Need info on my Catalina 22 trailer

[Knot Happy]

Hoping someone can help me! I got a 1972 Catalina 22 on a trailer. I live in California and the lady whose husband passed away didn't have any paperwork or license on the trailer. DMV told me I had to take it to the CHP office to have them stamp a new number before I could put it in my name. Here's the problem . The CHP officer and I couldn't find a vin number on it. I know Catalina had 1 company to make their trailers in the 70's and I can't find a name anywhere. Do you guys know who this company was? Looking at other Catalina 22 trailers I'm not finding any vin numbers on them. Any help would be most helpful!
Thanks, Monte

 

[sail sfbay]

Might check with Triad Catalina 22 - Triad Trailers or could have been a local California trailer manufacturer. Best bet is to go to a CHP office in north Sacramento (250) North Sacramento (ca.gov) with your signed Bill of Sale to stamp a new number.

 

[rgranger]

I ran into a similar problem with a trailer from South Carolina many years ago. I was living in Virginia and according to the seller, SC did not require titles for trailers of that vintage. The VA DMV did not agree and said I needed the original title to put it in my name. The kind lady at the DMV then pulled me aside and suggested that I paint over any manufacturer's markings and bring it back and apply for a homemade title.

Here is the process for California

Specially Constructed or Modified Vehicle Registration - California DMV

Register a specially-constructed or modified vehicle (built for private use and not constructed by a manufacturer for resale) with the California DMV

www.dmv.ca.gov

Since CA allows "modified" I think you could put on new lights, a new hitch, a new coat of paint .... maybe new tires and then claim it is a modified trailer... or go all in as a homemade job.

 

[Richard19068]

I had a Catalina 22 in the very early 70's. It came with a Trail-Rite trailer made in Santa Ana California. I think they are now out of business though. The VIN was on a thin plate that could very easily be missing after all these years.

If you are a AAA member I would see if they have any advice. They can sometimes be more helpful than the DMV.