Marty Main

Sorry for the very late reply... We did it in California. But you have to catch the right DMV VIN verifier at the right time to complete REG form 31 to change the Body Type from DS (diesel semi) to motorhome (MH). It can be difficult to impossible in California. By definition, motorhomes must contain permanently-installed independent life support systems [for human habitation] which meet the criteria of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) and provide at least four of the following facilities: 1. cooking, 2. refrigeration or ice box, 3. self-contained toilet, 4. heating and/or air conditioning, 5. a portable water supply system including a faucet and sink, 6. a separate 120 volt electrical power supply and/or liquid petroleum (LP) gas supply. Human habitation is defined as living space which includes, but is not limited to: closets, cabinets, kitchen units or fixtures, and bath or toilet rooms. Many standard over-the-road HDT sleepers MAY come close with the addition of a porta potty. We have no sink, only bottled water and a porta potty. HOWEVER, in our case, the DMV VIN verifier never even got inside to look; only took our word! It saved us $2,000 per year in registration fees. Make sure when you fill out REG form 256, Statement of Facts, Section G, to write exactly "This vehicle was permanently altered and equipped for human habitation meeting the definition of a motorhome according to CVC § 362." You'll need Reg 256A filled out, too. And bring your commercial plates and pink slip to DMV when you attempt this. However, for INSURANCE, (in the spring of 2020) Progressive simply wanted us to disable commercial use by removing the commercial 5th wheel hitch and providing pictures of the truck, long before we got it reclassified Body Type Motorhome (MH) with DMV (in the spring of 2021). Later (the winter of 2021) we had a box added to carry our Jeep in a "garage" (see pix) and some insurance companies refused to insure it because to them it could be used as a commercial box truck. However, since there is a permanently attached ramp (that does not retract) off the back, it is impossible to back the truck up to a loading dock and drive a forklift into the box to load pallets. Anyway, I skipped those insurance companies since at that time (2021) their premiums were more expensive than Progressive. HOWEVER, be forewarned, many insurance companies only allow for VERY limited situations where they will cover the truck BOBTAIL; like going to the repair shop or getting fuel. They only want to cover the whole combined rig including the towed trailer. And finally, should you want to DOMCILE in South Dakota, we unhappily discovered insuring RV's in SD can be more expensive than in California!! Apparently, because of frequent hail damage claims in SD, and perhaps because of the shear numbers of RVs registered making claims of any type in SD (my personal guess).

Bob, I have similar faults codes. How has the After-Market sensors performed?

Hey all, I neglected to let you all know, how much I appreciate the comments/replies and to let you know, in April we purchased a 2015 Volvo VNL730 and it's in a Frame Shop in West Sacramento, CA being lengthened (in frame and wheelbase) to carry our 2013 2-Door Jeep Wrangler and to pull our newly renovated/decorate 2006 New Horizons 32RK2S 5th wheel with an RT air-ride hitch. We are nearly ready to hit the road for fulltime adventures!

Randy, Thanks for the reply. I have discovered much of what you said from other sources, but really appreciate the conformations. It seems 65' overall is nearly impossible by the time the truck in lengthened, axles moved rearward and we get a decent sized fiver for full time living. But that really doesn't concern me too much. I'm just thrilled to have the possibility of a Condo tractor, my Jeep and a house-on-wheels to spend the next years seeing this beautiful country. Best regards!

Just discovered HDT RV Haulers and excited to learn more. We have been following Super Class C motorhomes looking for one to buy just as soon as our house sells. But the HDT RV Haulers are attractive since we can get a used one and a larger 5th Wheel RV for significantly less than many Super Cs. In either case, we are happy for the added safety either offers since they both utilize Class 8 HDTs. And after watching various YouTube videos and reading this forum, we are looking more closely at Volvo chassis. Just need to decide to build or buy. We want to haul our 2013 Jeep Wrangler on the truck and not tow or get a toyhauler/garage Fiver. We're in Norcal and looking to connect with other HDT RV Hauler owners. Marty