Dilly Boat Trailer VIN Number

[helmshl]

I am about to take custody of a 1975 Dilly Boat Trailer, Model F-500. It was manufactured by the Green and Green Manufacturing Company of Lancaster, Texas. I do not have the serial number or VIN. I would greatly appreciate if someone could tell me where on the trailer I could find the VIN. I need this number in order to apply for a trailer registration and title.

Thank you

 

[Kayakjeepster]

Re: Dilly Boat Trailer VIN Number

I am in the same boat as you are. I also am about to purchase a dilly boat trailer made by green & green of Lancaster tx. I do have a partial VIN # but do not know what state it was titled in or who was the last owner. It is a 1979 model and the vin # I have is 443206 with a possible 1 before the four. Dose any one know if the vin # are six, seven or even longer. These are the only # I can make out? Also is Green & Green still in business or still make trailers.

Glenn

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Dilly Boat Trailer VIN Number

Some states let you call it a homebuilt trailer and you wont have to deal with finding the VIN.

 

[Mel Taylor]

Re: Dilly Boat Trailer VIN Number

Here's the way we would do it in New Mexico: First, remove all traces of labels, logos, etc. showing the brand name or manufacturer from the trailer. If there is a VIN or part of one, grind it off or otherwise remove it. Do a little bit of work on it to make it somehow look as if you had constructed it in your back yard or shop. Put a nice new shiny paint job on it as if you were really proud of your work. Take it down to the Motor Vehicle Department and get it titled and registered as a homemade trailer. Don't ask me how I know this, I just do. What I don't know is whether this same procedure will work in other states.

On a related note, I bought a new Shorelander trailer in 1984 and it's been titled and registered in New Mexico ever since. I've taken it across the border into Mexico numerous times with no problems. In February I started across the border to go fishing and the Mexican customs authorities wanted to check the number on the title against the VIN on the trailer. We couldn't find any number on the trailer anywhere. They let me go on across and when I returned I borrowed a set of stamps and put the VIN on the tongue.

Then I realized that had someone stolen it during all those years, I would have had no way to prove it was my trailer. The next time I launch the boat, I intend to stamp the VIN inside the frame where it will be difficult for a thief to find it.

Since that time, I've talked to two other people who have owned trailers without a VIN number that they could find. Apparently this is not an uncommon situation

 

[Guest]

Re: Dilly Boat Trailer VIN Number

I own 2 Dilly's, one 73' and the other 75', but are identical, I don't know where you live but in Texas any trailer under 4k lbs gross is not required to have a title and do not require a VIN or title to register and transfer. I didn't even have to have a bill of sale if I remember correctly. Mine both are D0-1400 with 2060 lbs gross. One has the label painted over and the others is well intact, but has nothing on the serial blank and no VIN stamped on. BTW it costs over $50 to register and I think I will just swap the tag between the two whenever I use either. It is not illegal because no VIN or serial is required to register.