How to register a new trailer in Texas

[casejh]

I really appreciate the info in this tread. It is coming up for us fairly soon. Thanks everyone!

[casejh]

Originally Posted by casejh

I really appreciate the info in this tread. It is coming up for us fairly soon. Thanks everyone!

Sounds like some frustration with all of this may be in my future, though. We'll see how it goes in Brazos County.

[freespirit]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

My take is a bit different. Anything I can do to prevent another fee or tax, I take advantage of it. If I can register without the annual safety inspection, and the hassle of getting the trailer to the inspection station, so much the better. In the case of a new Escape, let's face it - it's just another revenue generator for the government. It's not really a 'safety' issue at all.

agree...4495 lbs gross weight for a Escape 19 in Texas...besides some might want a weight margin for the 2 x 2500 lb max axles!
just have to find a clerk that will accept it....

[James Gang]

Maybe this will clear it up or just muddy the waters more. TxDMV.GOV - Registration and Title Bulletins

[float5]

Originally Posted by H46Driver

Good point! The inspection could be a huge hassle - especially if it comes due while traveling. And I do keep all the stuff in better than 'minimal' condition.

An inspection due while out of state requires you to do it within three days of returning to your destination in the state. So I have heard. You can check that to be sure.

[James Gang]

Please, all of you who getting your trailer soon, post how the process went.

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by James Gang

Please, all of you who getting your trailer soon, post how the process went.

Will let you know about our experience in a few weeks.


Regards,

[Loren & Cathy]

For a lot of you renewing your registration on the trailer, do you pay a property tax or is it just a small fee for the plate. Here in Kansas, the trailer plate on the 21 is $47 while the property tax on the tow plus the plate is over $700. Just wondering. Loren

[float5]

Originally Posted by Loren & Cathy

For a lot of you renewing your registration on the trailer, do you pay a property tax or is it just a small fee for the plate. Here in Kansas, the trailer plate on the 21 is $47 while the property tax on the tow plus the plate is over $700. Just wondering. Loren

Do you mean that you are paying over $700 every year?
We pay about $37 on the 21', $333 per year on the tow.

[Red Dog]

Well folks, our new Escape now has its license plate on and we are legit. Now sure how it works for everyone else in Texas, but for us in Polk County, I called them a couple of days after taking possession of our trailer and told them I was in Washington State, I was a member of Escapees RV Club and I was not going to be in Texas until early March. They said OK and send me a package with the proper forms to fill out. It included the the tax rate for the sales tax, county fees and other local taxes. Today, we received the plate here at Quartzsite, AZ. GO FIGURE!!!

A pleasant surprise was that the taxes were calculated on the base price of the trailer, not the total price.

[gbaglo]

I think lady luck was following you.

[Steve Clark]

What goes around, comes around, Fred! You killed them with kindness and respect!

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by Steve Clark

What goes around, comes around, Fred! You killed them with kindness and respect!

Glenn and Steve... that is what is was. Kindness and respect!

[emoji851]

[thumper-tx]

I never had an inspection and walked out with my plates a month before I went to pick up the trailer. I just did the 1 year renewal on the plates, no mention of an inspection.

[Mary F]

Originally Posted by thumper-tx

I never had an inspection and walked out with my plates a month before I went to pick up the trailer. I just did the 1 year renewal on the plates, no mention of an inspection.

What's the trailer weight on your title?

[rbryan4]

It's either sad or funny or both that government agencies are so inconsistent. Glad you were able to avoid most of the hassles we had to go through Fred.

[thumper-tx]

Mary... our trailer is a 2016, 21. It likely has the same weight as your trailer.
The title shows 4500lb and as I understand it the state law requiring annual safety inspections states for trailers above 4500lb. As I put in an earlier post, my title has a line on it that says VIN inspection waived.

[Red Dog]

Originally Posted by rbryan4

It's either sad or funny or both that government agencies are so inconsistent. Glad you were able to avoid most of the hassles we had to go through Fred.

Robert,

I know! We fretted over this and tried to be pro-active, but I just kept getting more and more frustrated. I finally told my wife "let's just get the trailer and deal with registration afterwards". In the end, it all worked out without having to rush back to Texas.

See you at Bluebonnet Rally or Osoyoos?

[Mary F]

Thanks, Viron. Ours is 4600, which is of course silly - it'll never be loaded to/weigh that much...but it is what it is. Inspection each year.

Fred, that is GREAT news. See you at the Blueb.

[rbryan4]

Originally Posted by Red Dog

Robert,

I know! We fretted over this and tried to be pro-active, but I just kept getting more and more frustrated. I finally told my wife "let's just get the trailer and deal with registration afterwards". In the end, it all worked out without having to rush back to Texas.

See you at Bluebonnet Rally or Osoyoos?

We are definitely headed to Bluebonnet, but can't make it to Osoyoos this year. That's probably going to be a once-every-two-years kind of thing until I retire.