According to Oregon's Department of Motor Vehicles, there are many differences between a pickup camper, a motor home and a travel trailer. Keep these differences in mind when registering your pickup, as the fees depend on the particular features of your camper.
Structure
A camper must be mounted on a motor vehicle. However, it cannot be permanently attached to said motor vehicle. The camper must also have a floor. A motor home is not only attached to the motor vehicle; it is the motor vehicle. A travel trailer is towed behind the motor vehicle.
Facilities
A camper must provide facilities for human habitation. These facilities include a cooking area and a sleeping area, but not necessarily a toilet area. A travel trailer is also required to have cooking and sleeping facilities but not a toilet. A motor home is required to have all of these things, including the toilet.
Dimensions
A camper is at least six feet long by 5.5 feet high and should be no wider than 8.5 feet. A travel trailer may not exceed 45 feet in length, otherwise it cannot be registered as a travel trailer.
Axles
To qualify as campers there must only be one axle supporting the structure. Motor homes can have either one or two axles beneath them for support. Travel trailers are a separate entity that sometimes have two axles, but usually only one.
Fees
Fees for campers, trailers and motor homes should be paid every two years. For the smallest campers (6 to 10 feet), the registration fee is $81. For the longest travel trailer (45 feet), the fee is $317.25.
About The Author
Originally from North Carolina, Heather Broeker studied journalism and advertising at the University of North Carolina. After graduation she moved to Los Angeles, where she worked for Fox Searchlight, Fox Reality and later as a writer and marketing director. Broeker now lives in Los Angeles and runs Head Over Heels, a writing and public relations company.
