can title your truck in South Dakota as a MH

[Randy]

This is more for the admins so they can change the info under South Dakota.  I'm using a lot of info from this site, figured I'd help someone else!   I'm also providing a link to the form that must be completed to make it a Motor Home.  https://www.state.sd.us/eforms/secure/eforms/E1827V3-AffidavitForTruckTractorConvertedToAMotorhome.pdf

[Randy]

Also when it comes to cdl requirements.    When registered as non cdl truck, you can drive it with out a cdl as long as you are hooked up to your camper, as soon as you unhook you need a cdl.  This info was obtained after many transfers on the phone.    Port of Entry guys said no cdl required at all, as long as your registered non-commercial.  But they sent me to the state licensing people, and they are who gave me the other info.   

[Randy]

Also, on your insurance side, Dougherty can only insure a single rear wheel truck non-commercially, but he still knew what he was talking about so its still good info!      

This is stupid as hell since i can register the truck non-commercially.

[BlueLghtning]

It seems like just towing a trailer over 10k would throw you into basically the Class A category in SD. It's interesting they appear have no comparable non CDL licenses for Class A like so many other states do. - https://dps.sd.gov/licensing/driver_licensing/basic_licensing_info.aspx#types

[Mark and Dale Bruss]

SD 32-9-3  Exceptions from definitions of motor carrier and commercial vehicle. For the purposes of this chapter, the following do not come within the definition of "motor carriers" or "commercial vehicles" if used in intrastate operations:

 (10) A motor vehicle used for personal purposes and not operated for private business use;

 (11) A motor vehicle used for recreational purposes and not operated for private business use;

 

Source HHRV Resource Guide and SD Documents.

[Randy]

I can register it non-commercially, but I can't insure it non-commercial.  That's my problem.   If I single it, I can insure it.  (That makes it no longer a class 8 truck) Once I get the paperwork done to make it a motor home, then it don't matter.

 

[Alie&Jim's Carrilite]

42 minutes ago, BlueLghtning said:

It seems like just towing a trailer over 10k would throw you into basically the Class A category in SD. It's interesting they appear have no comparable non CDL licenses for Class A like so many other states do. - https://dps.sd.gov/licensing/driver_licensing/basic_licensing_info.aspx#types

 

Nope, What they go by is the vehicle weight on the Cat scale ticket you provide....

Another forum member here, John, has a Freightliner Super C, and he had to get the air brake endorsement and several other items that I did not.  All because of the weight rating.  

Some of the state licensing issues come from the fact that they still run tractors thru downtown  Pierre, the state capitol.  There just isn't the population to drive the need for more license brackets.  Most kids I would expect are driving from 8-10yrs old on small tractors.  With as much of the state in farming and ranching, it's all hands on deck that can be.

[Nuke-E]

If I'm not mistaken, John has a CDL.  His super C is a motorhome, and a standard class 1 license is all that's needed for that.

At 14 years and 90 days, you're legal to drive anything non-commercial with four or more wheels from 6 am to 10 pm, and at any time with an adult in the car.

[Randy]

nuke-e, you are correct, if its titled as a motor home, a standard class 1 license is all you need.   That is my goal, just thought i would register it as non-commercial in the mean time, but its pointless if i cant insure it.  (unless i pay commercial fees, and im not interested in that!)

[Randy]

5 hours ago, Alie&Jim's Carrilite said:

Another forum member here, John, has a Freightliner Super C, and he had to get the air brake endorsement and several other items that I did not.  All because of the weight rating.  

from what i was told, i can use my tandom axle semi to haul my camper (registered as non-commercial) without a cdl, until i unhook the camper.    then i need a cdl.  stupid laws!

[Shawn Patterson]

16 hours ago, Randy said:

I can register it non-commercially, but I can't insure it non-commercial.  That's my problem.   If I single it, I can insure it.  (That makes it no longer a class 8 truck) Once I get the paperwork done to make it a motor home, then it don't matter.

 

 

Randy,

My 730 was initially titled as "Private Truck", was still tandem and we were able to get insured with Progressive through Miller Insurance.  It's a moot point now as we are now titled as "Converted Motorhome".

[Randy]

1 hour ago, Shawn Patterson said:

 

17 hours ago, Randy said:

I can register it non-commercially, but I can't insure it non-commercial.  That's my problem.   If I single it, I can insure it.  (That makes it no longer a class 8 truck) Once I get the paperwork done to make it a motor home, then it don't matter.

 

 

Randy,

My 730 was initially titled as "Private Truck", was still tandem and we were able to get insured with Progressive through Miller Insurance.  It's a moot point now as we are now titled as "Converted Motorhome".

 

Thank you!  This worked!  They got me private insurance, and the price wasn't to bad!

[Shawn Patterson]

2 hours ago, Randy said:

Thank you!  This worked!  They got me private insurance, and the price wasn't to bad!

Excellent news!!  Glad they were able to help you.  

[13speed]

What is wrong with being a private truck and what is better about being a motorhome?

[Tom&]

My truck is registered as a mh in my state of Alaska, but as my insurance agent explained to me that they would insure it as a private truck so I could use it without it being tied to my 5th wheel.

[Randy]

1 hour ago, 13speed said:

What is wrong with being a private truck and what is better about being a motorhome?

For me, its the cost of registration and insurance.  (Right now I'm paying insurance on a truck that they value at $85,000   Even though its only worth $10,000)  When i called in to SD license office in Pierre, I was told I don't need a cdl to drive my truck as long as the camper is hooked up.  As soon as I unhook,  I need a cdl, even registered as a private truck.    I don't think anyone will mess with me, but it's better safe than sorry.   Plus, when I convert to a motor home, my wife will have a toilet and I won't need to stop every hour and a half!!

[13speed]

42 minutes ago, Randy said:

For me, its the cost of registration and insurance.  (Right now I'm paying insurance on a truck that they value at $85,000   Even though its only worth $10,000)  When i called in to SD license office in Pierre, I was told I don't need a cdl to drive my truck as long as the camper is hooked up.  As soon as I unhook,  I need a cdl, even registered as a private truck.    I don't think anyone will mess with me, but it's better safe than sorry.   Plus, when I convert to a motor home, my wife will have a toilet and I won't need to stop every hour and a half!!

I don't understand how they can value it that high if it is not worth that. 

Who says you need a CDL if it is a private truck? Once it is private and not commercial why would it need a CDL to drive?

I am not sure if I want my wife peeing right behind me while driving down the road and besides that the closer I get to 50 the more I start peeing as much as the wife

[Alie&Jim's Carrilite]

On 5/16/2017 at 6:18 PM, Nuke-E said:

If I'm not mistaken, John has a CDL.  His super C is a motorhome, and a standard class 1 license is all that's needed for that.

At 14 years and 90 days, you're legal to drive anything non-commercial with four or more wheels from 6 am to 10 pm, and at any time with an adult in the car.

 

I thought he had a Class A Non-CDL because of the weight of the motorhome.

[Randy]

I don't know why they value it so high.  My agent didn't value it at that price when she 1st quoted me, but then she talked to her underwriters, and thats what they come up with.  hell I was just happy to get insured!

 

As for who I talked to, I called sddmv, and was transferred to some licensing office, then was transferred to that persons boss.  So, is that really the truth?  I don't know for sure.  The guy I talked to at the port of entry said I didn't need a cdl at all, but wanted me to verify with the above offices.

 

I am only 34, so I can go a long time with out the rest room!!  As long as she uses wet wipes on her hands, I don't care what happens behind me! 

[Randy]

14 minutes ago, Alie&Jim's Carrilite said:

thought he had a Class A Non-CDL because of the weight of the motorhome

I can't find anything about a non-cdl class a license.    Don't think it exists?  At least in South Dakota.

[Alie&Jim's Carrilite]

John had to do something different than I did.  The only difference is the weight and size of our vehicles.  Maybe he'll see the thread and chime in.

[Randy]

maybe he is still running tandem axles?

[Alie&Jim's Carrilite]

21 minutes ago, Randy said:

maybe he is still running tandem axles?

John has a Freightliner chassis, with a Super C motorhome on it.

I have a Volvo tractor singled.

[Randy]

Hmm, had to look up what a Super C was.  Not sure why he would need a class A cdl, it's still a motor home.  I'm not 100% sure, but I'm guessing most class A motor homes have a gcvw of over 26001.  Now I'm just curious.  

[Chad Heiser]

5 hours ago, 13speed said:

What is wrong with being a private truck and what is better about being a motorhome?

If your HDT is titled as a private truck and you approach a scale that has a sign saying "All Trucks Must Stop", you must pull in and stop.  If your HDT is titled as a motorhome and you come across the same scenario, you do not have to stop.  This, along with insurance issues in some states and registration costs are the reasons most want to title their HDT as a motorhome.