If you are looking to buy or sell a trailer, it is important to know where the VIN number is located. But where are VIN numbers located on trailers?
The most common places to find the VIN number on a trailer are on the tongue, near the axles, front left of the sidewall, or near the hitch. The VIN number will be on a metal plate or it might also be on the Federal certification label on the trailer. There is no standard location for the VIN number on a trailer.
Quick Facts
- Trailer VIN numbers are usually located on the tongue, near the axles, on the front left sidewall, near the hitch, or on the Federal certification label.
- The location of the VIN number on a trailer can vary.
- Understanding the VIN number can provide important information about the trailer.
Where Are VIN Numbers Located On Trailers?
If you own a trailer, you may need to locate its VIN number for registration, insurance, or other purposes. VIN numbers are unique identification numbers assigned to every vehicle, including trailers.
Here are some common and hard-to-find locations where you may find the VIN number on your trailer.
Common Locations
- Tongue: The tongue is the part of the trailer that connects to the hitch on your vehicle. The VIN number is often stamped or printed on a metal plate attached to the tongue or near the front of the trailer frame.
- Sticker or metal plate: Look for a sticker or metal plate on the trailer’s sidewall, usually on the left front side. The VIN number may be printed or stamped on this plate.
- Federal certification label: The VIN number may also be printed on a label affixed to the trailer’s federal certification plate, usually located near the front of the trailer on the driver’s side.
- Frame rail or underside: The VIN number may be stamped or etched onto the frame rail or underside of the trailer, usually near the tongue or axles.
Hard to Find Locations
- Cabinet or storage area: Some trailers have a VIN number sticker or metal plate attached to the inside of a cabinet or storage area.
- Vehicle firewall or radiator support bracket: On some trailers, the VIN number may be stamped or etched onto the vehicle firewall or radiator support bracket.
- Wheel arch or open area: In rare cases, the VIN number may be stamped or etched onto the wheel arch or another open area of the trailer.
It’s important to note that there is no standard location for a VIN number on a trailer. Manufacturers may place the VIN number in different locations, and some older trailers may not have a VIN number at all.
If you can’t find the VIN number on your trailer, check with your state’s Department of Motor Vehicles for assistance.
VIN Numbers and Different Types of Trailers
When it comes to trailers, VIN numbers are essential for identifying the trailer and its history.
The VIN number is a unique identifier that is assigned to each trailer, and it is used to track the trailer’s ownership history, accident history, and more.
In this section, we will discuss where VIN numbers are located on different types of trailers.
Travel Trailers and Campers
Travel trailers and campers are recreational vehicles designed for camping and traveling. These trailers are usually towed by a vehicle and can range in size from small teardrop trailers to large fifth-wheel trailers.
The VIN number on a travel trailer or camper is usually located on the tongue or frame of the trailer.
Homemade and Vintage Trailers
Homemade and vintage trailers are unique trailers that are often custom-made or restored. These trailers may not have a traditional VIN number, but they may have a serial number or other identifying information.
The location of this information can vary because of the fact that these trailers aren’t standardized, so you’ll need to hunt for them.
Vehicle Trailers
Vehicle trailers are trailers designed to transport vehicles such as cars, motorcycles, and boats. These trailers are usually towed by a vehicle and can range in size from small utility trailers to large enclosed trailers.
The VIN number on a vehicle trailers is usually located on the tongue or frame of the trailer.
Utility Trailers
Utility trailers are trailers designed to transport equipment and materials. These trailers are usually towed by a vehicle and can range in size from small single-axle trailers to large tandem-axle trailers.
The VIN number on a utility trailers is usually located on the tongue or frame of the trailer, but can vary.
Boat Trailers
Boat trailers are trailers designed to transport boats. These trailers are usually towed by a vehicle and can range in size from small single-axle trailers to large tandem-axle trailers. The VIN number on a boat trailers is usually located on the tongue or frame of the trailer or on the front left sidewall.
Understanding VIN Numbers
If you are looking to buy or sell a trailer, you need to know about the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). The VIN is a unique number assigned to every vehicle, including trailers.
It serves as an identifier for the trailer and contains important information about the trailer’s manufacturer, model, and specifications. In this section, we will help you understand what VIN numbers are and how to decode them.
Decoding VIN Numbers
The VIN number is a 17-character code consisting of both letters and numbers. The characters in the VIN number represent specific information about the trailer. Let’s break down the VIN number format:
- The first three characters are the World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI), which identifies the manufacturer of the trailer.
- The fourth to eighth characters are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS), which provides information about the trailer’s model and body type.
- The ninth character is the check digit, which is used to verify the validity of the VIN number.
- The tenth to seventeenth characters are the Vehicle Identifier Section (VIS), which provides specific information about the trailer, such as the model year, production plant, and serial number.
Unique Numbering System
The VIN number is a unique number assigned to each trailer, and no two trailers have the same VIN number. This unique numbering system helps to prevent fraud and theft, as well as to identify the trailer in case of accidents or recalls.
When looking for the VIN number on a trailer, it can be located in several places, such as on the tongue, near the axles, front left of the sidewall, or near the hitch.
The VIN number will be on a metal plate or it might also be on the Federal certification label on the trailer. However, there is no standard location to find the VIN on a trailer or camper.
Understanding VIN numbers is essential when buying or selling a trailer. The VIN number provides important information about the trailer’s manufacturer, model, and specifications.
Decoding the VIN number can help you to identify the trailer’s history and avoid fraudulent activities.
See Related: How Much Does A Teardrop Trailer Weigh?, Does The Length Of A Travel Trailer Include The Hitch?, and How Wide Is A Travel Trailer?