Registering a Majestic in Texas

[jtietema]

The state of Texas limits the width of travel trailers to 96". Google VTR 141 to see the form. I've contacted the regional office and they confirm that travel trailers (fifth wheels) cannot be registered in Texas if they are over 96" wide. VTR 141 is a required form if you register in Texas.

If you have registered a Majestic in Texas, how did you do it? I'm going through the process now and have hit a brick wall.

Thanks
Jim

[RustyJC]

We have a 102" wide 5th wheel. We purchased it new in Texas in August 2004. Registration has never been a problem, and it carries Travel Trailer plates. I don't know that anyone asked about the width when it was originally registered - it's not a field on the original application for title form that the RV dealer submitted as far as I know. The width is not checked during the annual Texas safety inspections.

Reading the form, a Park Model can be 8'6" (102") wide, so what are the ramifications of registering it as a Park Model? Looking at all the Escapees that have registered RVs in Texas as their state of domicile, this subject may have arisen on their forums - might be worth checking there.

I would also suggest that you consider asking questions such as this on iRV2's various general RV forums as this problem is certainly NOT brand specific. By restricting yourself to only a specific manufacturer's forum, you risk not getting help from other owners of 102" wide 5th wheels as they would never see your post unless, like I did, they happened to click on the (view all) New Posts link.

Rusty

[jtietema]

Thanks for the idea to post to the general forum... just did. As to the requirement to send VTR 141 in when registering, the package I received from the Polk county tax assesor states that it is required.

Registering as a Park Model requires getting an oversize permit to use Texas Highways.

[RustyJC]

Quote:

Originally Posted by jtietema Registering as a Park Model requires getting an oversize permit to use Texas Highways.

Read the 1st paragraph of page 2 (the reverse side of the form). This is true ONLY if the Park Model trailer exceeds 8'6" in width (102") or 45' in length. If you note, this limitation is even presented in bold print.

Rusty

[jtietema]

True for park models but my fifth wheel is not a park model.

[RustyJC]

I agree, but reading the form literally, if it's wider than 8' (96"), it's not a Travel Trailer either. So what does that leave other than Park Model??

(I can only surmise that mine was registered as a Travel Trailer under the "don't ask; don't tell" principle by my RV dealer when we bought it.)

What does the Polk County registration office suggest registering it as? How about the Escapees - any suggestions from them??

You know, the simple thing would be to state on the form that your RV is 96" wide. Nobody measures them, and I've never heard of it being enforced. Having said that, you have to do what you think is right.

Rusty

[NITEHAWK]

Take the RV down to the Registration office along with a tape measure. Have the Registration official hold the "dumb" end while you hold the "smart" end and then tell him/her it measures 80"

[powerboatr]

our last fiver an 06 year vintage was 102 wide
it never came up when we registered it, they only asked if we had done the safety inspection through a service or dealer
which was lights, blinkers, and tires
then we got a blue sticker, never did one after that.


the bus now....cracks me up,
stop, go, lights, blinkers and windshield wipers
pay da man

[jtietema]

Well, I decided to sumbit the forms with the actual 102" width but did not mark the box for either "travel trailer" or "park model".

Time will tell.

[RustyJC]

Let us know how it turns out.

Rusty

[chaunclm]

Sorry to hear about your problems registering you rig in Texas.

My suggestion would be to contact Escapees. They know those folks at Polk county really well. I'm sure they can help.

[Wayne M]

Many motorhomes are 102 inches, including the Mirrors.

[TXiceman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wayne M Many motorhomes are 102 inches, including the Mirrors.

Wayne, don't you mean EXcluding the mirrors?

Ken

[Wayne M]

I'm really not that sure right now, but I'll measure today since it's sitting in the driveway getting pretty. I don't think it matters much, with our without mirrors, it is not allowed on certain roads if it exceeds 8 ft. Interstates are okay from what I have gathered. Some one an educated me on Interstate usage.

I just went out and measured. My brainy calculations have me at 8' 5" without th mirrors. I think if you added an external baggage door compartment hinge you may come up with 8' 6".

The mirrors add 1 more foot on each side. Makes it tight when approaching 18 wheelers on some roads the come by from the opposite direction.

I remember back in the Early 70's driving a military 2-1/2 ton truck going to Key West. When an oncoming 18 wheeler was approaching I would ride the curb side white line. I couldn't get any closer to the railings. It didn't help. Our mirrors would slap each other and fold mine in. Talk about white knuckling it! Wow.