by Laura » Sat Aug 26, 2006 12:37 pm
Hi Will, I've read your other thread and so know that you're looking for a free to inexpensive used trailer (as I was).
My best Colorado specific advice is to avoid anything that does not have a title! Make sure the VIN sticker is intact and that the number on it matches the title, especially if it is an out of state title.
I know that will be hard 'cuz people that are selling a trailer cheap or giving it away have usually lost the title or never had one to begin with. Colorado requires even the smallest trailer to have a title and plates if you want to use it on the street.
You might be able to get a salvage title but it takes a huge stack of paperwork, lot of running around and a bit of extra expense. Enough that it might not be worth it - even for free.
And your mileage may vary on this advice, a lot seems to depend simply on which clerk you get at the DMV.
As for the trailer itself and any work you do on it, there's no kind of inspection if it's a Colorado title. Just take in the old title, hand it over, pay the fees. If they ask, it's a utility trailer.
As for driving it down the street - you need DOT approved lights and you need fenders. Other than that, as long as it doesn't look obviously unsafe, you shouldn't get pulled over.
Hope this is helpful and not too much of a downer. Wish I had one to give you!
Laura (in Denver)
