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tallpall · 09-14-2008, 07:28 PM

My last question for awhile so as to give you folks a break.

statement: I have just bought a lightly used fifth wheeler in a state outside of my state of residence which is Massachusetts. It is also outside of Texas, but that is where I intend to have it hauled...and leave it there indefinitely ....in the RGV.
I'm paying a professional hauler to bring the fifth wheel to whatever location I tell him. He is fully covered...bonded, insurance, etc. The fifth will go right to a lot in a park and stay there for at least a year. I'm not going to pull it anywhere unless I decide a year later.
The question: do I have to "register" this unit?
I'm thinking I don't need plates as it is not going to move under my power. If it has to move it will be with a professional hauler.
Texas puts u thru some pretty astringent steps if registration is required. Can I avoid this?

tallpall · 09-14-2008, 07:28 PM

My last question for awhile so as to give you folks a break.

statement: I have just bought a lightly used fifth wheeler in a state outside of my state of residence which is Massachusetts. It is also outside of Texas, but that is where I intend to have it hauled...and leave it there indefinitely ....in the RGV.
I'm paying a professional hauler to bring the fifth wheel to whatever location I tell him. He is fully covered...bonded, insurance, etc. The fifth will go right to a lot in a park and stay there for at least a year. I'm not going to pull it anywhere unless I decide a year later.
The question: do I have to "register" this unit?
I'm thinking I don't need plates as it is not going to move under my power. If it has to move it will be with a professional hauler.
Texas puts u thru some pretty astringent steps if registration is required. Can I avoid this?

MonacoMama · 09-14-2008, 09:43 PM

tallpall..
I can tell you that many states require current registration IF any of the tires touch the ground. Hopefully one of our iRV2 members from Texas will be able to answer this tomorrow. I know many of them are busy handling their own "Ike" crisis right now...

MM

LindaH · 09-15-2008, 07:01 AM

Why not call the Texas DMV and ask this question?

I would think the answer would be "yes." I don't know what "stringent" steps you are talking about. Texas *does* require an inspection, but that's just a matter of a few minutes...maybe you can arrange for the hauler to take it and get it inspected.

Timetraveler · 09-15-2008, 05:48 PM

Some professional haulers have what is called transporter" plates which are adequate for the purpose you stated. Ask the hauler.

tallpall · 09-15-2008, 08:25 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">I don't know what "stringent" steps you are talking about. Texas *does* require an inspection, but that's just a matter of a few minutes.. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
The hauler will be using his transporter plate.
The "stringent" part is I'm reading that Texas wants RVs inspected as soon as they cross the border (I don't know how true that is). I also read you can apply for a temporary wavier of inspection which is probably what I should do.
Then...it will need to be inspected when it gets to the town and specific park we will be going down and choosing in two weeks. Lets say for example the town will be Mission. I must need to find the nearest inspection station, coordinate with the hauler to get it there for inspection, and then to the soon to be chosen lot.
That's fairly complicated. Can anyone think of an easier way to do this? For instance, can you pay these inspectors to come to the lot to do the inspect?

TexasPSDX · 09-19-2008, 06:43 PM

I would think you would want to get the title transferred to your name. At that time you can register or get a temp tag for the trailer if I remember correctly. Check with your county tax office.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 09-20-2008, 05:27 AM

I don't know about transporting it through any of the states, but like the others I'd assume the hauling company would provide a temporary to tow it. I'm not sure if you were asking about this but as far as once you get to Texas it might depend on whether you park it in an existing RV or Mobile Home park or if you park it on your own property. We recently bought a lot in Texas. During the winter we park our RV on it. When we bought and closed on the lot the county made sure all the taxes were up to date. Which in our case they were. When we went to the city to get the utilities they asked us if we were going to put a home, a mobile home, or an RV on the lot. I told them it was an RV we'd be parking on the lot. The county didn't seem to care at all, the city never asked for any registration or license plate number. You could probably get away without a registration for awhile. Maybe indefinitely. But there's always the chance some tax assessor might come by some time and realize you don't have it registered. In your case if you don't license it they'd probably consider it a mobile home and you'd pay taxes accordingly.

Dream Weaver · 09-21-2008, 11:15 AM

I am not sure why you are wanting to register it in Texas. Is it going to be parked in a RV Park that requires it to have current plates? Or will you be travelling frequently?

I would suggest that you register it where you live unless they also require it to be inspected to get it titled in your name. You, then can put the license plates on it when you get there.

If you are planning on becoming a Texan when you get here, they will require the RV to be inspected. I am not sure but coming from out of state you might have to have liability insurance written in Texas. In order to get the insurance you will need a Texas drivers license. Normally you do not need liability insurance to register a trailer.

Call the Texas Department of Public Safety or check their website.