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Calif. licensing problem

I haven't been viewing this forum for awhile, and in a search I didn't find an answer to my question.  Due to health issues our 1987 GrandVilla has been in storage for several years.  We thought we had sold it, but today the buyer called and said because of new Calif. laws it could not be registered.  We have been tying to figure out if there is any way to get it licensed and registered.  DMV guy told me it might as well be junked!  Any advice would sure help.  Thank you.  Gerry 

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #1 –
Smog Inspections - California DMV.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #2 –
I'd be more inclined to believe craneman as opposed to the putz at the DMV, when government employees know what they're talking about can be like hens teeth.
IMHO
88 Grand Villa 36' ORED 3208 (throwaway)Cat.
 Build # 3150
Happiness is the maximum agreement of reality and desire.

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #3 –
Print the link up on paper and go back to DMV and show them it is their law.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #4 –
Gerry
You did not say why the coach could not be registered.  Smog test MAY be the reason but you need to confirm the exact California law that is being applied.  Any way you could always sell it in another state.

Jerre
Jerre and Kathy Griffin
2003 U320 4220 Special
Build # 6207
2022 RAM Laramie 4X4 EcoDiesel
2002 Country Coach Magna 37 Tag- Forever Coach-Died in fire 7/23
1997 Country Coach 32 Intrigue-No slides-Wonderful

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #5 –
It's important to know which law they are referring to.... if it's the smog rule then you are covered by 2 exclusions.
It's also good to remember there's a bunch of other states that would be just fine with registering it.
 8)  8)  8)
I would share the written version of the law with the prospective buyer, see if he will come around on that.
There's no point in arguing with a random guy at the DMV, but you could try having a word with the local DMV manager and registering it yourself, thereby proving it's ok to the next potential buyer.
Or you could call MOT in Nacogdoches and see if they will put it on the lot for you, if you need to hire a driver to get it there, I'm sure there's a way to go about that. Might even find a member who could help you?
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Kiwitex –
Or you could call MOT in Nacogdoches and see if they will put it on the lot for you, if you need to hire a driver to get it there, I'm sure there's a way to go about that. Might even find a member who could help you?

MOT has a driver that will fly in and pick up your coach and take it back to MOT.  He will also take one from MOT and deliver to a customer. 
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #7 –
"The buyer said the DMV said". Sounds like the buyer got cold feet.
I'd put ads for that coach here on this forum as well as on Craigslist and RV Trader.
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #8 –
I sold new 1987 grand villas in both gas and diesel.  If his 87 is gas then the smog rules seem to apply

Seems the other exemption is a gvw over 14k pounds. All Foretravel 87's were over that.

I had read that rvs might be subject to particulate imspections as years go on.

Ca dmv sent my buddy a particulate inspection letter recently on his 07 40' country coach. Not sure if the 14k pound reference was under or over that gvw or just weight unclear websites
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #9 –
California exempts motorhomes.

Go to Carb website and look up exemption.

You must provide pictures of RV and license plate and interior. 

Carb will then issue exemption to DMV. I just got letter that my RV needs test and can not be registered.

Will now start process.
2002 U320 wtfe
Build 5931
Tow 2004 honda element

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Taxmanpaul –
California exempts motorhomes.

Go to Carb website and look up exemption.

You must provide pictures of RV and license plate and interior. 

Carb will then issue exemption to DMV. I just got letter that my RV needs test and can not be registered.

Will now start process.

Can you expand on what the letter said?  Was it from the DMV or from CARB?  I am a CA resident, have not seen anything similar come in the mail, but my registration is due in Dec for the motorhome. 
2000 U320 4010

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #11 –
The letter comes from DMV when you register.letter says you need the opacity test or exemption.  Go to carb and look at exemption requirements. Those who register after June 30 will get letter.
2002 U320 wtfe
Build 5931
Tow 2004 honda element

California older diesel powered motorhome -new regulations

Reply #12 –
Understand that the California older diesel motorhome law is starting to be effective.

Regulations require engine change if too old, but there are exceptions for private use motorhomes and some trucks.  Any info on the subject from our Foretravel owners living in California?

Another piece of the new regulations relate to required smog tests and do not have an exemption for motorhomes, so motorhomes that did not require smog may now require smog test.

Anyone have smog test info.

Re: California older diesel powered motorhome -new regulations

Reply #13 –
The old exemption is gone. Now all motorhomes over 14,000 lbs. and 1996 and newer need to register with C.A.R.B. AND PAY $30.00 Next year they will figure out how they are going to test them. I will still get my tags for this year without testing when I register and pay the fee.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #14 –
As far as i understand this my 97 is the newest motorhome exempt from the opacity test requirement
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
As far as i understand this my 97 is the newest motorhome exempt from the opacity test requirement
Wrong, you will get a letter from D.M.V. that your tags have been put on hold by C.A.R.B. until you register with C.A.R.B. My brother has already received the notice and registered with C.A.R.B. and his tags were released. My tags aren't due until Nov. so I am waiting to see if D.M.V. sends the info with my renewal.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #16 –
This is the letter I got from the CARB. Use the website thats hand printed and follow the links.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #17 –
Here is my 7/21/2024 issued ca tags for my 97
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #18 –
Looks like you slipped through this time, wait until next year.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #19 –
Quote from: craneman –
Looks like you slipped through this time, wait until next year.

The link posted here shows 97 or older exempt
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #20 –

That looks like they gave another year of exemptions after posting the 1996 model year. I will see if I can find the original one I read.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #21 –
May go up every year. 25 years old?
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #22 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
The link posted here shows 97 or older exempt

That line says 97 and older OR with gross vehicle weight of more than 14K

Wouldn't that imply pretty much any diesel class A (and super C) would be exempt?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #23 –
That is what it says but maybe dated before the new C.A.R.B. rules. I know for a fact that the letter that Richard received in reply 16 is what my bother received and he had to register to get tags. Seems D.M.V. and C.A.R.B. rules are different. I may call C.A.R.B. and get their take on the D.M.V. rules

This is the law dated July 11th, 2024

Motor Home Fact Sheet – Clean Truck Check | California Air Resources Board
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Calif. licensing problem

Reply #24 –
Ok, maybe this will help clear things up. This is a page from the website I posted earlier.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel