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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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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... |
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03-25-2006, 12:46 PM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,943
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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.
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2013 Jag XF, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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03-25-2006, 01:32 PM
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Registered
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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.
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Warren & Ron, may you rest in Peace. |
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03-25-2006, 01:52 PM
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In the shop at Pelican
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 10,459
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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?
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03-25-2006, 01:54 PM
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: N. Phoenix AZ USA
Posts: 28,943
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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.
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2013 Jag XF, 2002 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins (the workhorse), 1992 Jaguar XJ S-3 V-12 VDP (one of only 100 examples made), 1969 Jaguar XJ (been in the family since new), 1985 911 Targa backdated to 1973 RS specs with a 3.6 shoehorned in the back, 1959 Austin Healey Sprite (former SCCA H-Prod), 1995 BMW R1100RSL, 1971 & '72 BMW R75/5 "Toaster," Ural Tourist w/sidecar, 1949 Aeronca Sedan / QB |
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03-25-2006, 02:04 PM
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Non Compos Mentis
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Off the grid- Almost
Posts: 10,598
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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. |
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03-25-2006, 02:15 PM
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Registered
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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.
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Randy '87 911 Targa '17 Macan GTS |
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03-25-2006, 06:37 PM
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1985 Porsche 911 3.2 (Still in the stable)
1993 BMW 740 IL (Sold)
1985 Mercedes 380 SL (Sold)
1992 Harley Davidson Fatboy (Sold)
1971 Mercedes 280 SL (Currently being restored)
1987 Porsche 911 Targa 3.2 
