Do they assign VIN numbers to home made trailers?

[DeanBrown3D]

The guys where I picked up my trailer said that they generally register their trailers as home made, to avoid tax. If this is the case, is there a VIN number on the registration card or not? Because if there is, it wouldn't match the trailer VIN/details plate.

This is NJ BTW, if that's important.

 

[Greg P]

Dean,

For what it's worth, when I lived in Georgia, my Dad built a couple of home made utility trailers and when I took one to get the tag for it, I had to do a couple of things.

1.) Have DMV/Sherriffs department check it for safety purposes - lights, etc.
2.) Assign it a serial number - we put a tag on it naming it serial number 00001 or something like that.

If I remember correctly, by having a serial number and manufacturer name (our name basically), we were able to meet their requirements.

Not sure if that helps, but thought I would share. Check with the place that will issue the registration and trailer tag.

Greg

 

[bshinn]

Had to stamp one on the frame of mine. The inspector issued it, then I took the paperwork to the DMV w/ about ten bucks & got a tag.

BTW this was in NC

Bob

 

[NorCalDiscoII]

Same in CA: you can't take a trailer on public roads unless you have a license plate -> you can't get a license plate unless you have a VIN/serial#. Solution: take it to DMV, pay, get it inspected and issued a VIN/serial# -> no avoiding tax.

 

[D Chapman]

Same thing in VA.
5.00 for the VIN number
Call the police Dept. and have them look at the trailer (free)
60.00 for registration
35.00 for a plate.

 

[Joey]

In Ohio, all you need is to weigh the trailer and take the weigh ticket to DMV, tags and registration in 5 minutes. NO VIN and NO Inspection.

Not sure about WV, all my small trailers are registered in Ohio....Cheaper that way.

 

[DeanBrown3D]

Hehe in NJ you don't need to get them inspected. Its 'self inspection'.

I'm just gonna register it properly, its just not worth the worry for a few bucks.

Thanks all,

Dean

 

[Disco_Stu]

Hmm, here in Kentucky, I think the rule is...if it rolls, its legal!

Seriously, of all the trailers we have had including numerous boat trailers, we have never had to register a single one, I don't know what the rules are exactly, but I don't believe KY has any rules requiring licensing or taxing of trailers. Just another way to keep the cost of living down, and hopefully we have enough people that would kick any public officials out of office if they tried to institute something like that now.

So I wonder what is the rule, if I use my trailers out of state, say in a place that requires plates on all trailers?

 

[Leslie]

Hmm, here in Kentucky, I think the rule is...if it rolls, its legal!Seriously, of all the trailers we have had including numerous boat trailers, we have never had to register a single one, I don't know what the rules are exactly, but I don't believe KY has any rules requiring licensing or taxing of trailers. Just another way to keep the cost of living down,QUOTE]


I work in southwestern Virginia; several of the folks at work live in Kentucky and have trailers for horses, four-wheelers, etc. My understanding of Kentucky is that, yes, they DO tax trailers, and everything else to boot, but no, it is not well-enforced (thus, lots of folks running up and down the highways in Pikeville/ Jenkins/ Harlan on four-wheelers). Several of them complain about just how ridiculous Kentucky taxes are compared to Virginia (and, I complain about Tennessee's when compared to Virginia, too). North Carolina is pretty bad too, from what I understand... they even tax your dog, from what I've heard tell....


FWIW......



-L