I can't find my trailer's VIN number.

[caguy]

I have a 1980 vintage Holsclaw three axle trailer and can't find the VIN number. There is a plate with come numbers on them but I don't think they are the VIN number. It is difficult to read the labels on the plate. Some of the number are 7500, 775-14ST and SA 7500. I understand that they may be stamped inside one of the square tubes or under the fenders.

 

[Timo42]

If you can't find the numbers, you can take it down to the DMV, and have them issue you a new number. They give you a sticker with the number on it and you can borrow my stamp set to put it in a visible spot on the frame. If they have the serial # on file, just stamp it into the frame. Lets go sailing soon, I am going to be unemployed in a week, Owner decided to call it quits, so before I start somewhere else, I am going to take a little vacation.

 

[caguy]

I still have the Mac 25 and going out this weekend, weather permitting. You up for it?
I'm sure the number is somewhere but it is a big ass trailer with a lot of hiding places.
I also can't find the Hull number. Since there is no documentation the clerk at the DMV wants the PO to do a Lein Sale, what a PITA. His son rents trailers and knows the DMV manager in his neighborhood and will see if it can be done more easily.

 

[Timo42]

Up in the air about this weekend, may be moving stuff, I'll call you.

 

[tommays]

There not real big on stamping the number on a LOT of trailers its often only a plastic sticker that you cant read after 6 months

No secret places

 

[txtowman]

I got a bill of sale with my 1971 trailer, went to the dmv told them it was "homemade" got a plate and thats it. But I am in redneck central. not arnoldville.

 

[caguy]

There not real big on stamping the number on a LOT of trailers its often only a plastic sticker that you cant read after 6 months

No secret places

Meaning Holsclaw or trailer manufacturers in general? It also has a plastic sticker, but some dummy painted over it.

 

[Slim pickins]

When I got my Catalina I only recieved a bill of sale. I had to have state water patrol to run the numbers on the boat, then had to take trailer to state highway patrol to have those numbers ran. They looked at the tongue, at the little ID plate that was long rubbed off. They pulled out the biggest 3-ring binder I have ever saw and looked up the manufacturer. My secondary stamp was in the frame right under the bow support. I had to unbolt the whole front upright that holds the bow chock and winch and move it out of the way so they could verify the numbers.

 

[sailingdog]

Some go the deluxe route and stamp an aluminum plate... but most have stickers only...

Meaning Holsclaw or trailer manufacturers in general? It also has a plastic sticker, but some dummy painted over it.

 

[kendall]

Here in Michigan we can also register a trailer as a homebuilt. A cargo trailer has to be weighed, and meet a few requirements, but a boat trailer essentially just needs lights and depending on load, brakes.

Recent (couple years maybe) changes in licensing have caused a huge influx of homebuilt trailers because it's easier in many cases to get it licensed that way than to jump through all the hoops to get a manufactured trailer legal.

'Odd' story, I was trying to re-register my old boat trailer that hadn't been used in a couple years, had my old registration and bill of sale from several years prior, along with a few other documents proving ownership, and still couldn't get a tag for it.
My friend sold a trailer and I had delivered it a few days before and I still had the plate in my truck. Asked them about registering that plate to it,and then transferring it to my name, and they said no problem.
In short, I was able to register his expired plate and transfer it to my name for less hassle and cost than I could re-register the trailer to myself outright.

Ken.