Teardrop trailer ownership has never been more fun than current days!
They are so much fun to look at and provide all the luxuries you may need along your adventures. Along with the great exploration and ease that your teardrop camper will bring, we still have to think of “adulting” and the responsibilities that come along with a majorly exciting purchase.
We have articles that cover information on license plates for teardrops and obtaining titles for teardrops, but do our teardrop trailers need to be registered?
Yes, teardrop trailers need to be registered. Like any other vehicle and camper, registering your teardrop is a priority. The stipulations on how the process may differ between states, and the age of your teardrop will factor in, as well as the weight and length will determine your registration and attached fees.
The Registration Process
Although the process may change from region to region, the nuts and bolts remain the same.
You will want either a title or bill of sale to show proof that you are authorized to register the teardrop trailer. Any registration entity will need proof to avoid the liability of registering a unit to someone that does not provide proper ownership.
The following information will be required:
- Year of the Teardrop Unit
- Teardrop Make and Model
- Purchased Price
- Buyer and Seller Information
- Receipts and Construction Proof (applicable if you built the unit)/ Title or Origin Certificate
- Identification Number (usually VIN)
Why is Registration Necessary?
Registering your teardrop (when required) is the only way to maintain legality of towing it down the public roadways. If your unit isn’t properly registered, then you could be facing hefty fines and taxes anyways.
You could damage your teardrop and not be properly compensated for repair or replacement of your unit. You could face potential damage to another’s personal property done by your teardrop which may cause you to pay out of pocket because you couldn’t purchase insurance.
No matter the consequences, registering your teardrop is another step in financial responsibility of ownership. It will definitely aid authorities in the retrieval of your teardrop, should it be stolen. As you can see, there are many good reasons to follow the letter of the law when it comes to registration.
Does My State Require Registration?
Every state is different, and you will want to check in with your state’s department of transportation to reference the laws and regulations. For example, if the teardrop weighs under 1,800 lbs then the state of Oregon views it as a utility trailer and does not demand registration.
However, Arizona requires registration, and the process depends on the use of the trailer and the weight. Due to the statewide variances, you will definitely want to ask those questions to your dealer and local transportation offices.
Many dealerships tend to know those requirements and will assist you in the process during your purchasing. Should you buy the unit private party, make sure to do your due diligence to avoid unwanted consequences.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Questions
You are new to this teardrop ownership and there is absolutely no shame in asking any questions. In fact, ASK ALL THE QUESTIONS! 🙂 It is okay not to know all the answers, and if you are anything like me then you have probably asked all the questions prior to the purchase of your teardrop anyways.
Ask people you know with teardrops, ask local dealerships and manufacturers, ask your transportation department, and ask the person you are potentially buying the unit from. They have done this before and have the expertise to guide you in local regulations.
Enjoy the Journey!
The process may seem intimidating when you haven’t gone through it before. You have likely registered a vehicle before, and this is nothing different. “Adulting” and taking care of things like registration isn’t always the glamorous part of ownership, but it is the necessary part of it.
The rest is just cake! So, you can have your cake and eat it too! Enjoy the process and take pride in knowing you make it happen for yourself. Take pride in knowing you are one step closer to enjoying the teardrop ride of a lifetime! Happy Tears!
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