changing van title to rv title???

[Txjaybird]

I can barely close my hand tonight from typing & trying to find some hint of what is need or even if it's possible to have a conversion van retitled as a rv so I could use it campgrounds, plug in to shore power whether I was towing the Aliner.  I've about GOOGLED myself crosseyed today.  I get so PO'd when I get those totaly unrelated responses from skynet. YECK!  Can anyone give me hint of what wording I should use in my inquiries?  I live in AL

Jewellann

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

When I was trying to research this at the NY DMV site, I finally had to use the "Contact Us" feature to ask about it.  I got a return email referencing the proper NY Code section and explaining how it works here.

 

[jonsun]

I did it in ohio when I initially registered. I didnt know what to call it so we discussed it at the counter. we both decided it was an RV which if I remember right cost me less to register it.

she didnt care either way. So I would try going there and just telling them that it's been converted to a camper.

I had no idea this mattered to campgrounds....never had them ask

 

[mayble]

Maybe I'm missing something.  If you're doing it solely to get into campgrounds, are you sure that's necessary and practical?
I suspect that any RV park that insists on seeing an RV title probably also has other restrictions (maximum unit age, minimum size, etc) that may be problematic.
Those restrictions are generally to keep the riff-raff out.  I'd rather go where the riff-raff are welcome

 

[ccbreder]

I have not had problems with any campground. Van titled as passenger vehicle.

 

[rvwandering]

I agree with mayble. Don't worry about it. Public campgrounds are your best bet. Many of them in the eastern states have electric hookups at some of the sites. Private campgrounds such as KOAs that cater to families allow tent camping so your van will be fine at those too. If in doubt call the specific campground and ask.

 

[closeanuf]

Have you checked to see what the difference in price to register it might be.  There may also be a difference in insurance prices.  I live in an rv park an we have vans in here all the time.  I don't understand the concern.

 

[Optimistic Paranoid]

Usually, the reason to register a vehicle as an RV is not to get into campgrounds, but because it's often cheaper to insure as an RV than as a regular vehicle.  Also, usually, a regular passenger drivers license is all you need to drive a vehicle so heavy you would need a commercial license if it weren't registered as an RV.

I was surprised to hear that in OH, they didn't have any special requirements for RV status.  In NY, the vehicle must have heating/cooling separate from when the engine is running, a separate electrical system, a way to cook food, etc.

 

[Txjaybird]

Thanks folks.  I had seen somewhere that someone was turned away from a place to camp because they were in a van.  Tony & Karen you jogged my memory about tents.  
SO I have a conversion van,  a Aliner pop up and a tent too! Queenie and I have our bases covered....I hope   
                  I'll see what I can find out about titles/Ins...etc

Jewellann

 

[Van-Tramp]

Consider that your insurance may change dramatically if registered as an RV. It may be cheaper to insure, but that is because they only cover the vehicle for "recreational purposes". Driving it 7-days a week, or to work, or for non-recreational reasons, and you may not be covered if there is an accident. And even then you are only saving a few dollars a year for taking such a huge risk.

Also, an "RV" is not allowed to be parked in many city-areas, but a "van" can be parked in any public place.

I have yet to hear of a good reason to register a van as a RV.

 

[frater secessus]

delete: I am stupid

 

[eDJ_]

Here in Ohio my E 350 Ford Van (one ton) can only be licensed as a Commercial Vehicle and similarly insured.    But I have the option of licensing as a "House Vehicle" (or RV)  With this I'm supposed to have a permanently installed bed,  a kitchen (of sorts) with a cooking top & basin with running water. (which can be a basin and a bottle of water to pour in it...not necessarily a plumed basin and electric water pump delivery) And a table and chairs for dining.   But this is supposed to be in the Van when licensed, although  I've never seen it checked out by BMV people.

This saves about $10 on the annual licensing ($50).  

The license plate doesn't really look any different than any other.   It doesn't say House Vehicle on it or RV.


Now with this said,  I understand some States have their license plates configured where the numbers/letters indicate certain things about the vehicle.  Like which make it is, (if you know these codes, for example, you can look and see if Chevy license plates are on a Dodge product by a certain number occurring in a certain position on the plate)   Most people don't know about this and I don't know how consistent this is between states.

https://www.amazon.com/License-plate-code-Thomson-Murray/dp/B00071AN5O

WIKI has this about it.

http://st.depositphotos.com/1742172...k-illustration-cartoon-string-of-sausages.jpg

 

[dish]

I just found (again) the requirements for WI (after 2 hours of searching)
https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/code/admin_code/trans/137/03/6?view=section

(6) “Motor home" means a motor vehicle designed to provide temporary living quarters built into as an integral part of, or permanently attached to a self-propelled motor vehicle chassis or van. In addition to sleeping and dining facilities, the vehicle must contain permanently installed independent life support systems that provide at least 4 of the following facilities:
(a) A potable water supply system including plumbing, a faucet and a sink, designed as either self-contained or to be connected with an external water supply, or both;
(b) Permanently installed cooking facilities;
(c) A permanently installed ice box or refrigeration unit;
(d) A permanently installed self-contained toilet;
(e) A permanently installed 110-125 volt electrical power supply or L.P. gas supply or both; and
(f) A permanently installed heating or air conditioning system, or both.

 

[wagoneer]

I had a extended window 1 ton Hitop van that I just somewhat converted I forgot to put the mattress on the platform and the guy called it a tool bench after some conversation he saw my point I really don't think they care as long as the bucks keep rolling in.

 

[Moxadox]

I can barely close my hand tonight from typing & trying to find some hint of what is need or even if it's possible to have a conversion van retitled as a rv so I could use it campgrounds, plug in to shore power whether I was towing the Aliner.  I've about GOOGLED myself crosseyed today.  I get so PO'd when I get those totaly unrelated responses from skynet. YECK!  Can anyone give me hint of what wording I should use in my inquiries?  I live in AL

Jewellann

Campgrounds do not care how your van is titled. They care what it LOOKS like on the outside. Even if it's from 1972, if it's well kept, no rust, no peeling paint, they're fine with it. If it looks bad, no title in the world will help you. In 3 1/2 years of van dwelling, I have never been turned away. Some CGs do require you to be "self contained" which means you have a bathroom. What KIND of bathroom facilities, they don't care, as long as you keep your business to yourself.

The Dire Wolfess

 

[speedhighway46]

Having converted a commercial vehicle to an RV abt eight years ago in Michigan, I would recommend the following:

1) confirm with your insurance company that they will insure your vehicle if the title is changed to an RV. Sometimes insurance companies will only cover a vehicle that was manufactured by a recognized recreational vehicle manufacturer.

2) Go to your local DMV office and ask them what they need to change the title. Sometimes it’s so complicated it’s not worth it; sometimes is very easy. It depends on what you are doing and what state you are in. My office was very helpful and accommodating.

Good luck . . .

 

[pjs1]

I would think that if I had my van registered as an RV then my solar equipment would be covered if in an accident. For instance all my solar equipment is in the back of the van and if I got rear-ended those components could be ruined. How would I get those components covered?

 

[B and C]

@PJS1

Welcome. Go to the newcomers corner and introduce yourself.

You should be able to get the contents of your vehicle covered under a separate policy. Best to talk to an agent about this rather than some forum where there are a lot of insurance experts (NOT). My $0.02 worth (maybe).

 

[jacqueg]

I would think that if I had my van registered as an RV then my solar equipment would be covered if in an accident.  For instance all my solar equipment is in the back of the van and if I got rear-ended those components could be ruined.  How would I get those components covered?

In my state, my 1/2 ton cargo van is registered as a regular passenger vehicle, and my insurance covers it as such. Damage to my possessions, which will include solar panels when I get them, is covered by my renter's/homeowners policy. I have made no permanent mods to my van, and it would take maybe an hour to turn turn it back into a bare cargo van.

You'll have to talk to your own agent in your own state to figure out what would be best for you to do.

 

[DannyB1954]

Rules vary by State. I am in Southern Nevada, (60 miles from Las Vegas). I found a small bread truck up in Reno that had a low mileage diesel. I called the dealer who had it and got the VIN number. I called my insurance and gave them the VIN to have insurance for the drive back home. They said we don't write policies for commercial vehicles. I called a dozen other insurance companies, same story.

I called several Commercial insurance carriers and they asked what is the nature of your business. I said no business. They said we do not insure individuals. One can get a $15 business license then get commercial insurance but if you are in an accident, they may claim fraud and not pay. What was your Handyman truck doing three States away from where your business license was issued? I found a RV insurance company that said once I had converted it to an RV and sent them pictures they would issue me a liability only policy. I said what is the cost of that policy. They refused to give even a ball park price. It would be a big gamble to spend time and money on the conversion only later to pay high insurance.

I went to my DMV to see what it would take to get an RV title, ( this also varies greatly State to State). They had a list. Bed toilet kitchen etc. they also said any electrical modifications to the vehicle would need to be done by a State Licensed auto mechanic. That was the last straw for me. Finding a willing mechanic and paying them to do the work I was going to do the way that I wanted it done would be next to impossible.

You can buy a used Class A that was built on a truck chassis, strip it down to the frame, rebuild it any way you wish, and it is still an RV because it was originally built by a recognized RV manufacturer. Note my Signature line, the world is not perfect.