Usual place for a trailer VIN?

[Tacklewasher]

I'm looking at a boat tomorrow that I would buy as a whole package. It's a 1977 boat with (I think) an EZ Loader trailer.

I'm bringing it across the border from Washington into Canada (BC) and am told it is important for the VIN to be on the trailer when registering it. Not just knowing the VIN, but being able to show it as being on the trailer. Not quite sure why.

Where is the VIN usually located? I went and looked on my trailer (same vintage) and can't see a plate or a VIN stamped anywhere.

This isn't a deal breaker as I can likely use my current trailer if it becomes a problem, but am curious where it would be.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Usual place for a trailer VIN?

Boat trailers normally have an ID sticker with the VIN #, tire size, inflation pressure, gross weight limit and axle capacity somewhere on the tongue or on the front or rear of the frame rail. My new trailer has the sticker on the inside of the frame rail near the wheels -- nice & handy I might add. The VIN # is required so authorities know the brand and can process any registration papers that may be required. Older trailers without any form of ID are not impossible to get registered but can be a real pain the back side in terms of time and frustration. I make it a point to NEVER buy a boat, car, or trailer regardless of cost if the owner cannot provide the title and the vehicle does not have an ID plate. Even though an older trailer may have originally had an ID tag, many of them have either fallen off long ago or become unreadable due to repeated dunking and exposure to the sun.

 

[larky]

Re: Usual place for a trailer VIN?

title and registration was easy for me in new york. even though it was a manufactured trailer, I had no title so I registered it as a homemade trailer. the dmv wanted to see receipts for supplies I used building it. which of course I didn't have cause i didn't build it. The nice lady at the dmv office offered the idea that I built it from materials I had on hand. sure I'll go with that then I just had to attach a plate with the vin to the trailer (I used rivets) and I was done. not hard at all, unlike anything else you try to do at the nysdmv.