Welder on a trailer, need license in PA?

[damartin]

I just bought a used engine driven Miller welder (AEAD 200LE) and a used trailer with no title or registration. I am told that if the welder is permanently mounted on the trailer I do not need tags on the trailer in Pennsylvania. I rebuilt the trailer and added new lights, it is 4' wide by 5' long. I will be mounting the welder permanently and as such it should be considered a piece of equipment, not a trailer. I did searches on the Internet and have not found a definite answer. Does anybody know if I need a license plate?

 

[Big Bri]

Don't know about PA but in LA it would be fine with no tag so long as its not as wide as the break lights on the truck. it would fall in line with the towable log splitters. But the best thing to do is call the dmv or stop by a state police office and have them give it a look.

 

[aczlan]

If PA is like NY, you are good as long as there aren't any storage boxes on the trailer. If you have storage boxes that are used while in transit to store things it has to be plated.

Aaron Z

 

[Diamondpilot]

In Indiana all trailers have to be plated with working lights. My buddy who is a cop says he lets it slide all the time during daylight hours on splitters, welders, hog roasters, cement mixers, ect as long as the tow vehicles tail lights are visible and the drive is obeying all other law. Being a idiot if a quick way to get pulled over by him so just mind your P's and Q's and you will be ok.

By the way he said if he sees it at night he pulls them over and tickets them every time.

I would personally just get lights and a plate. Cant cost that much.


Chris

 

[wallace]

In Indiana all trailers have to be plated with working lights. My buddy who is a cop says he lets it slide all the time during daylight hours on splitters, welders, hog roasters, cement mixers, ect as long as the tow vehicles tail lights are visible and the drive is obeying all other law. Being a idiot if a quick way to get pulled over by him so just mind your P's and Q's and you will be ok.

By the way he said if he sees it at night he pulls them over and tickets them every time.

I would personally just get lights and a plate. Cant cost that much.


Chris

He doesn't have a title.

 

[aczlan]

The following is from Chapter 13 of the PA Vehicle Code (Title 75):

1302. Vehicles exempt from registration.
The following types of vehicles are exempt from registration:
(11) Any trailer or semitrailer, including but not limited to non-self-propelled special mobile equipment, to be used primarily for off highway use and only operated incidentally upon the highway.

Source: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter13.pdf

So, IF it is "used primarily for off highway use and only operated incidentally upon the highway" you should be ok.
However, I would still put lights on it, at least magnetic towing lights. They are cheaper than rebuilding the trailer after someone rearends it (or the ticket that you might be able to talk your way out of if you have lights on the back)

As usual: YMMV, talk to your state police or DMV for a concrete answer.

Aaron Z

 

[Diamondpilot]

He doesn't have a title.

Not sure about the procedure there but in Indiana you simply go the DMV and get a form and a VIN#. Fill out the form and affix the VIN to the tralier. Then call the local sheriff for a inspection. They look over the trailer and may ask to see the lights work, if it has brakes, ect. They sign it off then you take all that back to the DMV and you are done. Title is issued.

I have done this about a dozen times. Very simple process. I just take the VIN# to the trophy shop and for $5 they make me a placard to affix to the trailer via rivets.

Chris

 

[two_bit_score]

I just bought a used engine driven Miller welder (AEAD 200LE) and a used trailer with no title or registration. I am told that if the welder is permanently mounted on the trailer I do not need tags on the trailer in Pennsylvania. I rebuilt the trailer and added new lights, it is 4' wide by 5' long. I will be mounting the welder permanently and as such it should be considered a piece of equipment, not a trailer. I did searches on the Internet and have not found a definite answer. Does anybody know if I need a license plate?

Sounds like it may qualify for a 'shop built' title designation so you could apply for a title and get a tag and be all 'legal' which would be better in the long run than having to try to talk your way out of a ticket or worry about any limitations on pulling it where ever you wanted, when ever you wanted.

We have a 'shop built' welding trailer that HAD a welder, torch bottles and rig and it was licensed for road use as a farm trailer. We have since pulled the old welder and will be replacing it but it's used now just to carry the bottles and torch and still licensed as a 'farm trailer'.

 

[Iowachild]

The following is from Chapter 13 of the PA Vehicle Code (Title 75):

Source: http://www.dmv.state.pa.us/pdotforms/vehicle_code/chapter13.pdf

So, IF it is "used primarily for off highway use and only operated incidentally upon the highway" you should be ok.
However, I would still put lights on it, at least magnetic towing lights. They are cheaper than rebuilding the trailer after someone rearends it (or the ticket that you might be able to talk your way out of if you have lights on the back)

As usual: YMMV, talk to your state police or DMV for a concrete answer.

Aaron Z

I do know air compressors in PA never have plates and are towed from job to job.

Also the rental place wood splitters.

I also know getting a title for a home-built trailer in PA can be a real bear. I have a buddy who built a trailer, titled it in NY state, then transferred it to PA as it was easier.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I also know getting a title for a home-built trailer in PA can be a real bear. I have a buddy who built a trailer, titled it in NY state, then transferred it to PA as it was easier.

Reason #53745349584 to not leave Indiana and stay out of PA and the whole east coast. Plus you have those dang Steelers!

Chris