How to register Military vehicles in CA

[FourFords]

Ok, i”m sure this has been talked about before, but I’ve searched the threads (and google) and can’t seem to get an answer. If you know any resources, please let me know!

I am interested in buying som kind of large off road vehicle (unimog, M1078, etc) and building a habitat on the back. I happen to live in CA which makes it very difficult to register for on-highway use, To say the least. I’ve heard that you can do an engine swap to a 2010 or newer engine, or add a DPF on the exhaust - is that true and if so has anyone done it that you’ve heard of? There is another idea about converting it at DMV from a commercial vehicle to an RV or registering it as a new/custom vehicle (Like dune buggy or tube buggy). Again, any ideas or resources would be very helpful! Also, I’ve never actually seen these vehicles in person so if anyone is in California with one, I would love to buy you some coffee or meet for lunch - is that weird? Lol

Thanks!!!
-Scott

 

[billiebob]

The"trend" is to ban miltary vehicles from any use except parade license use. 100% stock, zero mods and not regularly driven. Not sure if CA is here yet but its coming everywhere. CO has done it. TX might be here too. BC, Canada just did it this year. I'd say buying a military vehicle will end up being a dead horse. Beyond the emissions is the fact military vehicles were exempt from ALL regular vehicle regulations. Seat belts, safety, braking, steering.... military vehicles could do anything they wanted.

In Canada I had a 1952 M38 50 years ago. I sold it for many reasons but even 50 years ago finding someone to insure it was a chore.... because it was a military vehicle. I almost bought a 1960 Unimog 25 years ago, zero miles it spent 30 years in a bunker in NATO..... Finding an insurer was not easy so I passed. Military vehicles beyond being a collectable are nothing but headaches. A lot of guys in BC are crying about having military Humvees.

 

[FourFords]

I get that, but it seems like they can only go after certain items - safety and smog being the most prevalent. So if I put on a DPF and/or a new motor, and seatbelts, which I’m happy to do, what would the issue be? The insurance piece is new to me - thank you for bringing that to my attention; I’ll certainly have to look into that.

Do you think it’s easier to do a school bus? Just put a lift kit on a short school bus and go that route?

Or, are you saying as a general rule of thumb not to go into something that may not be legal in 10yrs - which i can understand, but it seems like there will always be a way to adapt. Just look at the firearm industry in CA. Maybe I’m just being overly optimistic because of my excitement of the idea..

 

[billiebob]

I'm thinking the trend is to get military vehicles off the road. False premise or not the will of office is to get rid of them. Yes, I'd go school bus over anything military if my goal was long term overlander. The 10 year gamble does not sound like a good investment when other choices are more readily available. School bus or fire fighting crew truck, there are plenty of options not being threatened.

I'd pick something like this

2006 F450 4x4 with crew box - rvs - by owner - vehicle automotive sale

Cool ex fire fighter crew transport " hot shot buggy ". Was going to build into an RV. Would be a great overland Baja explorer / camper with more off-road capability than a sprinter and more...

seattle.craigslist.org

I'm seriously considering this ^^ one, It is only 6 hours from my home.

 

[billiebob]

Somewhere to start,,,, I have no interest, just a bystander watching the drama...
https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb20-1170

and in Canada

Province quietly bans ex-military vehicles, West Van collector says - BC News

A West Vancouver man says the province has quietly banned a class of collector vehicle without justification as to why.

www.castanet.net

 

[john61ct]

Probably about the same time & trouble as importing something from Eastern Europe

 

[Regcabguy]

If you're an AAA member the DMV clerk there would be able to provide answers. I think the DMV has a hotline too where you can actually speak to an American.

 

[SDDiver5]

Good luck lol. Have you gone to iron planet and searched? I imagine there are many threads on this topic.

Like said, AAA is a great help.

Also, they're super cool and I'd love to own one but have you ever driven in one? They kinda suck and are pretty uncomfortable and loud. I'd personally go the Fuso route or some other COE vehicle that is already CA legal and build from there

 

[ExpoMike]

AAA did the RV title change on my old '97 Dodge Ram with FWC. Since I planned to not remove the camper, it made it simple and cheaper registration. Knocked the $190 weight penalty off.