California trailer registration

[VanDominator13]

Hi there. I've been checking this site out for the last week or so, wow! So many cool rigs and ideas.
I currently drive a 2011 4x4 tundra that I'm in the process of doing some off-road upgrades on. My wife and I tent camped for 4 years before my daughter was born but now with a 2 year old we're considering upgrading to a overland/exploration trailer so we can get away from the crowds like when we were tenting but still have some creature comforts for my wife and small child.
My question is this, has anyone in California bought a trailer from out of state and had an issue getting it registered or titled? I see a ton of cool options for sale online but the majority are outside of CA and I'd like to know what I'm getting into before I consider buying from out of state or buying a trailer to convert into an overland type tow trailer. Any advise is appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[calicamper]

I did back in 2011. Lifetime tenttrailer via Costco. It had an added layer of complications. It was a kit built in Utah and assembled by me. On top of that the registration paperwork listed as a camp trailer. I had to take it to a DMV office others reported having issues with the inspectors wanting to register it as a rv. It's not. Its a utility trailer that has a tent that sits over it. I took it over in the utility mode no tent in sight. When the inspector came out I simply told him it's clearly a utility trailer. He checked the vin stamp and done.

I think as long as the trailer is clearly some sort of gear/utility rig it's an easy effort. If it has plumbing and such where it could be called in some twisted way an RV then things might get complicated.

 

[calicamper]

I think boats and RVs get a property tax bill each yr. I get one for my boat. But not for the utility trailer.

 

[Anak]

I don't know where the differences come in (and good luck getting the same answer twice from the DMV), but my pop-up camper (which has a sink, fridge and heater) does not seem to involve any different registration than my utility trailer. Both have the 5 year "permanent" plates.

I am guessing that Harbor Freight trailers must be easy to register. They are a kit, made in China and assembled by the end user.

I suspect it is much to one's advantage to register a trailer as early as possible in the build process so that there is less of an investment to be taxed at the time of registration.

 

[Weeds]

If the out of state trailer you buy does not have a title and you receive a bill of sale; make sure you get a notary to verify the owner's signature and the bill of sale has the VIN on it. You may also need a weight slip for the weight of the trailer.

This is what was required to bring a trailer from Idaho to Washington.

 

[VanDominator13]

Thanks for the replies.
Doesn't sound too complicated to get it registered, the only hitch is whether it gets the RV tag or Utility tag. Obviously the utility tag is the more desirable of the two. Great advise all around!

 

[GDSQDCR]

I bought my Lifetime Trailer through Costco as well. No issues registering it. I did have to bring it down to DMV for the inspection, but they saw a utility trailer, verified vin and moved on from there.

It should be easy ... then again it is California DMV, they may make you smog the trailer first or provide a CARB sticker. =)

 

[twblanset]

I think boats and RVs get a property tax bill each yr. I get one for my boat. But not for the utility trailer.

I have a boat and an tent trailer both with PTI (permanent registration) and I don't get any kind of property tax bill or even registration on them.

 

[Drainbung]

I just bought a trailer through CVT at Expo. They're sending me the Title/Certificate of Origin but there is no VIN/Tag on the trailer. Consequently I have to go to DMV to start the nightmare/paperwork, then go to CHP for inspection/blessing and installation of the CA VIN Tag, which they told me they're booked until AUG. THEN I have to go back to DMV for my permanent tags. By current calculations I might be able to use it by September... And they want to run health care...oye.

 

[VanDominator13]

I just bought a trailer through CVT at Expo. They're sending me the Title/Certificate of Origin but there is no VIN/Tag on the trailer. Consequently I have to go to DMV to start the nightmare/paperwork, then go to CHP for inspection/blessing and installation of the CA VIN Tag, which they told me they're booked until AUG. THEN I have to go back to DMV for my permanent tags. By current calculations I might be able to use it by September... And they want to run health care...oye.

Oof! What a pain in the tuchus
These are the things I'm trying to find out. I'm seriously considering just buying an already registered utility trailer locally and then having it tricked out. Sounds like buying out of state and then trying to register is more of a hassle than it's worth.