PURPOSE
To provide information regarding a significant change to the manner in which the gross weight is reflected during transaction processing.

DETAILS
The Texas Department of Transportation, Vehicle Titles and Registration Division (VTR), was recently contacted by the Texas Recreational Vehicle Association regarding a concern with the travel trailer weights on title transactions processed at counties.

It has been brought to our attention that some counties have been entering the empty or shipping weight as the empty weight in the Registration and Title System (RTS); however, the registration fees for travel trailers are determined according to the gross weight.

A RTS release scheduled for September 1, 2004 allows for the entry of the empty weight and carrying capacity, which will reflect the correct gross weight. Moreover, the release includes admin table changes to incorporate Big Bend motorcycle and Foreign Organization license plates.

COUNTY ACTION
When processing title transactions on travel trailers the following procedures should be followed:

• Enter the empty weight or shipping weight that is reflected on the
  evidence of ownership, i.e., Manufacturer Certificate of Origin (MCO) or
  Out-of-State title, as the empty weight.
• Enter a carrying capacity. The carrying capacity can be calculated by
  subtracting the empty weight from the gross weight (Gross Weight – Empty
  Weight = Carrying Capacity).
• If the gross weight is not reflected on the MCO or Out-of-State title, it can be determined by one of the following methods:
  • a weight certificate; or
  • use the following formula: Length x Width x 20 lbs. = Gross Weight.

• Counties will now be required to determine the gross weight. The gross weight can be determined by one of the following methods:
  • a weight certificate; or
  • use the following formula: Length x Width x 20 lbs. = Gross Weight.
• Counties will now be required to enter a carrying capacity.
  • If the resulting gross weight amount is greater than the weight shown on the Texas title as the empty weight, then the difference of the two will be entered as the carrying capacity (Gross Weight – Empty Weight = Carrying Capacity).
  • If the resulting gross weight amount is less than or equal to the weight shown on the Texas title as the empty weight, then the county will enter 100 (minimum increment) pounds as the carrying capacity and disregard the calculated gross weight.

Note: There will be no change to the processing of renewals for travel trailers currently titled in Texas.

CONTACT
If you have any questions or need any additional information, please contact your local VTR Regional Office. You may also call Mike Craig, Deputy Director, or me at (512) 465-7570. Thank you very much.

In some cases the Registration and Title Bulletins (RTB) contain attachments. If you require a copy of the original signed RTB and the attachments, please email your request with the RTB number to VTR Info Request/Open Records. Repeat requests are subject to charges in accordance with Open Record policies. A subscription service is also available for an annual fee of $250. Subscribers will automatically receive all RTB mailings as they are issued.