title or registration not needed for used travel trailer?

DPForumDog wrote:
Do you need a title for a travel trailer.

We are trying to buy a used camper and the seller says he cant find the title.

But our friend says that a travel trailer doesn't need a title.

Anybody know? How can I find our for sure?

thanks

Depends on where you are. Some states don't title, or make it optional. Some make tags option, and still no title, some do title and make tags optional. My state tags optionally and depending on type of use: personal, commercial, agricultural, and it all has to do with tax structure.

If you are taking it to a state that tags, and wants a title to tag it, then the old title can be pretty important.

Even if you plan to leave it somewhere and not pull it on the highway look to the future
You may want to sell it and the value will be a LOT less without a title
Good Luck, Mike

double post

Moved to TT From the TC Forum.

Wayne
Moderator

The current owners story is fishy since anyone with a brain knows if you had a title you need it to transfer ownership. Your friends advice is worthless, remember that in the future.

blangen wrote:
Ask the DMV in your state... the only answer to trust.

That is good advice. I wouldn't want to put a lot of money in a trailer that I didn't have title to. If the current "possesor" of the trailer can't get a duplicate title because he never had one then in some states you can have the current owner get an abandoned title. The DMV will do an inspection and there is a time frame that it had to be in that location.

Depends on what state you live in, In Oklahoma you don't have to tag any trailer unless its for commercial use , None of my trailers have plates or tags, or a title.

DPForumDog wrote:
Do you need a title for a travel trailer.


Anybody know? How can I find our for sure?

Depends on your state's laws. Why don't you call your department of motor vehicle and ask them? They will know!

Thanks everyone. I looked on the Alabama DMV and it says all travel trailers over 16 feet must be titled, with the exception of Travel Trailers made before 1989.

This should be asked over in the travel trail section.

I don't know of any state that a travel trailer does not need a title. You will need to have plates on it if you plan on pulling it on the road.

If he did have a title at one time, then all he needs to do is go to DMV and request a duplicate title. If DMV will not issue a title due to age, they will at least issue a letter stating so and have the vin clearly listed.

Of course, my info is based on SC life and knowledge I've gained from looking at buying used vehicles for restoration purposes.

You may also wish to check with your own state's DMV to see what their requirement is to put it on the road. That is the safest and best way to go since they are the ones you must make happy to get tags.