Another no title, no readable VIN story...

[lexnoir]

Hey folks:

I'm looking for some creative ideas. I purchased a low hours Maxum 1900 with and Escort trailer. All for $250 from an auction in VA. I live in MD.

The boat has been less of an issue also having no title, I've got that all figured out and it's going smoothly. But the trailer is a real pain, so I'm looking for some creative ideas to get this thing at a MINIMUM registered. The situation is...

Trailer has no title. And the VIN sticker is unreadable. I don't even think the black light trick would work given the sticker is also beat up pretty bad I think pieces are missing.

Through detective work, I located the original (and only owners), they're divorced and neither have any of the paperwork, it was tossed years ago. They can't find a registration, or anything. Though they were super helpful.

VA DMV said they can't even look anything up because the license plate (which was still on the trailer) expired in 2009. They apparently purge their system periodically.

I can't get a replacement VIN without a title. Yet, I can't get a title without a VIN. I'm sort of at a loss.

I've heard about going the homemade trailer route. But it worries me a bit since a MD State Trooper has to inspect the trailer which I would assume it would be obvious it's not homemade. I'm less worried about the title because I can register it in Maine without it. But I can't register in Maine without a VIN.

Any creative ideas or suggestions? I'd hate to waste a perfectly good trailer.

Additional note: I've looked all over the trailer for a stamped VIN to no avail. I can't tell the model of the trailer other than Escort which is show on the trailer. No other information is readable.

[Huuligan]

In my state I would just request a new VIN be issued. Pretty easy to do here, tho. I would also look at trailer weight rules in your state. When I bought my '98 2300 SR the weight rule here was if the trailer weighed 1500 lbs or less empty, no registration required. That has since been lowered to 750 lbs or less, but grandfathers in older trailers like mine. I have never had a plate on my trailer. Your state may have similar rule? Worth checking into.

[lexnoir]

I wish. No in Maryland. They want it all. Title, VIN, inspection, Registration.

[mmwjr]

Are you certain that it needs to be inspected by the Maryland State Police instead of a certified inspection station? I would call the DMV or state police to verify.

Being an old painted trailer are you sure it has much life left in it?

You may want to look for a used galvanized trailer and scrap this one.

[lexnoir]

I'm confused as to where you got that it was an old painted trailer? I'm pretty sure it's galvanized. Here's a pic, it's foggy out so it's not great.

Originally Posted by mmwjr

Are you certain that it needs to be inspected by the Maryland State Police instead of a certified inspection station? I would call the DMV or state police to verify.

Being an old painted trailer are you sure it has much life left in it?

You may want to look for a used galvanized trailer and scrap this one.

[lexnoir]

MMWJR, you're correct. A safety inspection station. It's looking like the homemade trailer route is going to be the way to go.

If anyone has done this, I'd love to know any tips.

[shrew]

You are not the first person to have this problem. I doubt anyone will balk as they understand the bureaucracy. I would expect that the inspection process is "Is the trailer roadworthy or not". They are not worried about factory trailers. They are really worried about titling and registering actual homemade trailers.

It is the trailer made from pallet slats and sheetrock screws that they are actually concerned about.

Nobody is going to fail a factory trailer because they don't believe it's homemade.

[lexnoir]

The crappy part is I would just register in Maine but they still require a VIN.

[lexnoir]

Good to know! Thank you.

[lexnoir]

So how do I over come these obstacles:


Proof of ownership – The ownership document must be for the vehicle frame used in building the trailer (if any):

If the frame is new, the certificate of origin included for the frame is required.

If the frame is from a used vehicle, a title for the vehicle in your name or a title that has been properly assigned to you is required.

If the frame is from a salvaged vehicle, a salvage certificate in your name or a certificate that has been properly assigned to you is required.

Other documents that may establish ownership are:
Registration document and bill of sale – ONLY if the state from which the frame was obtained did not issue a title (usually because of the vehicle’s age);
Sales receipts.

I don't have a registration but I do have a bill sale.

[lexnoir]

Well, after hearing different things, I decided to call the MVA. Why I didn't do that sooner is beyond me.

They stated if the trailer is under 5000lbs. Which it is, I simply need:

• Form VR-198 (Application for VIN assignment).
  
• Photos of the trailer from all angles (including showing a tag bracket, and rear taillights and both sides of the tongue).

• A certified and signed statement indicating the GVWR of what I would be towing.

With that, I would be handed a VIN right over the counter. I think the confusion was with trying to get a title. Which at the moment, I'm not really concerned about.

So, I definitely overcomplicated things. Thanks for all your help!

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by lexnoir

I'm confused as to where you got that it was an old painted trailer? I'm pretty sure it's galvanized. Here's a pic, it's foggy out so it's not great.



Attachment 8256

You’re correct it is galvanized. Many small Maxums and Bayliners came with painted trailers.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by lexnoir

Well, after hearing different things, I decided to call the MVA. Why I didn't do that sooner is beyond me.

They stated if the trailer is under 5000lbs. Which it is, I simply need:

• Form VR-198 (Application for VIN assignment).
  
• Photos of the trailer from all angles (including showing a tag bracket, and rear taillights and both sides of the tongue).

• A certified and signed statement indicating the GVWR of what I would be towing.

With that, I would be handed a VIN right over the counter. I think the confusion was with trying to get a title. Which at the moment, I'm not really concerned about.

So, I definitely overcomplicated things. Thanks for all your help!

Well at least you have a solution. 😎

[lexnoir]

MMWJR:

Thank you. I hope my message didn't come off rude, I sincerely appreciate all the help. I'm learning as I go. What would we do without forums!

I will have have a solution once I get that VIN. Still praying the boat isn't a dud.

[mmwjr]

Originally Posted by lexnoir

MMWJR:

Thank you. I hope my message didn't come off rude, I sincerely appreciate all the help. I'm learning as I go. What would we do without forums!

I will have have a solution once I get that VIN. Still praying the boat isn't a dud.

No offense was taken, Mike