Troubleshooting Missing Trailer VIN

Question:

I have a 36 foot Classic enclosed car trailer manufactured in Sturgis Michigan. The trailer appears to be late 80s early 90s vintage. I cannot find the vin number on the unit due to the foil tag has faded into oblivion. I have the last 5 digits that are stamped on the gooseneck frame that are supposedly the last 5 of the vin. They are 19786. Where can I find the permanent stamping on the frame? Thanks

asked by: Jay H

Expert Reply:

Trailer VIN numbers can be evasive. They can be on the frame anywhere or not at all. All that was required was the sticker so many manufacturers only did the minimum where others wanted to make sure their parts were confirmed to be their parts. Often if stamped it would be near the coupler to find more easily, but it could be pretty much anywhere or non-existent.

If you need to register your trailer, I recommend checking with your local Department of Motor Vehicles. In many states when you lack a complete VIN, you will need to have the trailer inspected by taking it to the state highway patrol who can issue you a new number.

expert reply by: Jason S