Changing GVWR on a trailer

[cpr]

I have a Felling 16ft car trailer w/ 2-3000# axles(6000 GVWR) and want to change it to 2-3500# axles to up GVWR to 7000#. I called Felling to see if they would change sticker and was told they don't do that.
I have a 2 inch "A" frame hitch that needs to be upgraded to the 2 5/16 adjustable hitch.

I was wondering if someone can tell me who could legally change rating.

Thanks for any help. I live in SE MN.

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edited to clarify the topic title

[sail684]

Change the axles and do the other mods necessary to increase weight carring ability. Remove sticker and serial mfg. serial # from trailer. Go down and register as a shop built trailer with the GW you need.

[millwrightdude]

Yup just as Texas PSDX said.

[cpr]

You don't need some sort of inspection done to it?

Is this done by license center?

It will need new titling on it?

Thanks for the help; Keep it coming!!!!!!

[SmokeyWren]

[ QUOTE ]
You don't need some sort of inspection done to it?

Is this done by license center?

[/ QUOTE ]

Varies all over the place based on which state you live in. In most states, go to the place where you get a title for a new car. Ask them how to get a title and plates for a home-built trailer. You'll probably need an inspection report by an official of some sort - in Colorado it's the County Sheriff's department - or at least it was 25 years ago which was the last time I built a trailer beginning with an old car axle. They'll probably want to see the paperwork and specs that came with the new axle(s) so they can determine GVWR.

[ QUOTE ]
It will need new titling on it?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes. It's a "home built" trailer - not the one you have a title for and used some of the parts off of to build the "new" trailer. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/warmsmile.gif[/img]

Building a trailer beginning with an old car or truck axle is quite common. I have one. So the vehicle title and license office should be able to tell you how to get a new title and license plates for a home-built trailer.

[T_Bone]

Hi 93Cobra,

I like TexasPSD found that making the changes required and a coat of paint then applying for "new" homemade title was the easiest. Taking the old title in to get it changed was just a PITA.

Find out what your State requires for titling homemade trailers.

Here in Arizona you go to the DMV, they measure length and width, check lites, they didn't look at tires or axles or hitching, then ask inside how much GVW you want a register it for (5k minimum), then applys a new stick on Vin number, issues a new title, pay $125 life time registered fee, and your done.



[img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smokin.gif[/img]

[j_apetersen]

In most states when you buy the new axles It will state on the reciept. what ton weight they are when you have them installed Go to the court house with the reciept and tell them what you have done. Dont remove any numbers off the trailer. That will only make them think it is stolen if they find the numbers later. Some states will have your trailer checked some will not.

[Hoss350]

[ QUOTE ]
Dont remove any numbers off the trailer. That will only make them think it is stolen if they find the numbers later.

[/ QUOTE ]

Yeah, so they think it is stolen, look up the numbers that they found, and find out it is registered to you. No big deal. No stolen trailer...

I agree with the other posts. Once you re-do the axles, re-build the a-frame, put a different hitch adapter on it, you will need to have it inspected anyway. Since you did material modifications to it, the original manufacturer is no longer the manufacturer, you are. Long story short, it became a home-built trailer.

In Washington, the State Patrol will inspect it for road-worthiness, but for goodness sake, KEEP YOUR RECEIPTS, and I mean for EVERYTHING, bolts, nuts, washers, hitch adapter, axles, hell, I would even keep the receipt for the PAINT, because they will probably ask for it!!!

If a vehicle is manufactured by a licensed manufacturer, at least in WA, you cannot "materially" modify it and still run it under the same registration number without having it inspected. (Legally, anyway). Also, in a lot of cases, they won't allow certain mods to be street-legal (for example, putting a straight axle under my '89 chevy pickup would have rendered it forever a "trailer baby" never again to be street legal). So do your homework....

[cummins359]

Just to key yall in on a new Texas state titling law. The state will no longer issue titles on any trailer made from a pickup bed using the factory axle or any other non trailer type axle.



This sux being i was in the process of making a little utility box trailer [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shrug.gif[/img]

[cpr]

thank you all!!!

I will start the home work and give it a try.
Everyone in DMV didn't know going to try state boys!

Thanks again