NC trailer requirements

[natty]

I'm getting a utility trailer this weekend(buying new from harbor freight).  Does anyone know what I have to do to get it registered?  Can I do it online or do I have to wait in line?  Does it have to be wired up right away if it's not blocking the car's taillights?

 

I've never had to deal with this before.  tia

[g5jamz]

You have to get a plate.  So call DMV and ask for all documents you need prior to going. 

[Anybodyhome]

Actually, when I worked at Lowe's we sold utility trailers and had to all the DMV paperwork in the store before the customer left the lot with it hitched up. You should leave the store with all the title work done, so all you have to do is take what they give you to the DMV since it is simply being retitled in your name versus the store.

[Paa Langfart]

used to be in nc you didnt have to have tail lights on the trailer if you could see the towing vehicles lights clearly.

[Shufdog]

I've been pulling my trailer for over 10 years without plates, I do have lights, never had a problem with the police. 

[thefuzz]

No lights, no tag on mine.  Pull it all over the place.

 

That said, it is a great reason to get pulled over if a cop wants to.

[natty]

used to be in nc you didnt have to have tail lights on the trailer if you could see the towing vehicles lights clearly.

 

That's what I'm currently looking into.  My car didn't come with a trailer hitch so I'm putting an aftermarket hitch on it and will have to wire it up myself.  The wiring kit I'm looking at says it needs a line going to the battery, which seems odd to me.  I don't want to crawl completely under my car to route a line if it's not necessary.  

 

From what I've read, if the trailer blocks the car's break lights OR it's longer than 8 ft, then it needs to be wired.  The trailer I'm getting is exactly 8 ft.  

[PandaPancake]

Just wire the lights for the trailer. Unless you want someone to slam into the back of you

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[Anybodyhome]

That's what I'm currently looking into.  My car didn't come with a trailer hitch so I'm putting an aftermarket hitch on it and will have to wire it up myself.  The wiring kit I'm looking at says it needs a line going to the battery, which seems odd to me.  I don't want to crawl completely under my car to route a line if it's not necessary.  

 

From what I've read, if the trailer blocks the car's break lights OR it's longer than 8 ft, then it needs to be wired.  The trailer I'm getting is exactly 8 ft.  

 

Most cars, even without a hitch, have a wiring harness connector tied into the tail lights somewhere so you can run trailer lights. You'll have to pull back the trunk liner around the tail lights to find it.  

 

And your car owner's manual should also tell you how to connect trailer wiring.

 

[thefuzz]

That's what I'm currently looking into.  My car didn't come with a trailer hitch so I'm putting an aftermarket hitch on it and will have to wire it up myself.  The wiring kit I'm looking at says it needs a line going to the battery, which seems odd to me.  I don't want to crawl completely under my car to route a line if it's not necessary.  

 

From what I've read, if the trailer blocks the car's break lights OR it's longer than 8 ft, then it needs to be wired.  The trailer I'm getting is exactly 8 ft.  

 

 

Like ABH said, there should be a small place where you can "jump" it from the brake lights.

 

If not just splice a brake light and run it from there, just make sure you get a good ground.

[Paa Langfart]

I think u haul used to sell kits for wiring in tail lights to your trailer