Vin number

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.