Congratulations! You are a new teardrop camper owner!
This purchase is one of the most exciting that you will have, because now the roads have opened up for traveling in a whole new way. Now what? If you bought your teardrop from a dealer, you are likely to have been explained all of the ins and outs of teardrop ownership.
If not, we are here to help! One main question may remain though… Do teardrop campers require titles? Yes, absolutely they do, as a title is a major way to prove ownership of your new asset. Surprisingly, not all states require titles and registration of a teardrop trailer. So how do you know if yours will? Let’s break a few factors down to see where you might fit in.
What is a teardrop title used for?
A title is a way to describe a major purchase and who is legally listed as the owner. We find these used for different vehicles, recreational vehicles, trailers, campers, bikes, motorized off road vehicles. I think you get the picture.
A teardrop trailer title would be no different. It states the date that you purchased your teardrop, your legal information, and details about the teardrop to make it identifiable in person. As on car titles, where the VIN is included, your teardrop will have an identifying number that is specific to that very teardrop.
No other teardrop will have that same identifying number.
Why is it a good idea to have a title for your teardrop?
A title is one of the fool proof ways of proving ownership of your teardrop. You will use this to register your unit with your local transportation department for license plates and purchase an insurance policy to protect your new asset, and even use it in the potential future sale of your teardrop camper.
Other less likely scenarios include theft, insurance claims against damage, and someone falsely saying the unit is theirs. You will want to make sure that you have some sort of title to clear up any misunderstandings. Your title is connected to you, until you choose to pass it along to a new owner.
Does everyone require a teardrop title?
No, there are some states that don’t require you to have a title to the teardrop if the unit is under a certain weight limit. If you purchased a teardrop that weighs under 1,800 lbs, you are unlikely to need a title in some states.
Please be sure to check with your local regulations to ensure that you are receiving information accurate to your state. Purchasing your teardrop from a dealership, you are likely to be given the correct information for your region, as dealerships maintain good standing by adhering to local laws and requirements.
What if I built my very own teardrop trailer?
Great question! We recommend that you apply for a title with your state’s department of transportation. Since you have built your very own teardrop trailer, you may have already used a bought trailer to build your unit on.
Here is what you may need to apply for that title:
Trailer receipt and all identifying information, construction receipts for all materials paid for and used in your design and build, documentation on inspections of the unit, an application from the transportation department, and an affidavit of ownership to attest to the teardrop as your own property.
The key is to educate yourself on your state’s trailer laws and regulations
Not all states require the same documentation. Ask questions at your local department site and maintain integrity by following the information you are given. Should you move to a different state, then you will need to check in on their laws as they may vary.
We highly recommend obtaining the proper documentation and keeping it in a safe location, that way no matter where you choose to move then you and your teardrop are covered against every situation. Be proud of your new camper and take that ownership to the next level!
Happy travels!
State Listings *** Rentals *** Accessories *** About *** Contact