I've got 19' (16' deck) tag along utility trailer. It's a 7000# trailer (the weight capacity of the axles is indicated by a tag on the axles that says "3500#". Somewhere along the way, the trailer's ID plate has fallen off. The trailer is currently licensed and I have the title, but I would like to get a new ID plate. I bought the trailer used and have no idea who the manufacturer is. All it says on the title is Make: Stav Model: Flat and of course the title has the VIN.

Is there any way for me to get a new ID tag affixed to the trailer all legal like?

 

You are in a tough situation. Did the tag fall off after you bought it?? Problem is the tag is usually the on source of ID, it not only tells who was the manufacturer. But also the weight restrictions and serial number. For the record, a TAG trailer (bumper pull) is measured from the front of the deck to the rear, so in this case you would have a 16 footer. On fifth wheel and goose neck trailers, the measurement goes from the front most part, which is usually the front kick-up, to the rear. On trailers with KODIAK front ends, the measurement starts at the hitch and goes to the rear. Also when the length is given on a fifth/goose, whether it has a normal or Kodiak front, the "BED" is always 8 foot less then the length (48' goose neck enclosed trailer=40' of open area(bed)).

Your situation depends on when the tag was removed.

 

yes, ID plate fell off sometime after I got it. It's been registered in my name for over a year and is licensed, etc. I was just thinking about if I happened to be stopped and the trailer inspected, or if I wanted to sell it and the buyer was looking for the ID plate.

 

It varies by state. Call your local DMV and ask what you have to do to license a homebuilt trailer. Be gentle with the person on the other end of the line, because the question you are asking isn't a standard one that they have listed on the little piece of paper that they read the answers from.....

I had to do the same thing with a small utility trailer here in MD (its tag fell off). It was easy registering it in FL, but when I registered it here in MD, they make you jump through all kinds of hoops.

Its been a long time now, but I think I went to the State Highway Patrol and got a VIN # assigned and they stamped a little VIN tag for me; then I took the trailer to a trailer inspection place (after it passed they attached the VIN tag on the trailer for me - they would have let me do it); then I headed over to our DMV with paperwork in hand for the actual license plate. It wasn't difficult, but it did take a couple of half days off work to do. Such is the price we pay for living here in Merryland.

 

Thanks, we don't have get trailers inspected here in Missouri. Maybe it will be easier here since I already have it registered and it is already licensed. I just need "replacement" ID plate. When they assinged yours a VIN, do they also designate the capacity on the tag? Just wondering what the authorities would have to go off of if your rig & trailer were ever stopped and inspected.

 

I'm sure they would use the same data listed on the current registration/title that should include GVWR, etc... If it doesn't you'll probably have to show some type of documentation on the capacities of the axles/tires to come up with a GVWR figure for the trailer.

Might be a good idea to call the highway patrol and ask what they would require from you, or stop and ask an officer if you see one parked somewhere. Who knows, you may get two different answers! Its happened to me before.

Replacement ID plate? I think it could go either way on whether or not they give you an ID plate with the old numbers, or issue new numbers - depending on how each jurisdiction likes to handle it - they may want to see the original bill of sale for instance - who knows..... If everyone in this world was honest, it would be simple, but I'm thinking of a scenario if a dishonest person showed up with a "hot" trailer & no identifying markings/numbers on it, and holding a valid registration from another trailer with the purpose of getting plates for the new trailer. BTW, I am not implying you're dishonest; just that there are folks out there who are. (a feeble attempt at a standard internet anti-flame disclaimer statement).

 

When I built my trailer I stamped a vin# into the frame at the front. Used normal stamps that I used in the automotive for years. As long as it was a permanent marking they were happy. Been like that over 10 years, many inspections and scale houses. Never any problems.

 

Just got off the phone with License Bureau they indicated that it wouldn't be a big deal. Said I just need to fill out a form to apply for a new VIN, then they would send the VIN plate to a local law enforcement agency. I would then need to take the trailer down to them so they could inspect it (clearance lights, brakes, etc.) as if it was a homebuilt trailer. As long as the trailer passes the inspection, they would then affix the VIN plate to the trailer. I asked the guy on the phone what "proof" of GTWR there was on the new tag and was told there would likely be none. I asked about if it was ever questioned at a stop, etc. and the guy at the LB elluded that they could look up the new VIN which would be linked to the old VIN which would have the original info on file. I want to doulbe check that info with the Highway Patrol.

 

Mechanos, Missouri doesn't include the GVWR on the registration? I thought that was nationwide.

My boat trailer is listed for 10,000; and my truck has listed GVWR of 7000 - which is about 600 or so less than its actual weight sitting empty.

I know, its a tax thing.

 

I'd have to pull out the registration and look at that, but it's not on the title.

 

I double check the registration, and it does not indicate a GVWR either. There is a box to indicate if it is over 16,000 GVWR and also a box labeled: "If new, list GVWR" but since I bought it used, that box is not filled in. Right now, the only identifying element on the trailer to indicate that it is a 7000# trail is the weight capacity tags on the axles themselves, but I'm sure a law enforcement agent is not going to crawl on his back under the trailer to check those. I still need to get ahold of the HP and ask them if that info is "on file" in their system. I guess I could do as someone here suggested and just stamp the numbers and capacity into the tongue.... then maybe the burden would be on them to prove that it isn't a 7000 pounder if they questioned it.

 

3500 lb axles are very common. They also are the heaviest you can get with a 5 bolt pattern for the wheels. Any "weight cop" will be able to tell at a glance that they are 35's. I am currently looking for another trailer and when I see 5 bolt wheels I move on because I need more capacity.