Buying an unregistered trailer

[BigJules]

I'm emotional and still in the RTA, so this might not be as lengthy as it should be.

My warning to all is be very wary when considering buying a trailer that is not registered, especially of it lacks a known record of rego or has any irregularity in identification.

My nightmare started last year in October when I purchased a car trailer, with the intent of using it in my business. I found one locally that was well built, reasonably cheap but unregistered. I tried to insist that the seller provide a blue slip, which I would fund, but I accepted his assurance that he had lined up the bloke "around the corner" to issue one.

[BigJules]

It turns out that bloke couldn't certify my trailer as a heavy vehicle, over 2T GVM, so I needed to find a heavy vehicle inspector. Not so many of them around.

I did some research on what would be required and so fitted a break away system, four new electric brakes, new lights, new chains, new LT tyres, new parts in the hitch and rewired most things. Plus two weigh bridge tickets.

I found a bloke, went through the compliance checks, all good apparently. But then the inspector went on holidays for four weeks, so I had to find another so I could get it done.

I was lucky here, found one of the nicest blokes I've met, a mechanic in North Rocks called Brett Middleton, who agreed to inspect and certify my trailer. We measure it up, all looking good, I am feeling confident. Hmm, the trailer was 2560mm wide, 60mm wider than can be registered.

How do you take 60mm out of a trailer?  I had two options; change the wheels or get the offset reset

[BigJules]

More to follow, the RTA has finally found my details.

[Draggin]

Keep on smilin' BJ and don't let the b@stards grind you down.

I complained about life and this type of bulldust to the Pope last time I was in Rome.

He told me to smile and be happy for things could be worse - so I smiled and was happy and sure enough things got worse....

[GU_Thomo]

Any time you have to deal with the RTA it is going to be a monumental disaster.
This sounds bigger than Ben Hur.
Good luck with it, I will follow with interest.

Cheers
Parry

[BigJules]

Trailer is finally registered. i can tow it legally, I wonder what that will be like .

I have to go now and use my trailer, but will finish the story later, as this may prove useful info for others in future.

[uncyspam]

best story I've read in years, buyt the end was a bit lacking. Think you should maybe.... write it

I've had issues with a light trailer, which I owned and was registered, then I let it lapse, when I went to re-register it was a bit of a nightmare... but nothing as bad as you describe...

[ozbogwam]

I found dealing with VicRoads is keep going back til you get the answer you want.

I had a heavily modified 4wd, none that needed engineering other than tyre size, which only went on for trips. Yeah I know still wrong , anyway, had to clear a defect notice for a broken headlight and replacement mud flaps.

Fixed the problems and went in for a sign off. First attempt at the numpty behind the counter resulted in an apparent need for a full inspection. I walked to the back of the line, next numpty some other "problem". Three more line ups I got the defect signed off and was off.

How can five attempts at the same thing give five different results?

[singo-26]

I found dealing with VicRoads is keep going back til you get the answer you want.

I had a heavily modified 4wd, none that needed engineering other than tyre size, which only went on for trips. Yeah I know still wrong , anyway, had to clear a defect notice for a broken headlight and replacement mud flaps.

Fixed the problems and went in for a sign off. First attempt at the numpty behind the counter resulted in an apparent need for a full inspection. I walked to the back of the line, next numpty some other "problem". Three more line ups I got the defect signed off and was off.

How can five attempts at the same thing give five different results?

Easy they are a law unto themselves.   
Recently I re registered my patrol. It passed the blue slip easily except apparently Nissan are the only car manufacturer to stamp the full engine number on the head (a replace able part), only the numbers are stamped on the motor not the prefix. The RTA in NSW  wouldn't register it until it had been inspected by their inspectors in Newcastle about an hour each way. Why not register it pending the inspection so I don't have to drive an unregistere,d vehicle for 2 hours.

Jules good to see you finally got it sorted, it should save you a few bucks in hires, and you wouldn't want to get caught with an unregistered trailer.     

[JCOJ]

Good to hear you finally got the outcome you wanted BJ!!

[Tjupurula]

Hi BigJules
My main hobby is building trailers and the like, then getting a permit and taking them to Kununurra to go over the pits.  I drop the cost of the pits and registration on to the trailers, and always give people ALL paperwork.  I accept that in selling such items, the obligation is on me to make sure the trailers are roadworthy and registered, tghat way I get positive "advertisement" through word of mouth.  The trailers I make are suitable for the Tanami and the CSR, as I give a 5 year warranty to make sure people know they are okay.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Manjimike]

Hi BigJules
My main hobby is building trailers and the like, then getting a permit and taking them to Kununurra to go over the pits.  I drop the cost of the pits and registration on to the trailers, and always give people ALL paperwork.  I accept that in selling such items, the obligation is on me to make sure the trailers are roadworthy and registered, tghat way I get positive "advertisement" through word of mouth.  The trailers I make are suitable for the Tanami and the CSR, as I give a 5 year warranty to make sure people know they are okay.
Regards
Tjupurula

 
 
 

Do you get the picture ? 

[GU Rich]

Juls after chatting about your trailer woes on our High Country trip it must be a load off your shoulders mate!!

[gronk]

On a slightly different tack.....I'm in Qld at the moment....waiting to pick up my new " crossover " van tomorrow.....and being unregistered...I'm going to bring it home on a Qld travel permit.....and in my wisdom... I asked the dealer to get a 7 day  permit...

Unknown to me (  and the dealer ).... they charge $26 a day....because they can  !!!

It wasn't much dearer to get it registered in Qld.....blue slip it in NSW and register it again !!

[Tjupurula]

Hi Manjimike
I recall, when reading the regulations and the like in regards to "advertising", that it is a no go to do so other than in the classified area.  I will eventually (when I complete the one I am building) put it for sale in the classifieds here, with photo's, but not in someone elses thread.
Regards
Tjupurula

[Manjimike]

Sorry Tjupurula,
I read the hobby bit and thought you were just doing it for friends.
My mistake 
 

[tjwrexy]

On a slightly different tack.....I'm in Qld at the moment....waiting to pick up my new " crossover " van tomorrow.....and being unregistered...I'm going to bring it home on a Qld travel permit.....and in my wisdom... I asked the dealer to get a 7 day  permit...
Unknown to me (  and the dealer ).... they charge $26 a day....because they can  !!!
It wasn't much dearer to get it registered in Qld.....blue slip it in NSW and register it again !!

Hi Gronk,

Not sure you will read this in time but, when we picked up our AS from QLD, they loaned us a Dealer plate and we registered it back in NSW and mailed the Plate back.

Tammy