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Davenberta's avatar
Davenberta
Explorer
May 09, 2015

CA DMV Registration Snafu

I'm the proud owner of a new Leisure Travel Van Free Spirit. My question to you, the Sprinter van is a 2014 but I have a Certificate of Origin for the class B motor home as a 2015. I know this is not an unusual situation, but so far DMV wants to register it as a 2014 Mercedes Van and I would prefer it be registered as a 2015 Motor Home.

Does anyone know anything about this issue? I can't go to the dealer for help, I bought the unit out of state.

Thank you for your help
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    ... decided not to make comment after re-reading post sorry...
  • Make an appointment to have a DMV inspector look at it and they can correct anything needed. Good luck
  • I found the answer! (at least in CA) This is a quote of the DMV pamphlet, General Registration Information, section 1.105 (CVC 671):

    Second Stage Manufactured Vehicles
    When a vehicle is completed by adding a structure/equipment (second stage) to an incomplete vehicle (first stage), the VIN of the first stage is used for registration purposes; however, the year model, make, and body type are determined by the second stage.
    Example: A 2009 Ford chassis has a 2010 Fleetwood motorhome body attached. The registration would correctly show 2010 Fleetwood motorhome with the 2009 Ford VIN.

    Thanks for trying to help, it encouraged me to look farther.
  • My problem was with my insurance company. I had a 94 on a 93 chassis (+or-)a year, and they wouldn't list it as a 94 on the insurance policy. I suggested they change it or I would change insurance companies. they put in the policy that it was a 94 motorhome on a 93 Chevy chassis.
    bumpy
  • Davenberta wrote:
    I found the answer! (at least in CA) This is a quote of the DMV pamphlet, General Registration Information, section 1.105 (CVC 671):

    Second Stage Manufactured Vehicles
    When a vehicle is completed by adding a structure/equipment (second stage) to an incomplete vehicle (first stage), the VIN of the first stage is used for registration purposes; however, the year model, make, and body type are determined by the second stage.
    Example: A 2009 Ford chassis has a 2010 Fleetwood motorhome body attached. The registration would correctly show 2010 Fleetwood motorhome with the 2009 Ford VIN.

    Thanks for trying to help, it encouraged me to look farther.


    Now if you can just get DMV to read that and follow it......HAHAHAHA!
  • Now if you can just get DMV to read that and follow it......HAHAHAHA!

    I actually took in a copy of the code and after a stressful huddle among the DMV employees the supervisor decided to follow the code! I spent my career enforcing regulations, it was great to see them follow the rule of law, not just
    defend a previous mistake. Thanks DMV!
  • The DMV in Mendocino County gladly re-registered my 2006 Freightliner Van as a 2007 Interstate RV without question. I guess this will give me a 1 year advantage if I ever run into a park that enforces the "ten year" rule.
  • I checked our CA. registration and it has "date first sold" as 2011 and "model year"as 2012. This is correct so have they updated their policy?