Does your State require a tag for your Camper?

[Gene McCall]

Recently, I finally got around to applying for title & tags for my Lil B Bunkhouse. What I found out was a shock! My state does not require registration, title or tags for tent camper trailers. At first I was pleased simply because it would save me over $200 in sales tax. I have a copy of the Tennessee state law that exempts my trailer. My concern now is this, I have been told by friends that, regardless of Tn law, I will be stopped in many other states (especially Indiana) and that I will receive a ticket, notwithstanding the Tn law. I was also told that if I wanted to see my trailer dismantled try to cross into Canada without a tag on the trailer. I feel there are probably more than a few on this board who have pulled their trailers into Canada and perhaps to Alaska. Could you share your experiences?:bike1:

[dannyk]

Michigan requires a tag on any trailer regardless of size, its a one time purchase for the trailer, (permanant plate) I think Wisconsin requires a tag on trailers over a certain gvw but I am not positive on that. I pulled my timeout into canada on differn't rides and never had a problem, never checked plates or registration on anything, but that was before, things may have changed now.

[Trekker]

NY state happily requires a tax to be paid for the pleasure of allowing the use of a trailer via a full size plate. I doubt you could pull a trailer here without a tag.

[motomac]

Ohio requires a tag on any trailer no matter what the size. They also issue one size tag no matter how big the trailer, so when I had the Unigo it was a full size tag on it. I didn't keep it on there though, as it caught too much wind and got in the way when loading and unloading, so I took a picture and printed it and laminated it to the size of motorcycle plate.

[Mellow]

Texas requires one.. really messes with the aerodynamics of your Uni-go too..

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58245518-M.jpg

[motomac]

Mine actually caught so much wind that it cracked the holes around the mounting bolts and I had washers on the thing to try to prevent that. I know I will probably regret selling the Unigo like you did, Joe, but it is a done deal now.

[Mellow]

Mine actually caught so much wind that it cracked the holes around the mounting bolts and I had washers on the thing to try to prevent that. I know I will probably regret selling the Unigo like you did, Joe, but it is a done deal now.

Who'd ya sell it to Mack?

I never had my uni-go crack at all.. but it was also the New Zealand model.

[Gene McCall]

Thanks all for your response. This tells me that most states require tags on any trailers. It appears southern states would be more likely to not worry about tags on small trailers. In order to avoid problems on the road it appears I will have to come up with some sort of tag. Are there any recent crossings into Canada pulling a trailer out there? BTW I am in the process of mounting the uni-go hitch on my ST1100. A local friend from the CX/GL 500/650 board is machining a mount for the ball. Pictures will be forthcoming when I get it all together. I am using an isolator wiring harness from Bushtec, trailer by Bunkhouse, hitch by Uni-go, truly a group effort!:bike1:

[msscull]

Oklahoma does not require license plates for trailer under a specific GVWR or at least they used not require a plate.

If anyone on the forum is from OK, they may be able to help.

[Valker]

I used to live in OK and pulled a trailer behind my bikes. I was never, not one time, stopped for this. I did not try to cross into Canada though. It would be easy enough to check-just call their tourist bureau. Ask them if they honor USA State laws. If so, no problem. No other state can issue a ticket for failure to have a license plate if your home state doesn't require one. ALL 50 states have reciprocity on laws like that. Helmet laws, seatbelt laws, etc., are not included in these.

[motomac]

Who'd ya sell it to Mack?

I never had my uni-go crack at all.. but it was also the New Zealand model.
I sold the Unigo to Brighteyesue. And the license plate cracked not the trailer.

[motomac]

I pulled my Bunkhouse all over Canada on the way to Alaska in '05 and never had a pproblem with anything. I did get stopped in Globe AZ with the Ungio without a tag. I had the tag in the trailer, but I didn't let the LEO know that. He wanted me to take the tag off the bike and put it on the trailer. I guess they have a lot of cameras to catch red light busters and if you don't have a tag on the back of your unit the camera misses IDing the culprit. He let me go and that is when I decided to make a motorcycle sized plate to put on the Unigo.

[BAGR]

Utah doesn't unless empty trailer is 750 lbs. or higher, required if it is a camp trailer. I have a tag that reads Utah no tag required. In Wyoming you must have them but they are cheap.

[Gene McCall]

Mac, thanks for the info. Since I am a ham radio operator I have decided to have a plate made with my ham call on it and if anyone asks for verification I will show them my ham license. I may be making a mountain out of a mole hill!:bike1:

[mongo]

WV requires a state inspection sticker, they do not require out of state vehicles to have one if the home state doesn't. I do not see any other state requiring an out of state traveler to adhere to that states law, as long as the traveler meets the home states laws (as far as tags). I see many travelers coming into the Hatfield-McCoy trails without license plates on the trailer. My .02, but I am no lawyer either.

[Gene McCall]

WV requires a state inspection sticker, they do not require out of state vehicles to have one if the home state doesn't. I do not see any other state requiring an out of state traveler to adhere to that states law, as long as the traveler meets the home states laws (as far as tags). I see many travelers coming into the Hatfield-McCoy trails without license plates on the trailer. My .02, but I am no lawyer either.

Mongo, I think you are correct, other states can not subject a traveler to laws not in existence in their state. However, the point most people make with me is that the lack of a tag is simply an excuse for a traffic stop and once you have been stopped the officer is likely to find something else to give you a ticket. Anyway I would rather not be stopped at all.:bike1:

[Trekker]

.... so I took a picture and printed it and laminated it to the size of motorcycle plate.


I have a tag that reads Utah no tag required.

Both excellent ideas.

[Mellow]

I sold the Unigo to Brighteyesue. And the license plate cracked not the trailer.

Wow, the actual lic plate cracked... What do they make them out of in Ohio? LOL

[motomac]

Wow, the actual lic plate cracked... What do they make them out of in Ohio? LOL
They are made in the State prison by convicts and I think they are pretty much the same as any state I've been in. The wind and all that extra metal sticking out past the body of the trailer kind of made it vibrate and slowly but surely it cracked at the mounting holes. If I hadn't had washers on the bolts, I'm quite sure the plate would have left the trailer some where unknown.

[Blues Traveler]

Texas requires one.. really messes with the aerodynamics of your Uni-go too..

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58245518-M.jpg

I've a friend who spent the $$$ on a Uni-go and could not believe the plate size was for a cage. He refused to put anything that size on the Uni. What he did was have a really nice photocopy made the same size as the one on the bike. It now looks right and you wouldn't know it unless your in the know about plate size.

He's had it on there for sometime now without any problems. :D

[Mellow]

I've a friend who spent the $$$ on a Uni-go and could not believe the plate size was for a cage. He refused to put anything that size on the Uni. What he did was have a really nice photocopy made the same size as the one on the bike. It now looks right and you wouldn't know it unless your in the know about plate size.

He's had it on there for sometime now without any problems. :D

There are quite a few Wingers in Texas that I'm aware of have done the same thing. Laminated it and have never had issues. I'm sure if a cop wanted to be picky he could site it as some sort of counterfeit but seems like most don't even know it should have one...

[motomac]

There are quite a few Wingers in Texas that I'm aware of have done the same thing. Laminated it and have never had issues. I'm sure if a cop wanted to be picky he could site it as some sort of counterfeit but seems like most don't even know it should have one...
Before I sold the Unigo, that's what I did and I don't think anyone cared. I did keep the plate itself in the trailer in case someone did care. And the cracked holes should have helped in case the LEO wanted more ammo as to why I didn't have the real deal on instead of the couterfeit one.

[wrk101]

I have pulled a trailer behind my Wing from South Carolina to Alaska, and much of Canada, and all of the continental US states. I have never been stopped or question about the lack of a license plate behind my Escapade trailer. South Carolina does not require license plates on trailers either.

I have also towed my pop-up camper across many states (but not as far) with no license plates. Never a problem either.


bill
greenville, sc / waynesville, nc

[Gene McCall]

I may have solved my own problem. Here is what I am going to do. I will try to find some kind of plastic vanity tag to run on the trailer until I leave for Alaska next June. My personal car (an old 94 Chrysler New Yorker which my wife hates to drive) has my Tennessee ham tag on it. During the 8 to 10 weeks I am gone the car will sit idle. I will install the ham tag on the trailer and I can verify it with my ham license in my wallet. That should cover me. When I return the tag goes back on the car and vanity plate back on the trailer, done deal!:bike1:

[msscull]

If I understand you correctly, you are going to switch a "vanity" license plate from a car to a trailer.

I would think twice about "switching" license plates between vehicles, trailers, etc...

In many states that can cause you some serious problems, including a very expensive ticket and/or arrest.

Just my .02, but do what makes you happy.

[motomac]

I have to agree with Msscull. When you cross the border, they have cameras that read your plate. If that plate is for another vehicle you have been had. In your case the trailer plate will be a big red flag and you will spend some time tallking to some very tough folks. Don't what the fine would be, but it won't be cheap.

[Gene McCall]

I have to agree with Msscull. When you cross the border, they have cameras that read your plate. If that plate is for another vehicle you have been had. In your case the trailer plate will be a big red flag and you will spend some time tallking to some very tough folks. Don't what the fine would be, but it won't be cheap.

OK, OK, uncle, I give up on that idea. I have heard of scanners for tags but did not know they were already in operation or that they had them in Canada. I guess I will just have to go back to license bureau and try again for a tag. One big problem I am going to have is that the original owner of the Lil B never registered it or put a tag on it. He is the Ast. Police Chief in a medium size Alabama town so I guess he could get away with it. Now I have to go back to him and ask him to register it and send the registeration to me. Well, that will wait awhile, in the meamtime I will run a plastic tag with my ham call on it.:bike1:

[motomac]

Not necessarily going into Canada, but coming back from Canada, we sure do have scanners!!!

[msscull]

If Tennessee does not require tags for a trailer, just go (keep a copy of the law/some documentation from the DMV indicating such if that will make you feel better). Additionally, if they do not require a tag for the trailer, then I doubt you will be issued one.

I feel very confident that you will find one state cannot enforce another state's registration & inspection laws.

Speeding, seatbelts, lighting, equipment, etc... are a different matter.

If you still are not satisfied, go to or call the local Highway Patrol Troop & visit with them.

[IR Harry]

Oregon gives you a lot of options. First, no plates required for any trailer under 2000 pounds loaded weight. Then, you can register it and receive a title for a one-time fee, still no plate. Third, you can register and license it, and get a title and two year registration for the one time title fee, and an bi-annual license fee of $15.

Motorcycle trailers are about a third each way. I prefer the license plate route because some states - WA, CA, and Canada - get a little sticky with no plates. Just avoiding the hassle.

[Brake Pad]

Florida, takes everyone monies.
even if the trailer's weight was under 400 lbs.
My trailer weighs 210 lbs.. $12.50 a year
they made a new weight limit for the trailer.

[IR Harry]

In Oregon, no plate or title is required for a trailer under 2000 pounds. At your option, you can get a title for a one time fee, or you can get a title and registration plate for the one time fee and an annual liscense fee. No matter which way you go, Oregon has no sales tax. I chose the plates and registration becuase our neighbors to both the north and south get a little sticky when they see a trailer with not plate.

[Diggers1300]

I WILL NOT PUT THE BIG CAR TAG ON MY UNI-GO!!

I've pulled it through at least 20 states without any tag on it. And Texas requires a tag. I've even had a Tx DPS trooper follow me through town (a total of about ten minutes right behind me). All he seemed interested in was how the trailer pulled as evidenced by his stares and wave as he rode along beside me for a minute or two.

I keep the plate and ONE plate bolt in the top of the trailer. If I do ever get pulled for not having a trailer tag, I will show him the tag and explain that a fellow motorist alerted me that I was about to lose my plate (hence only one bolt ;) ) and that I will make repairs as soon as possible.

So far so good!

[Mellow]

I WILL NOT PUT THE BIG CAR TAG ON MY UNI-GO!!

It's not that bad... LOL

http://mellow.smugmug.com/photos/58245518-L.jpg

[Diggers1300]

It's not that good either!

[Ripshod]

Hey Gene!
It's different now, but you probably already new that by now. Tennessee started tagging trailers last year. They aren't REQUIRED yet so for now it's voluntary. I think the requirement will kick in some time this year. And yes, they are full size tags.

My late father was a musician and he put hundreds of thousands of miles on his bus w/trailer every year. He said that he was pulled over three times over the years for his tagless trailer. Only once was it a real hassle. I think it was in Montana, where the cop just about blew a head gasket, said it was impossible, that EVERY state requires tags on trailers. All my dad could do was stand there and tell him how it is.

I got a Tenn. tag for my utility trailer, just because my previous one had been stolen and I wanted my new one to be better documented. Won't keep this one from being stolen, but at least it has another layer of identification. Tenn. doesn't do the sales tax upon first registration thing on trailers because they assume you paid the tax when you bought it. They'll also have procedures for registering homemade trailers and they can't be sticklers on documentation because after so long not requiring it, they can't expect everyone to account for an old trailer's origin.

Diggers has the right idea - if you don't want to put that thing on there, just stash it in the trailer and have your story ready.

[kwn306]

I have 2 Uni-go's the wife and I both pull them, we are based out of VA and we had to get a full size plates which acts as a sail on the back of the little trailer. I had a friend air brush me 2 m/c size trailer plates (out of white plastic) for the Uni-go's and keep the large plates in the bottom of the trailer.

I have been pulled over in VA many times because of the mini plate (they know it should be larger), I show them the big plate and tell them it screws with the handling and they tell me to have a nice day. At 1st I did not tag it and I was pulled over all the time.

Looking at purchasing a camper to tow...really enjoying this forum, lots of good information.

[Gene McCall]

Rip, I'll recheck with my local folks but they gave me a copy of the law, at least as it was. For me the size of the tag does not make any difference, its just the Uni-go trailers where the size of the tag destroys the sleek lines of the trailer. Thanks for the notice.:bike1:

[Diggers1300]

I have 2 Uni-go's the wife and I both pull them, we are based out of VA and we had to get a full size plates which acts as a sail on the back of the little trailer. I had a friend air brush me 2 m/c size trailer plates (out of white plastic) for the Uni-go's and keep the large plates in the bottom of the trailer.

I have been pulled over in VA many times because of the mini plate (they know it should be larger), I show them the big plate and tell them it screws with the handling and they tell me to have a nice day. At 1st I did not tag it and I was pulled over all the time.

Looking at purchasing a camper to tow...really enjoying this forum, lots of good information.


I asked a trooper that comes in my place of business about this. He said they would frown upon any kind of copy. He also said that I probably wouldn't be pulled over just for that (no tag). And if I was, just explain to him what it does to the handling, show them the tag and they (he at least) would send me on my way. The most that would happen would be a citation for failure to display and the court would most likely throw it out for safety concerns.

Well, I've got my story and I'm sticking to it!