Converting plate to RV from Apportioned?
 

I have a class 8 tractor that I currently use in interstate commerce. Because of "carb" laws in the state of Ca, I am being forced to either sell, put restrictive filters on my tractor,which are 20K by the way, or do a conversion. Does anyone know if do the conversion and plate as an RV, am I still obligated to abide by the "carb" rules of the state or does this eliminate me from this crap?:confused:

Thanks, Randy:

Randy,
What year is your truck. I have a 2002 class 7 Freightliner fl70 that I will soon be starting a conversion on. I am very interested in following along as I believe my truck will fall under the same guidelines. I have had it registered as a non-op the last 3 years. Does registering it in NV or AZ help your/our situation? Will you still be using it for commercial use? I would imagine the fines for getting caught for doing that could be very hefty.

Robert

Hey Robert,

No more commercial use if I do the conversion. NV or AZ may be a good idea. Mine is a a 2003 freightliner, Century Class S/T, double bunk condo sleeper. I was thinking about stretching the frame but I may be able to build all I need on the existing frame. Real new to this idea so really on the ground level. Some of these reliable tractors with the house on the back would probably be sufficient and to actually take it to the end of the frame may be alright too. Would like to go expando if I do this! Let's keep each other posted on info and see if we can pull it off.

Randy

I'm pretty sure rv's are exempt from that crappy law they are implementing. Oopps, it will be so nice when the air is cleared up in CA with all the clean trucks that will be running down the road there soon.
Now, about that truck conversion. Those condo sleepers are big enough to convert to an rv with some creative work. You could remove the lower bunk and put a dinette in. Install a rv toilet with a small holding tank underneath. An APU would qualify you for an aux air conditioning unit and a/c electrical I think. I'm not sure what the requirements are for CA but I bet you could find them in the statutes. Then, what about removing the commercial 5th wheel hitch and putting a nice rv type and getting a 5th wheel trailer. There's nothing wrong with pulling a rv trailer with an rv. There's tons of guys doing that over here: https://www.rvnetwork.com/index.php?showforum=32 . I prefer having a truck conversion single unit but fear it might not be cost effective for you to build your truck into one. Might be cheaper to sell the truck to somebody that won't use it in CA and buy a used t/c all set to go. Unless you really want to build something. There's a bunch of guys around here that have done it. Easiest and cheapest way might be to buy a used travel trailer and remove the wheels/axles and bolt it to your truck frame.