registering as an RV?

[butterfly]

<P>I <FONT size=4>looked at a pannel truck at a used car lot today, mentioned maybe converting it to a camp vehicle...was told I'd have to get an rv license for the van if I did that.&nbsp; I've not seen anyone mention doing that...Do vandwllers feel this is an issue that's no ones business but your own ?&nbsp; That would be my opinion.<IMG border=0 align=absMiddle src="https://vanlivingforum.com/images/boards/smilies/wink.gif"></FONT></P>

 

[rcm89]

The legal answer to that varies by state, and there are almost as many answers as there are states.&nbsp; Here in Texas, any size motorhome gets auto plates as do window vans, where a cargo van gets truck plates.&nbsp; Insurance is cheaper for motorhomes here too.&nbsp; My van is registered as a motorhome. <br>

 

[akrvbob]

Ron's right, every state is different. But you're right, if you don't change it, know one else will know or care. But the main issue for you may be the cost of insurance. if the van is listed as commercial, insurance may be much more than if it is rated as an RV. What is required to qualify it as an RV also varies by each state. In Nevada, it must have all the water tanks and a flush toilet connected to the black tank. Ron, it sounds like it is very easy in Texas?<br><br>I have a friend who bought a box van in AZ and drove/lived in it for awhile. Then his insurance company told him it had to rated as commercial insuarnce and it was tremendously expensive. So expensive that he stoped traveling, bought a piece of land and settled down to live in the box van on it. Look into that very closely! Bob<br><br>

 

[rcm89]

Yes, in Texas it is very easy.&nbsp; I reregistered a 93 Chevy/Bluebird school bus as a 93 Chev C60 MH [motorhome] by taking out all but 2 of the bench seats, bolting a wooden table to the wall [eating accomodations], throwing a sleeping bag over an old futon pad [sleeping]. Dorm fridge with a long extension cord, porta-pottie and a coleman camp stove rounded it out.&nbsp; I had pictures and everything but they didn't even want to see them. <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"> They did want the certified truckstop weight ticket though. <br>

 

[Nemo]

Ron's right, every state is different. But you're right, if you don't change it, know one else will know or care. But the main issue for you may be the cost of insurance. if the van is listed as commercial, insurance may be much more than if it is rated as an RV. What is required to qualify it as an RV also varies by each state. In Nevada, it must have all the water tanks and a flush toilet connected to the black tank. Ron, it sounds like it is very easy in Texas?<br><br>I have a friend who bought a box van in AZ and drove/lived in it for awhile. Then his insurance company told him it had to rated as commercial insuarnce and it was tremendously expensive. So expensive that he stoped traveling, bought a piece of land and settled down to live in the box van on it. Look into that very closely! Bob<br><br>

<br><br>Almost right Bob &lt;grin&gt; since I had made the mistake of telling them the truth when I insured it, that I was using it as a camper, they decided that they wouldnt renew it as commercial since I was using it as a camper.. the insurance was running about 900 a year for it, so not terrible.&nbsp; In order for them to continue to insure it, I would have had to get it titled as an RV in Az.. that would have involved making permanent modifications to the vehicle that would have rendered it useless for me, so that option was out the window.&nbsp; Rather than go get a regular rv, or travel trailer, I looked at land I could park on, and here I be <img src="/images/boards/smilies/smile.gif" border="0" align="absmiddle"><br><br>

 

[akrvbob]

So Nemo, did you consider registering it in Texas? I would guess you could still be an AZ resident. Might be the solution to your problem. Then you wouldn't have to stay up on the cold mountain all winter!! Bob<br>

 

[1oleman]

Escapees RV club?&nbsp; Mine is registered in Tx as I was living there.&nbsp; Costly&nbsp; $175.76 to start.&nbsp; Not sure how much it will cost to renew and I'm not there anymore.&nbsp; Ed <br>