I posted this in a couple of other threads, so I figured why not just start a thread of my own for future reference.
Here is what I just did to get mine titled/registered as an RV.
First thing I did was obtained “Commercial Vehicle insurance for Personal Use”
I then had the bus inspected just as it was a bus. (Skip this step, I’ll explain why in the next step)
Just out of curiosity I went to the local tax office to attempt to just register it as a private bus. I goofed and told them I had removed the seats. Then the supervisor came into the picture and explained that since I have modified it and it is no longer a bus that I would have to complete the conversion, get and inspection as a motor home, and weigh the bus.
I also had to fill out a VTR-61 Form, which you can obtain from here:
TxDMV.GOV - Forms
You also need to bring a VTR-130U (Which you can get from the site mentioned above.) with you when you go to purchase your bus, that is the form required to transfer ownership to you from the previous owner.
Then I could title and register it as a motorhome. So the first inspection was a waste of time and 7 dollars.
The state of Texas requires 4 out of 6 things. You can pick and choose what you want.
Here is the manual on what the state requires, chapter 11 covers a Converted Bus.
https://www.txdmv.gov/txdmv-forms/do...vehicle-manual
(A)is built on a motor vehicle chassis as an integral part of or a permanent
attachment to the chassis; and
(B) contains at least four of the following independent life support systems
that are permanently installed and designed to be removed only for
repair or replacement and that meet the standards of the American
National Standards Institute, Standards for Recreational Vehicles:
(i) a cooking facility with an on-board fuel source;
(ii) a gas or electric refrigerator;
(iii) a toilet with exterior evacuation;
(iv) a heating or air conditioning system with an on-board power or fuel
source separate from the vehicle engine;
(v) a potable water supply system that includes at least a sink, a faucet,
and a water tank with an exterior service supply connection; or
(vi) a 110-125 volt electric power supply.
Here is what I did.
1. I installed an inverted to satisfy the requirement of 120v power supply
2. I installed a mini fridge powered off of the inverter.
3. I installed my “camp chef” range/oven with a small portable propane bottle.
4. I installed a “Mr Buddy” heater with the small portable propane bottle as well.
I then took the bus to a state inspection facility and asked them to inspect my Bus as a “motor home”.
After that I took the bus to a local truck stop ( Loves ) and had the bus weighed.
I then went to the tax office and brought with me these items..
Vehicle Title
Insurance Card
Completed VTR-130U
Completed VTR-61
Weight certificate
Inspection certificate
I also brought pictures of the "conversion" the kind lady at my local tax office did not request them nor did she say it was necessary but she went ahead and took them in case the state asked any question.
After all of this an around 350 dollars later I now have a legally registered Motor Home in the state of Texas.
Keep in mind my " conversion " was very rudimentary.
Here are the pictures I gave them.
When I filled out the VTR-61 I just explained what 4 items I added to the bus. ALSO! Be sure that when you fill out that VTR-61 you date it as completed BEFORE or on the day of the day of the inspection and weighing.
Hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any questions and I will answer what I can.