Thinking about buying an untitled homebuilt teardrop

[stellalunag]

I live in MD, and I've found a homebuilt teardrop for sale at a good price. I'm interested, but I've talked to the guy, and he doesn't have any documentation from his build...no receipts, no paperwork for the trailer frame, nothing. He made it a long while back but never titled or registered it, has kept it in a shed, etc. I'm wondering if I'll be able to get it titled with nothing more than a bill of sale and photos (plus the appropriate applications, inspections, etc.). I looked at the MVA website, and it looks like they want a whole lot of documentation before they'll title a homebuilt vehicle.

Anybody ever bought a homebuilt without a lot of paperwork and then had it titled? How'd you do it?

I know laws vary state to state, but I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect. If it's too big a risk, perhaps there's just no point in buying the thing at all.

[doris s.]

We live in MD and got papers with the trailer when we bought the trailer. I would call the DMV and talk to someone. They might want to inspect it or have you, have it inspected.
Apply for a vin number. There has to be a way to get it done. It might be a bit tricky but it's worth a call. Let us know how it works out.

Doris

[eaglesdare]

I live in MD, and I've found a homebuilt teardrop for sale at a good price. I'm interested, but I've talked to the guy, and he doesn't have any documentation from his build...no receipts, no paperwork for the trailer frame, nothing. He made it a long while back but never titled or registered it, has kept it in a shed, etc. I'm wondering if I'll be able to get it titled with nothing more than a bill of sale and photos (plus the appropriate applications, inspections, etc.). I looked at the MVA website, and it looks like they want a whole lot of documentation before they'll title a homebuilt vehicle.

Anybody ever bought a homebuilt without a lot of paperwork and then had it titled? How'd you do it?

I know laws vary state to state, but I'm trying to get an idea of what to expect. If it's too big a risk, perhaps there's just no point in buying the thing at all.

is this the one in millsboro de?

[stellalunag]

Thanks, Doris. And eaglesdare, it is the one in DE. Know anything about it? I've pretty much talked myself out of it ( had something come up that has used up my "extra" money for now), but if he still has it in a few weeks, I may try again. Whatever happens, I don't want to get stuck with a vehicle I can't have titled.

[eaglesdare]

i don't know anything about it. i did email him myself. the price did seem good. however, he told me that he had no pics. and when he told me the size for sleeping only 1, that was it for me. i need something a bit bigger.

not sure what you are looking for, but for that price it might be good for the frame and wood? not even sure what he used to build. you may be closer for a quick look at it than i am.


i'm just curious, are you looking to buy one already built? or are you interested in building one? personally i could go either way if the price is right and at the right time. so i am just keeping my eyes open.

[stellalunag]

I'm not that much of a DIY person, so I am looking for one that is already built.

He said it was burgundy in color, had two windows, good tires, was wire for electricity.

Didn't give much more detail than that, really. And it is a two or three hours' drive, so I'm not sure I'm so keen on going that far just for a look-see.

[eaglesdare]

ah you are farther than i am. it is about 1 to 2 hour drive for me.

well good luck in your search!