Newbie:trailer frame & licensing in CA

[Zarco]

Howdy Folks,
Considering building a tear drop from scratch and have a TON of questions. The first thing I'll need
to get started is a trailer frame of some sort. I've seen freebies show up on the local Craigslist
(everything from old pop up campers to tilt trailers) but most of these have no registartion or
title of any sort. Can anyone in CA offer any advice about registering/licensing trailers here?
What to consider and what to avoid would be especally helpful!
Steve

[doug hodder]

I've done 6 and have had no issue with DMV in Ca. Save ALL your receipts, make them a copy that you will leave with DMV. I total the materials, and what I spent on the taxes, guestimate my hours, and give it to them on a spread sheet. If I know the exact weight I let them know if they ask, if not, I guess on that as well, and make sure it's less than 1500 or you need brakes in Ca. Tell them it's "new construction". You want to make it so that you can get the PTI plates. Only due every 5 years. It can still be insured as a camper trailer, but if you register it as "utility" trailer it's a whole 'nother thing with the insurance co. If you get a freebie...ask at least for a statement that indicates that is where you got the axle or whole frame just in case they ask.

However...this is only my experience with DMV in Eldorado Co and I scratch build all my frames, 'cept this last one. All Ca. DMV's may be different. Your experience may vary. Doug

[CarlLaFong]

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
That's pretty much the same throughout California. We are perceived by the rest of the country as being the "Land of Fruits and Nuts", but our DMV is very easy to deal with, as a rule. I hear stories, on other boards, about Draconian DMVs, such as PA and I am glad I'm here with Governor Moonbeam. That, and the weather can't be beat.
I,too, wonder about the purchase of a non registered trailer and how much hassle it would be to register it in CA. I have passed on some real bargains because of no papers. I do know, from experience, if the vehicle is out of the system, getting a duplicate title is simple, but if it has been registered in the past 10 years (I think) then Sacramento knows about it and getting title might be tough

[doug hodder]

Sorry... I used the incorrect term....it's "special construction" not new construction. That one popped into my head on the way to pick up some insulation this morning. Doug

[GuitarPhotog]

Even my 1949 teardrop is licensed as "Special Construction" because it has no known manufacturer, and has a DMV-assigned VIN.

It's easy to do, it just requires taking the trailer to the DMV office for their inspection and application of the VIN sticker.

<Chas>