Buying a used trailer out of state (MA Resident)

[Ductard]

I'm buying a toy hauler, and have a bit of a chicken & egg problem.

Massachusetts doesn't do 30 day tags (at least for trailers). When I bought a new trailer in NH, I took two trips - one to buy the tailer, got the paperwork, went to the RMV for a plate, then a second trip with the license plate.

This time I'm meeting the guy out of state to pick up the trailer. I've put down a deposit, but by my understanding I have to have a bill of sale, signed over title, and RMV-1 before I can get a plate.

So to do this 100% by the book, and not have to take two trips, get the title signed over & mailed to me, etc. sight unseen...the guy's obviously going to want payment in full before that happens. This is sort of a friend of a friend deal, so we both know the other guy isn't a total scammer, but we're both being understandably cautious.

[Jewcati]

Just throw your existing Plat on and drive the speed limit

[OneCheekRider]

Do you already have a trailer? The way I read it when I transferred my plates to MA is that you can use your old plate when buying a new vehicle providing the name on the plate matches your driver's license, etc. I may be wrong but pretty sure I read that with the DMV paperwork.

[Ductard]

Do you already have a trailer? The way I read it when I transferred my plates to MA is that you can use your old plate when buying a new vehicle providing the name on the plate matches your driver's license, etc. I may be wrong but pretty sure I read that with the DMV paperwork.

Ok, cool.

The previous trailer was < 3,000lbs. The new one is well over. There are differences in titling requirements....any idea if the two "classes" have different types of plates?

I can't recall off hand if I've ever looked at one of the big boy trailers that closely...

[OneCheekRider]

pretty sure personal trailers all use the same plates. When I was at the DMV they had a stack of commercial vehicle plates, personal vehicle plates, motorcycle plates, and trailer plates... There could've been a backroom with additional plates so don't quote me on it. I'm sure if you drive responsibly and go the speed limit, you won't have an issue. At least, that's what I've done in the past.

[cdovego]

A trailer plate is a trailer plate.

[e30addict]

Trailer plates just say trailer on them in MA.

[sedanman]

Ok, I'll be the asshole that says register it in Maine.

[e30addict]

Ok, I'll be the asshole that says register it in Maine.

At 1/5th the cost

[nhbubba]

According to my read, MA doesn't do 30-day plates for anything. And supposedly they don't "recognize" them either. Meaning if I drive my perfectly legal, totally legit vehicle with 30-day NH plates on it through MA, I could be cited. Supposedly.

VT seems to be the only state in the region that gets this right with their "in transit" plates.

[drop]

Do you already have a trailer? The way I read it when I transferred my plates to MA is that you can use your old plate when buying a new vehicle providing the name on the plate matches your driver's license, etc. I may be wrong but pretty sure I read that with the DMV paperwork.

you can't legally "borrow" a plate from trailer A and attach it to trailer B unless you have lost possession of trailer A (via trade in, private sale, etc) within the last 7 days and acquired trailer B within the same period.

[sedanman]

New York will also do an in transit plate.

[sedanman]

If it was me, I'd stick a trailer plate on it and tow it home. As long as you don't give anyone a reason to pull you over you should be fine.

[jasnmar]

you can't legally "borrow" a plate from trailer A and attach it to trailer B unless you have lost possession of trailer A (via trade in, private sale, etc) within the last 7 days and acquired trailer B within the same period.

Didn't I just buy a trailer from ductard? Perhaps it was trailer A .

I'll sell it back, just as soon as he gets this one home. And he's just storing it for me in the mean time.

[nhbubba]

Ductard now owes the state sales tax on the trailer he sold to jasnmar and then bought back. Please reregister it. And pay excise tax again. Thank you!

[tsorfas]

Ductard now owes the state sales tax on the trailer he sold to jasnmar and then bought back. Please reregister it. And pay excise tax again. Thank you!

Because MA

[GingahNinjah]

My new trailer came with a 15 day ME temp plate. this reminds me I have to get my trailer plates swapped over before heading to the track on thursday...

[xxaarraa]

Show us what ya bought

[Ductard]

Didn't I just buy a trailer from ductard? Perhaps it was trailer A .

I'll sell it back, just as soon as he gets this one home. And he's just storing it for me in the mean time.

You must have me mixed up with somebody else.

I haven't sold a trailer to anybody on NESR.

[TheIglu]

You must have me mixed up with somebody else.

I haven't sold a trailer to anybody on NESR.

Oh jesus.

[jasnmar]

This sale only goes into effect when you see the blue lights come on behind you as you are towing the new trailer home.

[Ductard]

Show us what ya bought

- - - Updated - - -

[Ductard]

Oh jesus.

[JettaJayGLS]

I'd risk throwing a different plate on it.

Or pay the guy a little extra to deliver it where you want it.

Or ask the guy if you can borrow his plate and then mail it back.

[xxaarraa]

Looks sweet. Does it come with the bikes?