Vin number

The standardized VIN did not exist in 1975. The serial number is what they used in 1975, along with model identification.

Good luck, mine took almost 6 months because DMV in Nevada (Reno) made a flub on the Registration/Pink Slip, and California DMV (San Clemente) wouldn't make the changes until Nevada did ! And Nevada said the same, just back and forth crap, until I finally got a person who could make the call after I went to the CHP (CA Highway Patrol) and they gave me a letter that my trailer wasn't stolen ! We're golden now, finally =)

Talked to guys at rv center and they said the numbers on the tounge are the vin. Got a tow lot owner thats going to check it out for me. Will post later what happens.

kansanforlife wrote:
I found some numbers on tounge but didn't say vin. The person I got the camper from he thought his friend had it but he has since died. No idea where title is. It did have a Missouri plate on it dated 2011 but can't find plate. Can I contact the maker with the serial number and find out anything?

The numbers on the tongue ARE your "VIN" or "Serial number".

Generally when stamped into the steel they will not stamp in "VIN" or SERIAL NUMBER to identify the numbers.

Generally contacting a manufacturer of a trailer that old will typically yield very little to no information..

You will need to apply for a "lost" or "missing" title in your state.

Procedures vary greatly from state to state as to how that is done so I can not advise you on how to go about that. YOU must check with your local DMV AND follow ALL the "rules" correctly.

Difficulty in obtaining a replacement title also varies greatly from state to state.. Some states it is easy, just a bill of sale and the serial/VIN.. Some states like mine pretty much out of luck.

In my case, in PA, no title = "Hunting camp" or scrap since it is often very difficult to get a replacement title if you were not the original owner or have some "proof" of ownership (like an old expired registration card in your name).

If your state does not recognize the serial number (odd serial numbers before 1981) can cause titles to be rejected in newer DMV computer systems). If that happens you may need to apply for a custom or special construction trailer title (you will most likely need some bill of sale as proof you didn't steal the trailer).

Having a good title before sale or gifting IS important which is why I recommend to skip buying or taking a trailer that does not come with a good clear title.

I found some numbers on tounge but didn't say vin. The person I got the camper from he thought his friend had it but he has since died. No idea where title is. It did have a Missouri plate on it dated 2011 but can't find plate. Can I contact the maker with the serial number and find out anything?

kansanforlife wrote:
Have a 1975 Terry tauras 20ft can't find vin number. Got a serial number only.

Many older trailers such as yours the "serial number" IS the "VIN" since back then there wasn't really any set in stone universal "VIN" numbering system for trailers before 1981..

Your best bet is to go in person to your local DMV agent(or like in the case of PA we go to our local "Notary" which handles all PA vehicle titling and registration) to find out exactly how to title/register your trailer.

They should be able to use the serial number you have in order for you to register the trailer in your name.

If not they will advise on how to get a new VIN to match their current system..

Harbor freight tools has a metal number stamp kit . I had a trailer where the vin was a sticker , couldnt read the numbers . Metal stamp kit solved the problem.

Mine is a 1982 and I found my Vin number on the side of the trailer and on my tongue (etched in) and when I went to the CHP to have them check my Vin # (it was off one number from Nevada DMV Paperwork) they said it's on the underside of the frame also !