NJ license plate for trailer

[Bernardpj]

Late last year I purchased a small used 13 ft sailboat from a young guy who was moving to Florida. As a bonus, I got a Caravan trailer. I was happy about the sailboat, but knew nothing about trailers. Since the purchase last September I have learned more about trailers, and I think I have a problem. I contacted the manufacturer and was told this model, built in early 90s has no VIN etched into frame. I lost track of the seller, and it looks like I need to know this to register and get a license plate for the trailer. What do I do? The trailer does have a license plate, but not from me.

 

[matt167]

In PA it gets sticky with homemade trailers, which is the general escape route for this problem.. Tag it in maine or vermont as a homemade trailer

 

[jhande]

I'm facing the same scenario here in NH.
I bought mine from Maine, it's all old enough that I don't need a title. But because it was last registered in Maine I need a VIN verification performed by my local PD. The trailer VIN number was only on a sticker for my brand and you can't read it at all. I was told that the PD can issue another VIN number but I'm really skeptical about that. I'll find out in a week or two.

 

[gm280]

I can understand both sides of this situation since too many criminals steal trailers and try to sell them off as lost paperwork and such. But then legal legit folks get caught up into legalities and suffer because of such criminal illegal activities.

I just went the "home built" situation since...well...I basically built my trailer from scratch. It was a factory built trailer at one time. But I had to totally disassemble it and rebuild it back right, because of cracks, twists, bends and rust rot. Don't know your state's laws, but maybe you can go the home built route...IDK