1ST Pop-Up bought it Now What HEEELP

[ronerjones]

O.K. after searching long and hard I found the exact model I was looking for, a 2002 Colman Utah, in better than new condition if you can believe that. Advice is needed. I have given the seller a deposit neither of us is up on what the complete sale should consist of.

Do we:
Leave old plate on trailer and if not what do I replace it with to drive it home?

Sign over title does anything else have to seal this deal

Where and how do I register this?

Insurance where and what type do I get

Unit has electric brakes current owner does not have or use brake controller. Is this an item I should be installing on my truck prior to picking it up?

Anything else you might be able to suggest is greatly appreciated

[wavery]

O.K. after searching long and hard I found the exact model I was looking for, a 2002 Colman Utah, in better than new condition if you can believe that. Advice is needed. I have given the seller a deposit neither of us is up on what the complete sale should consist of.

Do we:
Leave old plate on trailer and if not what do I replace it with to drive it home?

Sign over title does anything else have to seal this deal

Where and how do I register this?

Insurance where and what type do I get

Unit has electric brakes current owner does not have or use brake controller. Is this an item I should be installing on my truck prior to picking it up?

Anything else you might be able to suggest is greatly appreciated

The best answers to your registration questions should be in this link:
http://www.hsmv.state.fl.us/

As for the brake controller, it depends on what your "Truck" is. If it has a substantial tow rating, it may not be necessary to install a brake controller for the 1st trip home (assuming it's under 100 miles).

Call your current insurance carrier for your car. Our policy covers our trailer.

[ronerjones]

My truck has a 5000lb tow capacity gross vehical weight 3400lbs

[curryp]

You just went through the same situation I did. I bought a used camper in New York State. I am not aware of  Florida DMV laws so check out the link that was provided in the response above. It may be easier to call your local DMV office and ask what forms you will need completed to register the camper. In NY these were available online and I was able to print out the sales tax form ahead of time and had the seller complete all necessary parts. I did get the camper registered prior to bringing it home.

What I did is gave the seller a deposit and also typed out a purchase agreement that included the VIN of the camper, agreed selling price, the amount of the deposit and balance due. I then put a line for both myself and the seller to sign. I had two copies of this - one for me and one for the seller. The seller then signed over the title to me as well as giving me a bill of sale and signing the proper DMV paperwork. NY didn't require me to have insurance, but my credit union where I financed the camper did.

As far as brakes go - I have a Toyota Tundra and didn't have a brake controller to tow the camper back. My camper does have electric brakes and the seller never used a brake controller when towing with a 6 cyl Jeep. I did tow the camper home w/o using the brake controller and drove on the interstate and down a pretty good grade of hill. I was sure to come to slow stops and keep the speed down going down the hill. Although I am pretty sure I could get by without using the electric brakes, I am having a Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller installed. I could not live with myself if my camper jackknifed or I was unable to stop quickly and did damage to someone or something to save some money.

Good luck

[wavery]

My truck has a 5000lb tow capacity gross vehical weight 3400lbs

California requires brakes (that work) on any trailer over 1500#. I don't know about Florida. As flat as Florida is, I doubt that it would be a mechanical issue for your truck, although it could be a legal issue.

I'd certainly keep the speed down and allow plenty of space for braking.

[tlhdoc]

Yes I would get a brake controller installed.  As far as the rest you would have to check with the DMV.  I have my trailer insurance with my car insurance company.

[Morin]

I am a newbie and bought mine recently too - here is my experience on your topics.

Would be interesting to see if the brakes work or not.  They were most likely never used and unless you've jacked it up and pulled the tire off to inspect there is no way of seeing - unless you have a brake controller set up and test the brakes.

I bought mine - previous owner did not use brakes.  I got this puppy home and inspected th brakes and posted some pictures here on this site.

After looking at them further I just had the entire assemblies replaced - (under 450.00 for 7 inch kit).  Get the controller - you'll use it.  If the brakes need work your not looking at dumping your entire months salary into it so that is good.

We just called our insurance company and they wrote a policy for $17 for the year - State Farm.  Very easy.  They asked for modelyear and towing size while closed.

To register with DMV we just brought the title on in with the existing plates.  We turned in the existing plates and got a 2 year registration with new plates.

Title was a simple sign over.  If you are going to get the tiltle signed for like 1.00 than you have to have a certified letter with it or they will charge you task based of of the "blue book value".

I had a Brake Controller installed by Uhaul (Tekonsha Prodigy) because I am no good with that stuff and they are reasonable.  Their price was $70.00 less than the RV place and trailer place in my area. Listening to the advice of thldoc - wavery- fly - austin (these folks are pretty sharp and knowledgable from what I can see) - I ensured my brakes were on point.

Another thing I did was PRACTICE towing and backing as well as break down and set up of camper.  My neighbors got a good kick out of my antics but it was worth it.


OH YEAH!!!!!  Check about annual inspections for your trailer.  I did not know that I needed to get it inspected like a car each year.  that was a surprise to me.  No big deal but one more added box to check off.  maybe your seller will get it inspected for your PRIOR to sale or show you proff of inspection (if infact FLA requires it).  it costs like 15.00- 20.00....

GOOD LUCK with your Utah!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bonscott]

Leave old plate on trailer and if not what do I replace it with to drive it home?

If you're buying from a dealer you'll get a temp plate just like buying a car, assuming plates are required in the state.  Of course you can't use the old plate, it's registered to the old owner.

Sign over title does anything else have to seal this deal?

Nope, nothing different then if you bought a car.  Sign the title over and you're done.

Where and how do I register this?

Your DMV, just like a car.

Insurance where and what type do I get

Talk to the place you have your car insurance.

Unit has electric brakes current owner does not have or use brake controller. Is this an item I should be installing on my truck prior to picking it up?

I personally would always have breaks.  As others mentioned, check with your DMV to see what the law state (Michigan requires breaks on any trailer over 1500 lbs).  A break controller is only 100 bucks or so, get one to be safe.

Sorry for pointing it out several times but buying a camper is really no different then a car.  Any questions call your local DMV or check their web site.  State of Michigan for example has all their publications online that explains all the legal things you need to do.

Good luck!

[ronerjones]

Thanks to all who posted here. Today I spoke with my insurance company and they are supposed to be getting back with me on a rate for the camper. I was told that my auto insurance covers me while in tow, the additional covers damage while it is stationary. I also spoke with some one at DMV, downloaded the registration paperwork and should be able to take care of everything in an afternoon. In a couple weeks I will be posting about our first outing. :-()

[SherryandFamily]

you will probably want to get the additional insurance, it is very inexpensive and a lot can happen in a storm!
Sherry