ice house license vs trailer license

[stubby1]

I remember this from the past but can't remember the outcome.I have a friend that is looking into buying a drop down, pull style fish house.8' x 12' He knows you have to have a shelter license but he thinks he needs a trailer license also. I don't think he needs a trailer license.I sure don't see both on any of the houses on the ice. He says the width has to under a certain width or you have to get an overwidth permit, needs lights,etc.Sounds like a trailer,as well as it being an ice house. SO which way is it.Do you need an trailer license or will the ice house shelter license cover everything???

[Kaz]

Stubby: You don't need a trailer license on the fish house with wheeles. I've had a drop down for 10 years now and at first I tried to get a license, but was turned down by the DVR. I though I'd need one to use it in the summer, but no, need even in the summer.. If you'll notice, several other types of trailers, construction, farming, etc, also do not need plates... Kaz

[kylouie]

Ditto, as it turns out the house becomes consistant with that of farm machinery which can be over the normal width which is required by a trailer license.

[Shawnny B]

If i remember right, you do not need a trailor license unless you are carrying something inside of the fishhouse for transportation such as a 4 wheeler or if your haulin wood in it. You would need to verify with the DMV to make sure though

Shawnny B

[dougger222]

I'm almost 100% sure you need a license for your fish house when ever it's used for hunting or camping.

You need a license for every other type of trailer whether it be a utility trailer or a boat trailer. Utility and boat trailers under 3,000 lbs are eligible for the life time plates and campers are not no matter the size.

I turned a 8x16 ft tandem camper into a fish house a few years ago and was told by a DMV worker that if it's only used for ice fishing it didn't need tabs. I decided to go a head with the tabs just in case if it ever gets used for summer use which it has once.

Believe it or not I'm thinking about getting a license plate for my 1999 6.5x12 ft decked out shanty on wheels. Talk with your insurance man about what would happen if either the fish house was stolen or burglarized or falls in the ice. If there is no plate on the fish house it goes under your home owners insurance policy. The more claims you have on your home owners insurance the less likely you are to get claims paid in the future.

If you had your fish house with a license plate on it you can add it to your automobile insurance policy. While in tow it's covered by the two vehicle and on the lake it's got it's own policy like a camper, boat, atv, or snowmobile.

[Kaz]

Dougger: I'm going to check with DMV today to see what they have to say.. A couple of years ago they gave me a numbered ID sticker for my Snowmobile trailer tongue and said no more plates. On my Pontoon trailer I have a sticker tab attached to the plate that says "Non Expiring". A friend of mine got a ticketed for an expired plate on his boat trailer because he didn't remove the old plate. To many variables. I don't think they are issuing and of the permanent plates anymore. With all of that in mind, I would think if you are under a certain weight, you could use the fish house as a camper anytine, but I call today to see what's the full story.... Kaz

[Jarrod32]

The way it was explained to me, you do not need a trailer license for your fish house IF it is licensed as a fish house. But...you need to have a current license of some sort. If it is not licensed as a fish house, then you may indeed need to have a current trailer license.

[Kaz]

From the mouth of the DMV. If the trailer is licenced as a "Fish House" even though you have a ramp door on the rear to drive a ATV inside, it is a Fish House, and no additional trailer licence is required.. I was quite persistent and questioned them regarding weight etc, and the answer was, if it has a Fish House license on it, it can be used anytime of the year, even as a camper.. The differance in a camper requiring a trailer license and a fish house, a camper has sinks with water and plumbing, 120vac wiring, etc. I'm sure that the fish house builders know the laws here and build their houses in such a way so as NOT to qualify as a camper needing a licence.. As for Insurance, yes it does fall into the "personal property" clause, but is still insured for full coverage and subject to your P/P deductable. If it falls off your truck and crashes into something or another car/truck, it still is covered under your insurance, Car/or personal Liability to the limits of your policy.. Anyhow that's how mine is covered as explained by my Insurance CO.... Kaz

[stubby1]

Thanks KAZ for the info and the calls.I'll be passing this info along.