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!

[DutchmenSport]

Well, I diverge from the bell curve and disagree. Only if you are willing to put that much leg work into retrieving a legitimate title and only if that much effort is worth it to you, then pursue it.

Personally, if the current possessor of the property cannot produce the title, I'd never accept it. There are plenty of "fixer-uppers" out there where the owner will have the correct paper work. Move on to the next one. Use your resources and time for rebuilding the camper, not tracking down paper work to make it legally yours.

The seller has the responsibility to provide the paper work. Have the seller track it down ... then make an offer to buy it. You should not have to do this type of work.

You already stated your state is strict with other vehicles that are road worthy. An RV / camper will be equally as tough. Why bother. You already have your answer. It will be a lot of work and probably still end, only in frustration. There ARE other campers out there that are equally as worthy of your time, talent, and resources to fix up and make beautiful again.

[DrewE]

Excellent advice given so far that I entirely agree with. Check with your state's DMV; the rules vary a good bit between states, I think more so with trailers than with motor vehicles (but both do vary).

Here in New England, most (maybe all) of the states won't issue titles for vehicles over about 15 years old, or at least won't issue them as a matter of course. Needless to say, they also don't require them when registering a new-to-you vehicle of that age. Of course, South Carolina is not in New England by a good many miles.

[LadyRVer]

x2 on dpgllg get info direct from DMV of SC. If office near you, go in and get correct answers. If you have a camper in mind close to you and you can get the VIN from it (usually stamped in hitch on front on a TT) take it with you. If there is an old tag on it, get the number and take that with you.

Also for just some general info, lookup DMV SC on line.

May take some research, but if you like the camper and see good possibilities, to pursue it might be beneficial.

[dpgllg]

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