This Post Has 55 Comments

  1. Forest 9 Jan 2020 Reply

    Thank y'all so much for the detailed post! I'thou about to practice this for my 2019 Ford Transit and I'm hoping my experience at the DMV in Truckee goes as smoothly. My van cost $34K and I did a lot of the conversion myself, but I paid virtually $5K to have a store do some electrical and finishing piece of work.

    If you don't mind, I've got a few questions for you:

    On the Reg 256A form:
    one) Did you select option ii (modified by licensed van converter) or the last option that merely wants a date information technology was completed?
    2) Did you leave the rest of that section blank (cost earlier and cost of changes) and the DMV didn't accept a problem with that? I'k shocked they'd let you leave that bare.

    I'm thinking nearly seeing if they permit me exit that blank, but, if they crave it, and then selecting the van converter selection and list the $34K before cost and $5K conversion cost.

    On the Reg 256 form:
    iii) Did you leave the current market value and change costs blank? Any push back from DMV on that?

    If they inquire me to fill that in, I'm thinking of putting the current KBB value of the van and the $5K conversion toll.

    Thanks!

    Forest

    1. ourkaravan nine Jan 2020 Reply

      Hi, thanks for the comment. Regarding your questions:
      i) I put a completed engagement since my van was self-built;
      2 and three) If you expect at the 256A grade, there is a "0" pre-printed in the total cost column. I'g non certain why the zero is at that place merely I besides don't run across them asking you lot to arbitrarily cross it out and put a number at that place. Mine was left entirely blank.
      What you stated well-nigh the conversion price (if they ask) seems reasonable to me. Let's promise they practice not go there.

      Please let us know how it goes, and expert luck.

      1. Forest x January 2020 Respond

        Got it done this morning, and so I wanted to share my experience:
        1) I filled out Reg 256 and Reg 256A and brought the receipt for the $5K van piece of work from licensed converter in Sacramento
        2) For vehicle value, I put downwardly the current KBB value ($22K) and checked that a licensed shop did the conversion at a value of $5K
        3) DMV guy was prissy, merely he had never done this job earlier and needed nigh v minutes to read through employee instructions
        4) He confirmed that I provided all of the right forms, asked me what I did to the van, stood up and looked out the window at my van in parking lot, made a copy of the van conversion receipt, ask his supervisor if he needed to get out and ostend anything on the van, told no, and so completed the procedure and gave me new plates and registration.
        5) I was hoping that he'd lower my VLF course since I provided a lower total cost of the van compared to when I bought it new, but that didn't modify with the new registration.

        Thanks again for sharing your experience. I think bringing the forms pre-filled and explaining the process to the DMV employee made things go smoothly. I think information technology could have gone sideways if I walked in and asked him what I needed to practice (he didn't take a clue).

        1. ourkaravan 12 January 2020 Reply

          Curious, did he ask you to fill out the value? The fact that the form is preprinted with "$0.00" in the full column makes me think it'southward not something they are concerned with. Thanks for sharing your experience.

          1. No, I decided to fill in the values beforehand. I figured I might get a chance to lower the assessed value of my van. Worst case, it would exist ignored and not change my VLF class (which is what happened).

            The forms are editable PDF's (when online). The $0 in the total value box is a formula that will change when you put in the before and later on values. You're right, if you only print the class, $0 is printed in that box if yous leave the before and after values bare.

          2. ourkaravan 13 Jan 2020

            Thanks once more for sharing your experience. In the end, it sounds like you ended upward with the same effect.

        2. Joyce Y 20 Sep 2020 Reply

          Foster, if y'all don't mind my asking, what's the name
          Of the conversion company y'all used in Sacramento? I'm not besides far from in that location. Thanks in advance!

        3. Christopher Christian 20 Jul 2021 Reply

          No ane is touched on a very of import factor for me I am unable to get an insurance quote because the VIN is listed in the commercial vehicle and the insurance only will quote me a commercial price how do I go past this?

          1. ourkaravan v Aug 2021

            It actually depends on the insurance company, they all treat van conversions differently.

      2. Joyce Y 20 Sep 2020 Respond

        Thank you for sharing this information! I'm going through this now. Just a bit different scenario in that I bought information technology new and converted through a dealer in some other land. Fingers crossed I won't have issues.

      3. @thevibe_raider 27 May 2021 Answer

        Thank you for the write up.. I'k in the procedure of doing this. I did the conversion myself. I ran into a snag with the DMV asking for "proof of ownership of parts put in vehicle for conversion" what?????
        I'm lucky I have near of the receipts. I'chiliad going to attempted to go dorsum and hand them a stack of Amazon invoices and Home Depot receipts. This doesn't make sense to me…. they did the verification and know what's in the back ? … I own the vehicle, how could yous want proof?????

        1. ourkaravan 27 May 2021 Answer

          I tin meet an insurance company request for receipts, but it makes no sense for the DMV to…I simply remember the clerk you had doesn't empathise. I believe I posted a link to the regulations, and I don't believe you'll find anything in there about receipts. On the other manus I guess you could dump them on the clerk just to complete the process and not start over with someone else.

  2. Travisvasquez77 10 Feb 2020 Respond

    Hey! Cheers for such an informative post. Question, any update on the insurance portion of this process? I'thou eager to know how it has gone or what you have learned.

    1. ourkaravan 11 February 2020 Reply

      Hi, Getting the vehicle re-titled was the first role of that procedure. I take non started the insurance role of my shopping all the same.

      1. J.Mike 30 October 2020 Reply

        Were you lot able to get setup with a reasonable insurance policy nevertheless? If you happen to know of how it can be done, delight do tell. I'm at my wits end..
        I picked up a stride van which had already been retitled as a motorhome & I tin't get an insurance policy to save my life hither in California. Maybe I'm asking the wrong questions, non saying the right thing?…

        1. ourkaravan 30 Oct 2020 Reply

          I all the same haven't washed it. I remember the all-time route is to go to an insurance agent in-person, have them look at what yous've got and allow them tell you what options they can offering. Many volition offer an insurance rider as opposed to an RV insurance policy. At that point information technology'due south just a matter of weighing the almanac price vs self-insuring. If the van is stolen or totaled, you lot're out. If it's involved in an accident and written-off (probably the most likely scenario), hopefully you could transfer the build to some other van. That's my thinking anyway. I do intend to shop around, but probably post-covid.

          1. J.Mike 19 November 2020

            I was able to finally find an insurance lady that could get my conversion insured.. I recommend bringing your commercial conversion rig to Stockton, California when/if ya got the time, then pics can be taken of your rig past the lady.. I besides recommend pay up forepart.. I don't know if it's cheap, I paid close to a grand for the entire policy, for the full time + full coverage policy.. for reference.. I call back it's worth information technology merely to even have insurance on the conversion..

            With Permission from her, I requite her info out:

            Norma Aslami @ 445 W.Weber Avenue Ste 136, Stockton CA 95203 – License # 0D24914

            I hope this helps, I didn't add together her phone number so she doesn't go annoying calls concerning this.. If you have the conversion RV title/registration in mitt with the vehicle & you get there when the role is open up (9am to 5pm weekdays), you should be skilful to go..

            Geico was my insurer for my last RV & turned me down for my current conversion.. so did a mitt full of other phone-"centric" insurance companies..
            You tin send them all the pics of your rig all'ya want.. they don't approve them..(weird, right?)

            No One on the phone would would insure it.. I wasn't sure why either.. I was under the singled-out impression if California ("well-nigh strict country") would allow the conversion to proceed in the first place, the insurance companies wouldn't accept whatever problem insuring information technology, boy was I wrong..
            California is strict enough with converting Commercial vehicles to RV/Camper status & turning in the commercial plates for not-commercial plates.. after you succeed in that, Insurance is no easier, information technology seems..

            I bought a 1988 gas Chevy Step Van P30 conversion to RV, that had the Non-Commercial License Plates.. I did mention to the insurance lady my P30 conversion was a short Course-A conversion (24ft), non a course-c (or B).. I've seen Allegro Class-A RVs on a P30 chassis earlier, for reference..

            I promise this helps

          2. ourkaravan 24 Nov 2020

            Give thanks you, I appreciate the boosted information.

  3. Spann 22 Feb 2020 Reply

    Thanks for this tip. I wouldn't have known to do this.
    It took me three trips to the DMV merely worth the effort to become my original title correct the commencement time.

    1. ourkaravan 22 February 2020 Reply

      Glad it helped! Simply curious, why the actress trips? Did they require something boosted?

  4. J.mike 24 Feb 2020 Respond

    Now that California CARB kicked in this twelvemonth for Banning the commercial vehicles with Diesel fuel engines older than 2010, volition converting an older diesel commercial vehicle to camper be hindered?
    ..I desire to buy & non-op an older ('90s) commercial diesel fuel van with a U-Haul blazon box on information technology (or footstep van), until I had all the required parts in it, then do the Championship change..
    Likewise, is there a limit on age of the commercial vehicle to convert in CA, with or without the new Ban?
    Thanks

    1. ourkaravan 26 Feb 2020 Respond

      Hi, these are areas where I have no expertise. Peradventure someone reading this has an respond.

  5. Dongoose 26 Feb 2020 Reply

    I'm also in California, read this a while dorsum and only got my permanent registration and plates from the DMV terminal week. I will likely do what you did regarding registration when the conversion is done…2 interesting things on the registration/insurance front:

    ane. Though my title is indeed commercial, the BTM is listed as "MH" which according to the DMV website means "Motorized Dwelling." Curious as it is a crew van that was used by a motorcycle customizer to transport fancy bikes to motorcycle shows and events, and has no innate motor home features. I bought information technology from a car dealership, but found the background out through the registration that was still in the glovebox (here she is before she was mine: https://www.instagram.com/p/B32BwWthuI4/ )

    2. Nosotros take all our auto and domicile insurance through Allstate and they suggested insuring it as a class B motorhome and requested no registration information, proof of home, or any other testify that it is (or will be) a camper van. When I asked about the level of coverage they recommended the same limits as our passenger cars, said the policy would encompass the base of operations vehicle (then in my case, whatever they determined the value of a 2017 Crew 2500 170 with Twenty mileage at time of incident) and then there was a rider for contents which I stated as $15,000 for the build out (and may raise later). Initially they said that coverage would upwardly the premiums, but when they actually sent me the quote, that $15k was listed specifically only it was covered under the comprehensive, and apparently price nothing extra. Just to ballpark it, insurance on the van is almost $400 every six months.

    Exist curious to hear what you uncover on the insurance front end.

    1. ourkaravan 26 Feb 2020 Answer

      Nice looking van! That's interesting that it has the MH designation, it definitely doesn't hurt. I wasn't certain if there were pros and cons of going with "camper van" vs "motorhome," but I tin can't imagine it matters.
      I actually appreciate you sharing your experience with Allstate. I may go there first. I will be trying to strike a balance between declared value and the overall cost of the insurance. Thanks once again!

  6. Mike 6 May 2020 Reply

    Thanks Ken for a great write-up! I had non been dorsum to check on your resource in awhile since I largely finished my build in the autumn but while searching for info on registration, google brought me back to your site:) I think I follow the VLF concerns from the perspective of keeping your total registration fees equally low as possible. My question is will my insurance know what values I report to the DMV? Likewise, the zeros are on the form because the e-version of the form is an embedded equation that automatically adds the vehicle value and toll of modifications together.
    Thanks,
    Mike

    1. ourkaravan 7 May 2020 Respond

      Hi Mike, happy to come across you lot back and that google is finding the site. Your question is a skilful one. I don't think DMV talks to the insurance companies. And I believe if you initiate the procedure with DMV and they point they will be raising the value of the vehicle, I would think you would have the option of pulling out of the process. Just a thought. From reading through the comments ane other person said the value part of the form was ignored as well. No i has indicated a alter in value so far. -Ken

  7. Greg 27 May 2020 Reply

    Awesome write up, actually capeesh the help! Quick question: I noticed on the photograph of the Reg form 31 that DMV filled out, at the top the box is checked "None" for licenses plates on vehicle. Was this because yous had to plough in the old plates, or did you not have whatever plates on the vehicle when you lot went to the DMV?

    Thanks!

    1. ourkaravan 28 May 2020 Answer

      Correct, DMV collected my commercial plates and exchanged them for the non-commercial ones. Thanks for visiting! -ken

  8. Ed 21 Jul 2020 Reply

    This should work for a diesel box truck…..theoretically.. correct lol. I didn't read anything that would state otherwise on that form. It looks like it but needs to exist converted into a camper legitimately and non just used as a loophole for businesses

    1. ourkaravan 24 Jul 2020 Reply

      I would remember then, equally long as information technology meets the requirements. Empty cargo van or empty box truck, no difference in my mind!

  9. Steve 3 Aug 2020 Respond

    Has everyone converted a large diesel fuel truck to an RV here in California? The new CARB law states that if the GVWR — Sticker found on the drivers door jam— Is over 14,000 pounds they won't register your vehicle.
    Is this law stopping large diesel fuel van conversions here in California?

    1. ourkaravan 7 Aug 2020 Answer

      Interesting, hopefully others tin comment as I have no experience in that weight grade.

  10. So, I am ownership a 2007 Ford e350 Utility Box Van tomorrow. It is currently listed equally a commercial vehicle as it was used as a work truck previously. I will be converting information technology over the next two months and the living in it full time for at to the lowest degree the next yr. What process should I accept one time I buy the vehicle? I idea I needed to register the vehicle asap and go it insured asap? It won't exist campervan-ish for at least ane.five months of build time, so if I try to register and insure it, information technology won't see the concrete requirements to exist retitled equally a Campervan or insured every bit a Campervan. I approximate what Im request is what actions should I take subsequently purchasing from the private party to best save money, allocate the vehicle properly, and get information technology insured properly. I am in California as well. Thank yous for any advice!

    1. ourkaravan xxx Oct 2020 Reply

      It's tricky. I needed to have the infrastructure in identify in order for the DMV to audit and approve the reclassification. And an insurance company won't insure a "proposed build." Unfortunately I recall that puts many of us in a position where we are cocky-insuring during the course of our builds. That'due south unless you desire to do some sort of insurance passenger policy. I would discuss your best options with various insurance providers.
      I don't think I would sweat the change in vehicle classification right at present. The insurance aspect is more important though.

  11. Ron 20 December 2020 Answer

    Thought I would share my recent feel. My wife and I recently purchased a van out of land and also had the conversion washed out of state. We just drove her home to California. After reading this great article I was prepared to do the DMV two footstep….first getting the van titled and registered in California and and so coming back to have the BTM reclassified (thought I would have to have a California title first). I was pleasantly surprised to take it all completed in i visit. When the DMV employee inspected the van for VIN confirmation he notice the conversion and designated the van as BTM type MH. And so basically information technology was classified correctly right from the get go. One matter I will share to those ownership out of country….your van will need to be smogged prior to this process even if it was new like ours was. Cheers for the great write up!!

    1. ourkaravan 24 Dec 2020 Respond

      Great to know, thanks for taking the fourth dimension to post! -Ken

    2. John 6 Dec 2021 Reply

      Hi Ron, thanks for the info. I was wondering if DMV charged you the divergence of sales revenue enhancement for the van conversion if the other state has a lower tax.
      I'1000 in Cali, also purchased my van in some other state, and got it converted out of land too. The architect gave me two invoices: one for parts which was taxed their land taxation, another for labor which was not taxed. I wonder if Cali would charge additional taxation for labor. Your insight would be appreciated.

  12. Ed thirteen January 2021 Reply

    I will be buying a diesel box truck this weekend with the weight at 14,500. I will be converting the truck so wish me luck. Thought I would postal service for more than data. California ughhh! No box I will be building my own. Thinking about mounting my truck camper and see if that will fly with the DMV…If not I will just await but the truck volition exist bought… and so I am committed.

    1. ourkaravan 20 Jan 2021 Reply

      I would wait…y'all need certain equipment in social club to exist considered a camper/RV etc.

  13. Eric in Berkeley 25 Jan 2021 Answer

    Perhaps the DMV employee who helped you used REG 256 and not REG 256A because it's a camper van, and not a motor abode, for camping, not "habitation." That would too explain the lack of checking for a toilet, which seems to exist required for MH status.

  14. Ed one Feb 2021 Reply

    Well its done. I am fortunate that the owner had it registered as non-op. Build volition start soon. Ill keep you guys posted when I go to the DMV

  15. James vi Mar 2021 Answer

    Well done!

    One question – did the DMV refund your commercial fees from the day you registered the vehicle until the day you converted it? Ie. Did they retroactively refund your fees since information technology wasn't a commercial vehicle.

    1. ourkaravan 10 Mar 2021 Reply

      Good question, I don't recall exactly. I'm thinking no but maybe its possible.

  16. Doug F 16 Mar 2021 Reply

    Regarding "Licensed Upfitter" who are they licensed with? If a Vendor/Upfitter in Oregon does work on the van is the piece of work recognized in California? If Vendors do role of the work but the van possessor does the residual, I'k thinking the 3rd box is what is checked… Right?

    Any Comments"

  17. Millie Cruz five Apr 2021 Reply

    Cheers for the information. I alive in Massachusetts and I simply bought at 2006 ford Van to convert into at mini camper for personal employ. I hope we can catechumen the tittle and be able to register every bit personal apply.

    This info helps a lot, we are working to get the info. for Massachusetts RMV

  18. Anto 12 Sep 2021 Reply

    Hi. Firstly, thanks for giving people the correct data. Secondly, I take a 2021 ford transit-350 cargo van and I take it on a lien. My problem is that my local DMV and my lienholder( Ford ) don't know what they need from me exactly
    and everyone I have talk to at the DMV or Ford have given a different answer every time. I am trying to catechumen my commercial van into a camper and then I told Ford to ship a copy of the pink slip to the DMV. It took seven weeks and now the DMV says that they demand the original car championship, non a re-create. And then I become dwelling house and call Ford over again and I talked for an hr but to sympathize that my car has an electronic title and because of that, they tin't send the original to the DMV. I go back to the DMV to explain what happened and the DMV says that our papers with stamps, along with the title, needs to be written as paperless for them to take it. And so I go dwelling house again and call Ford for them to do that but Ford says I have the original newspaper title this time and they can't write paperless on it anymore. I don't sympathize what to do and both places have me going back and forwards with different $.25 of information conflicting with the last. The DMV doesn't pick of their calls either then I keep having to wait i hour in line. What can I do? What do I need to say tell them? Thank you if you lot tin assistance us.

    1. Mida 4 Oct 2021 Respond

      Hi Anto, were you lot able to get a re-create of your title? I'k about to start this process and concerned about asking a copy of the my title from my lienholder. Does this cause a cherry flag of any sort with them? Tin can an auto lender cancel my loan if I brand changes to the registration? Maybe I'm overthinking the procedure 🧐 cheers for any input!

  19. Leroy B. 28 Sep 2021 Reply

    Cheers for this write-upwards. Really appreciate the time and endeavor you put into your video and posts.
    I just picked upwardly my 2021 Sprinter cargo van. I will be converting this myself over the next half-dozen-12 months (fingers crossed). Since the van hasn't been converted and still a cargo van, would I be able to insure information technology equally a not-commercial rider van? Cheers!

    1. ourkaravan 1 Oct 2021 Answer

      Give thanks you for the kind words, and congrats on the new van! I highly incertitude you'll be able to register it not-commercial as information technology doesn't take seating to make it a rider van and doesn't have the necessary fixtures to register it as a camper van or RV. They will demand to do an inspection to confirm the BTM (body type model) change, and I don't believe there's anything to justify the change at this time. -Ken

  20. Scott 15 Nov 2021 Answer

    Thanks for the info. I was able to annals it non-commercial in 30 minutes. They didn't fifty-fifty bother to check out my camper van. ;^)

    1. ourkaravan xviii November 2021 Reply

      Nice, thanks for reporting back! (They really should accept washed an inspection to confirm the conversion only information technology worked in your favor!)

  21. Lance 9 Dec 2021 Reply

    I tried terminal yr. No physical title / pink slip
    So now van is mine. No lien. Went dorsum
    Basically told. Yes it can be done with forms, inspection and RECEIPTS.
    You will eliminate the commercial designation and not have weight fees, nevertheless the VLF value will increment thus in California you will not save $$ on registration. Yous could actually pay more than. Pretty hard to have a customized van with all the required stuff inside to make it habitable and say you only paid a few 1000 For the parts.

    1. ourkaravan thirteen Dec 2021 Reply

      Thank yous for sharing your experience. This is the first fourth dimension I've heard of any DMV employee request for receipts or a value. The fact that the DMV form is pre-filled out with a "$0" total in the value cavalcade is confusing–y'all'd have to cantankerous out the $0 value and write in your own, and I'm not certain why a person would do that or why a DMV employee would ask a person to do that. Perhaps get in on a different day–I suspect you'll have a dissimilar experience with a dissimilar employee.

  22. Phil 31 January 2022 Reply

    Once more, invaluable information here on your site that's really hard to become anywhere else. I've got my DMV appt. Gonna give it a try. My hesitations are this:

    Are they gonna reassess the value of my conversion at Covid inflated prices? (Take you seen what people are paying for used vans these days?) and
    Will this have any impact on my insurance rates? (So far the word I get my my agent is that the DMV has to make the changes to the information associated with the VIN for insurance visitor to quote a price.)

    Would dearest to hear if you lot or anybody else has any experience with this. Hope its possible to abort the DMV process if I don't like where the VLF talk is going.

    1. ourkaravan 9 Feb 2022 Reply

      Hi, I don't think anyone at DMV has the authority to effort and estimate what the value of your vehicle might be. If they were to try and get you to put in a value in the cells that are pre-typed "0", you might want to come back on a different day and work with someone else. If you outset downward this procedure and you don't like the direction information technology's headed, y'all do not accept to file the paperwork. I certainly understand your business in that location.
      Your insurance will probable become down because y'all'll motility from commercial van insurance to RV insurance.