A trailer bill of sale is a crucial document during the purchase or sale of a trailer. It is required during the registration process in some states, while others do not need it. Even if your state's regulations do not mandate preparing the document, it is beneficial to both the seller and the buyer. Besides acting as proof of purchase, it protects the parties in case of future disputes.
Lawrina’s trailer bill of sale template is easy to use; you can create and download it in a few simple steps. All you need to do is answer the questions, and the information is automatically filled out on the form. Once you complete the trailer bill of sale, you can download it by making a one-time purchase or signing up for a monthly subscription to access unlimited templates.
Trailer sale documents usually follow the same general format and include the following legal provisions:
A trailer is a cost-intensive investment. Whether you are buying or selling, having a trailer bill of sale as part of the transaction is crucial. While not legally required in every state, you should consider creating the document for the following reasons:
Legal protection.
A trailer bill of sale protects both the seller and the buyer. Upon purchase, the buyer can use the document as proof of ownership before the title is ready. Similarly, the agreement protects the seller from shouldering responsibility for incidents (speeding tickets, accidents) that may occur before the title transfer is effected. The trailer sale form also discloses any known issues, thereby protecting the seller against any disputes that may arise in the future.
Simplifies registration.
The document provides detailed information essential for registration, such as vehicle identification number (VIN), year, make, and model, making the process much easier.
Proof of purchase.
The bill of sale for a trailer contains the information you can demonstrate as proof of purchase, including the amount you paid for it and the seller's signature.
There is always an option to sell trailers in their current condition, whether new or used. When you want to make the trailer available as is, as specified in bill of sale templates, let potential buyers know your intention to sell the trailer as is. When you prepare a complete and accurate trailer bill of sale, you will be able to defend your interests in the deal if any disputes arise later.
A general trailer bill of sale should include the following information:
This data is sufficient to create a standard trailer bill of sale template that sellers can use when an offer is made on the vehicle.
These are the steps the seller and the buyer should take to ensure a smooth transaction for the purchase and sale of a trailer.
Sellers will need to do the following:
Include the effective date in the bill of sale for trailers;
Describe in detail the vehicle being sold and include the make, model, year, VIN, current mileage (if applicable), and condition;
List the agreed price of the trailer. If the item is a gift or partial gift, the price can be adjusted in a trailer sale document;
Include the warranty information. Private-party sales are generally considered "as is" transactions;
Add your name and address;
Specify the payment method — cash, check, credit card, or bank deposit — and include deposit and installment amounts if the buyer is not paying in one lump sum;
Add other details, such as due dates for upcoming payments, fees for late payments, and interest rates for the remaining balance; and
When signing the bill of sale for trailers, both parties should ensure that the information provided is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.
Sellers generally draft the bill of sale for trailers, leaving buyers to do the following:
Make sure the date of the sale is correct;
Check the accuracy of the information about the trailer—year, make, model, VIN, mileage, and condition;
Ensure that the price is listed as agreed;
Review any warranties included in the agreement. Private party sales are generally considered “as is”;
Input your name and address;
Confirm the payment method, whether installments or lump sum, of cash, check, credit card, or bank deposit;
Confirm the due date for upcoming payments, the interest rate, and any other terms that may apply; and
Sign the trailer sale document as proof of purchase, acknowledging that the information provided is accurate.
There are several reasons why a buyer and seller will need to have a trailer bill of sale.
The most common reasons for using a trailer bill of sale include:
Even though you do not need a trailer bill of sale to transfer the vehicle in some states, the document is essential for the reasons we have discussed above. However, there are some instances where you do not need to use a trailer sale document even though you are entrusting the vehicle to someone else.
Examples of such situations include:
Selling a trailer can be a difficult process, but following some tips can help produce a successful sale.
Trailers vary in size, purpose, and features. The first tip is to ensure you know what type of trailer you are selling. Also, be sure to list it correctly on your trailer bill of sale.
Based on the trailer type and size, you can browse online marketplaces to determine reasonable asking prices before setting up your own listing. The following are some common trailer types:
Hauling trailers for delivering livestock;
Refrigerated trailers;
Dry van (enclosed) trailers;
Open trailers; and
Single or multi-vehicle trailers.
Doing extensive price and market research is important to get you top dollar on your trailer. You can visit various marketplaces to see how much similar trailers are selling for to get an idea of the best-asking price based on your trailer specs, such as type, gross vehicle weight, number of axles, length and width, etc.
Researching market trends can also give you insight into the demand and inform pricing. If the demand is high, then you can increase the asking price. For instance, current trends project an upward curve in demand and revenue with an estimated compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% between 2021 and 2029.
Examples of common trailer marketplaces include BuyMyTrailer, TrailerTrader, and eBay. You can also join local social media communities to stay current on trailer advertisements or apply to post an ad in the local newspaper.
When you hear from potential buyers, be sure to respond to them promptly. Answer all their questions about your trailer, provide them with recent photos, and make arrangements to show your trailer to them if they are interested.
The following are some valuable tips for efficient communication with potential buyers:
Be honest. If the trailer is not new, share this information with a potential buyer. If there are damaged parts, let the buyer know. Tell the buyer in advance if you are selling the trailer as is.
Make applicable documents available to buyers if they ask to see them, proving yourself as a reliable seller.
Choose a reasonable asking price. Based on your market research, adjust the price for the trailer’s features, age, and condition to make it affordable. Always leave room for negotiation.
Use as many marketplaces as possible. Don’t rely on a single platform to find your buyer. Ask people you know if they know someone who is looking for a trailer. Word of mouth still works.
Ask potential buyers questions. Why do they need a trailer? Can they bring cash to complete the purchase? Are they ready to transfer ownership if they decide to buy the trailer?
When both parties have agreed to proceed with the trailer purchase and sale, they can use a printable trailer sale form. The key elements of a trailer bill of sale are the vehicle description, the vehicle price, the sale date, the parties' names and contact information, and the signatures.
Once both parties have approved the terms and conditions and signed the trailer sale document, the buyer will need to apply for a new title through their local DMV within 30 days from the purchase date. This obligation applies in most U.S. states.
To avoid fines, be sure to follow the applicable laws in the state of your residence. Before making a trailer purchase, be sure to know the rules of trailer ownership and licensing based on the type of trailer.
Some states, such as New York, honor valid out-of-state trailer registrations. If your home state does not require registration, however, you must obtain a New York registration before operating your vehicle in that state.
After you buy a utility trailer, you should register it at your local DMV. This action is required after the sale to transfer the vehicle to the new owner.
Yes, a bill of sale is enough to sell a trailer. Remember that some states may require notarization of a trailer bill of sale to prove that the trailer sale is legal.
A signed bill of sale becomes legally binding for both parties and gains its legal force immediately upon signing.
There's no standard location where the trailer vehicle identification number (VIN) is placed, but you can find it either on a metal plate near the tongue, near the front frame's inside or underside, and on the frame near the axle. Various documents, such as the title, insurance documentation, and the bill of sale for the trailer, also feature the VIN.