Posted 2014-04-01 9:46 PM (#158391 - in reply to #158375) Subject: RE: Converted semi truck
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 379 Location: Missouri
Check with your local Farm Bureau insurance company if you have one in your area. I'm with Missouri Farm Bureau, and they don't care what my truck is as long as I don't use it for commercial.
Posted 2014-04-02 12:12 AM (#158397 - in reply to #158375) Subject: RE: Converted semi truck
Veteran
Posts: 186 Location: riverside ca
I use gmac, at least it was, now it is national general, they are the only company that would write a semi as an RV in California, i tried everyone. If you hang out around the Escapees HDT truck form you can get some other ideas i think there is a sticky about insurance there. I have been really happy with GMAC/National General, however I have never had to put in a claim, just make sure you always have a trailer on your policy that is RVish or they will write you a letter telling you they dont insure semis without RV trailers....
Posted 2014-04-03 8:37 AM (#158427 - in reply to #158375) Subject: RE: Converted semi truck
Veteran
Posts: 186 Location: riverside ca
Yeah, my RV insurance is $450ish for full coverage for my 2 trucks and 2 trailers (a class 5 and a class 7) every six months. The commercial quotes i got were in the range of $2000-3500 for just one truck for half the year. Make sure you get someone to write the truck as an RV if fall in that category, it will save you a ton of money.
Posted 2014-04-04 11:16 PM (#158470 - in reply to #158444) Subject: RE: Converted semi truck
Location: Colorado
Originally written by Spin Doctor on 2014-04-04 10:05 AM
Always wondered, do you get a new GVW rating with these redesigned semi's? If not, might have CDL lic. problems??????
I've built several of these for folks. You really can't change the GVWR of trucks unless you're a builder, or body builder, and you change something such as axles, springs, etc. If you have a tandem axle tractor and remove an axle, your weight rating would go from 40,000 lbs to 20,000 lbs. Add your steering axle rating(12,000 lbs), and you still have 32,000 GVWR.
The key, in most states, is registering them as a recreational vehicle. I say most states, because the different states are all over the board on these things. In Colorado, if it's registered as a recreational truck, no CDL needed. I've looked at the laws in Texas, and it looks like you need a special license- not a CDL, but a special license. I suggest research the laws in the state you live in and register your vehicle in, and then carry a folder with you in the truck that shows the laws in your state so you can show someone if you get stopped and questioned. And that's still no guaranty- some states have reciprocity with other states, and some don't. It's something 5 different law enforcement types will give you 6 different opinions on what's legal and what's not!