Each street vehicle or trailer is assigned a vehicle identification number, aka VIN. This simple code functions as the DNA of the machinery. This tracking number can be used to search for details such as original factory specifications, ownership history, accident and theft history, and much more. If you have a trailer and want to check its VIN code, then you may have to search a bit because the trailers do not have a standard VIN plate location. Let’s find it together.
Step 1
Park the trailer to approach it from all sides, clearly see all parts of the vehicle, and bend down to look at the bottom if necessary. Take a flashlight with you in case you need to do the trailer VIN lookup in a dark place.
Step 2
Check the front part of the trailer – a series of metal rods in the front of the trailer, which are attached to the vehicle’s towing device.
Step 3
Check the thick, heavy rods on the frame, then take a look at the inside parts of the trailer. In case you do not find the target there, navigate to the outside of the trailer. Some manufacturers locate the VIN data under the front and rear ends of the flashlight.
Step 4
Write down the 17-digit VIN as soon as you find it.
Step 5
Call or visit the nearest Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office to find out your tenure, accident history, or trailer theft. Most DMV offices can provide this service, but it is possible that you will be redirected to the main office. Depending on the state you live in, a small fee may be charged.
Alternative Approach
You can also call or visit a dealership operated by your trailer manufacturer for specific factory specifications for your model. Client policies and types of information in these dealerships may vary, but the dealer should be able to give you the appropriate contact from the manufacturer if they do not have access to this information.
Tip
If you need to find a VIN for a trailer that is not available and you have a full “name” of a trailer, the VIN should be listed there.
Warning
Many VIN online services do not provide vehicle reports for trailers. Make sure you know that such a service offers a history trailer before paying for the report.
Importance of the VIN Validation
There are many services that can help you decode information encoded in the VIN number by the manufacturer. So if you intend to buy a trailer, before making a purchase, you can always check whether the information published by the supplier corresponds to reality. Do not miss a single discrepancy of equipment or dates. Below are some of the most common fraud cases that you can solve by checking your VIN:
- Odometer specs manipulation – VIN inspection allows you to track changes in the mileage history of a trailer. It is enough to have the recording of odometer readings to establish the veracity of the current run.
- Accidents and incidents – some people may try to sell the car as “not damaged,” although it is just a very well-repaired car in reality. The decoding of the VIN number allows you to determine whether the car got into a road transport accident.
- Theft – it’s obvious that buying a stolen car is not the best investment. VIN reports are providing information on whether a vehicle has been stolen and is being searched for.
- Replacement of factory equipment – most reports contain information about the type of equipment that was working initially a part of a car left. This means that you can easily check the originality of the equipment of the vehicle for sale.
No matter what trailer you intend to purchase, it’s VIN inspection that will help you avoid problems and make the right market investment.
