Virginia Travel Trailer Inspection?
The VA DMV states that trailers over 3k gross weight that have brakes must be inspected yearly. Does anyone have experience with this process? Any suggestions on who would perform this service? Certai...
Forum Discussion
Swolf wrote:
Hey there,
Question, I have a 2017, 5th wheel t@b outback camper made by nucamp. It weighs 2,000lb and is equipped with brakes. The law states the trailers and travel trailers under 3k lbs do not have to be inspected but, if equipped with breaks, inspection is required.
I’m in a bad spot as the camper isn’t located anywhere near VA nor will it be for the next 6 months - its a long story... Any idea how I might have it play out in my favor when attempting to titlie? I guess I could simply state the breaks have been removed as in VA they are not required on a 2k trailer/travel trailers? Any ideas???
Thanks in advance,
Sanford
The requirement for brakes on a trailer in Virginia is that the gross weight of the trailer is 3000 lb or more (it used to be 2900 lbs or more). The gross weight is the empty dry weight of the trailer plus the amount of cargo the trailer is designed to carry. You need to check the weight sticker on the trailer for these weights. The title for the trailer where it is registered probably lists those weights which is what the Virginia DMV will go by.
If the empty dry weight is actually 2,000 lbs and the trailer is designed to carry up to 999 lbs of cargo, it does not need brakes and no inspection is required. You could legally remove the brakes and not mention it when titling the trailer in Virginia. As long as it does not have breaks you do not need an inspection. If you leave the brakes on the trailer it will require inspection because it has brakes, even though it doesn't meet the weight requirements. That said, if you do not have a large enough tow vehicle with enough braking capacity to stop itself plus the trailer, you should keep the brakes.
If the empty dry weight is actually 2,000 lbs and the trailer is designed to carry 1,000 pounds of cargo or more then you must have brakes and an inspection is required.
As far is titling the trailer, you can get the trailer titled whether it has brakes or not, so you don't even need to mention whether or not the trailer has them.
