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unbob's avatar
unbob
Explorer
Sep 17, 2013

Registration expired - should I worry?

My TC is registered in WA state.

Due to storm damage (while in another state) several months ago it was declared "totaled" by the insurance co. They notified WA DOL that the vehicle was salvaged.

I agreed to a buy-back deal with the insurance co and the agreed buy-back price was deducted from the check I received. Meantime, I have made the necessary repairs and the TC is ready to travel again (yea!!!).

Only problem now is the license plate expires in Oct and I can't renew it since the vehicle is officially a salvage vehicle. Also, I can no longer purchase insurance for the TC since it's salvaged.

Unfortunately, I am nowhere near WA and plan to head south to Baja in Oct. So the question is - should I worry about hauling a non-registered TC on my truck or not?

Sometime next year I'll return to WA and get the TC inspected and hopefully approved for registration.

Any advice or comments welcome!

25 Replies

  • Ranger Smith wrote:
    Why do you have to register a TC. Like saying I need too register my truck cap. I believe it is a part of your truck when attached and does not require separate registration.


    Because WA,OR and CA. All want money for every thing. A Truck camper is classified as an RV. Thus $$$$$$$$$.
  • Many states, maybe even most states, don't tag TCs (some don't even tag trailers).

    Those that do, it is more about collecting a tax than identifying a vehicle on the road. What your penalty will be for failing to pay a tax on time is between you and the state of Washington. Since they've already got it on their books as "no longer exists" I wish you good luck convincing them that the TC is worthy of title and tag. Varoius states have different ideas about salvage titles.
  • Ranger Smith wrote:
    Why do you have to register a TC. Like saying I need too register my truck cap. I believe it is a part of your truck when attached and does not require separate registration.
    It's required in WA state. However, I've heard that some states do not require registration for a TC - but I have no idea which states do and which don't.
  • Why do you have to register a TC. Like saying I need too register my truck cap. I believe it is a part of your truck when attached and does not require separate registration.

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