What Can You Do About A Junk-Brand RV Title?

Alright, so we have talked a lot about salvage titles at Dirt Legal, including salvage-titled RVs. In fact, we have an entire section written about salvage titles and how they are not really the show-stopper you may think they are. In fact, if you are savvy, you can save a lot of money with a salvage-title RV when it has been repaired, and there is nothing wrong with it. 

However, a junk brand is a totally different animal. There is not a single thing that you can do with a junk brand-titled vehicle once it wears that title brand. As far as ever being street-legal again, it will never, ever happen. It doesn’t matter what state; it is done; take a look at what it is and if there are any alternatives. 

What Is a “Junk” Brand?

Make sure to check out our blog on the topic of junk versus salvage titles. It is a wealth of information on this topic.  

Okay, so what is a junk title brand? Well, as the name suggests, it means that the vehicle is trashed completely. Once it bears the junk brand, there is no coming back. In all 50 states, it is impossible to redeem a junk title. 

Junk titles are also called Certificates of Destruction. When one is issued, it’s lights out for the car. The COD or junk title is there as a safety net for everyone on the road. It means that the vehicle cannot be brought back to a condition safe enough for road use.

The same rules apply to RVs as to passenger autos or light trucks. If the RV is flooded,one of the more common problems, the odds are pretty good that it will need to be junked. Thankfully, there are a couple of other options for RV trailers if you have the need or the will to do them. 

Is a Junk Title Brand Common?

A junk brand is not uncommon, although it is next to impossible to get accurate numbers on them. Since they are banned in every state from ever being roadworthy again, they are stricken from registration records. 

That said, it is really up to your insurance company and its adjusters. When your RV is damaged, the adjusters will determine whether it is salvageable or too far gone for repair. 

Unfortunately, it's toast if they deem it junk rather than salvageable. And that’s the thing: since it is at the discretion of the adjustor, you might see an RV that can be reclaimed or rendered junk, and you can’t do a thing about it. 

Do I Have To Dispose of It?

Okay, so here’s the deal: you don’t have to do anything. You can take the payout and keep your RV. But you can’t ever use it again on the road if it's titled and branded junk. Sorry, guys, that’s just the way it is. 

However, RVs are a little different from other vehicles. You can use an RV that has been junk-branded in some different ways. 

Can You Park It as a Permanent Structure?

Alright, at the risk of sounding just a little trashy, I’m still going to answer this one. 

Yes, you can absolutely use an RV as a permanent structure! Of course, this goes more into your local code and ordinances, if you live in an unregulated area of the country, that junk-branded RV might be the perfect solution for…something. Whatever you want it to be. 

If it was a flood victim, you can quickly gut it and use it for just about anything you want. An art studio. A studio apartment. As long as the shell is in good enough condition, you can keep it stationary for quite a while. From personal experience, it is travel that puts the most wear and tear on your RV; if you keep it stationary and keep up with caulking it, it will probably give you a few good years. 

You Can Tear It Down and Use the Frame for an Ag Trailer

Okay, here’s the really practical one: you can completely strip a junked RV trailer to the frame, put some sort of platform material on it, and use it as an untitled agriculture trailer in some states. 

We can’t speak to all states, but in Kansas, a farmer does not need to register or title a trailer used specifically for farm purposes that hauls less than 6,000 pounds of ag materials. These are usually used for hauling hay because hay hauling is pretty thankless, and a beat-up RV trailer just makes sense. 

Also, since round bales weigh around 1,000 lbs a piece, six of them will be at 6,000 lbs, and a typical travel trailer is equipped with a pair of 3,500 axles. See how it makes sense?

You can also use them to grab building materials, landscaping materials, or bags of feed without catching much flak, although your story might not be too believable if you live in the suburbs. This is a common practice, especially in rural states, so check your DMV and see what is allowed. 

So, a Junk Brand Is Dead On Arrival, Isn’t It?

If you want to revive your RV from the dead (i.e., junk title brand) and use it to camp, yes. It is definitely DOA at this point. But if you are willing to do a little elbow grease, you can come up with a useful solution. But for the most part, it should be sent to the shredder, and you can walk away with the settlement and no more headaches. 

What About a Salvage Brand? Can I Do Something With That?

If your RV is branded as salvage because of an accident, you should be able to deal with that through your state DMV. 

However, Dirt Legal is here to save the day if they give you grief. We work with South Dakota to process salvage titles, and they do a great job of it. Our salvage title service will help you get your RV registered and back on the road with no problem. It will come with a salvage title from South Dakota (you can’t ever change the title brand back to clean), registration, and license plates. 

The main perk of the South Dakota method is that you never have to set foot at an inspection facility for it or a DMV period. You can do the whole thing from the comfort of your dinner table while you annihilate some Hot Pockets (please don’t drip on the paperwork, though). 

Parting Thoughts

A salvage brand on your RV title is not a death sentence. To be honest, nobody will even know about it other than you. Once your RV is registered and tagged, it’s just like any other.  If your home state DMV gives you grief, check out our salvage vehicle title and registration service. We will get your RV titled and registered without you ever having to get any inspections.