Question about registering a small trailer from harbor Freight
 

I'm going to be moving and Im considering buying a small trailer from Harbor Freight and adding panelling to it. Pretty cheap ($179) MUCH cheaper than renting one from U Haul. What Im wondering is..

Does anyone know exactly how I register this thing in CA? Do I have to insure the trailer? Inspection? Or can i just hook up the lights, bolt it on and go?

I looked at the CA DMV website and I cant find any info on this...

Not sure about Cali but other states have you register it as a homebuilt and go from there. Do not forget to get some sort of insurance on it should it come loose and cause some damage.

I believe I recieved a "Certificate of Origin" when I bought a HF trailor years ago. Bring that to DMV and you're set. If you don't get one then you'll have to go the route Joe describes.

IIRC, the speed limit on these trailors is pretty low...perhaps 50 MPH. This might of changed so you might want to check with HF. These are not as heavy duty as a rental trailor but should get the job done if careful.

So what sort of fees do i need to pay? Do I have to insure the trailer? Will the certificate of origin grant me plates and a title?

Call your DMV and ask. Re the insurance, I would call my agent and ask if its covered by the coverage on the car pulling it or does your house coverage include it?

If not then you might buy some coverage just in case it would come loose.

If you are going to be towing it for hours on the freeway, please do yourself a favor and get large enough wheels. Like 15".

Notice that whenever you see a trailer stuck on the side of the highway, it most likely has tiny 12 or 13" trailer wheels. Those small diameter wheels have to spin so fast at freeway speeds, the bearings overheat. Not worth it.

I have had many trailers - still have about 5 parked at my shop - the issue of insurance has never come up. Never even thought about it until now. When you plate them the DMV doesn't ask for proof of insurance like all other vehicles. I guess I always assumed since it is connected to your vehicle it becomes part of your vehicle - your home owners insurance would cover the cargo.

Call your insurance man and let us know what they say.