In this article, we’re going to talk about buying a used trailer with a Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin (MSO), also known as the Manufacturer’s Certificate of Origin (MCO). It’s important to know that an MSO is not the same as a title. An MSO is a paper from the manufacturer that you use when you first register your trailer. A title is what you get from your state after the trailer is registered. If you’re in Pennsylvania, we do the registration for you.
When you’re buying a used trailer from a private seller, it’s easy to make a common mistake: not knowing the difference between an MSO and a Title. Some people think if they buy a used trailer that still has an MSO, because the previous owner never registered it, they can just go and register it themselves. But it’s not that simple. It’s really important to understand how an MSO and a Title work when you’re buying a used trailer.
When a used trailer still has an MSO, it indicates that the original owner never finished the registration process. To properly register a trailer, the original owner should have taken the necessary documents to the DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and asked for the trailer to be registered. During this process, they would pay any required taxes. After that, the trailer becomes officially registered, and the owner would usually receive the title in the mail a few weeks later. This changes slightly if the trailer is financed. In that case, the finance company holds onto the title until the loan is fully paid. Alternatively, the buyer might receive the title with the finance company listed as the lienholder.
The key point to remember is that only the original owner, whose name is on the back of the MSO, can register the trailer. This is why you can’t simply register a trailer yourself if you buy it with an MSO from the previous owner. It’s a crucial step that needs to be completed by the person who initially bought the trailer from the manufacturer or dealership. Without their action to convert the MSO into a proper title, the registration process remains incomplete, and this can create significant challenges for subsequent buyers.
Before you finalize the purchase of a used trailer, it’s a wise decision to visit the DMV with the person you’re buying it from. This step is crucial for a smooth and problem-free transaction. The DMV staff are experts in these matters and can assist you in ensuring all the paperwork is correctly filled out and submitted. This can save you a lot of time and prevent future frustration.
At the DMV, they will check to make sure that the seller has the title for the trailer, not just the MSO. They will also verify that there are no liens on the trailer. If there happens to be a lien, the DMV can provide guidance on the best course of action. Taking this proactive approach before buying a used trailer can help ensure that everything is legally and properly handled, giving you peace of mind in your purchase.
John Leonard
12/20/2023
Great trailer dealership. I bought a stock trailer here. They have a wide selection of parts and accessories and fellows right at the dealership that will help put it on. I shopped around and this place had a good selection of trailers and knowledgeable staff. Saved me a trip to Ohio.
spurringirl13
12/19/2023
Fantastic customer service! I found the trailer that I needed and it was priced very competitively at Brechbill. I was able to purchase over the phone and pickup at my convenience thanks to my salesperson, Kendall. He made sure the trailer was ready to go when I arrived and helped me hook it up. It hauled nicely home, even through the worst construction site I’ve ever had the displeasure of encountering. It was a seamless buying experience coupled with a knowledgeable and friendly salesman. Highly recommend Brechbill for your trailer needs.
Larry Miller
11/17/2023
We had a bent torsion axle in our 18’ Winnebago Winnie Drop trailer. Brechbill Trailer ordered the correct replacement axle, did the installation including plating & welding both sides for reinforcement. They also replaced both tires. Judd was fantastic throughout the entire process! He was very good at communicating all that needed to be done. Excellent quality of work at a price that I felt was reasonable. Thank-You Brechbill Trailer!! 👍👍
Cory Green
06/12/2023
Went on my lunch break and picked up my new trailer. Great service with friendly people. Pre qualified for loan and was in and out within half an hour.
Chris Hacken
06/08/2023
Super smooth buying experience. Trailer was priced more than fair. I was in and out in 30-45 minutes; and they have a ton of other parts in the shop that I was able to load up on as well.
Beni Jo Wright
06/07/2023
After searching the local businesses around MUNCY, PA. looking for a dump trailer, & waiting for return phone calls, we couldn’t justify paying that much for a trailer the size we were looking at. A couple days prior to going to Muncy, I Googled dump trailers and found “Brechbill Trailers” in Chambersburg, Pa. They had the same model & size for a lot better price, which would be worth the drive to go get one. We were unable to make any headway with the local dealership, so we drove to Brechbill Trailers, & we are very happy with the purchase we made. We got a heavier (load bearing) trailer for “Less $$$”, they explained everything about it & welcomed our business! Thank you Quinn for everything, including the extras! I’m sure you will be seeing us for more business in the future! We will be sure to mention you to our friends & family members! It was our pleasure working with you!
Gerald Buchanan
03/06/2023
Good group of guys to to deal with. Was great help with finding the perfect trailer to suit my needs look forward to doing business with them again in near future. Great job
Anthony Pizzo
03/06/2023
Quinn made the buying process extremely seamless. I highly recommend for anyone looking for a great trailer with a hassle free buying process.
Jonathan Munk
03/06/2023
That sales and service staff were very friendly and knowledgeable. Everyone took great care of me and even washed my truck before leaving with my brand new trailer. 100 percent would do business there again
Ron Blair
02/27/2023
Brechbill Trailers sold me a 6′ Bwise dump insert with 23″ extended metal sides, a roll up tarp kit and expertly installed it all for me. The entire experience was excellent from start to finish and I highly recommend them for all of your trailer needs. There parts inventory was also over the top.
Dave Parrish
02/24/2023
Easy place to purchase a trailer and the one I purchased was made here in Chambersburg, PA. Sales person was very knowledgeable and nice.
Nathan Berry
01/15/2023
I’ve bought 2 trailers from these guys and it’s been a pleasure dealing with them. Email them with any questions and they are quick at responding and helping you out. Went to pick up my trailer and needed some other items as well and their parts department were very helpful. They have my business for sure. Be sure to buy your trailer from these guys!
Gregory Kepner
01/12/2023
Seamless process, great communication, and an absolute pleasure working with Mark!
Vickie Smith
12/28/2022
Bill was very informative, got us just what we wanted in a special order stock trailer, and kept us updated every step of the way. Highly recommend!
Gretchen Garcia
12/22/2022
Quinn was so great! Really helped us out and got is what we needed ASAP. Super smooth process buying a trailer.
Gary Knoll
11/08/2022
Greetings ,I recently brought my trailer to have the axles and wheels replaced, while waiting for the repairs to be made I inquired about another trailer, I gave the specifications to to the salesman that I needed for my application. We talked about some options, the next thing I knew I bought a trailer. So here I am two hundred miles from home two trailers one truck. They told me they could put my existing trailer on top of the trailer that I bought, which they did. The question remains what I ever do it again. The answer is I most certainly would, the service departments work and work ethics was excellent. Bill in the sales department, is like a farmer, Outstanding in his field. Thanks again to Brechbill trailer sales LLC .
Unfortunately, your options are quite limited if you’ve purchased a used trailer that comes with an MSO (Manufacturer’s Statement of Origin) instead of a title. From the state’s perspective, it may appear as though you have stolen the trailer, since there’s no official documentation linking it to you. The MSO will still bear the original owner’s name, and simply signing below their name on any other lines is not a legal option.
To legally register the trailer under your name, you’ll need to involve the original owner, which can be complicated, especially if the trailer has had multiple owners. The original owner is required to take the MSO and the bill of sale to their local DMV, pay the necessary taxes, and go through the process of officially registering the trailer. Only after this process is completed and they receive the title, can they legally transfer the ownership to you. It’s a challenging situation, but reaching out and coordinating with the original owner is the only way to resolve this and ensure everything is legal.
