Posted 2010-12-05 3:27 PM (#127802) Subject: Finding the VIN number
New User
Posts: 2
I just bought a 1968 Hale 2-horse trailer and I should have had the previous owner point out the VIN to me but I completely forgot. It may have been painted over so I'm having trouble finding it. Any suggestions?
Posted 2010-12-05 8:43 PM (#127808 - in reply to #127802) Subject: RE: Finding the VIN number
Veteran
Posts: 188 Location: White Pine, TN
The federal VIN number standardization requirements didn't start until the late 70's as I recall so back then, there was no requirement that the number had to be on the trailer. It may not be there, it may exist only on paper. It makes it easier to steal that way.
Posted 2010-12-07 8:51 PM (#127869 - in reply to #127802) Subject: RE: Finding the VIN number
Regular
Posts: 73 Location: MI
You may be able to request an appointment with your state Dept. of Transportation or just have it registered with an "assembled" title if it was before VIN standards.
Posted 2010-12-17 5:18 PM (#128149 - in reply to #127802) Subject: RE: Finding the VIN number
New User
Posts: 4
Some common locations for VIN plates- On the head side of the trailer just past the neck at low level or mid level (most common, especially for Logan). On the head side of the exterior of the gooseneck (second most common, especially with Elite, CM, and Featherlite).On the interior head side of the gooseneck (some Elites and other brands).On the interior head side to the right of the battery boxes (common on Harts).The bottom part of the fender, or next to the fender, usually on the butt side, sometimes on head side (common for WW and Circle J especially from 20+ years ago).On the top surface of the tongue on a bumper pull (common for Titan, Logan, and others).On the head side of the tongue for a bumper pull trailer (especially for Featherlite and Hart). The VIN is on several other locations of the trailer as well, 4 Star will generally have it etched onto the gooseneck itself for example. Most are hidden from the view of standard consumers, along with multiple part and serial numbers. Any vehicle manufactured before 1980 would not have been using a nation wide standard for values and in fact, as another poster pointed out, your trailer may have no VIN at all.
Finding the VIN number
