VIN Info on Trail-Rite Trailer

[TXMAID Driver55]

I have a Trail-Rite boat trailer that has a damaged VIN/Weight label that is unreadable. It does have the stamped 6 digit Serial Number, which is supposed to be the final numbers of the VIN. The boat measures out at 18 ft and it is a tandem axle. Based on similarities of Trail-Rite info, my guess is a VIN of: 1T0BS18D??Sxxxxxx , so I am only missing the year of manufacture and the check digit.
My real question is, since Trail-Rite is out of business, did someone or some company take them over that might have Serial Number records that I can query for the VIN, like you could when they were still an active company?

 

[roscoe]

I'm pretty sure you are out of luck.
I doubt they guess the missing numbers even if they were still in business.

If you need this for registration/titling, it should be on the paperwork you received when you bought it. If you received no paperwork, you are likely in for an uphill battle anyway. Some states will roast your walnuts on this. Others will be very accommodating.

Either make up the numbers and stamp the numbers in yourself; or have the state issue you numbers, and stamp them in.
No one will know as there is no master list of numbers of all the trailers made in the country.
Been there. The state just needs a unique identifying number.

 

[TXMAID Driver55]

I'm pretty sure you are out of luck.
I doubt they guess the missing numbers even if they were still in business.

If you need this for registration/titling, it should be on the paperwork you received when you bought it. If you received no paperwork, you are likely in for an uphill battle anyway. Some states will roast your walnuts on this. Others will be very accommodating.

Either make up the numbers and stamp the numbers in yourself; or have the state issue you numbers, and stamp them in.
No one will know as there is no master list of numbers of all the trailers made in the country.
Been there. The state just needs a unique identifying number.

Yep. Just grasping at straws. Sure wish companies would stamp the full VIN on trailers and stop using paper stickers on boat trailers (they might get wet somehow). The PO is an older lady and can't remember where she placed the title or registration paperwork. She is still looking, but I don't think very hard. The BOS just has the 6 numbers that are stamped on the boat, which is the SN..............

 

[briangcc]

Time to check with your registering authority to see how to proceed. They *might* be able to help you out by reverse lookup based on previous owner. They *might* have a trooper inspect the trailer to make sure its not stolen and issue a new vin.

Best advice when dealing with them....be polite. Explain the situation - best to do it in person. Take notes as to what exactly you need to do to avoid multiple trips. Might be surprised where that gets you.

 

[TXMAID Driver55]

Time to check with your registering authority to see how to proceed. They *might* be able to help you out by reverse lookup based on previous owner. They *might* have a trooper inspect the trailer to make sure its not stolen and issue a new vin.

Best advice when dealing with them....be polite. Explain the situation - best to do it in person. Take notes as to what exactly you need to do to avoid multiple trips. Might be surprised where that gets you.

I tried that, and was very friendly, but the DMV clerk (actually County Tax Office Clerk here in Texas) refused to do a lookup on the name and was adamant that I must have the full VIN, period. She was actually quite rude, but the office was very busy. However, I lucked out this afternoon, and the lady I bought it from found the full VIN on some insurance paperwork. Still no title, but with the BOS and VIN I should be OK. We'll see tomorrow...