Can the VIN of a Boat Trailer be Used to Determine Age of Trailer

Question

Question:

I just bought a commodore aluminum boat trailer whose markings are all missing. How and where can I get info on this trailer i.e. trailer age, GVW, replacement parts.

asked by: Guy R

0

Expert Reply:

Typically the 7th digit of a trailer VIN is the year the trailer was manufactured.

I attached a picture that shows a VIN decoder for trailers for you to check out as well.

You can also give the VIN to the trailer manufacturer and I am sure they will be able to fill you in on all of the details as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

click to enlarge

Jim

4/2/2020

Youre exactly right Chris! I dont really know how much more simple things can be or be explained for them to understand what Im trying to accomplish. Im stuck between a rock and a hard spot!

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Chris R.

4/2/2020

I wish I had the solution! I'm not sure how it would translate to your particular situation, but another option that can be pursued is to try and have a new VIN assigned to the trailer. This is typically done for homemade trailers but it's also done on older units where the original VIN is simply lost. The state would essentially treat it as new, give it a full inspection, and assign a new VIN so it can be registered. It's worth at least bringing up the next time you head to the tag office....

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Jim

3/30/2020

I purchased a new pontoon boat and new trailer with it but, when I went to get the tag for the trailer I was informed by the tag office clerk that I couldnt get the trailer registered in my name. Therefore, I couldnt get a tag for it either. Reason being is that the VIN on my trailer, which I verified through purchase documents and comparison to the data plate on the trailer were correct, was previously registered and tagged in someone elses name. The company I purchased the boat and trailer from is saying it isnt possible. But hey, were all human and we all make mistakes and this very well could be a typo with only one number or one letter by the person entering the information into the computer on either end. Its been 3-½ months since I purchased the unit and Ive yet to be able to legally tow my boat to the lake and use it with my family and our friends. They seem to be sitting, as my Papa use to put it, Like a Bump On a Log on their Stool of Do Nothing and doing nothing about it. I dont know what else to do or who I can contact about this to light a fire under these folks to get this mess straightened out. Right now we have a beautiful, $30,000 yard ornament sitting in the yard thats meant for the water. If I wanted a yard ornament I would have bought a rose bush or a flowering bush to look at and saved a ton of money. Does anyone have any suggestions for what my next move should be? I often think about going back to the dealership but we got it while on vacation in another state 1st huge mistake but, if I do that I may end up getting a history lesson and an up to date lesson on the local Judicial System in the town we bought it at. And they not the boat & trailer are worth that to me. Any help would be greatly appreciated.Thanks,

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Chris R.

4/1/2020

Wow - just reading this made me angry, I can't imagine how you feel. I'm honestly not sure what your next step is here. I would definitely try to go up to the tag office again (if you haven't already) to talk with somebody else if possible. You might also try to get the trailer dealer and office together (via phone) to see how this can be resolved. You clearly purchased the trailer legally, and by all accounts the dealer sold it legally - so it seems like something that can be worked out eventually.....it's just taking the scenic route to get there.

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Christine

4/27/2024

@Jim Where did you buy it? I do title work in Fl. And seeing if anyway I can help you.

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Answer 1

To ensure that you get a hub that fits your spindle correctly you will want to use a digital caliper and measure points B, C, and D (see attached picture) of your spindle to the 3rd decimal place, for example 1.750. These measurements will help us…

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Answer 2

Yes, the CE Smith Trailer Hub part #CE13511 will fit as a replacement for your DICO hub 45264 but you will need to use a different seal as we have found that your spindle diameter is slightly different which means you need the #168255TB as well.

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Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 4

The main reasons why trailer tires blow out is heat generated from under inflated tires and overloading the tires. Trailer tires should be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. A tire in the same size but with a higher ply rating would…

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Answer 5

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 6

I spoke with my contact in the Tech Services department at Fulton, who explained that Aluminum trailer frames have a greater wall thickness than a steel frame. The bolts that attach the hinge to the trailer frame have a large diameter shoulder…

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Answer 7

The serial number and VIN are typically printed on a label or plate placed somewhere on the trailer's pole tongue, although it could possibly found elsewhere on the trailer frame, possibly on the inside edge of the frame so it's…

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Answer 8

A BT8 spindle would have a diameter of .99 of an inch where the bearings would both install and would have a diameter of 1.24 where the great seal would ride. That would require a hub part #AKIHUB-440-2-1K for an idler hub. A BTR spindle would have…

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Answer 9

You can add larger wheels and tires to a trailer as long as you have enough room for the larger size. The main clearance issues we find when putting larger tires and wheels on a trailer is from the top of the tire to the fender and from the inside…

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Answer 10

Your current tires have a width of 4.8" with outer diameter (when inflated) of 20.7". The Kenda 205/65-10 Bias Trailer Tire with 10" White Wheel - 5 on 4-1/2 - Load Range D #AM3H430 have the same bolt pattern and re 20.6…

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Answer 11

Your trailer has axles rated for 3,500 lbs. The inner bearing for that trailer is an L68149 and the outer is L44649. Bearing kit #BK2-100 has the correct bearings and races but you would need a different seal, #168233, available separately.

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Answer 12

I'd recommend using 10 gauge wire like part #10-2-1 (sold by the foot) for the brake power and ground wires as this will be more than adequate and will ensure you get plenty of amperage to activate the brakes.

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Can the VIN of a Boat Trailer be Used to Determine Age of Trailer

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