Trailer Vin

[Nandy]

I just bought a trailer, I believe the Maker is Gator as it has a few decals on it. The DMV is asking me to provide a "paper pencil rub" of the VIN number on the plate. The problem is I cant see the vin. Is the VIN location for trailers standarized? I never knew trailers had vin. Anyone can tell me where to look? I have look everywhere and I cannot see that number. Im worried that if the vin is in a riveted steel label like in the cars and this trailer lost it. It is a really nice trailer, it is in a real good shape and I hate to have to returned to the previous owner.
The previous owner does not have the registration for the trailer, which would have help a bunch. I have everything else to register and title this trailer but that number. Any help will be appreiciated.

Thanks!

 

[dgopetactical]

Re: Trailer Vin

I have a 87 boat trailer and a 2001 utility trailer and there is no vin stamped in to the metal. all I have is a weather proof sticker with the vin and manufactor info. no indents to stencel.. There should be soemthing on the left side of the tounge abou 2' back from the hitch. does the preveous owner have an old regestration or plate to trace it from?

good luck

 

[srothfuss]

Re: Trailer Vin

Mine (also a sticker) is located in front of the left trailer tire on the diagonal brace before leading to the tounge

Sorry for the horrid MS paint skills...

 

[Nandy]

Re: Trailer Vin

Thanks guys, that is the only sticker I saw and it is badly worn. The only number I could make out was the serial number and that is not enough for the DMV. The previous owner is deceased and his daugher inherit the boat. She cant find any paperwork as the gentleman has been deceased for over 16 years.

Thanks!

 

[Bluefish]

Re: Trailer Vin

Had the same problem, in my state NY it was easier to register as homemade and DMV will give you new numbers

 

[Nandy]

Re: Trailer Vin

I was thinking about the homemade route but Im not sure if they will want me to take it somewhere for inspection. I mean, it is obviously not a home made trailer. I will try Georgia DMV tomorrow to see if they will give me the vin which i doubt. If that dont work I will investigate the homemade venue.
Thanks.

 

[rheagler]

Re: Trailer Vin

It scares me that I thought of this, but you could get a set of number stamps and a piece of aluminum sheet. Stamp the number yourself on the aluminum, make a pencil rubbing and give them what they want. If you want to make it more "honest", rivet your homemade ID tag to the trailer.

 

[Jack Daniels]

Re: Trailer Vin

As long as its a unique VIN you should have no problem going that route. We are allowed to do that here in Indiana, which has saved some friends major heart burn. Just make sure you mount it to the trailer and the title has the new vin on it.

 

[Nandy]

Re: Trailer Vin

I might go that route of making my own vin. The problem is that the lady that sold it to me might not want to sign the paper. She is trying to get the information from her dad but they are almost sure they dont have it. This thing has not have a up to date registration since 1993.
Just checked about registering it as a homemade but they will inspect it. The label in this trailer is not even riveted, is a sticker like what you find in the boats and glued to the trailer.
We shall see.

 

[pman7]

Re: Trailer Vin

That is not really an uncommon problem. I've faced it a time or two with old trailers purchased locally and out of state. I guess each state may be more nit picky but it's not too uncommon for those labels to be painted over, damaged or even scraped off for painting.

I've always called the DMV and explained the situation as thoroughly as possible. Sometimes the first person you talk to has a cob up their posterior and is inflexible as Churchlady but usually you'll eventually find somebody willing to make a compromise. They're state employees. If you make them feel comfortable that you're not a trailer thief, they'll usually compromise with unreadable numbers and go with the flow on the homemade call if it means less work for them.

Of course, if you don't have to, don't give your name until you've reached a compromise. I've found DMV people are a lot easier to work with on the phone as opposed to face to face. And you usually have to wait in line when it's face to face. And be sure to get their name.

You may have to take a picture of the trailer and the label to prove to them. Or if you go the inspection route and the people inspecting the trailer can't identify the serial number I doubt they're going to road block you. They will most likely eventually buy your story.