Lack of Documents

[rigger4343]

Hey everyone.

Just a general question here.... Been looking around for my next camper. One of the things I have considered doing is finding an older camper that needs a lot of work/restoration and build it like I want it.

I have run across several that the owners say they have no title or paperwork and have no clue who's name the camper was in last. Normally I will not mess with something like that, trying to chase down all the paperwork to make something legal but I am wondering how hard is doing that with a camper?

Is it just something I should pass on or is it worth perusing if I ran across the perfect project camper other than missing paperwork?

I am in South Carolina and with all cars, bikes and watercraft, they are pretty strict on titles and it all has to be correct if it is going to be put on the highway.

Thanks ahead of time!

[tatest]

This varies greatly from state to state. If the state is strict, you need the right paperwork. In this state, private-use towables, including travel trailers, do not need titles or license tags. I've also lived in places where registering a bicycle was a hassle. If South Carolina is strict, you might need a lawyer, not advice from a RV forum.

[colliehauler]

Unless it was a hunting camp never to be moved I would pass without a title. I would check with your state for requirements on title replacement.

[westend]

Vehicle registration in my State is sometimes difficult if there is not a clear title in hand. For that reason, I'd pass on any trailer missing the current title. FWIW, I've done what you are contemplating, gut out an old trailer and build it to how I wanted it. Be prepared for a serious and lengthy project schedule. There are a lot of pieces to even the most rudimentary trailer and, if you want it all done right, it takes time. Also, some cost. $5K and 6 monthes of work got me usable and 98% complete.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

rigger4343 wrote:
Hey everyone.

Just a general question here.... Been looking around for my next camper. One of the things I have considered doing is finding an older camper that needs a lot of work/restoration and build it like I want it.

I have run across several that the owners say they have no title or paperwork and have no clue who's name the camper was in last. Normally I will not mess with something like that, trying to chase down all the paperwork to make something legal but I am wondering how hard is doing that with a camper?

Is it just something I should pass on or is it worth perusing if I ran across the perfect project camper other than missing paperwork?

I am in South Carolina and with all cars, bikes and watercraft, they are pretty strict on titles and it all has to be correct if it is going to be put on the highway.

Thanks ahead of time!

Define what you mean by - "CAMPER"..:h

Slide-in camper (for the bed of a pickup)?

Travel Trailer? -or- fifth wheel trailer?

Motor Home?

Depending on your state - AND - the "CAMPER" - there are/may be
variables to verify the title.

IMO - No title = no deal, not worth your time!..:(

[Chum_lee]

If you have the will, there is a way to restore legitimacy. Stolen/impounded vehicles/campers are often sold through police auctions, used as bait vehicles, or other clandestine law enforcement operations if the value is high enough. Customs and DEA are the same way. Even our government knows better than to crush up a $250,000 Ferrari just because Scarface owned it before he was killed in a drug deal gone bad.

The real question only YOU can answer is, "Is it worth your time to do it?" (make it legal again) Without having a specific unit in mind, my gut feel (guess) would be that the initial purchase price would have to be about 10% of the legitimate legal value if we're talking units over 5 figures in value when legit. I'm sure there are great deals out there if you have the knowledge, time, space, tools, and, . . . . patience to deal with what comes next. If not, move on.

Chum lee

[wa8yxm]

There are some low end exceptions but for the most part every vehicle has a Vehicle number or chassis serial number. THis includes Cars, Trucks, Motor homes Trailrs Car dollies BICYCLES Basically anything designed to roll down the pavement. .or fly, or float (Boat hull number)

THey can be traced.. IF you can find 'em.

Your local or state police Auto Theft Devision is a good place to ask for help.

BUT WARNING. if it's hot. Well since you are not in possession you are safe. but the poor guy who was offering for sale may be in at least warm water.

[jplante4]

Check with DMV. Some states stop issuing titles after a number of years and a bill of sale is all that's required.

[DownTheAvenue]

dpgllg wrote:
I think the best course of action is to discuss this with the State of South Carolina Department of Motor Vehicles. They should be able to tell you exactly what you would need to present to get the proper title.

Folks on here will respond with what their state might require but that is their state not South Carolina.

Go to the source and get the correct information you need

Dave

This is the only information you should listen to.

[mowermech]

"One of the things I have considered doing is finding an older camper that needs a lot of work/restoration and build it like I want it. "

Will this work and/or restoration be enough to classify the rig as a "2019 Homebuilt"? If so, you can probably get a new VIN and title for it under that classification.
Again, check the rules and regulations in YOUR state. Just because I can do it here, doesn't mean you can do it there!

[rigger4343]

The more I think about it, I probably wont mess with one without a title unless it's the perfect camper for a project. I was just curious as to what all you thought or if any of you had actually perused one like that.

I have ran across a couple like that and the sellers tried to play down not having a title. One lady tried to tell me that it was not needed and was not like a car in SC so she could just write me a Bill of Sale and that was it. But yet she could not tell me who she had gotten it from in the first place or where it came from. So I have just been passing on that stuff so far.

I am wanting to replace our pop-up with a travel trailer of some sort but the build quality or current condition of most for the money makes me want to look more into rebuilding one so I know its built tough and will hold up. But then again, I really dont have the time to build one either. So right now I am just doing homework on differnet campers or possible routs to take with one.

Thanks for your thoughts!

[midnightsadie]

just my .02cts I,d pass ,this could turn into a real mess.

[Lwiddis]

Excellent advice from DP.

[Chrisatthebeach]

In South Carolina I have gotten titles to 2 boats in the last 3 years that did not have a title when I brought them over, these were boats that I had owned for many years while in GA and no title was required. I had stopped using them back in the early 90's and let everything expire and had long since lost all paperwork I had on them.

Both were missing the hull id numbers, 1 the plate was long gone, the other it was partially obliterated.

I provided information including the original state registration number and sent it to the vehicle theft unit in Columbia, within 10 days on both I had good titles and hull id numbers with current registration. They used the GA registration numbers to obtain the hull id numbers and to check for stolen info, they came back clear and I was good to go.
Go to your local DMV and inquire, they may then send you to the tax assessor and back. If you have a bill of sale that will help as well. I would try that BEFORE money changes hands.

The key is to provide as much information as possible, a pencil tracing of the vin and or photograph is very helpful along with pictures of all 4 sides of the vehicle.

I did mine in Jasper County, a little more rural than Charleston but worth a shot.

Good luck,
Chris

[Thom02099]

Good advice given, both pro and con. Consider both.

One thing to do, whenever inquiring with a state agency, whether in person or over the phone, get the name of the person you talked to, and in which office they are located. If they cite a specific law or regulation, get them to give you the specific statute or regulation number, in what publication, and the page number. Better yet, if possible, have them give you a copy of said law or regulation. If they are unable to give you a copy, if you get the statute or regulation number, query it on line and search for as much information as you can.