Nevada RV Registration

[phoenix]

I searched for a thread on Nevada registration requirements, and didn't find one, so I thought I would share my experience here. I just purchased a bus located in Colorado and my husband will be picking it up later this week, then attempting to title/register it in Nevada.

I called the DMV and said I had purchased a bus which is undergoing a conversion to an RV. After being transferred to several different departments, my call landed in the Emissions Lab, which seemed to have the most information. They said you change the bus to a Nevada title (I have 30 days to do this, during which no insurance is required, since the bus will be declared non-operational), and then proceed with the conversion while still titled as a bus. After the conversion, you fill out an affidavit of non-operation and they give you a movement permit, which gets you to the inspection location.

The inspection has two parts: interior and mechanical. The mechanical/safety inspection is based on form VP-64, which can be found here: http://www.dmvnv.com/pdfforms/vp064.pdf

But the interior inspection happens prior to that. To qualify as an RV in Nevada, a vehicle must have:
1) Sleeping quarters. I asked if that meant a framed-in bed. He said yes, it couldn't be a mattress on the floor.
2) Cooking quarters. A Coleman stove on a countertop wouldn't be enough; it needs to have a plumbed kitchen and any cooking elements should be built-in.
3) An eating area. It didn't specify built-ins, but he said everything needs to be permanently attached.
4) A restroom with toilet and holding tank. I told him I was planning to install a composting toilet, which would not have a black tank.
Answer: "Then it's not an RV."
"So you're saying that no RV registered in the state of Nevada has a composting toilet?"
"I'm just reading what's on the paper, ma'am."
I'm not sure how that works. Short of registering in a different state (which is still a possibility), I'd appreciate any suggestions on how to get around this. The conversion requirements look very strict, although I can't find them in writing anywhere on the Nevada DMV website.

Additionally, vehicles over 26,000 GVWR are exempt from needing a CDL when classified as an RV, but Nevada does require a non-commercial class B license when >26,000.

Again, this is just my experience. I hope others will have more to add.

[CouchTomato]

I'm answering because I noticed that you only recently posted your concerns re: Converting a bus into an "RV". I've had almost the exact same issues with the DMV in Alaska a number of years ago, when I tried something similar. I feel that in our Land of Unlimited Possibilities it is a shame that personal expression and solutions to challenges are no longer permitted.

If this will help you folks or not I don't know, but I've heard from a friend in New Mexico, that a person can get a school bus title changed into an RV title, just by going to a DMV office and asking that to be done. Following up on that by calling one of their DMVs, I learned - as someone from another state - that to register any vehicle in NM, one needs to have proof of living there, even if only part time. Required would be some sort of property tax receipts, utility or rent receipts etc.

Years ago, I was lucky enough to insure a 6-row 'camper' bus with GMAC, who is now out of business, but not since then. I don't see, why DMVs don't allow the idea of 'Camper', like the zillions of VW campers out there, who also don't have plumbing, have no toilets or showers, but still accommodate their folks in a way that's safe for the environment and themselves. I'd like to hear what further progress you guys were able to achieve since you posted. Good luck.

[CaptainInsaneo]

As far as the flush toilet thing get a plastic drum off CL and fit it to the bottom with a valve and hook up a used rv toilet in the bathroom, you probably don't need to cut a hole in the floor I doubt they will try to flush it. Get a used cooktop also from craigslist or an rv one from ebay. You really shouldn't be using a Colman stove like that anyways from a safety stand point. Table BJURSTA Wall-mounted drop-leaf table - IKEA that looks built in to me and you could use some of the old bus seats for a dinette. A Sofa sleeper would probably do the trick too. Thats what mane $300 worth of parts that you can sell later.

[CouchTomato]

Thanks for the great and useful information. I'm just in the market for another bus and appreciate anything that helps in planning my little camper.

[independentian]

I agree with capitaninsano - If you just get everything plugged into to get the vehicle registered as an RV, you can do whatever you want afterwards.

I'll be following up here later once we get our bus converted to a tiny home. I'm confident I'll be registering it in Nevada so I'll share that story when the time comes.

[warewolff]

Originally Posted by CaptainInsaneo

As far as the flush toilet thing get a plastic drum off CL and fit it to the bottom with a valve and hook up a used rv toilet in the bathroom, you probably don't need to cut a hole in the floor I doubt they will try to flush it. Get a used cooktop also from craigslist or an rv one from ebay. You really shouldn't be using a Colman stove like that anyways from a safety stand point. Table BJURSTA Wall-mounted drop-leaf table - IKEA that looks built in to me and you could use some of the old bus seats for a dinette. A Sofa sleeper would probably do the trick too. Thats what mane $300 worth of parts that you can sell later.

This is ludacris. Search for the thread on Vermont registration and forget all of Nevada's BS -- particularly the part about composting toilets. If you fill everything out right you can have Vermont plates in 3-4 weeks or sooner.

[Mrtoad25]

So any reason why people want the title changed to a Motorhome? I just got back from the DMV. Needed a moving permit for my bus. He told me to just leave it titled as a SB and then convert it to a MH. I have it insured as a SB and it's only 68 bucks a month. That's full coverage. He also stated that you don't need the inspection done when converted to a MH for a new title. Unless you change the motor, roof, or frame.

[Jolly Roger bus 223]

for mine i dont see doing it.
i am insured and registered as a bus for personal use on two and if i want to change them to motor home or RV title then they want me to change the monetary value from the old school bus value to what i think the motor home/rv value is.
probably so they can tax me more which makes insurance go up as well.
thats in NC other states vary.

[Mrtoad25]

Originally Posted by Mrtoad25

So any reason why people want the title changed to a Motorhome? I just got back from the DMV. Needed a moving permit for my bus. He told me to just leave it titled as a SB and then convert it to a MH. I have it insured as a SB and it's only 68 bucks a month. That's full coverage. He also stated that you don't need the inspection done when converted to a MH for a new title. Unless you change the motor, roof, or frame.

I should have been specific on what state. This was at the NV DMV.