VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

Janyan

Recruit
Joined
Feb 14, 2007
Messages
1
I am trying to register my boat trailer in Virginia. I purchased it in Ohio where trailers are not titled. The manufacturers info plate is partially missing from the trailer--of course the part with the VIN. My DMV says the VIN should be in another location on the trailer in addition to the manufacturers adhesive plate. Does anyone have any idea where I can look on the trailer to find the VIN for my CALKINS ESCORT TRAILER? please help. Spring is coming!
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

Hi, Janyan.

Welcome to iboats. :)

I would search the frame for a stamped number. Failing that, I would call it a homemade and stamp the last 4 digits of your SS# on it somewhere.

I did hear about a guy in the same situation who just invented a number and stamped it on the frame of a trailer. I assume he got away with it.

I think the "homemade" route is safer.

Good luck. :)
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,454
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

I would have someone stamp the correct vin on the trailer and then make it look like it has been there awhile.
 

tashasdaddy

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Nov 11, 2005
Messages
51,019
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

get with a supervisor at the registration place. the clerks, don't know all the in's and out's. i've gotten on a first name basis with the head of our office. as Georgia doesn't title boats or trailers.
 

moodywelman

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Joined
Sep 17, 2008
Messages
1
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

My son bought a Calkins new 20 years ago and kept it registered all those years. This year he gave it to me and I transferred title. The title clerk mistyped the VIN and now the State is cancelling the registration because of an invalid VIN. I can't find the VIN stamped anywhere and the data plate has nothing filled out on it.
Does the same advice about registering it as a homebuilt apply I wonder?
 

rndn

Commander
Joined
May 20, 2007
Messages
2,323
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

In New York, anyone can register a trailer as homemade by following a few simple steps such as getting the trailer weighed and knowing the measurements. I have been told not all states allow this, so as stated you should check with your local department of motor vehicles and ask how you would go about registering a homemade trailer.
 

mrdibs1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 1, 2010
Messages
79
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

$10 at Harbor Freight will buy a nice stamping kit if you know your VIN from the paperwork. There's also a place online to get a blank metal tag to stamp the VIN on, weights etc. Or you can make a sticker. Don't let anyone tell you it's illegal to stamp your own trailer with correct information. Escort didn't stamp trailers as far as I know. The outfit that took over did, but Escort as a company was disolved and there's no one left to call.
 

bruceb58

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 5, 2006
Messages
30,454
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

MrDibs,

The OP posted once...3 years ago!
 

rwidman

Lieutenant
Joined
May 27, 2004
Messages
1,396
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

MrDibs,

The OP posted once...3 years ago!

Yes but the forum software lists "related" posts at the bottom. I suppose this is how three year old posts come back to life.

BTW: Calling a trailer "home made" is also a good way to register a stolen trailer if you destroy the original VIN # on the trailer. :rolleyes:

I'm surprised they would let you do that.
 

ghamby

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 3, 2009
Messages
193
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

My recently purchased Magic Tilt has a Virginia DMV homemade VIN plate
riveted on the tongue. The seller told me that the trailer came from a state
that does not title trailers. He said VA law requires "homemade" status for
trailers that come into the state without title. I cannot recommend forging
the VIN number and then presenting the paperwork to the state.

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/vsa22.pdf

http://www.dmv.virginia.gov/webdoc/pdf/vsa12.pdf
 

mrdibs1

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Aug 1, 2010
Messages
79
Re: VIN Number on old Calkins Escort Trailer

BruceB - I knew it was an old post, but it was relevant. I search this thing all the time and get information from both new and old posts. If someone has something to add 5 years later, it's still useful to the guy searching like me.
 
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