I can forego the vintage plate for the time being (heck, I don't even have the TRAILER yet!) but I'm wondering if you had any experience with getting a title in Texas when the trailer doesn't have one? Or, did yours already have a clear title (from whichever state) when you purchased?
Sadly, we really haven't come to much resolution. I've been researching here and on some other legal websites related to vehicle titles in Texas (trailers have pretty much the same statutes as any other car or truck in Texas), and from what I've found it seems like it's very difficult. Often times, the people who are succesful found a sympathetic ear, or knew someone in a position of power/authority in their county who helped them push it through.
If I'm investing thousands of dollars on this, I don't think I want to leave it up to luck or chance that my paperwork might somehow be approved, or not approved, as the case may be.
I'm headed to the Travis County tax assessor/collector tomorrow for some details, but right now I have to say I'm pretty discouraged. I think the wisest course of action would be to wait for one with a clear title. But, we'll see what the County has to say tomorrow.
The good news is that I did find a buddy who can make the drive with me. So I've got my fingers crossed that I can find some way to resolve this title issue.
(Thanks for the good thoughts, Frank, looks like it worked for a driving buddy. Now can you send me some good thoughts for a clear title??? )
First call to the tax assessor/collector's office still leaves a lot of ambiguity.
The person I talked to asked if the trailer was less than 4000 lbs gross (since it's a 50s Overlander, it is indeed less than 4000 lbs). When I replied that it was less than 4,000 lbs, she told me that these trailers are rarely titled in Texas. In order to register it, I would still need to submit the Form 130U Application for a Texas Title, and then pay all of the appropriate fees (and of course sales tax at 6.25% of the purchase price).
But this doesn't sound right to me, I know other Airstream owners in Texas carry titles on their TTs, so I'm still going to have to stop by the office and hopefully talk to someone further back behind the front desk.
Now can you send me some good thoughts for a clear title???
Marcus,
Give THESE GUYS a call. A friend of mine that buys lots of old GMC trucks uses them to get titles. I think what they do is register the vehicle in a state the allows registration from a bill of sale. Then you can take the valid registration to your state and make the transfer. I'm sure they can explain it much better than I have. I don't think it is really that expensive or time consuming.
Give THESE GUYS a call. A friend of mine that buys lots of old GMC trucks uses them to get titles. I think what they do is register the vehicle in a state the allows registration from a bill of sale. Then you can take the valid registration to your state and make the transfer. I'm sure they can explain it much better than I have. I don't think it is really that expensive or time consuming.
Good luck!
Many thanks Steve, that sounds like a good possibility. I get the feeling you REALLY want me to pick up this '58. Is that so that you can share the love/hate of vintage ownership??
.... he is also trying to say that there are trailers. There are cool trailers. And then there are the really cool trailers. You know what I, I mean Steve, is getting at?
.... he is also trying to say that there are trailers. There are cool trailers. And then there are the really cool trailers. You know what I, I mean Steve, is getting at?
So you... err.. I mean Steve, thinks this is REALLY cool trailer?
First call to the tax assessor/collector's office still leaves a lot of ambiguity.
The person I talked to asked if the trailer was less than 4000 lbs gross (since it's a 50s Overlander, it is indeed less than 4000 lbs). When I replied that it was less than 4,000 lbs, she told me that these trailers are rarely titled in Texas. In order to register it, I would still need to submit the Form 130U Application for a Texas Title, and then pay all of the appropriate fees (and of course sales tax at 6.25% of the purchase price).
But this doesn't sound right to me, I know other Airstream owners in Texas carry titles on their TTs, so I'm still going to have to stop by the office and hopefully talk to someone further back behind the front desk.
Marcus, just found and thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful thread. Wish I'd found it sooner. Seems like we've got to figure out a way to collectively accumulate enough karma to get you that title. Apparently the person you talked to at the tax office assumed that the trailer wasn't of the titled variety. I think a TT, on the other hand, would be considered a titled trailer since they are originally issued a title and a VIN from the factory. It would seem these "untitled trailers" are of the homemade variety or purchased at HD in a box and then assembled in the driveway. No kidding. I've done this several times myself. You take a bill of sale, the cash register receipt, to the tax assessor and they will issue a title and registration without batting an eye. I think your plan is a good one. Consider it advanced reconnaissance. I think with a little luck you'll eventually get your title and your cool trailer. BTW I vote hook and tow!
__________________
Todd
“Complications arose, ensued, were overcome...savvy?”
Marcus, just found and thoroughly enjoyed reading this wonderful thread. Wish I'd found it sooner. Seems like we've got to figure out a way to collectively accumulate enough karma to get you that title. Apparently the person you talked to at the tax office assumed that the trailer wasn't of the titled variety. I think a TT, on the other hand, would be considered a titled trailer since they are originally issued a title and a VIN from the factory. It would seem these "untitled trailers" are of the homemade variety or purchased at HD in a box and then assembled in the driveway. No kidding. I've done this several times myself. You take a bill of sale, the cash register receipt, to the tax assessor and they will issue a title and registration without batting an eye. I think your plan is a good one. Consider it advanced reconnaissance. I think with a little luck you'll eventually get your title and your cool trailer. BTW I vote hook and tow!
Thanks Todd-- and after reading this thread, NOW you can probably figure out how I'm one of the very few "Rivet Masters" with no Airstream! Some folks probably think I'm chatty, I just consider myself "friendly."
If you're terribly bored, or if you're dreading polishing your trailer, and you want another long, rambling read, you could check out the original thread I started when I discovered this Forum and began my Search in earnest-- http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...ist-39806.html
Also, it looks like everyone's collected karma and good will might be working on my behalf. I talked to the seller last night and he agreed that he should be selling it with a title, and indicated that he doesn't believe he will have any trouble obtaining one, so he's headed down to his county courthouse today to begin the process. He was very understanding, and I think he also doesn't want to lose this potential sale as a result of not having the title.
Thanks Todd-- and after reading this thread, NOW you can probably figure out how I'm one of the very few "Rivet Masters" with no Airstream! Some folks probably think I'm chatty, I just consider myself "friendly."
If you're terribly bored, or if you're dreading polishing your trailer, and you want another long, rambling read, you could check out the original thread I started when I discovered this Forum and began my Search in earnest-- http://www.airforums.com/forums/f348...ist-39806.html
Also, it looks like everyone's collected karma and good will might be working on my behalf. I talked to the seller last night and he agreed that he should be selling it with a title, and indicated that he doesn't believe he will have any trouble obtaining one, so he's headed down to his county courthouse today to begin the process. He was very understanding, and I think he also doesn't want to lose this potential sale as a result of not having the title.
So I've got my fingers crossed.
Very good! We'll keep ours crossed too.
If more potential purchasers would demand titles I think we would begin to see the deeper trouble which is lazy sellers not wanting to do their title paperwork. That creates lots of problems for buyers who for one reason or another seem to be not requiring the appropriate documentation from the jurisidiction of origin.
Purchasers need to be proactive in this area and put the burden of producing a title squarely on a seller's shoulders where it belongs. As you have done. In most cases it's going to be much easier for an existing seller to obtain a title than for a subsequent purchaser. At the very least a paper trail will be created. Let's hope this happens in your case!
No worries. Maybe you don't have an airstream yet but you've definitely attained rivet master status in the elegance of your pursuit of one! Thanks for the link too. I'm looking forward to reading the earlier history of this tale of a search for the perfect overlander. Very nice!
__________________
Todd
“Complications arose, ensued, were overcome...savvy?”
- Captain Jack Sparrow
Last edited by monocoque; 06-03-2008 at 10:53 AM..
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