Buying a Camper Without a Title in Texas: 6 Facts You Should Know (Explained)

Have you ever wondered how to buy a camper without a title in Texas? Well, look no more. We´ve got you covered.

Recreational vehicles (RVs) and camper trailers are perfect for those looking for a fun, family-friendly vacation.

They give you the chance to explore and enjoy nature without leaving the comforts of home. There are plenty of popular places to travel with campers across the nation.

As long as your RV is legal and safe, you can hit the road and leave your troubles behind.

So, can you buy a Camper Without a Title in Texas? Yes, you can buy a camper without a title in Texas. However, campers in Texas will need titles to be registered unless they are trailers weighing less than 4,000 pounds.

Table of Contents

Do Camper Trailers Need a License?

👉 In almost every state, all camper trailers and RVs will need a license. To obtain a license, you will need to register your vehicle or trailer with the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) for your state.

In most cases, you will need a title and/or a bill of sale to obtain the license.

👉 You will need to re-register your trailer, camper, or motorhome every few years. Once you have gone through the process, it is much easier to renew.

Most states have online applications through their DMVs. If you cannot find an online application, you can visit the Department of Motor Vehicles to get a printed application.

Do Campers Need a Title in Texas?

👉 To obtain a license, you will likely need a title. However, there are exceptions for specific campers within the state of Texas. In Texas, trailers do not need titles if they meet particular requirements.

👉 Trailers that do not need titles must weigh under 4,000 pounds. Those 4,000 pounds comprise the gross weight of the trailer, which includes both the weight of the trailer and the gear and other add-ons. Pop-up camper trailers will likely weigh enough to not require a title.

In Texas, when you go to register a camper trailer, you will need to bring a driver’s license, the title (if applicable), proof of inspection (if applicable), and proof of insurance.

Your trailer will need to be inspected if it weighs more than 7,500 pounds (gross weight). That means most fifth-wheels and other large trailers will need to be inspected.

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Obtaining a Title in Texas if the Camper of your Dreams Does Not Have One

Buying a used camper is one of the best ways to save money on a camper. Many used campers are still incredibly high-quality, without all of the expenses of a new camper.

You can buy a camper in Texas without a title. However, you cannot register campers without titles, so exercise caution before buying a camper that does not have a title.

👉 Chances are, you will need a bonded title when you register your vehicle if you do not have the original title. A bonded title is a document that will prove you are the owner of the camper.

You will need one if you do not have a title and you want to purchase insurance or register your camper.

To obtain a bonded title, you will have to be able to prove you have purchased the title. Make sure to have the previous owner sign a bill of sale when you purchase the camper.

👉 You will need to pay the bond yourself, and you will need to have as much information as possible. Much of this information will include the VIN, the length of the camper, the weight of the camper, and the make and model of the camper.

👉 Working through your local Texas DMV can help the arduous process easier. It will still likely end up costing you an additional 100 to 150 dollars, so keep that in mind.

You may consider negotiating with the person selling the camper to get them to remove the price you will have to pay to obtain a bonded title.

👉 While it is not impossible to buy a camper without a title in Texas, remember that the process is not simple. You will need a title to register your camper, and it will likely take several hours.

You will need to weigh the time and extra cost to determine if it is worth it for you to buy a camper without a title in Texas.

7 Things to do before you buy a used camper >> Check out the video below:

Kinds of RVs Available

An understanding of the types of RVs available will help you better know the requirements for legally driving in your area.

Class A Motorhomes

Motorhomes are vehicles built similarly to buses. Unlike camper trailers, they have their engine, so you drive the vehicle itself, rather than towing it behind another vehicle.

Class A motorhomes are the largest motorhomes available. They are roughly the size of a tour bus. They also generally have the most sleeping space and the most luxurious amenities. If you are hoping to bring all of the comforts of home with you, without sacrifice, then a class A motorhome is probably right for you.

Class A motorhomes usually have enough sleeping space for 4 to 8 people, though different makes and models may have slightly more or less. Most class A motorhomes have ovens, stoves, refrigerators, microwaves, showers, and bathrooms.

Class B Motorhomes

Class B motorhomes are the smallest motorhomes available. Rather than being built like buses, these are more like modified panel vans. They have less sleeping space and fewer amenities, but they have greater flexibility and take much less fuel to power.

Class B motorhomes usually have enough sleeping space for 2 to 4 people, though 4 is a less comfortable fit. Class B motorhomes may have a small bathroom (without a shower, usually) and some kitchen appliances, but the amenities are more limited than class A motorhomes.

Class B motorhomes are great options for those looking for more flexibility. They are narrower, so you can drive on many mountain roads that are closed to other campers and trailers.

They also do not, in most cases, require extra-long parking spaces, so they are easier to park. Because they are smaller, they also take less fuel, so they are a more budget-friendly option.

Class C Motorhomes

Class C motorhomes are a great compromise between class A and class B motorhomes. They have the back of a bus, but the driving section is more like that of a van. A unique feature of class C motorhomes is their overhead sleeping space.

With the overhead sleeping space above the driving cabin, the class C motorhome can sleep around 6 to 8 people.

Because some of that sleeping space is over the driving cabin, it does not have as much inner space for activities, but you can still have enough sleeping spaces for everyone in the family. They are also smaller than class A motorhomes, so they usually get better gas mileage.

Class C motorhomes have more amenities than class B motorhomes. They usually have ovens, microwaves, bathrooms, and often even showers.

Class C motorhomes are great for anyone looking for a slightly smaller option that still offers plenty of comfort and luxury.

Pop-Up Trailers

Pop-up trailers are some of the lightest camper trailer options available. They involve collapsible sides, so you can fold everything down to save space and gas mileage while traveling.

Pop-up trailers are lighter, but they also require set up and take down at every campsite. They do not have as many amenities as motorhomes and many other camper trailers.

Because many have tent-like pop-up walls, they also may not offer as much weather protection,

Pop-up trailers are incredibly easy to drive with because they are light and compact. You can also detach the trailer at the campsite and use your driving vehicle to go on day trips.

Pop-up trailers usually have enough sleeping spaces for 2 to 4 people, depending on the size of the trailer.

Teardrop Trailers

Teardrop trailers are small, aerodynamic trailers. They are lightweight and small. They mostly only contain beds with few other amenities. They do, however, offer fantastic, easy, budget-friendly options.

Teardrop trailers usually only have enough room to sleep for 2 to 4 people.

Fifth-Wheels

Fifth-wheels are the perfect camper trailers for anyone wanting the luxury of a motorhome with the flexibility of a trailer.

Fifth-wheels connect to a vehicle via a trailer hitch. They have a shape that allows for part of the trailer to come over the bed of a truck. This will give you extra storage space or sleeping space when you arrive at your campsite.

Fifth-wheels have enough space to sleep 4 to 7 people. If you want the flexibility of a trailer, but you would like more space and amenities, a fifth-wheel is probably the best option for you.

Other Trailers and Campers

There are a wide variety of campers and trailers available. This is not an exhaustive list, but it will give you an idea of how many different kinds of campers are on the market. Airstreams give you the classic look of the standard camper trailer that was popularized in the 1960s. There are also plenty of lightweight options available.

Conclusion

Campers make camping voyages popular for everyone looking to get out of the house and get on the road. There are a wide variety of campers and trailers to fit many budgets and needs.

Campers in Texas will need titles to be registered unless they are trailers weighing less than 4,000 pounds.

If the camper you purchase has no title, you will need to obtain a bonded title, and that will require the VIN and other information about the camper.

The process is not easy, but it does mean you can still register a camper without a title.

References

https://www.txdmv.gov/node/4833

https://www.expeditionmotorhomes.com/