howdy, and Kentucky title/registration question

[beakman]

hi all,

I'm Mark. I've been lurking for a couple of years now, but have finally gotten around to pulling the trigger on a teardrop. I'll start a build thread soon, but I wanted to see what my fellow Kentuckians could tell me about the title/registration process.

I have a NT 5x8 trailer about 90% built, and of course I have the certificate of origin, receipt, etc. So what have y'all done? Just gone down to the county clerk and registered it as a trailer and been done with it, or figure out how to actually register it as a camper? The state's transportation website used to be pretty good, and you could find out just about anything, but in the last month or so they completed updated it, and it's about useless. You can't even look up personalized/vanity license plates any more to see if what you want is available.

If you HAVE just registered one as a cargo trailer, did you then have any trouble getting it insured? I would assume the insurance company would never even bother to ask or check the registration status, but who knows these days.

Thanks in advance for your input, and look forward to discussing my build with everyone as well.

[Largest Al]

I am in Lexington and have a TS trailer that has been modified slightly, by a really good welder, and am in the same situation. Mine is one step further though. The VIN tag/sticker is on the trailer, but as I bought it second or third hand, I have no title.
I want to move forward quickly with the build but am unsure if I need to get it registered now, or after the build.

Thanks
Alan

[ParTaxer]

In Kentucky you do not need registration on the trailer however it may prevent you from getting pulled over in another state if you have time you should register it as soon as possible . I have a completed Silvershadow and had to have it inspected because it was wired. The inspection station had no idea what they were looking at and referred me to Dept of Transportation. They didn't return my call. Moral of story register it soon as a cargo trailer.

[beakman]

I am in Lexington and have a TS trailer that has been modified slightly, by a really good welder, and am in the same situation. Mine is one step further though. The VIN tag/sticker is on the trailer, but as I bought it second or third hand, I have no title.
I want to move forward quickly with the build but am unsure if I need to get it registered now, or after the build.

Thanks
Alan

Try emailing KYDOT about that. There ARE ways to get lots of things with missing titles fixed. They were going to let me title a very old jeep with no title earlier this year with some minor hoop-jumping, but I found out the jeep itself wasn't worth the trouble! I'll also tell you I've heard of people just going down and applying for a new VIN as a homebuilt trailer and that working fine. Obviously you'll want to take the current one off first!

I'm going to email them about my question. I've had title questions in the past and they usually email me back within 24 hours at the most. I just asked here because I'd rather hear someone's real-world experience than be quoted something out of a book by someone in Frankfort.

[beakman]

OK, I emailed KYDOT about this, and they replied in under 2 hours!

I described what I was building, the size, mentioned there is no plumbing, etc. Specifically stated it will be a teardrop camper on a factory-made trailer frame. I asked if I should just title it as a cargo trailer or a camper. His response is below:

====================================

Thank you for contacting the MVL Helpdesk. In order to title the trailer, you will take the certificate of origin to your local county clerk’s office and treat it as you would a vehicle transfer. If any trailer is being used in a commercial manner a license plate is required. If the trailer is for personal use a plate is not required. However, The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet highly suggests that any trailer traveling out-of-state be plated as some states require all trailers to be registered. A full listing of county clerks and their contact information can be obtained from our website, http://mvl.ky.gov/MVLWeb/LSServlet.

You will need:
Photo identification
Proof of Kentucky residence
Certificate of Origin
Application
Money to pay applicable fees and taxes

The charges incurred will be as follows:
Title Fee $9.00
Registration/Plate Fee $27.00 (If needed)
6% Tax charged on the sale price of the vehicle (for further guidance on vehicle tax assessment, please contact the Kentucky Department of Revenue at 502-564-4455)

If you have any further questions please contact the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet at (502)564-1257.

Respectfully,

David Smith

Division of Motor Vehicle Licensing
Program Assistance Section
200 Mero Street
Frankfort, KY 40602
Phone- 502.564.1257
Fax- 502.696.3980

====================================

So I guess that answers that. I'll definitely tag it for out-of-state purposes, plus that will make it easier to ID/track if it were to be stolen, etc. I'll also be printing out my email and his response to keep with my paperwork should a LEO, etc. ever question the "trailer" tag being on a camper.

Good luck everyone!

[Largest Al]

Thanks!

I appreciate you following up. Now to work on the certificate of origin...... I bought this off a guy, who bought it off a guy, who bought it off a guy in London, KY. All trustworthy folks though!

Might contact Carry-On to see if they could help.

Then again, lost title and/or "new trailer" direction might be easier.

Alan

[beakman]

Probably best to just go to your clerk's office and ask. Being they are government, I'm sure you won't necessarily get the same answer there as you would from Frankfort. I find my clerks are very helpful and will give you a big HINT if they think you're heading the wrong way on something.

I agree with you that going for a new VIN is probably easier. But who knows, maybe the clerk will tell you to get a bill of sale from whoever you got it from and they might be good with it.

[beakman]

Well, after a couple of month's worth of delays due to travel, work, heat and general busy family things, I finally got down to the clerk's office and got titled and registered. No problems whatsoever.



Now onto construction......

[Dale Slater]

Great first thread for me to read. Joined forum today after searching for “legal to live in camper in KY. I’m near Paducah,KY ‘68-‘24! I want to build something for Dale Hollow Lake 4 hrs away after a family trip in 81/24 - 8/4/24.