Anyone know a decision maker in the NSW RTA?

[Kenneth S (222)]

Hi Guys, I spent over an hour of my life in the RTA yesterday I will never get back with them telling me call this number we can't help and when I call the number, them telling me visit an RTA office, we can't help and so on and so on. It seems the original VIN of my trailer has dropped off the system and they are telling me I have to locate the original import documents of the trailer to have it reinstated. The original trailer was built in the US 2007 and sold to some guy in Minnesota etc etc.......so I have more chance finding an original unridden showroom model of a CR250RZ than I do of locating those documents. Anyone know someone of authority in the RTA who has enough pull to make a common sense decision?

[Husabergpete]

Ken,  I have had a lot to do with this type of stuff in the past.

More than one way to skin a cat.

Give me a call on 0407 915014

Pete @ Heaven
#100

[Nathan S]

Got old rego papers and/or Aussie number plate? Or even know what the old plate number was? If so, I can't see the problem.

Nathan's golden rule for dealing with RTA-types, is to dig your heels in - be mule-stubborn, but don't get cranky. It's amazing how many supposedly insurmountable problems disappear when they realise you're not going to be fobbed off...

[crossedup2]

Ken
The other way would be to ask/apply for a home built trailer VIN number.
Your were allowed to build one or two a year yourself before having to get the right credentials to build trailers.

Not sure if this is still the way but this was from their web page today!. See form below .

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/publicationsstatisticsforms/downloads/45071142.pdf

The RTA will issue you a VIN with this form. I'd certainly make sure there was no other numbers stamped into the A frame. If there's not then all should be good.

What does the trailer weigh?

Peter B

[Kenneth S (222)]

Thanks guys, I know I'll get there, it is just 'how' I have to work out. Pete, I'll give you a call later today, I hope that is OK.

Nathan, the old trailer body was sitting derelict in a yard for 3-4 years before I bought it with no plates or papers to speak of. It was literally half a trailer where someone had taken a 12" angle grinder and cut the front half off, a write off.

It's Tare Mass without the fit out is 1560kg. I am going to make the fit out light weight aluminium and modular so I can multi purpose it, use it for racing, family camping and to sell merchandise out of.

Peter B, thanks for that form. You would think that the people at the RTA would have offered that form wouldn't you!

[Ando]

That is the way to go mate. Yes, you can tell them you built it from scratch.

[Nathan S]

That is the way to go mate. Yes, you can tell them you built it from scratch.

+1. 

[huskibul]

    Common sense and RTA in the same sentence - ain't gunna happen  definatly go with the new "homebuilt" trailer form 

[curly001]

Ken if you go the home built way you will need to show receipts for the steel work, axles, wheels etc. I've built 4 home built trailers and they need to see proof that you brought something be it the orginal trailer or materials to make a trailer.

[Kenneth S (222)]

Ken if you go the home built way you will need to show receipts for the steel work, axles, wheels etc. If built 4 home built trailers and they need to see proof that you brought something be it the orginal trailer or materials to make a trailer.

Thanks Curly, That is a good tip for me to be prepared. I have plenty of receipts, that's for sure.

[Kenneth S (222)]

Thanks for all the tips boys. Blue slip inspection this morning. Receipts in hand, progressive photos of the build in hand, RTA checklist in hand, Fingers crossed.

[Ando]

Thanks for all the tips boys. Blue slip inspection this morning. Receipts in hand, progressive photos of the build in hand, RTA checklist in hand, Fingers crossed.

Ken, give Darren a call.

[Kenneth S (222)]

Thanks to all for all your comments and advice. Can you believe this?

Four days after this initial post I received in my email copies of the original Import Approval and Certificate of Origin for this very trailer!

Before I put this post up I had sent an email to Featherlite in the US with the VIN I found on the trailer frame asking them what history they had on it. After initially getting it wrong, they came back later and put me in touch with a Victorian business who had imported it, who put me in touch with another business who had taken over the distributorship and the records. I sent them an email and received back an auto email saying the guy was on holidays. In the mean time the RTA had contacted me and told me they wanted to inspect the trailer. By the time the RTA Inspectors had turned up I had the documents.

The RTA guys were very stern at first but after they saw the documents and my build photos and receipts and realised it was all legit, they softened and I found out they were one of us, dirt bikers from way back so we spent 15 minutes in my workshop talking dirt bikes while they checked out my CRs. The main Inspector even owned a 79 CR250 like mine back in the day.

After two weeks and two visits from the RTA inspectors where they took photos and checked the trailer hadn't been stolen, it was approved and I have my Blue Slip. WooHoo!!

Maybe I will find an original unridden showroom model of a CR250RZ one day!

[Ando]

Congratulations Kenneth on the trailer rego mate! But good luck on finding an untouched new RZ 

[The Wombat]

The hoops we jump thru for bureaucracy