How To Register A Bus As An RV

While it is possible to register your bus as an RV, you need to meet a few requirements. If you want to learn how to register a bus as an RV, this will be a helpful read.

It often takes time to register a bus as an RV as each state has specific requirements to follow. But it’s something that can be done.

If you decide to customize your bus into an RV, then the steps below can show you what you can expect when you partner with your States Motor Vehicle Department.

But how do you register your bus as an RV?

If you want to customize your bus into a mobile RV, it is important to contact the DMV first. And it’s likely that the local DMV personnel might not be familiar with the guidelines required. They will direct you to one of their bigger offices that deal in special circumstances.

Here are some of the requirements you are likely to find in most states. While some are more specific than others, you should ensure you meet the following criteria:

Current Title

It’s important to ensure you have your bus current title. But if you don’t have it, try and salvage your title before you go to the DMV. On the other hand, you might have lost your original title or your bus might be damaged.

As mentioned earlier on, each state will have its own criteria and so you need to know what is expected of you before time.

Bill of Sale

This is a receipt that acts as proof of purchase between the buyer and the seller. To ensure it is acceptable at the DMV, it should contain certain information. The information required will be stated on the DMV website. Essentially, the information required will include:

• Vehicle Identification Number
• The vehicle description including make, year and model
• Buyer’s name, number and address
• Seller’s name, name and address

Certification of weight

You need to find an area in your locality where there are scales used to weigh vehicles. Most of these roadway scales are found in recycling centers, garbage dumps and truck stops. Contact them and find out if they can help you certify your vehicle’s weight. When they certify the weight, they will give a form that you can avail at the DMV.

Photos of conversion

Before you send out your application, you are required to provide proof that you have already converted your bus to an RV. Take quality pictures of both the interior and exterior of the bus, highlighting all the changes you have made. In some states, you might be required to remove stop signs and flashing lights. Find out from the DMV what you need removed when submitting your application.

Inspection

The DMV will perform a thorough inspection of the bus. They will do this to ensure you have made all the conversions. Additionally, the bus must meet all safety guidelines when on the road.

If you want to register your bus into an RV, contact the DMV to find out the documentation required. And since you don’t have your registration and title yet, the bill of sale and original title might be acceptable.

Proof of Insurance

Ensure you have an insurance policy before you submit your application. Some of the insurance companies that deal with converted buses include Good Sam and National General. But before you contact any of the mentioned insurance companies, you need proper documentation.

This will include things like bill of sale, copy of your title, photos that prove conversation, and other essential documentation.

The bus should have the following items permanently installed.

• Bathroom facilities
• Installed refrigerator
• Designated beds
• Stove with safe fuel source (electric or propane)
• Electric system
• Freshwater source

Driver’s License

The other thing you might have to do is ensure you have upgraded your driver’s license. For example, if your bus has over 26,000 pounds, then you need to get a new license for bigger vehicles.

You need to find out the requirements needed to qualify for a license that caters to bigger vehicles. If your bus is overweight and exceeds 40 feet, then you need to apply for this license.

Converting your bust in an RV: Does it make financial sense?

Most people who decide to convert their bust into an RV do so purely out of passion. It is similar to rebuilding an old car step by step. You can customize the bus with everything you need inside. More importantly, you will know what materials to use.

Remember that the bus engine and automotive parts are designed to last. In fact, most engines are designed to last over one million miles. For that reason, you need to ensure your bus is checked regularly by a diesel mechanic who can check whether everything is working properly.

You also have to deal with cost considerations that often tend to be somewhat less expensive as compared to dealing with high-end RVs. Most buses usually have aluminum bodies and steel chassis. Attaching cabinets can be quite easy and you can install other permanent fixtures as well.

Essentially, it can cost about $10,000 to $50,000 to convert your bus into an RV. The cost will depend on the amenities you decide to add inside as well as the quality of materials used. It is better to use second-hand materials to customize your bus and you can enjoy cost savings.

The other alternative you can consider is buying a second hand RV. While the cost can vary, you can find a great RV under $10,000. And though you may find a model that dates back to the 1990s, keep in mind that these vehicles are designed like tanks. With proper maintenance, they can last a long time.

Conclusion

If conversion is your preferred step, then you can make it memorable by making the modifications as personalized as possible. It is important to do research to find out what is needed to convert your bus into an RV. The good thing is that you don’t necessarily need experience to convert your bus into an RV provided you know a few basic things.

Link sources:

https://itstillruns.com/title-bus-rv-6955279.html

https://www.rvtalk.net/how-to-register-a-bus-as-an-rv/