Registering my Airstream in a new state

[txlogic]

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I went into transfer the title on my trailer and was told it had to be inspected (who inspects trailers and what do they inspect?) and I had to have proof of insurance (who I'll the insurance company insure the trailer before it is registered in my name?).

[AWCHIEF]

Your local DMV should be able to answer your questions as they apply to Texas.

[OTRA15]

Originally Posted by txlogic

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I went into transfer the title on my trailer and was told it had to be inspected (who inspects trailers and what do they inspect?) and I had to have proof of insurance (who I'll the insurance company insure the trailer before it is registered in my name?).

Having a trailer inspected was new to me also (NY), but the same garages that inspect cars also do trailers apparently (brakes, lights, etc.). If you have your VIN for the trailer and a contract of sale, and/or title, you can obtain insurance and the appropriate cert. of insurance ID card for your state, even before it is registered in your name. I did this recently when I went to another state to pick up our new FC20.

Getting insurance ASAP early in the purchase of a new trailer makes sense, as it protects the buyer before he or she takes possession, even if the seller/dealer ALSO has insurance. No harm in overlapping policies in case of unexpected events (fire, theft, accidental damage not cause by the buyer, and so forth). This spreads the risk out better than waiting to get insurance later IMO.

[cwf]

Trailers in Texas are usually covered by your "tow vehicle".
Most any "inspection station" will provide your "inspection certificate".
With those 2 items, "inspection certificate" and "proof of insurance", along with your "payment" For taxes, etc.. You should be golden!

[Denis4x4]

Two things come to mind: if the AS was purchased in another state, I suspect that the "inspection" has to do with verifying that the VIN matches the paperwork and that the proof of insurance also has the same VIN. Just went through this in Colorado with an Avion purchased in Oregon. No big deal.

[Protagonist]

Originally Posted by Denis4x4

Two things come to mind: if the AS was purchased in another state, I suspect that the "inspection" has to do with verifying that the VIN matches the paperwork and that the proof of insurance also has the same VIN. Just went through this in Colorado with an Avion purchased in Oregon. No big deal.

The State of Texas requires vehicles— and I believe trailers as well— to have an inspection by a State-licensed inspection station before it is registered, no grace period. The inspection for a trailer would presumably cover lights, brakes, and other required equipment to verify that it is all present and in good working order.

At least in states like Louisiana you have to get the contraption registered first, and only after you have a valid State license plate do you go to the inspection station to get the inspection sticker; you have a grace period after registration to get the inspection done.

[moxie t. moto]

Originally Posted by txlogic

I apologize if this has been covered before, but I went into transfer the title on my trailer and was told it had to be inspected (who inspects trailers and what do they inspect?) and I had to have proof of insurance (who I'll the insurance company insure the trailer before it is registered in my name?).

Any r.v. dealers can inspect. But you need proof of insurance first! Then you can register. They probably will want to see your title also. Bad to go Tru all that before i could register mine. Frustrating to say the least!

[TxDave]

I'm in Temple, TX. Just went through this with my '71 Sovereign purchased from a gentleman in Indiana. I got a temporary statement of coverage from my auto insurance company. Had it inspected at a local trailer supply company. They installed the required break away braking device ($50 installed). I had to have it weighed at a certified scale (any feed store, CAT scale, or recycling center can do this). Then I went to the local county tax assessor's office with the signed title and a bill of sale. Now I have a Texas title in my name and Texas plates.

[switz]

The tow vehicle insurance often can cover the liability of the trailer when it is attached. The lawyers then have field day if the catch on the hitch fails and the trailer hits a bump and is no longer attached.....

The tow vehicle coverage usually does not cover damage to the trailer itself or the trailer contents. Liability coverage is all that extends to the trailer.

That is why folks have a separate policy on the trailer. With vintage trailers, one might need an appraisal to get the stated value type policy issued.

One needs a liability policy for when the trailer is just parked either in storage or a camp site in case an injury occurs to a person or place caused by a malfunction of an appliance inside the trailer or someone trips over the power cable going to the trailer.

From prior postings about the Texas BMV, they want to be sure you pay the taxes more than anything else. The tax stamp is required along with a vehicle inspection before the resgistration can even be renewed.

[Jekerrville]

How hard did the County hit you on the sales tax for the new to you AS? We bought new one in Washington state and our county demanded sales tax payment of 6.5% on the purchase price. 😳

[switz]

Back in the 60s when I was stationed in Rhode Island, they collected sales tax on the factory window sticker price of the new vehicle every time. They did not care about the haggled price or the difference price with a trade-in.

[rvb]

As of 2015 all trailers in Texas with a gross weight over 5,000 lbs are required to be inspected before tags can be issued. If it has 2 axles it is assumed to be over that because most axles are at least 2,500 lb loading. This has been a requirement most RV and boat owners ignored so the state made it a requirement to get the tags renewed.

Most any RV or boat dealer can do it. My local corner mechanic did it. Typically they check the chassis VIN number, the lights, break away switch and check to see if the tow vehicle has a brake controller. My insurance card does not list the trailer but I took my insurance policy that does. The hardest part was getting in and out of his lot.

[TxDave]

I ended up paying about $125 for tax, title, and registration. The inspection was about $85 including the break-away device. $5 for the certified weight.

[Devananda-E9]

I have recently registered my trailer and tow vehicle in Montana in an LLC with a permanent licence (available for vehicles 11 + years old) for $800. Am very pleased with the service. Insurance was a bit of a challenge, but worked out well. Contact me for more information.