Camper shells on trucks and California DMV fees

The shell should remain on the truck, however there are legitimate reasons to take it off. The shell can come off, to be repaired for example. However in this configuration absolutely nothing should be transported in the bed. I picked this info from a CHP officer. Which makes logical sense in an illogical state such as Cali.

 

Thanks for the info! I'm going to re-register my truck asap through AAA after getting my shell. Wish I would've known about the loading zone parking though! I would have definitely used that! Didn't know that was why I only have 1 letter on my plate.

 

I know a blind attorney. He has two vehicles registered to him, yet he can drive none of them. His wife, and employees drive all of them.

 

dam, glad I don't live in CA. I pay $58 total per year to register my truck. and the county I live in does not require emissions

 

Ah! Didn't even think of that one.

 

Depends on where you are. Some places they get caught fairly often.

My understanding is the law regarding the shell has changed a bit. The unit has to be habitable (e.g. bed, cabinets, etc). It has to look like you're using it to live in or camp with. You're basically telling them you're going to be using it as an RV. They may look at the truck and deny the plate if it doesn't meet that requirement.

Also, you cannot haul anything in the bed with the exception of suitcases once you go noncommercial. Because of the letter structure, it's relatively easy to tell. One guy I read about said he put a personalized plate on his which makes it harder to quickly discern as a noncommercial vehicle (they'd have to look it up in their computer). The fine is about $500.

 

Recently people who have tried doing it was refused due to the dmv employee wanting to see drawers or beds in the teuckbed so it's for human usage

On your inspection did they look in bed to see if it was empty or it was for humans to stay in it with stove bed etc ?

 

this \/

 

I'm not doubting what your saying as far as DMV personnel asking for visual inspection. IMO, the DMV reps are misinformed, no doubt, driven by government leadership gone rogue.

NONE of the forms I have filled, and I just checked current forms, say anything about visual inspections.

Form 256A shown partially below, needs only the highlighted boxes filled out.

And please note that by signing the form, that the person who signs is declaring the facts under the penalty of perjury.

• I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

 

Yup understand what you are saying.

Just a couple of local Taco guys tried it 2 diff DMV in LA. Both times, counter person came out opened shell and deemed it wasn't "habitable" enough and wouldn't change the classification.

 

Reviving this again.. I called the DMV and asked about having a shell and changing my registration from a commercial vehicle to a car/SUV type of deal. The person I talked to said that this was not a thing and that it will always be considered a commercial vehicle. Did I do something wrong or was she misinformed?

 

still a reason I don't live in CA

also those of you who call it a "camper" are stretching it. a "camper" is the unit that is an actual camper with amenities. not a hollow shell. So I understand why they do not allow this.

DMVs vary so YMMV depending on how much effort the actual person puts in to inspect it. maybe if you put more into it like a sleeping platform or other things you could probably get it classified but just having the shell will seldom win you battles.

 

Your $80 weight fee is what I pay total to register my Tacoma.

 

I pay around $60 a year in Florida for my taco. No smog checks, no line at the DMV, and no police looking to nail me for loud music, exhaust, or a potentially modified engine.

 

2019 revival!

Has anyone done this recently? Thinking about going down this route. Info is still posted on the DMV site:

(https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/dmv/?...ntent_en/dmv/vr/checklists/commercial_to_auto)

 

everyone keeps letting them get stuck on the human habitation you are not signing that your turning it into a motorhome you are stating that you have permanently mounted the camper shell. my weight fees are 151 a year on ym truck and its lifted and is a personal daily driver. this weight fee is crazy and them saying it has to be a mobile home is even mroe crazy please everyone pay attention to the box thats checked motorhome requires a toilet camper means exactly that there is a camper attached period stand up for it and get your money back

 

I finally got to do this today with my camper shell. The DMV fought me tooth and nail on this and it literally led to a shouting match in the parking lot. They were very against this. They didn't want to proceed in the office so I had to resort to them sending it to the dmv headquarters in Sacramaneto.

 

Well done. For anyone else reading this, I've heard the procedure can be done through AAA office if you're a member with significant less headache. I've saved $720 now nine years later...

 

Me vs. CA:

 

Congratulations! I had a heck of a fight with two of my local DMVs who showed no signs of budging even though mine is setup for permanent habitation. Ultimately I ended up going through a private VIN inspector who signed me off, then I turned the paperwork into the DMV and was golden.