PSA: converting the cybertruck to camper, then change dmv registration to private use.

[flamaest]

What will you when when it rains? The Tonneau isn't water tight. Water will run down the back window in heavy heavy rain, into the bed.

It's not waterproof, but it is fairly watertight. You literally have to put a power washer into the crevices of the tonneau cover to get water into the bed in any significant amount.

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[Gaximus]

I don't live in CA (thankfully) but this seems odd to register the truck as a commercial truck. In fact I would think doing so, you'd need to own a business and have tax exempt status. Are all pickup trucks in CA considered commercial? and if not what makes a CyberTruck Commercial. Did anyone else in another states have their CT registered as commercial?

 

[SCTesla]

It's not waterproof, but it is fairly watertight. You literally have to put a power washer into the crevices of the tonneau cover to get water into the bed in any significant amount.

Not on my CT, in heavy rain the bed gets seriously wet, more so than a car wash (where oddly it doesn't get wet at all). Service said it was the angle and amount of rain. They showed me another CT and it did the same by placing a large hose at an angle at the top of the tonneau. They even replaced my water seals. They said the design won't keep heavy rain from the front of the bed.

 

[Nexus6]

Unfortunately, this solution will not come to the cybertruck because of the way the tonneau cover operates. It appears that when the tonneau cover is opening, it does not have a stop sensor. The stop sensor only works when closing the cover.

If you somehow have an arm through the window with the tonneau opening, it will not easily stop and could land someone in the ER.

This has been confirmed with Breezer windows that has been doing testing on their prototype.

Good to know. Looks like I’ll be ordering the Breezer Kit along with the Pop Up Tent from CyberTruck Co.

 

[flamaest]

Not on my CT, in heavy rain the bed gets seriously wet, more so than a car wash (where oddly it doesn't get wet at all). Service said it was the angle and amount of rain. They showed me another CT and it did the same by placing a large hose at an angle at the top of the tonneau. They even replaced my water seals. They said the design won't keep heavy rain from the front of the bed.

I would honestly take it to Tesla and tell them. That doesn't sound right. I've washed my truck many times with my power washer and maybe a few drops got in the bed, nothing more.

Most washing reviews I've seen online follow this.

 

[SCTesla]

I would honestly take it to Tesla and tell them. That doesn't sound right. I've washed my truck many times with my power washer and maybe a few drops got in the bed, nothing more.

Most washing reviews I've seen online follow this.

They literally took a hose and angled it toward the window on another truck and said "It's not about pressure, it's about amount and angle" and water got in the bed just like mine.

They said all CTs do this and heavy/consistent rains (edit: At the right angle) impact it more than car washes. They replaced the weather stripping (which is just a strip of foam) and said that's all they could do, it was the design.

 

[flamaest]

I don't live in CA (thankfully) but this seems odd to register the truck as a commercial truck. In fact I would think doing so, you'd need to own a business and have tax exempt status. Are all pickup trucks in CA considered commercial? and if not what makes a CyberTruck Commercial. Did anyone else in another states have their CT registered as commercial?

It's a weird money grab, they do it to most trucks here in California. I learned about this the other day when a friend of mine that drives a commercial vehicle for his business looked at my license plate and informed me about the DMV change option.

 

[EMoeller]

Tesla will register the vehicle's automatically as commercial. You have to go and change it for the next year at DMV with forms in hand. They will give you new plates to replace the ones that you got. You can tell that you will now have private plates because there will be three letters in the middle instead of all numbers.

Modify the vehicle so it's clear that you are going to be sleeping or camping in the vehicle. Do not Open the tonneau cover unless asked to by the dmv. Show them that it is a complete cover. It's important to convey that this tonneau cover is a permanent part of the vehicle.

When you fill out the form tell them that you are going to be using it for human living situation., camping.

This should save you several hundred dollars in next year's registration.

Yup this is a thing! Confirmed my plate is commercial and here is the CA link to change it to non-commercial (as well as the required PDF form 256A:

https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/vehic...cense-plates-to-standard-auto-license-plates/

OP thanks much for sharing this with us...

 

[Nexus6]

In case anybody is curious, if you modify your cyber truck for human transport or camping, as we have a locking tonneau cover, and not used as a commercial or hauling vehicle, you can fill out DMV registration form 256 and take your plates to the DMV and show them the closing tonneau cover sleeping arrangement.

This should allow you to re-register your vehicle as a private vehicle and not commercial. Save big bucks.

I'm working with Breezer Windows to get my rear window replaced so that I can HVAC the bed. I will be putting a mattress in the back and showing the DMV my HVAC solution.

I will be removing the back seats and adding a drawer system and microwave + refrigerator. Also will be installing a dual cooktop induction cooking system into my frunk.

Flamaest- If you’ve already got some dialogue going with Breezer Windows for the Rear Window can you ask if they can do either a removable window or a “T-top” for the Rear Passenger Roof Glass? This is basically like a Jeep Freedom Top option. Some CT owners have already had to replace the broken roof glass ($2000+) and it would be nice to have this option when our glass eventually breaks.

 

[flamaest]

Flamaest- If you’ve already got some dialogue going with Breezer Windows for the Rear Window can you ask if they can do either a removable window or a “T-top” for the Rear Passenger Roof Glass? This is basically like a Jeep Freedom Top option. Some CT owners have already had to replace the broken roof glass ($2000+) and it would be nice to have this option when our glass eventually breaks.

Thank you for your interesting idea.

My communication with Breezer Windows is strictly for the replacement of the rear CT window because this is a product that they sell for other trucks.

I would encourage you to contact Ben at Breezerwindows.com and I'm sure that they would be happy to discuss future products with you.

 

[jimnycricket65]

Yes.

I was surprised to see that. I want to know if something can be done to reserve this and there is some cost saving.

 

[Lowcoe]

I'm in the process of getting my custom plate that I had made up years ago for the truck switched over to the truck. I use the local mom and pop registration service in town to do all the leg work. They just called me all confused because some of the papers have the truck listed as weighing 15,000 pounds. Some papers have it at 6900. Anyways they're sending me to the local trash transfer station to get a weight slip in hopes that it will lower my future registration fees. ?

 

[Nexus6]

I'm in the process of getting my custom plate that I had made up years ago for the truck switched over to the truck. I use the local mom and pop registration service in town to do all the leg work. They just called me all confused because some of the papers have the truck listed as weighing 15,000 pounds. Some papers have it at 6900. Anyways they're sending me to the local trash transfer station to get a weight slip in hopes that it will lower my future registration fees. ?

The Manufacturer’s Curb Weight and Gross Weight should be listed on the Driver’s side Door Pillar.

 

[DJAlan2000]

I don't live in CA (thankfully) but this seems odd to register the truck as a commercial truck. In fact I would think doing so, you'd need to own a business and have tax exempt status. Are all pickup trucks in CA considered commercial? and if not what makes a CyberTruck Commercial. Did anyone else in another states have their CT registered as commercial?

Yeah, I believe the 'rule' is that if it's a TRUCK it's 'commercial' license plates... Vans with no seating (cargo) are as well unless it's already been converted to camper type van...

The good news is you get to park in commercial parking spots (for a short time)!!

The bad news of NOT having commercial plates on a truck (in CA) is that if you have the regular 'personal' plates on them (ones like 9ZZZ999 instead of 9X99999) and you are 'hauling' anything inside the back end (even a bike!) they can pull you over and give you a ticket AND THEN the DMV will force you to change back to commercial plates AND pay the difference for past years as well.

It sucks, but that's the way it is... You pay more for commercial vehicles and ALL trucks (in CA) are considered commercial vehicles...

Some folks get around being 'pulled over' simply by putting PERSONALIZED plates on instead of the regular 9ZZZ999 type plates... Commercial vehicles CAN be personalized after all...

 

[Gaximus]

Yeah, I believe the 'rule' is that if it's a TRUCK it's 'commercial' license plates... Vans with no seating (cargo) are as well unless it's already been converted to camper type van...

The good news is you get to park in commercial parking spots (for a short time)!!

The bad news of NOT having commercial plates on a truck (in CA) is that if you have the regular 'personal' plates on them (ones like 9ZZZ999 instead of 9X99999) and you are 'hauling' anything inside the back end (even a bike!) they can pull you over and give you a ticket AND THEN the DMV will force you to change back to commercial plates AND pay the difference for past years as well.

It sucks, but that's the way it is... You pay more for commercial vehicles and ALL trucks (in CA) are considered commercial vehicles...

Some folks get around being 'pulled over' simply by putting PERSONALIZED plates on instead of the regular 9ZZZ999 type plates... Commercial vehicles CAN be personalized after all...

I don’t see the logic in that law(not disagreeing with you just CA, and even more happy I don’t live there) if I have a commercial license, then I should be using the truck to make money(definition of commercial). In fact I would think it’s the opposite, if I’m hauling something personal, in a commercial truck, then a ticket should be issued.
Most states give tax breaks for businesses, to encourage local businesses, so it’s a bit harder to get a commercial license, but once you do everything about it is cheaper, less tax, registration, even sales tax. But seems like CA is punishing local businesses. And people with trucks.

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