Registering in California

In a few days I have an appointment at the DMV to register our new 560 here in Ca. Information on this is vague, applies to home built trailers, and most online links lead to "content not found" pages, so I thought to ask here before trying to call the DMV. Do I need to bring my Raindrop to the DMV for inspection? Does anyone know if I need to fill out anything more than the permanent trailer plate form? This form only asks for my information, nothing about the teardrop itself, I feel like I am missing something here...Thanks!

 

I just did this a few weeks ago with our new 560. In theory they don't need to look at the trailer, but they insisted and I didn't have the energy to argue with them. They did an inspection of the trailer, starting with "what is this?". It doesn't fit in well with their categories, but finally the inspector called it a "camper" - makes sense to me. She did write down some stuff from the VIN plate that is not on the form they gave me to fill out, but it is not clear to me this is really needed.

It was actually pretty painless, except that I made an appointment for the registration, but apparently the inspection is not part of the appointment process. I waited only a few minutes for the registration agent, but only after spending an hour waiting for and doing the inspection.

By the way, in California, at least at the DMV, permanent really means 5 years. You have to renew the registration every five years.

If you paid sales tax when you purchased your 560, be sure you get that deducted from the amount the DMV assesses. This includes out of state sales tax.

 

California statutes clearly states the trailer only needs to be brought in for VIN inspection if "previously titled". This being a new trailer does not need to go to the DMV. Take your bill of sale (leave the final invoice at home) and the MSO to the DMV and you will have everything you need.

Cary

 

While I agree that it should not be necessary for them to inspect it, why make a lot of trouble for yourself in standing on principle? If they insist on looking on it, what's the big deal, you have to learn to hook it up anyway. For me, it is easier to just bring it along than to fight them, and end up coming back. If you can leave it in the parking lot, oh well, nothing significant lost. My $.02.

 

I agree. If they insist on it, it really is no big deal to have it with you in the parking lot.

Cary

 

OK, I am going to bring it with me in case. My dad said they inspected his 550 as well. I was hoping to not have to since my husband is away on business next week, which means I will have to back my raindrop back into my garage by myself. Hopefully a neighbor will be around to guide me. I need to learn how to do it anyways! Thanks for the info.

 

I had one heck of a time registering(Ca.DMV)my 550 in 2011. They didn't know how to classify it. Fortunately I did some homework before I went in. Found a web site Nicks Teardrop Trailer Page www.nicksteardrop.com . It had the vehicle code:CVC242. The clerk couldn't figure it out so I supplied her with it. I did not bring my trailer with me, but they demanded to see it. Had to make an appt. for the following day.They insisted there should be two vin tags mounted on the trailer. Ended up calling Cary to clarify and they still gave me grief. Finally a supervisor stepped in and resolved the issue. And the icing on the cake is they wanted to verify the length of the trailer, didn't believe me. The supervisor didn't have a tape measure so she walked heel-to-toe to come up with a length. Our California tax dollars at work!

Good Luck,
Jim

 

CampMech,

Well, you do have a week. That should be enough time to get it backed up. ;-)

 

Rumor has it that in Colorado you need to declare whether your trailer is for recreational or medicinal purposes.

 

Hahaha!!

But, I guess in reality the trailers do have medicinal purposes...fun!

 

I expected trouble here in Wa because they just seem to enjoy giving people grief. When my husband died and we had a community property agreement they just kept me coming back and demanding more documentation. But the guy I got for my trailer knew exactly how to handle it and even worked out the sales tax without any problems.
Cary gave me good advice though. He said if they give you any trouble pick up your marbles and go somewhere else.

 

Cary, what is "MSO" ?

Thanks, Randy

 

Manufacturer's Statement of Origin....It functions like a "pre-title," as you haven't titled the trailer yet. It is documentation that the trailer has never been titled, because it came directly from the manufacturer. Only a manufacturer issues MSOs. If the trailer came through a dealer, the dealer would have handled it and taken care of the title.

 

Thanks Betsey, I assume that will come with the trailer along with the Bill of Sale?

 

Cary will have to answer that one. I'm not sure if it comes with the trailer or is sent separately. Maybe someone who had their trailer delivered can chime in on this one.

 

Yes, it should be inside your trailer. My MSO was in the drawer in the galley, along with the bill of sale and some other goodies

 

Thanks! What was your experience at the DMV, did they ask to inspect your camper?

 

My appt is on Wednesday, I will definitely update. I practiced backing it up this weekend, it went OK, lots of coaching. Parking my tear in my garage is a bit like threading a needle. I have to get it right in between the wall and my husband's '67 Mustang so it takes a bit of patience.

 

We registered our TD in California without the visual inspection. We registered ours at a AAA office

It did however require some convincing of AAA staff that we both qualified for the permanent plates and that the MSO was sufficient to waive the visual inspection.

It was a little frustrating at first as they pulled the statutes and I had to convince them that we met the definition in the statute. I mean there were discussions with supervisors and calls to higher muckety mucks, but we ultimately prevailed.

So while the statutes were very clear the people were kind of fuzzy. Also it was helpful to have the owners manual with us to show all the trailer specs.

 

Whoa, a 67 Mustang would add a bit of stress to the process. Don't want to scratch that beauty for sure.

Fortunately, the trailer is light enough that you can move it by hand. Valerie and I push our 560 up the driveway and into the garage by hand because we have a long, single car driveway with a fence on one side and our kitchen on the other so it is barely enough for our truck to fit through and no room to maneuver the trailer.