

GOOD LUCK!! Keep digging don't give up !
In The Faith
roadfitter

Quote
I could use some help with the search feature please.

Which Search feature?
Have you been to the Resource Guide yet?  Insurance for HDT Conversions.

I called GMAC this morning after reading this page.  They said no.  So I started asking some different questions, as it appeared I was maybe the one responsible for the refusals.  I started wondering if I was using the wrong terminology when asking about an "HDT conversion."  It appears I am making assumptions about just what an HDT is and what configurations are insured under that heading.

GMAC will insure my truck as it is, even with the commercial fifth wheel plate installed and the sleeper on it.  Tandem axles and as it states in their handbook "18 wheels."  Now, ..the 18 wheels? ..well, I'll drop that for now, but the issue is that I wish to use the truck as a motorhome.  NO go on that concept.  I can not call it a toterhome either.  But I can call it a semi truck.  The requirement is that the "semi truck" has the ability to tow a trailer of 30' minimum, and that I do actually use it to tow a travel trailer of whatever configuration.  So I asked what if I have a 25-27' trailer?  No problem, it just has to be equipped and able to pull a 30'er.

I then asked what if I setup the trailer at the park and need to get groceries?  No problem.  As long as the park use is temporary and the trailer is not permanently left at the park or permanently hooked up, I am good to go.

I am slowly learning the language I need when talking about RVs. So now I guess I am sort of back to square one with finding someone that will insure a "conversion" as a "motorhome".  Or, ..I need to tow a toyhauler of sorts that has a living quarters and the ability to haul my pickup.  Of course now I have no idea how explain that to the insurance agents.

Besides Blue Sky is there some other Insurance companies I can check that would by a phone call, next week, or a year from now immediately get me coverage and proof of insurance?

I have heard about those who have GMAC, etc. but I also keep hearing a lot are not being allowed to renew.  Specially if they keep the truck tandem which I intend to do.  For me living in Arizona may make it more difficult.

Last week I was talking with a independent agent about insurance for our other vehicles.  After a quote on all the others I then threw the HDT in to the mix.  She knew what I was talking about with a HDT toter before I even explained it as she has got insurance for them before thru Progressive.  She did attempt to get quotes thru other carriers for me but advised for me to stay with Progressive with either my current agent or her if I wanted a local agent.

rickeieio, on Mar 30 2011, 02:37 AM, said:
We have Progressive through Lazy Days in Florida, and are tandem.  They told me that I can pull anything I like, as long as it's non-commercial use.  For instance, I can pull my commercial drag, hauling antique tractors to a show, but not hauling current equipment to a job.

I was told that I can haul even brand new equipment, that does not matter, as long as I make no money directly from the move.  I was told that if I haul my antique to a show, and win a money prize, I am now commercial.  ??  I don't know, I guess it is another political nightmare.  The wording used to describe this to me, was that if I make a money prize, that is a "commercial element," and that is enough for the trooper to issue a citation.  But this I think, is more to do with licensing than insurance.  The insurance companies may make mention of, or make certain you are aware of some of the restrictions that the insurance company has, or include in the conversation about the licensing issues, but here in Oregon, Allstate has sold me coverage on my tandem, class 8 truck with an extra large sleeper as a motorhome because it meets their description.  It did not matter that it also meets the states requirements.  I sent pictures and serial number ahead via E-mail.  It's very expensive, and for a small footage RV with a lower value.  However, they did say that if I were one that stays at a resort for extended periods, or if I am only a seasonal user of the rig, I can drop the liability for those months it is not used and just keep the comp.  I forget the name of that clause, but I think several companies offer that.  If the rig stays stationary for a month or two at a time, I guess that may work?  Oh yes, I was also told by the insurance company that my trailer would be insured for liability only.  Any full coverage on the trailer would have to be purchased separately.

Now for my "T" plated flatbed that I was considering towing as my toad, (but now likely wont) I had to get a commercial policy through Progressive, sold to me through my Allstate agent.  The commercial policy, though commercial, has a clause stating that I am not a commercial carrier and that my usage will not be for hire or commercial in any way.  I found that this was sort of a "tweener" policy system several companies came up with when some of the truck manufacturers made/make those extra large pickups.  I think IH was one of the first to offer a pickup bodied, air braked, and heavy framed units.  Though many of them are used for commercial use, many were also purchased as an RV puller or bought for the "cool factor".

That's how it was explained to me, but I have no written proof or any sort of link to get you the actual/factual, so please only take this as something someone said on the Internet.  Whichever insurance company you choose will have to do the explaining from their book. IMO.

Soooooo, we will keep in contact as I continue my search for a truck.

At the same time we are looking at moving all of our other vehicles and property away from State Farm, so maybe I will include a hypothetical HDT in that quote shopping trip.....

This is not an attempt to steal your thread, but if anyone else has suggestions for Tandem coverage in Nevada, I would love to hear your thoughts.

I actually did call Miller.  I even sent pictures and details.  They refused both of my rigs.  However I should make note that my rigs are older than many here that are shopping.  My rigs are both 1994 model year.  Both are paid for.  I have proof of insurance history and over 20 years with Allstate.

Yeah, I know it cost me $100 or so extra, but I had no hassles getting the truck home, and even used it to haul grain to get a feel for it and the auto-shift.  Also, my thought was that if the $100 was going to break the deal, I had no business in this game.

See Resource Guide.

Eric knows what he is doing.

On edit I forgot to add mine is tandem and intend on keeping it that way.  That did not seem to bother Eric though.
Hope this helps.

Thanks for being the first, that I have seen to post up some numbers on the cost.
Joe

Thanks to an E-mail, I checked my memory with facts, now corrected!
Sorry,
Dan

I will be pursing the change to MH at a later date and see what I can do about that.  Some have gotten it in Arizona others have been told now way.  Perhaps up her in this small town MVD I can work it and get it done!!!!

Prosupercross65, on 02 May 2011 - 11:14 PM, said:
I have a 1988 Peterbilt 379 tandem

Where do you live?  I race motocross myself.
Joe