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.
William Heneghan
09/27/2024
1 stop shop , very honest friendly , and make sure your getting the best deal for what you need , just bought a 2025 6×12 enclosed trailer and I would highly recommend stopping in if your in need of a trailer or parts. That’s to Kendall Bill .
Robert Zarn
09/23/2024
Great place to get a huge selection of trailers and the purchase process was amazing. I had additional accessories added to my new trailer and their shop did a fantastic job fabricating the needed brackets and the wiring looks factory. Thanks Mark!!
Tyson U decide
09/23/2024
Professional knowledgeable and friendly.. it’s truly a one stop shop. To sum up my experience here.
David DC Campos
09/13/2024
My friend and driver always bragged on how great Brechbill Trailer Sales was, how great the prices, personal customer service was. I run a fleet of Hotshot Trucks and Gooseneck Trailers, and I am the creator and admin of Hotshot-USA Resource network, www.Hotshot-USA.com. I manage a large network for our industry. Recently I was in a bind. I had converted my elec Drum Brakes to Elec over Hydraulic disk. After a couple years I needed rotors, pads, and they were manufactured by DeeMax components. My trailer guys were unable and back ordered on parts, my trailer repair couldn’t find them. I called and looked furiously for them . When I did finally find them, they were $300 more than Brechbill. I remembered that my driver had mentioned that I give them a call. I did, talked to Justin and others there, Great service, They found, quoted and overnighted my parts straight to my shop. I was so impressed with them that I am adding them to my Hotshot Connections and told my friends in the business to contact them for all their parts. When I find a business like this that can help my trailers and my members, I get excited. I look forward to a long relationship with them. I honestly believe that you can not find a better source for all your trailer needs. Don’t get jacked by high mark ups on parts. Just because we are in need, no need to take advantage of us, Buy with confidence. 100% REAL TALK!
Jovani Figueroa
09/12/2024
It was a quick and easy process to purchase a trailer. I came in with the picture of the trailer I wanted and Mark made everything happen quickly. I highly recommend them when looking for a trailer
Seth Reiff
09/11/2024
Great place for all your trailer needs, Quinn was very pleasant and knowledgeable to work with!
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!
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.
