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Author Topic:   Trailer License plate blues... DMV blues

17 bodega posted 06-22-2005 07:50 PM ET (US)
Due to excessive launching of my boat and the license being attached only at the top two holes, my plate failed me and the bailing wire and hamburger rigs have all failed. This led to a very boring and irritating trip to a DMV located in California. Customer service is something these public employees know nothing about (At least at the Petaluma, CA DMV). The DMV opens at 9:00. At 10:00 they all take a 20 MINUTE BREAK WITH 50 PEOPLE IN LINE!!! Such arrogance on my tax dollar is enough to send me into a foul tirade! (I am very lazy and I at least wait until noon for my break, much less keeping a client waiting)
Anyway, I have a new plate now and I want to attach it so that even a tugboat wake at the boat ramp with my trailer in the water won't alter the position of my plate. Other than a good license plate frame, what suggestions do the keen minds on this website have for trailer license longevity?
Thanks.
Steve (The tirade felt good)
HAPPYJIM posted 06-22-2005 08:08 PM ET (US)
I keep mine in the truck because I got tired of loosing it and paying for the replacement.
I've never been stopped or asked where my plate is.
jmarlo posted 06-22-2005 08:30 PM ET (US)
I've seen plates attached to the tops of the trailer's fenders, with 4 screws. Can't beat that for solid.
minitauk85 posted 06-22-2005 09:08 PM ET (US)
mine is attached with plastic zip ties, so far they seem to be holding up pretty well but I'm not sure about these either (it's only been a couple of months). Anyone used zipties before?
whaler1582 posted 06-22-2005 11:20 PM ET (US)
i wouldn't use the plastic zip ties. they get worn out from the sun and become brittle. i would use some stainless steel nuts and bolts.that is the best bet.
Joshua
Tightlines & Happy Whalin'
Chuck Tribolet posted 06-23-2005 02:12 AM ET (US)
I had one of the plastic plate holder widgets fail, so the
new one is backed up with stainless cable and Ancor eye
connectors. If the plastic lets go, the cable will hold it
and hopefully I'll notice before the cable gives up too.
Note that if your plate is firmly bolted to the trailer,
it will be flexed by the wave action and the plate will break.
I've thought about fabricating something from SS piano
hinge.

Chuck
Over the LINE posted 06-23-2005 08:38 AM ET (US)
Bolt it to the rear cross member of the trailer by drilling through the middle of the plate. Use a couple of large washers. This works on my trailers because the boats sit high enough to clear the top of the plate. I know that it is not legal, because the plate is not lighted, but it is better than losing them.
On a side note, Louisiana recently started offering permanent trailer plates. Is this common in other states?
Speedo66 posted 06-23-2005 10:49 AM ET (US)
I had one of those plastic plate holders that came with a lighting kit fail, and lose the plate, on the WAY to the water on it's first trip. Nothing like high quality!
Now it's on a heavy duty metal bracket, with a wire attached to hold the plate if the plate cracks or the bracket fails.
Nothing like a trip to the DMV to stir up the juices. Sometimes you wonder if attitude is a prerequisite for employment.
17 bodega posted 06-23-2005 11:07 AM ET (US)
My trailer registration is permanent here in California.
Some good ideas here but no product that is specifically designed for this application. I thought about a steel frame too. I also had Chucks thought that some type of loose or hinged setup would solve the problem.
Steve
quickfarms posted 06-23-2005 11:31 AM ET (US)
Just put it in the back window of the tow vehicle
By the way the CA DMV is why I am AAA Member and use their DMV services.
They have registered both of my whalers, one was done without a title, and last year my wife stoped in because I never recieved my registration, and sticker, even though DMV had cashed the check. They looked it up on the computer and printed here a copy and gave her the sticker all in about 20 minutes including the wait. They are much better to deal with than the DMV.
I dread the thought of them verifying who we are for the new licenses.
17 bodega posted 06-23-2005 11:58 AM ET (US)
That's a tempting carrot for joining AAA. Costco has very long lines, but their employees actually look alert, clean and bright eyed. The lines move fast and people get things done. The (California)DMV is a cesspool of incompetance that stretches to evil proportions. Ok.. I'll stop.. but it's almost comedy when you really break it down. You have to do some yoga and get your mind ready to hang out at a DMV. I happened to be in line with a guy who has a boat and likes to fish for salmon so we shot the breeze. He told me some stories about running too far in a 13 and getting very wet on the way home. Several of us in line started to take cheap jabs at their operation as we watched them waste time.
I don't know about most other States. Oregon DMV awesome. You sit in comfortable arm chairs, pick a number like a deli, and they call you quickly and bam, you're done. Almost a pleasure. Washington was good also.
Landlocked posted 06-23-2005 12:34 PM ET (US)
Move to Tennessee - no plates required for trailers!!!!
Actually, I have an old plate I found while working on a landfill in Aruba fastened with zip ties to mine. The montra on the plate says "Aruba - One Happy Island"
It was attached to my old trailer in this manner for several years and never failed. I like the idea of attaching a piece of wire as a fail-safe - may do that. I'd hate to lose it since the chance of another job coming up in Aruba is slim to none.
Ll.
RocketMan posted 06-24-2005 09:21 AM ET (US)
I have been using this rubber 'swinger' that is attached to the bottom of one of the trailer (Shor'Lander) fenders for 15 years or so with success.
Previously, I used a portable set-up. This was just a 2x4 with short, vertical pvc pipes attached at either end. The pvc slid down into the rod holders on the side rails. Tailights and lic. plate were attached to the 2x4. Just had to remove it all and throw it in the truck at the ramp. It keeps the lights and wires, plate, etc. free from salt water and overall it worked well.
CHRISWEIGHT posted 06-24-2005 12:14 PM ET (US)
Is it illegal in the states to use a detachable lighting bar ?
We have a plastic bar which attaches across the back of the trailer and to launch you remove the complete bar lights, plate, the whole lot. so no wet lights and easy to look after the plate.
regards chris
crabby posted 06-24-2005 01:57 PM ET (US)
Come by here and I'll TIG it on for y'all.
Robob2003 posted 06-24-2005 03:01 PM ET (US)
RocketMan,
<It keeps the lights and wires, plate, etc. free from salt water and overall it worked well.>
That's what I did before I hung mine in davits and it worked like a charm, little expense, no corrosion or broken bulbs:-)
Bob on Tampa Bay
Chuck Tribolet posted 06-24-2005 11:12 PM ET (US)
TIG it on and it will break in salt water. Not because of
the salt but because of the wave action. I've seen several
plates that were firmly bolted on, and had a crack
horizontally at the bottom of the washers. Eventually that
would fail completely because the wave action flexed the
plate.
Probably not a problem in little (fresh) water, but 17 bodega
is a salt water whaler.

Chuck
17 bodega posted 06-25-2005 02:23 AM ET (US)
Speaking of salt water, there is anohter pet peeve. The lights on my EZ-Loader have corroded at record speed. The connectors used on trailer lights seem to be different from any other wire plugs and they corrode away. this leaves me to replace entire wiring sections and connectors. I am going to try some regular snap crimp style connectors and I have purchased some spray that is supposed to coat the contacts and protect. There is a grease that is used also that repels salt water.
I bought a stainless steel license frame to protect the new plate. I like the idea of a portable "swinging" plate described above. I'll check that out.
Steve
HAPPYJIM posted 06-25-2005 09:36 AM ET (US)
CHRISWEIGHT
You never see the European style light bars in the States. They are a great idea and do solve a lot of corrosion problems with lighting.
crabby posted 06-25-2005 10:48 AM ET (US)
Back when I used to trailer my boats all around I used to use a light bar with the plate mounted on it. It went thru several variations: sometimes it was split into two pieces that would fit in rod holders, sometimes a single piece that would fit into a pair of rod holders, sometimes it was incorporated into the tie down system. I got tired of replacing bulbs and sockets all the time so a light bar was the only way to keep the electrical stuff out of the water. Other times the plate was bolted to a cross member or fender (and as Chuck explains above it WOULD eventually break and need to be replaced or have some repairs made to it). Last time I mounted a plate on my trailer it was with cable ties directly to the frame.
I was being facetious when I suggested welding the plate to the frame (although I've done that but not with boat trailer plates).
bullwinkle posted 06-25-2005 11:06 AM ET (US)
I've done several of the above, with a twist. Chris, I have a permanent plate but the first one I got was stolen. From then on, I keep the plate and registration in the tow vehicle. I've never been stopped, so I don't know if it is a real problem. It might be if Barney stops me, but I don't think most will bother.
I think risers are a great way to keep lights from water problems. If that's not a solution for you, I purchased some sealed beam(round) trailer lights at a truck stop. They come with a rubber grommet that they fit into so that they float in it to keep down vibration. They come with a plug for the back that makes a good connection, and with a little grease, doesn't easily corrode. I attached a piece of sheet aluminum to the brackets for the old lights with a hole cut into it for the grommet and light. They can be submerged without unplugging and never gave me any trouble.
Mike
Knot at Work posted 06-27-2005 11:38 AM ET (US)
Oh yes, California's infamous DMV line.... I recall my First Drivers License test in Fairfield. I recall losing my license and having to go to San Diego El Cajon I believe to get a new one. An excerise in Patience... I think I failed... I became a Florida resident shortly after.
M_Man posted 07-06-2005 02:05 PM ET (US)
Ahhh, California's DMV offices- turning folks Conservative at a record rate!
I've noticed that whenever I hit the local DMV Office, I'm in line with a bunch of other folks who tried three or four times to do their buisness my mail, only to give up in frustration and join the misery que.
If they'd only tell you everything you need the first time they mail out renewall notices or whatever!
It goes like this...You send in your paperwork, including everything they ask for. You get a letter back saying we got your A,B,C, please send D, E, and F.
You send D,E,and F...here comes the next letter..."Where's A, B, C?
All things considered, I'm figuring $2, mabye $3 dollars to send each reply...no wonder the State is Billions behind!

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Author	Topic: Trailer License plate blues... DMV blues
17 bodega	posted 06-22-2005 07:50 PM ET (US) Due to excessive launching of my boat and the license being attached only at the top two holes, my plate failed me and the bailing wire and hamburger rigs have all failed. This led to a very boring and irritating trip to a DMV located in California. Customer service is something these public employees know nothing about (At least at the Petaluma, CA DMV). The DMV opens at 9:00. At 10:00 they all take a 20 MINUTE BREAK WITH 50 PEOPLE IN LINE!!! Such arrogance on my tax dollar is enough to send me into a foul tirade! (I am very lazy and I at least wait until noon for my break, much less keeping a client waiting) Anyway, I have a new plate now and I want to attach it so that even a tugboat wake at the boat ramp with my trailer in the water won't alter the position of my plate. Other than a good license plate frame, what suggestions do the keen minds on this website have for trailer license longevity? Thanks. Steve (The tirade felt good)
HAPPYJIM	posted 06-22-2005 08:08 PM ET (US) I keep mine in the truck because I got tired of loosing it and paying for the replacement. I've never been stopped or asked where my plate is.
jmarlo	posted 06-22-2005 08:30 PM ET (US) I've seen plates attached to the tops of the trailer's fenders, with 4 screws. Can't beat that for solid.
minitauk85	posted 06-22-2005 09:08 PM ET (US) mine is attached with plastic zip ties, so far they seem to be holding up pretty well but I'm not sure about these either (it's only been a couple of months). Anyone used zipties before?
whaler1582	posted 06-22-2005 11:20 PM ET (US) i wouldn't use the plastic zip ties. they get worn out from the sun and become brittle. i would use some stainless steel nuts and bolts.that is the best bet. Joshua Tightlines & Happy Whalin'
Chuck Tribolet	posted 06-23-2005 02:12 AM ET (US) I had one of the plastic plate holder widgets fail, so the new one is backed up with stainless cable and Ancor eye connectors. If the plastic lets go, the cable will hold it and hopefully I'll notice before the cable gives up too. Note that if your plate is firmly bolted to the trailer, it will be flexed by the wave action and the plate will break. I've thought about fabricating something from SS piano hinge. Chuck
Over the LINE	posted 06-23-2005 08:38 AM ET (US) Bolt it to the rear cross member of the trailer by drilling through the middle of the plate. Use a couple of large washers. This works on my trailers because the boats sit high enough to clear the top of the plate. I know that it is not legal, because the plate is not lighted, but it is better than losing them. On a side note, Louisiana recently started offering permanent trailer plates. Is this common in other states?
Speedo66	posted 06-23-2005 10:49 AM ET (US) I had one of those plastic plate holders that came with a lighting kit fail, and lose the plate, on the WAY to the water on it's first trip. Nothing like high quality! Now it's on a heavy duty metal bracket, with a wire attached to hold the plate if the plate cracks or the bracket fails. Nothing like a trip to the DMV to stir up the juices. Sometimes you wonder if attitude is a prerequisite for employment.
17 bodega	posted 06-23-2005 11:07 AM ET (US) My trailer registration is permanent here in California. Some good ideas here but no product that is specifically designed for this application. I thought about a steel frame too. I also had Chucks thought that some type of loose or hinged setup would solve the problem. Steve
quickfarms	posted 06-23-2005 11:31 AM ET (US) Just put it in the back window of the tow vehicle By the way the CA DMV is why I am AAA Member and use their DMV services. They have registered both of my whalers, one was done without a title, and last year my wife stoped in because I never recieved my registration, and sticker, even though DMV had cashed the check. They looked it up on the computer and printed here a copy and gave her the sticker all in about 20 minutes including the wait. They are much better to deal with than the DMV. I dread the thought of them verifying who we are for the new licenses.
17 bodega	posted 06-23-2005 11:58 AM ET (US) That's a tempting carrot for joining AAA. Costco has very long lines, but their employees actually look alert, clean and bright eyed. The lines move fast and people get things done. The (California)DMV is a cesspool of incompetance that stretches to evil proportions. Ok.. I'll stop.. but it's almost comedy when you really break it down. You have to do some yoga and get your mind ready to hang out at a DMV. I happened to be in line with a guy who has a boat and likes to fish for salmon so we shot the breeze. He told me some stories about running too far in a 13 and getting very wet on the way home. Several of us in line started to take cheap jabs at their operation as we watched them waste time. I don't know about most other States. Oregon DMV awesome. You sit in comfortable arm chairs, pick a number like a deli, and they call you quickly and bam, you're done. Almost a pleasure. Washington was good also.
Landlocked	posted 06-23-2005 12:34 PM ET (US) Move to Tennessee - no plates required for trailers!!!! Actually, I have an old plate I found while working on a landfill in Aruba fastened with zip ties to mine. The montra on the plate says "Aruba - One Happy Island" It was attached to my old trailer in this manner for several years and never failed. I like the idea of attaching a piece of wire as a fail-safe - may do that. I'd hate to lose it since the chance of another job coming up in Aruba is slim to none. Ll.
RocketMan	posted 06-24-2005 09:21 AM ET (US) I have been using this rubber 'swinger' that is attached to the bottom of one of the trailer (Shor'Lander) fenders for 15 years or so with success. Previously, I used a portable set-up. This was just a 2x4 with short, vertical pvc pipes attached at either end. The pvc slid down into the rod holders on the side rails. Tailights and lic. plate were attached to the 2x4. Just had to remove it all and throw it in the truck at the ramp. It keeps the lights and wires, plate, etc. free from salt water and overall it worked well.
CHRISWEIGHT	posted 06-24-2005 12:14 PM ET (US) Is it illegal in the states to use a detachable lighting bar ? We have a plastic bar which attaches across the back of the trailer and to launch you remove the complete bar lights, plate, the whole lot. so no wet lights and easy to look after the plate. regards chris
crabby	posted 06-24-2005 01:57 PM ET (US) Come by here and I'll TIG it on for y'all.
Robob2003	posted 06-24-2005 03:01 PM ET (US) RocketMan, <It keeps the lights and wires, plate, etc. free from salt water and overall it worked well.> That's what I did before I hung mine in davits and it worked like a charm, little expense, no corrosion or broken bulbs:-) Bob on Tampa Bay
Chuck Tribolet	posted 06-24-2005 11:12 PM ET (US) TIG it on and it will break in salt water. Not because of the salt but because of the wave action. I've seen several plates that were firmly bolted on, and had a crack horizontally at the bottom of the washers. Eventually that would fail completely because the wave action flexed the plate. Probably not a problem in little (fresh) water, but 17 bodega is a salt water whaler. Chuck
17 bodega	posted 06-25-2005 02:23 AM ET (US) Speaking of salt water, there is anohter pet peeve. The lights on my EZ-Loader have corroded at record speed. The connectors used on trailer lights seem to be different from any other wire plugs and they corrode away. this leaves me to replace entire wiring sections and connectors. I am going to try some regular snap crimp style connectors and I have purchased some spray that is supposed to coat the contacts and protect. There is a grease that is used also that repels salt water. I bought a stainless steel license frame to protect the new plate. I like the idea of a portable "swinging" plate described above. I'll check that out. Steve
HAPPYJIM	posted 06-25-2005 09:36 AM ET (US) CHRISWEIGHT You never see the European style light bars in the States. They are a great idea and do solve a lot of corrosion problems with lighting.
crabby	posted 06-25-2005 10:48 AM ET (US) Back when I used to trailer my boats all around I used to use a light bar with the plate mounted on it. It went thru several variations: sometimes it was split into two pieces that would fit in rod holders, sometimes a single piece that would fit into a pair of rod holders, sometimes it was incorporated into the tie down system. I got tired of replacing bulbs and sockets all the time so a light bar was the only way to keep the electrical stuff out of the water. Other times the plate was bolted to a cross member or fender (and as Chuck explains above it WOULD eventually break and need to be replaced or have some repairs made to it). Last time I mounted a plate on my trailer it was with cable ties directly to the frame. I was being facetious when I suggested welding the plate to the frame (although I've done that but not with boat trailer plates).
bullwinkle	posted 06-25-2005 11:06 AM ET (US) I've done several of the above, with a twist. Chris, I have a permanent plate but the first one I got was stolen. From then on, I keep the plate and registration in the tow vehicle. I've never been stopped, so I don't know if it is a real problem. It might be if Barney stops me, but I don't think most will bother. I think risers are a great way to keep lights from water problems. If that's not a solution for you, I purchased some sealed beam(round) trailer lights at a truck stop. They come with a rubber grommet that they fit into so that they float in it to keep down vibration. They come with a plug for the back that makes a good connection, and with a little grease, doesn't easily corrode. I attached a piece of sheet aluminum to the brackets for the old lights with a hole cut into it for the grommet and light. They can be submerged without unplugging and never gave me any trouble. Mike
Knot at Work	posted 06-27-2005 11:38 AM ET (US) Oh yes, California's infamous DMV line.... I recall my First Drivers License test in Fairfield. I recall losing my license and having to go to San Diego El Cajon I believe to get a new one. An excerise in Patience... I think I failed... I became a Florida resident shortly after.
M_Man	posted 07-06-2005 02:05 PM ET (US) Ahhh, California's DMV offices- turning folks Conservative at a record rate! I've noticed that whenever I hit the local DMV Office, I'm in line with a bunch of other folks who tried three or four times to do their buisness my mail, only to give up in frustration and join the misery que. If they'd only tell you everything you need the first time they mail out renewall notices or whatever! It goes like this...You send in your paperwork, including everything they ask for. You get a letter back saying we got your A,B,C, please send D, E, and F. You send D,E,and F...here comes the next letter..."Where's A, B, C? All things considered, I'm figuring $2, mabye $3 dollars to send each reply...no wonder the State is Billions behind!