Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

by **tianac2** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:18 pm

Is it better to have it registered as a utility trailer as soon as it has a floor, or wait til its a tear?

http://s26.photobucket.com/user/len1907 · by **len19070** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:50 pm

tianac2 wrote:Is it better to have it registered as a utility trailer as soon as it has a floor, or wait til its a tear?

Register it as a utility Trailer first.

Don't confuse em'.

As soon as you put a body on it its more for them to pick at.

And they certainly know how to take there time.

Happy Trails

Len

by **Arne** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:52 pm

right, register the trailer, then build the t/d.....

they have all kinds of questions on a t/d trailer and you might not like answering some of them.. and they might want a material list for taxes.....

by **S. Heisley** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 5:53 pm

Welcome to the fun, Tianac2!

It may help to tell what state you live in or add it to your profile. Then people from that state will know to help you.

I looked through your posts and I believe you're from Washington?

by **rainjer** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 6:02 pm

If you are in Washington, you would register it as a utility trailer. Your treardrop is a box bolted to the utility trailer.

Jeremy

by **tianac2** » Sun Jul 12, 2009 10:41 pm

I am indeed from Washington. So, it won't change to legality if I register it as a utility trailer first and put a tear on it later? It will still qualify as a utility trailer? I fully agree that it SHOULD be, I just want to make sure that DOT will agree!

by **del** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:29 am

Mine has got 20,000+ miles on it as a utility trailer. MY understanding is a RV must have a sleeping area, a built in kitchen, and a bathroom (with black and gray water tanks). Part of registering it as a RV is fee for draining the black and gray water tank at rest stops. Personally register it as a utility trailer and do not confuse our state workers.

del

by **Muggnz** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 4:26 am

you could always buy a previously registered wreck or elcheapo bargain & "repair" it

by **EffieRover** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:30 am

I'd check with the state ... in NY, for example, home made trailers (of any kind) now have two different registrations with two different processes depending on finished weight. Under 1,000# requires receipts and materials list only while 1,000 and over requires a DMV inspection. I'm not sure I could get by with my standie being 'a box bolted onto the trailer.' Maybe, but just not sure on that...

by **S. Heisley** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 9:42 am

It is my understanding that, if you want to insure the cabin trailer for possible damages to it, you will need to re-register it to include the modifications, after you're done building the cabin. Most tow vehicle insurance will cover you for liability, based on your initial utility trailer registration. To be on the safe side, it's best to check with your insurance company, though. As far on whether you need to re-register it in the state of Washington, after the cabin is built? Someone from there will have to tell you that. I dunno.

by **Gary and Cheri** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 11:40 am

Move to Wisconsin, No registration and No licence plates. :applause:

Gary

by **Snide61** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 12:59 pm

I don't know about building a camper, but in Ohio a utility trailer under a certain weight only needs a weigh-slip then you tell the BMV its homemade and what color it is. They don't even look at it.

by **rainjer** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 1:19 pm

I know Halfdome Danny is building teardrop #3 in Washington State. I will send him a PM asking him to chime in. My trailer was already registered as utility trailer before I built the teardrop so I never need to bother with the DMV.

by **halfdome, Danny** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 5:57 pm

tianac2, check out this thread. You should find all the information required to register your build. I prefer to finish the build then have it inspected. I then know it will pass inspection by any law enforcement you may encounter on the streets or highways. Have fun with your build.

Danny

by **Carter** » Mon Jul 13, 2009 7:12 pm

Gary;
No Plate? What happens when you leave Wisconsin? Don't the IL,IN,MI,MN, law inforcement people bother you?

I haven't registered a homebuilt in Michigan but I'm told that you have it weighed, have it inspected, take all your receipts to the secretary of state, wait 7 weeks for a serial number tag, then get your title and tags.

jim

Teardrops n Tiny Travel Trailers

When to register a home build?

When to register a home build?

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