Free Resources for RV Owners

Titles, registration, loans, insurance, recalls, inspections and the rest of the paperwork that comes with an RV. These are free to read and most are official sources. We list them to help, we are not paid for any of them, and listing a company is not an endorsement. They are separate businesses and agencies with no connection to RV Shop Desk, so check details and rules with them directly.

Titles, registration and the DMV

Title transfers, registration renewals, plates and license rules for larger rigs are handled by your state.

• USA.gov: find your state's motor vehicle officeLinks to every state's DMV for titles, registration and driver licensing.
• California DMVTitle transfers, registration, and the license classes needed for heavier RVs and trailers.
• NMVTIS vehicle historyThe federal title database. Check a used RV for salvage, junk or odometer brands before you buy.
• CAT ScaleTruck stop scales for weighing your rig against its rated weights.

Loans, values and buying

Know what an RV is worth and what a loan should cost before you sign.

• J.D. Power RV valuesUsed RV and trailer values, the guide most lenders and dealers use.
• CFPB: vehicle loan toolsPlain guidance from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau on shopping for a loan.
• MyCreditUnion.govFind a credit union. Many offer RV loans at lower rates than dealer financing.
• LightStreamAn online lender that offers unsecured RV loans.
• Good SamRV financing, insurance, extended service plans and roadside assistance.

Insurance

Most states require liability coverage on a motorized RV, and a lender will require more.

• NAIC consumer insurance helpFind your state insurance department and learn how coverage works.
• Progressive RV insuranceMotorhome, travel trailer and full-timer coverage.

Recalls, safety and inspections

Check for open recalls and have a used RV inspected before money changes hands.

• NHTSA recall lookupSearch open safety recalls by VIN for motorhomes, trailers, tires and equipment.
• RV Industry AssociationThe trade group behind the RV construction standards seal.
• NRVIAThe National RV Inspectors Association. Find a certified inspector near you.
• RV Technical InstituteTraining and certification for RV technicians.
• National RV Training AcademyRV technician and inspector training.

Camping and travel

Book campsites and passes on public land.

• Recreation.govReserve federal campgrounds, including national parks and forests.
• ReserveCaliforniaReserve California State Parks campsites.
• America the Beautiful passThe annual pass for national parks and federal recreation lands.
• BLM campingCamping and dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management land.
• Harvest HostsA membership for overnight stays at wineries, farms and other hosts.

Clubs, mail and full-time RV life

Members clubs, mail forwarding and help with residency paperwork on the road.

• Escapees RV ClubMail forwarding, domicile help and education for full-time RVers.
• FMCAThe Family Motor Coach Association, a long-running club for RV owners.

Know a resource that belongs here? Email [email protected].