WASHINGTON STATE PATROL, Inspection & Trailer Requireme

I need to get someting cleared up. My 1994 4 X 8 utility trailer that I am going to build my Teardrop on is currently licensed. In Washington State, am I required to have it inspected after I build my teardrop? :question:
 
...I am not in Wa but it seems to me you are now using your utility trailer to haul your TD, so just leave it as is...there is no point in confusing a poor ol' bureaucrat at the DMV...remember rule #1; it is easier to beg forgiveness than to ask permission :D :LOL: ;)
madjack 8)
 
howdy rainger:
I beleive they will only compare the #'s stamped on your tongue(sic) of your trailer and compare to your reg. Thats why I took an old travel trailer and started with that frame and worked up. have fun :thumbsup: Jay
 
I asked the inspector if I could have it inspected without doors and his reply was that it had to be complete. As far as I'm concerned if my galley is not built it's a trunk. The PRW charges less in tab fees if it's a camping trailer vs a utility trailer. If you want an inspection you better get an appointment early. I'm ready for an inspection but my appointment is April 18th. Danny
 
When I had my trailer inspection done the officer said Washington state considers a teardrop trailer a utility trailer if it is not self contained, ie. bathroom, kitchen, sleeping area etc. 8) Danny
 
They chisel a number onto the frame if it's a homebuilt. I'm starting with a Harbor Freight trailer, which has some sort of a number on it. I hope that's good enough for them. It might just be a model number. :cry:
Actually, if all had gone according to plan, I would have had these answers already. I had a slight delay last spring. I did some yard work, didn't feel so good, went into the kitchen to get a drink of water. Next thing I knew, I was on the kitchen floor, my kitchen was full of Firemen, and one was rudely beating on my chest. Ended up with a TripleA bypass.
 
DrJerry":1deam9e6 said:
They chisel a number onto the frame if it's a homebuilt. I'm starting with a Harbor Freight trailer, which has some sort of a number on it. I hope that's good enough for them. It might just be a model number. :cry:
Actually, if all had gone according to plan, I would have had these answers already. I had a slight delay last spring. I did some yard work, didn't feel so good, went into the kitchen to get a drink of water. Next thing I knew, I was on the kitchen floor, my kitchen was full of Firemen, and one was rudely beating on my chest. Ended up with a TripleA bypass.
Click to expand...
I'm happy to hear you will be around for awhile. It definately can put a crimp in your plans. I have a friend who belongs to the zipper club and he still runs his business like there is no tomorrow with deadlines and all. He gets his heart up to 185 per minute and has to take a nap. The business isn't worth it.

They punched 10 numbers into the top of my tongue and put an official tag on the side with corresponding numbers. I should have paid more attention as the inspector entered on my paperwork 11 digets for my number when there should be only 10. I had to take it back for a mini inspection to verify the error and back to the license office to apply for a new title. A waste of a couple of hours and I paid $50 for the original inspection. Government :x Danny
 
Whe I had mine done, they gave me a piece of paper which gave the number, and where to die stamp the number. After I got the paper I stamped the number in the approiate place and went to get my tags. They gave me the tags with no problem. I asked if someone is supposed to verify that the stamp is correct. She said, as far as I'm concerned, you're good." I guess everybody assumes that I stamped the correct numbers.
 
I think Madjack, you may have the best information since you live in Louisiana. I am looking for the homebuilt trailer requirements for the state of louisiana. I have a homebuilt trailer and a former boat trailer that has been squared off. If the boat trailer has a VIN I can't seem to locate it. The trailers both came from a salvage yard were they were given to me at no charge. It is up to me to get them road ready. Any suggestions?? Your help is greatly appreciated
 
hiya Riken, wherabouts are ya from...I found this post in the NW section...for a homebuilt you need to get a form from the DMV which is an affidavit swearing you built it, you then take that form to the SP office nearest you for an inspection(you can also arange for them to come to your house) after inspection the SP will stamp a VIN on the trailer tongue, and sign off on your affidavit, take that paperwork back to the DMV, give 'em some cash and out you go with license and registration...a title will be mailed to you from Baton Rouge...The process can be more difficult with a boat trailer(Ithink) GPW, built his tear onna modified boat trailer and it seems(maybe) that they put him thru a couple of mor hoops to get his registration...you would have to get hold of him for specifics...
madjack 8)

p.s. I think it cost around 40 bucks for all of the above.....
 
Madjack,
I am south of Baton Rouge near Gonzales. That doesn't seem to bad of a process except for the modified boat trailer. Does it make a difference if I didn't build them? I picked them up at a Junkyard for free. Of course I did have to do some cosmetic to one, and square out the boat trailer. Basically I had 2 frames with 4 rotten tires. The boat trailer didn't have a tongue on it? Don't know if it was broken or not but I did have to add and an arm and tongue coupler. It was a manufactured trailer that has a barely visible sticker no stampings that I could see. Any ideas?
 
....have ya got a bill of sale from the junkyard...or just build the whole thing and claim you built it all, if you had to build the tongue, that is probably what I would do...when we did ours, the Trooper came out and stamped the numbers and went back in...wasn't much interested in anything else...except getting backout the heat...I believe Nubwon, over in Lake Charles said the Trooper gave him the numbers set and he stamped it bringing the stamps back inside and retrieving the paperwork.........
madjack 8)
 
Today I had my #4 teardrop inspected by the Washington State Patrol in Tacoma.
First off the officer who did the inspection loves teardrops and had to have the whole tour, the other officers joined in.
He started his inspection and noted it was a Teardrop Travel Trailer.
I asked why not a utility trailer as before and he said I couldn't haul gravel in it and it could only sleep two & it has a clam shell hatch in back so it's a Teardrop Travel Trailer

During his inspection I asked what the state considered a utility trailer converted into a teardrop.
He said that it's no longer a utility trailer but a teardrop travel trailer and if an officer ran the plates and found it was different he'd run the risk of a ticket and a required inspection.
He said it comes under a different classification and needs to be changed to the new classification.
He also noted your insurance would only cover a utility trailer if someone was to rear end you.
On my registration is states Ser/Body as 14/TEAR , make as HMDE & use as TLR.
He shook my hand and said they would be here for my next one. :thumbsup:
Finally we have some respect and a classification of our own. :thumbsup:
:D Danny
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

New posts

Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Try RV LIFE Pro Free for 7 Days

  • New Ad-Free experience on this RV LIFE Community.
  • Plan the best RV Safe travel with RV LIFE Trip Wizard.
  • Navigate with our RV Safe GPS mobile app.
  • and much more...
Try RV LIFE Pro Today
Back
Top Bottom