Question about military trailers

[icelandic_jeeper]

I bought a M416 from a private owner the other day. They didn't have any paperwork on it. In order to register in here in Maryland, I have to have a VIN number. Were these trailers provided a VIN number from upon manufacture? And if so, where would it be? I have two plates on the trailer, but neither of them have anything on it that resembles a VIN. In order to have a VIN assigned, I would need to haul it 75 miles to get it safety inspected and assigned a VIN. There is only one place here in the entire state that they assign VIN numbers for trailers. Isn't that crazy? Thanks in advance.

[brian613]

there should be a vin # on one of the data plates

[Ricky Booby]

If the VIN isn't there, try using the serial number. It should work just fine.

[icelandic_jeeper]

Thanks. I did some additional research after I posted the question here and read the same thing about the serial. I'm planning on calling the MVA today and see if the serial will work for them. Maryland is a pain when it comes to registering anything.

[deckster]

look fopr the Data plate....or look on the frame for VIN code or manufacturers code......

[kheihn]

I did some searching and it looks like if you cannot find a VIN you have to have the state police check it for a VIN and they will issue a new one! Here:

http://www.expeditionportal.com/foru...p/t-34008.html

[SavageSun4x4]

I'm planning on calling the MVA today and see if the serial will work for them. Maryland is a pain when it comes to registering anything.

TELL the state the serial number is military speak for VIN, the mil does not use VIN on anything, its all SERIAL numbers.

Here is a link to my trailer buiild, hopefully it will be of some help. I have lots of tips and places where you can get parts etc:

http://www.savagesun4x4.com/enter/fa...trailer_build/

[icelandic_jeeper]

I called them yesterday morning and actually talked to someone who appeared to know a little more about what I need to do. The original answer that the State Police gave me was that I needed to haul my "unregistered" trailor 75 miles to there garage and have a VIN assigned. That just didn't sound right to me. So yesterday morning the clerk at the MVA told me that all I needed to do was to bring in two photos of the trailer, one from the side and one from the back, a certified letter indicating how much money I think I have in it and a application form and they will provide me with a VIN and a temp tag. Then I need to get it safety inspected at a local garage. Once I have the inspection, then I can bring that in and get my permanent tags. I do appreciate everyone helping out on getting info on this. Savage, really nice trailor build and good website. Thank you. That has giving me a number of ideas.

[ravengp]

Holy Cow! What a PITA! Here in Kansas if the trailer is less than 2,000 lbs it does not need to be tagged. Geeze if that's what I have to look forward to when I get home to MD it's gonna get interesting for me! My M416 is currently sitting with no brakes, no lights, no safety chains, and zero wiring of any kind! lol I currently use it on post for hauling items here and there.

Good luck with your trailer in MD, Icelandic!

[jawalterusmc]

Here in Georgia I had to take my trailer in to the DMV and they inspected it and provided me a VIN number and plate for it. Because it had no recgonizable serial number or VIN assigned they simply treated it like a newly manufactured or home built. My bill of sale was all they required. They inspected it for working lights and issued me a tag.