Can I sell a travel trailer as abandoned after retaking possession?

Full question:

Sold a travel trailer to a lady 3 years ago. She never transferred title. The trailer got impounded. She contacted me, said I could have the trailer back if I would get it out of impound as long as she could get her belongings out of it. I spent $1100 and retook possession of the trailer from the impound lot. She then has tried to get me arrested for stealing the trailer. It is titled and tagged in my name and up to date. I told her she can get the trailer as long as she pays me back. She won’t come get the trailer. Can I sell it as abandoned?

• Category: Abandoned Property
• Subcategory: Vehicles
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Oklahoma

Answer:

In Oklahoma, you can sell an abandoned vehicle after providing proper notice. Here are the steps you need to follow:

• Post a notice in three public places in the county where the vehicle is located.
• The notice must include:
• Your name and the owner's name (if known).
• A full description of the vehicle, including make, year, serial number, and license tag information.
• A statement of all relevant facts.
• The amount you are owed for expenses related to the vehicle.
• The date, time, and place of the sale.
• Ensure the notice is posted at least ten days before the sale.
• Mail a copy of the notice to the owner and anyone else claiming interest in the vehicle via registered mail.

According to Oklahoma law (47 Okl. St. § 907-911), you have a special lien on the vehicle for the expenses incurred. You can proceed with the sale after the lien has been established for at least ten days.

The proceeds from the sale should first cover the costs of the sale, then satisfy your lien, and any remaining funds should go to the owner or the Oklahoma Tax Commission if the owner is unknown.