Vehicle Weight on Title vs Gen Dim & Registration ??

[lou432]

So I`m getting ready to register her and go to my town hall where we register thangs up here in New England and they use a cost and total weight calculation
in what they charge per year to register .
My Title says 50,000 lbs!!!? Am I on drugs thinking it weighs about half that??? The Coach`s Specification Book under General Dimensions says "Net weight W/washroom 21,290 lbs "
So, How do I know what she really weighs bar driving her on scales (which I have access to if needed)
And should I just not say I have title (not needed if 20 yrs or older) and say 22,000 lbs?
With Bill of sales,old registration and VIN verify from a My Town Police Officer I can permanently register  . Without VIN verify I can only get 20 day plate to bring her back on till local for VIN verify.
Thanks in advance!!
BTW... She`s in the service bay as I type at Charolette RV and Marine ( Fla)  I gota say getting real excited to bring her home!

[Jon]

I cannot speak to all states or licensing requirements but some vehicles are registered based solely on the weight ratings from the manufacturer. My coach has each axle's weight limitations the gross weight and the gross combination weight rating. In some locales it would be licensed based on the gross weight.

Some states however let you opt to license based on maximum vehicle weight. I have a dump truck but I use it to haul mulch so the loads are relatively light so I register it at much less than the gross weight on the placard. But if I cross the scales and weigh more than I am licensed for I get a ticket. On a private vehicle such as an RV I have no knowledge of anyone getting a ticket for a weight violation.

[lou432]

Yes , NH bases it on weight , cost new and age of vehicle. Its gona run me $600 to register till Oct 2015. Not complaining but if I can do it for less I will.

[belfert]

Isn't there a plate in the bus with the GVW listed?  The GVW is what a lot of states go by.  Some buses have had the plates removed for one reason or another.

[muldoonman]

Goes on weight here in Texas.

[luvrbus]

Age here in Az it would cost him 55 bucks for 3 years

good luck

[Beesme]

Go with antique plates and it will be lots less they don't ask bout weight !

[RJ]

Lou -

Looks like you live in one of those "crazy" states when it comes to registering an RV!  Some tips:

1) NEVER tell the DMV folk it's a BUS!  What you're trying to register is a 1966 MCI Class A diesel-pusher MOTOR HOME.  As soon as you say "bus," they immediately think Greyhound or skoolie, and thus, commercial vehicle - a whole different can of worms!  (For reference, NH Title XXI, Sec 259:58-A Motor Home definition.)

2) Since your coach is over 25 years old, you are not required to title the vehicle, except by owner's request. (http://www.nh.gov/safety/divisions/dmv/title/apply/exempt.htm)  Your choice. . .

3) The old title says 50K lbs?  That's crazy.  Run it over a set of scales to get the actual weight.  (FYI, 32K is considered normal GVW for a two-axle coach.  12K front, 20K rear.)

3a) Ask if RVs are exempt from weight registration fees - those are normally associated with commercial vehicles, but each state's different.

4) Have no idea where you're going to come up with the original selling price for a 1966 MC-5A, especially since Greyhound generally bought them "in bulk" and they owned the factory, too.  Maybe someone on the Yahoo MCI busnuts group might know. . .  OTOH, perhaps they'll accept the Bill of Sale the PO prepped for you.

5) CYA by getting a "trip permit" from FL to go along with the Bill of Sale.

6) If you really want a confusing answer, send an email here: NH.DMVHelp@dos.nh.gov  and ask this simple question: "How do I register a 35-foot 1966 MCI Class A diesel pusher RV/Motor Home that I just bought in FL?  It weighs [put scale weight here], and I have no way of knowing how much it cost new in 1966."

7) Since it's over 25 years old, try for antique plates!

Main point = #1 above!!!

FWIW & HTH. . .

[luvrbus]

I have a sales order for a 1966 Eagle 01 that went to Kerrville Bus Line in Sept of 1966 for $31,019.00 the MCI should be in the $26,000.00 to $28,000.00 just guessing, I read someplace the 1973 MCI 8 was the first $1000.00 per ft bus sold times have changed buses are costing over $10.000.00 per ft now

good luck

[lvmci]

Hi Lou, my 1966MCI5A with automatic, a professional conversion sprayed with foam and still had all AC except compressor, was 25,500lbs, weighed at  CAT scale in LV

[pd4501-771]

I have all mine registered as antiques. 5 year plate costs only $30. It's the only fee that Illinois has not jacked out-of-sight. (YET)

Works ok as long as you can live with the mileage limitations. No odometer yearly statements, just good old honor system.

[gg04]

Age here in Mississippi..mine was $12.00 back in '99 when first registered & tagged good til 2099....http://[flash=200,200][/flash]

[Kitt]

Some states (like New York) use the GVW (max total gross weight) for commercial vehicles but for personal vehicles (including motorhomes) use the actual weight.

You'll likely save enough in registration fees just by getting the right weight, so spending the $10 at a commercial truck scale to weigh it isn't a bad idea. Then you also have a legal paper with your actual weight.


'77 Eagle Model 05

[yeeolde48]

Same here in OH, I have a historic plate on the bus, good for the life of the bus.   $15 when I put it on 12 years ago, probably more now.   If your just trying to get it home, see if you can get a drive-away tag in FL.   I just picked up a Setra from BK in TN, drive-away tag was $10 for 30 days.
Dave

[lou432]

Thanks to all you great folks!!
caught a snag on bringing her home looks like I`m gona have to do a bit more work on her before I can drive her in a safe manner up here from Fla.
So looking at maybe Oct ?
Need to find some tires for one ( Any good online tire places???) but some mechanical work as well.