Buy a salvage status trailer?

[KSM]

I have the opportunity to by a 1980 16' fiberglass trailer at what I think is a fair price.
The current owner bought it as a salvage 5 years ago, completely gutted and put it back together including replacing the floor. I've seen his photo journal of the rebuild. He's used it for the 4 years since. It looks pretty good. My intention is to use the trailer till I want something bigger/different/better. If I can break even (or make or lose a little) I'll be happy. It is currently registered and plated. It's just the salvage status that has me wondering.
Any comments?
Thanks
K

[Borrego Dave]

I've only heard of a salvage title being a problem for vehicles and that from the insurance companies.

[Darwin Maring]

If it has a title that you can transfer to you along with license plates, I personally would not worry. Insurance for replacement value would be hard to get on a title that says it is salvage.

[KSM]

Thanks, both, for the input. There is no title but it is registered and plated. I spoke to the DMV (CA) and they acknowledged the registration. Apparently title on trailers is optional in CA. I walked away from the trailer last night because the owner couldn't find the registration paper. He has since located it (sent me a pic) and I expect to pick up the trailer tomorrow. Looking forward to posting pics. Thanks again.

[Bob Miller]

In CA the "Permanent" Registration Status (5 yr plates) doesn't necessarily have a paper title but there is an on-line virtual title at the DMV (or your AAA's office if you are a member). When you register it in your name check the little box that sez that you want a paper copy of the title. It's a lot easier to deal with that way and the DMV still keeps the virtual title in their system. Just be sure that the name on the registration matches the sellers. You can get the transfer papers for the seller to sign at www.DMV.CA.GOV. Also get a Bill of Sale while you are there.


BTW: Trailers longer than about 13' have regular titles and registration, it's just that the smallest FGRV's get grouped in with small utility trailers and qualify for permanent registration & virtual or paper titles


About the Salvage status. An older FGRV can get just a little more than a scratch and be considered totaled. Ask your Insurance Company about their policy. In some cases a salvage vehicle can be changed to "Reconstructed".

[KSM]

All great info. Thanks Bob.
K

[KSM]

Just following up on this...I picked it up yesterday. 1980 Fiber Stream. Looking forward to some fun.
Thanks
Kyle

[Carol H]

Congrats on the new trailer Karen! It looks like it has been rebuilt well.

There are not all that many Fiber Streams out there so I was wondering if this was Karen's trailer that was in an accident a few years ago on her way to a fiberglass trailer meet. Going to Aqua Caliente Meet Accident.

[gage]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

BTW: Trailers longer than about 13' have regular titles and registration, it's just that the smallest FGRV's get grouped in with small utility trailers and qualify for permanent registration & virtual or paper titles.

As a side note: Trailers under 15' are considered to be 'CAMP', not UTILITY trailers and are eligible for a permanent trailer license plate or PTI sticker if you want to keep the plate that is on it.

Don't mean to burst your bubble Kyle, but your Fiber Stream doesn't qualify for this status.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by gage

Don't mean to burst your bubble Kyle, but your Fiber Stream doesn't qualify for this status.

Gage, you'd better let Frederick know his Fiber Steam doesn't qualify... even though he's had a California PTI plate on it since 2007. Direct link: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/f...tml#post249403

[Bob Miller]

To define a camp trailer for PTI registration, the CA DMV Site Sez:
"Does not exceed 16 feet in overall length from the foremost point of the trailer hitch to the rear extremity of the trailer body and 96 inches in width."
Here's the link, scroll down to "Camp Trailer"


https://www.dmv.ca.gov/portal/wcm/co...df?MOD=AJPERES


Of the many things I don't know, the defined length of a Fiber Stream is one... LOL

[Bob Miller]

Hmmmm. So just how long is a Fiber Stream????

[Frederick L. Simson]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

So just how long is a Fiber Stream????

Mine is exactly 16' as measured by the state of California, and qualifies for the PTI plate.

[Bob Miller]

Good News.... That should un-pop Kyles bubble.... LOLOLOL

[KSM]

Originally Posted by Bob Miller

Good News.... That should un-pop Kyles bubble.... LOLOLOL

Ha ha. Mine has the permanent plate. $10 every 5 years. I have a penny jar set aside.