Pickup Truck Camper: Dmv Registration Essential?

The registration requirements for pickup truck campers vary from state to state in the US. While some states require annual registration, others require a one-time registration, and a few don't require registration at all. In California, for example, a pickup truck with a camper shell is considered a housecar and may be registered as a passenger vehicle. However, the addition of a camper shell does not necessarily change the registration type from commercial to auto. To be considered for auto registration, the camper must meet the definitions of human habitation or camping purposes. Failure to meet these definitions may result in citations from law enforcement.

Registration requirements for truck campers vary by state

If you are a resident of a state that requires registration, you will need to pay a fee and provide proof of sale, as well as a title and/or VIN. You may also need proof of insurance coverage. Some states require registration within a certain period from purchase or moving (e.g. 30 days).

If your camper does not have a VIN, you can obtain one through the DMV. The process for doing so varies by state but can include an application, inspection of your truck camper, proof of ownership, and various fees.

If your camper does not have a title, you can obtain one from the DMV, but you will need a VIN or Certificate of Origin from the manufacturer.

• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Idaho (if made after January 1, 2009)
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

The following states require titling:

• Arizona
• Connecticut
• Hawaii
• Idaho
• Kentucky
• Maine
• Montana
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New Hampshire
• New Mexico
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Utah
• Washington
• West Virginia
• Wisconsin

Truck campers are typically considered cargo, not vehicles

In the majority of US states, truck campers are not registered or titled and are therefore not considered a recreational vehicle. Instead, they are typically considered cargo or a truck accessory.

A "camper" is defined by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) as a structure designed to be mounted on a motor vehicle to provide facilities for human habitation or camping purposes. A canopy or similar structure mounted on a motor vehicle for these purposes is also considered a camper.

A one-axle camper is not considered a motor vehicle. When mounted on a motor vehicle, the camper must be fully supported by the motor vehicle, independent of any axle attached to the camper. If the camper is too large to be supported by the motor vehicle, it is considered a trailer coach or camp trailer, depending on its overall length, and must be registered separately.

A pickup truck with a permanently attached camper or camper shell meets the definition of a housecar and may be registered as a passenger vehicle. However, adding a camper shell to a pickup truck does not necessarily change its classification from commercial to auto registration. The addition must meet the definitions for human habitation or camping purposes; otherwise, the vehicle owner may be subject to citation from law enforcement for not meeting the definition for auto registration.

In summary, truck campers are generally considered cargo or accessories and not vehicles, but the specific regulations and definitions may vary depending on the state and the specific features of the camper.

Truck campers do not have VINs

Truck campers are a unique type of recreational vehicle that can be attached to and transported in the back of a pickup truck. They are small but have many advantages, including ease of transportation and parking, good gas mileage, the ability to tow additional vehicles, ease of storage, and low cost.

Most truck campers are considered cargo, not technically recreational vehicles. This classification changes the legalities and ownership requirements, and makes the truck camper unique from other types of travel trailers. Since truck campers are typically considered cargo, not vehicles, many do not have VINs. Alternatively, most of these types of campers do come with a Certificate of Origin that includes an ownership number, as well as a serial number. If necessary, these other numbers can be used in place of a VIN when registering a truck camper.

If your camper does not have a VIN and you need or want one, you can obtain a VIN through the DMV. The process for obtaining a VIN varies by state but can include an application, inspection of your truck camper, proof of ownership, and various fees.

A note about age: VINs were only standardized in the 1980s, so many older and vintage RVs won't have VINs.

Truck campers are not required to have insurance

Truck campers are a unique type of recreational vehicle that can be attached and transported in the back of a pickup truck. They are typically considered cargo, not vehicles, and so are not required to have insurance in most states. However, insurance is a good idea to protect your investment from weather damage, theft, and other drivers.

In most cases, truck campers do not have VINs (Vehicle Identification Numbers) and are not required to be registered, titled, or insured. However, approximately 10 states do have special requirements, and it is always good to check the laws of your state. For example, California requires a pickup truck with a permanently attached camper to be registered as a passenger vehicle.

If you are in a state that considers truck campers to be cargo, then you do not need to register your truck camper. If you are in one of the few states that classify a truck camper as a vehicle, then it must be registered at your local DMV. Registration is completed either annually or as a one-time event and will come with a fee.

Truck campers are generally not required to have insurance, but it is state-dependent. This is not just a policy for truck campers, but for all non-motorized RVs. Another factor that dictates insurance requirements is whether there is a loan on the camper. When there is a loan or financing involved, you will usually need insurance to cover possible losses.

Your existing truck policy may already cover towed vehicles and/or cargo, but it is important to double-check by contacting your insurance company. Many companies allow you to bundle additional insurance in with your auto or home policies to cut costs.

Truck campers are unique from other types of travel trailers

Another key difference is that truck campers are not considered trailers in the traditional sense, but rather are categorised as cargo. This means that in most states, they are not subject to registration fees and have lower insurance rates. They are also more mobile than traditional trailers, as they don't require a separate vehicle to pull them and can get in and out of tight spaces more easily.

In terms of features, truck campers typically have hard sides, a bed, a kitchen, and a toilet or wet bath. Some may also have a compact pop-up roof, while others are tall enough for people to stand in. More luxurious models may include slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, and other amenities.

However, there are also some drawbacks to truck campers. They have very limited storage space, and the process of hooking and unhooking them from the truck can be time-consuming. Additionally, the cab and the camper are separate spaces, so you cannot move freely between the two while driving.

In summary, truck campers offer a unique combination of versatility, mobility, and compactness that sets them apart from other types of travel trailers. They are well-suited for small groups or families looking for a convenient and affordable way to camp in rustic locations.

Frequently asked questions