Of Toads and Registration

[Sabata12]

About 18 months ago I purchased a tow dolly for my Class C MH, in order to take my car along on trips. Fast-forward to last month when I decided to get rid of it. Why? After an open heart surgery, it no longer seemed like a good idea to pull a 550-pound dolly around with a chain at a campsite (not to mention strapping the car wheels down in the rain, hot sun, and on gravel). So, I sold it to a local RV dealer for a modest sum.
And then the fun began. He needs the "registration". I'd never even thought of this, since I bought the dolly from a generic big box RV dealer. He insisted it needed a "MSO" or Manufacturer's Statement of Origin.
I called the GBB RV dealer, who was happy to send me a copy of the sales receipt, but informed me they didn't do registrations with these tow dollies (all of which are bought on order). I called the dolly manufacturer who informed me they might be able to do an MSO, but it would cost A LOT and the GBB RV dealer would have to order it since the dolly was sent to them. They suggested I might file a "missing" request with my local Department of Motor Vehicles.
Has anyone else dealt with this issue?

 

[Isaac-1]

The requirement for registration on small trailers, tow dollies, etc. vary state to state, without knowing where you are, it is going to be impossible for anyone here to offer much advice.

 

[Sabata12]

I'm in Pennsylvania.

 

[Alaskansnowbirds]

Is the GBB RV dealer where you purchased the dolly in PA?

Is the dealer you sold it to in PA?

I would call the DMV and tell them that you're thinking about buying a car dolly and want to know if it's required to be registered in Pennsylvania.

If the answer is no, then tell the dealer you sold it to that a MOS or registration isn't required in PA.

If the answer is yes, your best bet may be what the dolly manufacture suggested. Go to DMV and find out what the procedure is to register a dolly where the title and registration has been lost.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

According to internet sources, PA does require tow dollies to have a title and be registered as a "trailer", so you will need to go down the DMV "lost title & registration" path.
If the selling dealer did not provide a title & registration, they should have given you the MCO (Manufacturer's Certificate of Origin" required to obtain a title. It would be a huge help if you can locate that. Or if they provided a title but no registration, try to locate the title.
It's gonna be a hassle, so GOOD LUCK!

 

[Sabata12]

Thanks, all. Appears I need to go to the DMV Monday and start the process.

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Let us know how it turned out for you. Thankfully, NY doesn't require titles, registrations, insurance, or plates on dollies.

 

[Sabata12]

It seems to be resolving itself. I hope. Went to the DMV today, who sent me across the street to a title office. The title office couldn't even find the VIN number registered in the Pennsylvania system, which told me the GBB RV dealer never even issued one. After some heated exchanges with multiple parties at the dealer, which involved my pointing out that I'd driven the toad Illegally since purchase, the manager called me back and said the MOS registration would be on the way.
In the Keystone state, if it has wheels and uses the road, it has a VIN number. If it has a VIN number, it needs some kind of registration.

 

[Arch Hoagland]

I'm curious...where are you located in Pennsylvania?

 

[Adventurous Traveler]

Thanks for the update.