Thinking about selling your camper trailer but not sure where to start? You're not alone. Whether it’s been your weekend warrior, your escape pod for long holidays, or it’s been sitting in the driveway gathering dust, parting with a trailer can raise plenty of questions.
We've helped plenty of trailer owners navigate one of the biggest questions: Do camper trailers need to be roadworthy when selling?
The answer isn’t always straightforward. Depending on where you live and what kind of trailer you’re selling, the rules can change. But don’t worry—we’re here to help you sort through the red tape, understand what buyers expect, and explore your best options (including getting paid quickly for a trailer that’s past its prime).
In this guide, we’ll explain trailer roadworthy requirements, how to handle a sale with or without a certificate, and why salvaging your camper trailer might be the smoothest road to take.
Do I need a roadworthy certificate to sell a camper trailer?
In short: it depends on where you live and whether your trailer is registered.
Across Australia, roadworthy requirements vary by state and territory. In most cases, if your camper trailer is registered and weighs over 750kg (ATM), you’ll likely need a roadworthy certificate before the registration can be transferred to the buyer.
For example:
- In Victoria, any registered trailer over 750kg must have a Certificate of Roadworthiness (RWC) at the time of sale.
- In Queensland, a Safety Certificate is required for any registered trailer over 750kg.
- In Western Australia and South Australia, however, roadworthy checks are not required for private sales.
If your trailer is unregistered, a roadworthy isn't typically needed to sell it but the buyer will need one if they plan to register it later.
To make it easier, here’s a quick breakdown of the roadworthy requirements in each state:
[table]
[thead]
[tr]
[th]State[/th]
[th]Roadworthy Required?[/th]
[th]Details[/th]
[/tr]
[/thead]
[tbody]
[tr]
[td]VIC[/td]
[td]✅ Yes[/td]
[td]Unregistered trailers don’t require a roadworthy certificate for sale but will need one for re-registration.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]NSW[/td]
[td]✅ Yes[/td]
[td]If the trailer is over 4.5 tonnes or older than 5 years, a safety inspection (e-Safety Check) is typically required.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]QLD[/td]
[td]✅ Yes[/td]
[td]A Safety Certificate is required when selling a registered trailer over 750kg Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM).[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]SA[/td]
[td]❌ No[/td]
[td]No, roadworthy certificates are not required for private vehicle or trailer sales.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]WA[/td]
[td]❌ No[/td]
[td]No, a roadworthy is not required to sell a camper trailer. However, an inspection may be needed for re-registration or if transferring an unlicensed trailer.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]TAS[/td]
[td]⚠️ Sometimes[/td]
[td]It’s case-by-case but not usually required for standard trailer sales. However, if re-registering or if the trailer has been unregistered for a long time, a safety inspection may be needed.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]NT[/td]
[td]❌ No[/td]
[td]No, a roadworthy is not required to sell a trailer. However, unregistered trailers will need to pass inspection for new registration.[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]ACT[/td]
[td]✅ Yes[/td]
[td]Yes, a roadworthy inspection is required when transferring registration or selling a registered trailer.[/td]
[/tr]
[/tbody]
[/table]
Understanding roadworthy trailer sales
When you’re listing your trailer for sale, one of the first things buyers will ask is whether it comes with a roadworthy certificate for trailer compliance. This certificate shows that the vehicle is safe for use on public roads and meets minimum safety standards.
A roadworthy trailer sale not only gives buyers peace of mind but also increases your trailer’s resale value. It signals that you’ve kept the trailer in good condition and are serious about the sale.
What is checked in a trailer roadworthy inspection?
Every trailer type has its own quirks, but a standard trailer roadworthy checklist includes:
- Brakes (if fitted)
- Lights and reflectors
- Suspension and axle condition
- Tyres and wheels
- Couplings and safety chains
- Chassis and structural integrity
- Electrical systems
For camper trailers, inspectors may also check interior features like gas systems or fitted batteries, especially if they’re permanently installed.
If you’re selling a boat trailer, additional boat trailer roadworthy requirements apply—such as winch function, rollers, and keel supports. Always ensure the trailer is suitable for safely transporting a boat over long distances.
Trailer roadworthy requirements by type
Different types of trailers have different roadworthiness expectations, so it’s important to understand where yours stands before you put it up for sale.
[table]
[thead]
[tr]
[th]Trailer Type[/th]
[th]Requires Roadworthy for Sale?[/th]
[th]Key Requirements[/th]
[/tr]
[/thead]
[tbody]
[tr]
[td]Camper Trailer[/td]
[td]Yes (if >750kg and registered)[/td]
[td]Brakes, chassis, lighting, coupling[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Boat Trailer[/td]
[td]Yes (if >750kg and registered)[/td]
[td]Winch, rollers, suspension, tyres[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Box Trailer[/td]
[td]Only if registered and >750kg[/td]
[td]Lights, tyres, brakes if fitted[/td]
[/tr]
[tr]
[td]Unregistered Trailer[/td]
[td]No (but required for re-registration)[/td]
[td]Full inspection needed for new rego[/td]
[/tr]
[/tbody]
[/table]
Selling a camper trailer without a roadworthy
If your camper trailer is no longer roadworthy—or just not worth the repair costs—you still have options. Selling 'as is' is one route, but you’ll need to be transparent with buyers about its condition.
For quick, hassle-free selling, you might consider a salvage buyer like 1800 Salvage. We buy camper trailers in all conditions—roadworthy or not—and handle the paperwork for you. Whether it's rusted out, damaged or just ready for retirement, we can help you clear space and put cash in your pocket.
Why salvaging your camper trailer might be the smarter move
Selling a camper trailer through traditional channels can mean weeks of preparation, repairs, paperwork, and waiting for the right buyer. But what if you could skip the stress and still walk away with cash in hand?
If your trailer has seen better days or doesn't quite meet trailer roadworthy requirements, selling to 1800 Salvage can be a better alternative. Here's why:
Skip repairs and cleaning
Forget fixing broken lights, inflating tyres, or detailing the interior. 1800 Salvage buys trailers in any condition—roadworthy or not.
No roadworthy certificate required
You won’t need to spend time or money obtaining a roadworthy certificate for trailer compliance. We take care of the process, so you don’t have to.
Fast, hassle-free process
No listings, no negotiations, and no tyre-kickers. Just a streamlined process that gets your trailer sold fast, often with same-day pickup.
Cash for trailers of all types
Whether it’s a camper trailer, boat trailer, or box trailer, we offer competitive prices based on real value. Even trailers that don’t pass the trailer roadworthiness checklist are eligible.
Instead of investing time and money in making your trailer sale-ready, consider the easy and profitable alternative—contact 1800 Salvage and sell your camper trailer today.
FAQs about whether you need a roadworthy certificate
Do I need a roadworthy for a trailer under 750 kg?
Not usually. In many states, trailers under 750 kg ATM don't require a roadworthy certificate for registration or sale. However, it’s always wise to confirm the rules with your state’s transport authority, as regulations can differ. Buyers may still request an inspection for peace of mind, even if it's not legally required.
What are my options if I don't want to get a roadworthy certificate?
If arranging a roadworthy feels like more trouble than it’s worth, there are still practical alternatives. One option is to sell your trailer to a salvage buyer who doesn't require it to be roadworthy. This eliminates the cost of repairs and the hassle of inspections. It’s also a great way to secure a quick, cash-based sale.
Can I still use my trailer for private property travel if it’s not roadworthy?
Yes, but with limitations. A trailer that fails a roadworthy inspection can still be used on private property, such as farms, large backyards, or off-road locations. It’s important to understand that this use is strictly prohibited on public roads until repairs are made and the trailer passes inspection. Ignoring this rule could result in fines or safety hazards.
How can I check the weight rating of my trailer before a sale?
The Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) is usually stamped on the trailer’s compliance plate, typically located near the drawbar or chassis. It can also be found in registration papers or the original manufacturer’s documentation. Knowing this number helps you determine if your trailer requires a roadworthy certificate. It also influences pricing, towing limits, and what kind of buyer is eligible to purchase it.
Ready to sell without the roadworthy hassle?
If your camper trailer no longer fits into your future plans, there’s no need to jump through hoops. Getting a roadworthy certificate for trailer compliance can be time-consuming and costly—especially if your trailer needs work. But that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with it.
At 1800 Salvage, we specialise in taking trailers off your hands—no repairs, no paperwork headaches, and no waiting around. We’ll buy your trailer in any condition and offer competitive cash offers with same-day pickup in many areas. Don’t waste another weekend wrestling with red tape. Contact 1800 Salvage and make space for your next adventure, with money in your pocket.
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