Kit Trailer Registration/Construction Question

[Stony]

Hi all. I apologize in advance if this has been answered elsewhere but...

I'm in PA and have finally navigated through the mire that is the PA DMV to find out what I need to do to title and register a kit trailer (thanks to TP Trailers in Limerick for that info!). What I need to know is, should I take the trailer in for inspection after the TTT build or before (when it's just a utility trailer). Since PA has laws on the books from 1640 that pop up from time to time, I don't want to get into trouble if I register a utility trailer and then get rear ended after it's been converted to a TTT.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks!

[Nitetimes]

I vote to register the utility trailer. It can be a royal pain if they aren't exactly sure what it is you are registering!!
And we've got a whole lotta burnt out light bulbs in Harrisburg!!

[Stony]

A-MEN! I think it's the air in Harrisburg...

Thanks for the advice! That's what I thought would be best. Especially since it took two weeks to figure out how to register the *&#@ thing!

[Kens]

I also vote for utility trailer. Live in Pa. Enough said.

[dmckruit]

I bought a carry on from Tractor Supply. They give you the certificate of origin and send you down the street for the plate and title. Its the easiest way to go. I got my title and registration sticker in the mail last week, so it takes about 30-60 days to get everything. The good thing was that I was able to use the trailer in the meantime to haul lumber, etc for the teardrop build.

[len19070]

Register it as a utility Trailer.

Don't do anything to confuse them. They get confused very easily.

If you haven't purchased the frame yet, by all means go with the Tractor Supply Frame.

There already assembled (not that you couldn't assemble it) But by purchasing it already assembled you and a TS guy go directly to a tag place and get it registered and tagged.

With no BS.

No BS getting a title in Pennsylvania.....Priceless.

Happy Trails

Len

[Senior Ninja]

Count me with those who say register the utility trailer. I'd match Kahlyfornia's DMV against any for convolution! I took my HF trailer over after fastening a 4'x8' piece of three quarter plywood to the frame. I told them I was going to use it to haul my grandchildrens' atvs. No problem, they could underesrtand that. lol
Steve

[bobhenry]

Count me with those who say register the utility trailer. I'd match Kahlyfornia's DMV against any for convolution! I took my HF trailer over after fastening a 4'x8' piece of three quarter plywood to the frame. I told them I was going to use it to haul my grandchildrens' atvs. No problem, they could underesrtand that. lol
Steve

Where ever you are DO NOT confuse them with too much information !

[alffink]

I'm in CA. had completed my TD before registration
Had no problem with registration, but I did not call it a TD or a camp trailer, (keep it simple) I just called it an enclosed utility trailer, to be used to haul my camping gear. Took about 45 minutes most of that waiting in line.

[Rock]

Sounds like a major PITA in most places. In Ohio I just had to take in the HF "title" in and walked out with plates.

[dmckruit]

Also, another plus with the Tractor Supply trailers is that the 12" wheels have 5 x 4-1/2 hubs. So if you want to go to a 14" or 15" wheel, the stock wheels they also sell at Tractor Supply will easily fit on to the trailer once you cut off the fenders.

[bbarry]

In Kansas, you aren't required to title or register a small trailer:

Trailer with an operating weight of 2,000 lbs or less may be titled and registered at the owner’s option, they are not required to be titled and registered. Operating weight means the total weight of the trailer and any load transported thereon. A trailer meeting the 2,000 lbs. exemption may be sold on a bill of sale.

Is there any advantage to going through the hassle and doing so?

[Mark McD]

My state, Ohio, doesn't require a teardrop to be inspected if a) the frame has a title or certificate of origin, and b) there is no source of ignition inside the sleeping compartment. To them, it's not a camper it's merely a cool looking utility trailer. I found all of this out when I tried to have my td inspected and the sheriff looked at me and said it didn't need to be inspected and spent an hour looking up every possible law regarding it.Needless to say I was out the $90 non-refundable fee and two months camping time. If you have a Harbor Freight or other frame with a c.o.o. just take that to the DMV. It usually has the weight listed on the certificate so you don't need to have it weighed either. Now as far as insurance goes, they go by what it says on the title,(utility trailer), so you usually have to have them inspect it to asses value,and of course, jack up your rates.

[Arne]

in CT, we are taxed yearly on vehicles. I reg my h/f as it comes from h/f... cert of origin and a pic of the trailer.

If I took it in as a t/d, would have to supply receipts for all parts, and would be taxed accordingly...

Instead of 12 dollars a year, would be about 150, I'm guessing.... the less information, the better..... they get confused easily.