Military Trailer Registration

[Swhirstein]

I’m looking at buying an ex military trailer. My questions are

How hard is it to register? (It doesn’t come with a title) seller said I’d just have to apply for a lost title. I’ve heard ex military vehicles can sometimes be a nightmare when registering them for the first time as civilian use. Does the same hold true for trailers?

Buying this out of state with no title, should this be a concern?

Any guidance or help with this would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!



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[Road]

Call your state Title and/or Dept of Motor Vehicle Registry office, or pop by there someday. You might be surprised.

Some states are no problem at all. Other states don't require an inspection or title for trailers under a certain weight, just tags. Some states may be fine with you calling it a homemade trailer. I know guys here in Maine who haul 1/4 ton military trailers around with no registration. I mean no plates of any kind.

Here's your state's info on registering various vehicle types: http://www.iowataxandtags.org/vehicle-registration/registration-fees-by-vehicle-type/

Personally, I wouldn't be concerned about buying out of state with no title, unless you think it's stolen. A lot of trailers don't have titles, especially if they've been sitting in a field or barn or sideyard for ages. I have two military trailers right now I'm getting ready to sell. One is a really nice restored Bantam T3-C, the other is an M-416 that could use some loving care.

 

[Swhirstein]

Call your state Title and/or Dept of Motor Vehicle Registry office, or pop by there someday. You might be surprised.

Some states are no problem at all. Other states don't require an inspection or title for trailers under a certain weight, just tags. Some states may be fine with you calling it a homemade trailer. I know guys here in Maine who haul 1/4 ton military trailers around with no registration. I mean no plates of any kind.

Here's your state's info on registering various vehicle types: http://www.iowataxandtags.org/vehicle-registration/registration-fees-by-vehicle-type/

Personally, I wouldn't be concerned about buying out of state with no title, unless you think it's stolen. A lot of trailers don't have titles, especially if they've been sitting in a field or barn or sideyard for ages. I have two military trailers right now I'm getting ready to sell. One is a really nice restored Bantam T3-C, the other is an M-416 that could use some loving care.

Thanks for the info!

 

[Smokey_Bear_JLUR]

Definitely get AT LEAST a Bill Of Sale. Here in Missouri, you can buy a trailer without a title and get it plated, but if no title or MSO, you need a Bill Of Sale. Hope this helps!

 

[mep1811]

In Texas I registered my M416 as a homemade utility trailer .

 

[pierceg]

In Montana you register it. This gets you a Vin that has to be etched or stamped into the tongue of trailer.
Then get an appointment with a sheriff deputy to come by and verify Vin and lights.
Pretty easy and cheap.

 

[WalkingBear]

In San Antonio TX if the trailer is under 3500lbs only requires a Tag and is considered a utilitarian trailer. It helps if you have a proof of purchase/Bill of sale. I have a surplus M1101 aluminum.

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[Swhirstein]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I took the bill of sale in to get plates and it was registered as a 2018 homemade trailer as I didn't have any Manufacturer/Model/VIN. The lady did say I can contact Iowa DOT and have a VIN # assigned to it. Which I will probably do once I get the trailer build further along in the process, right now it's just scrap metal with wheels! lol

 

[Road]

Thanks for all the great feedback! I took the bill of sale in to get plates and it was registered as a 2018 homemade trailer as I didn't have any Manufacturer/Model/VIN. The lady did say I can contact Iowa DOT and have a VIN # assigned to it. Which I will probably do once I get the trailer build further along in the process, right now it's just scrap metal with wheels! lol

That's great news, @Swhirstein - glad it worked out!