I have a 1992 galvanized Calkins trailer under my 1969 Boston Whaler and the trailer's VIN sticker has been bleached by the sun to the point that the sticker is just a white piece of paper. I am ready to sell the boat and trailer but I need to do something about the missing VIN on the trailer so that I can get the trailer inspected. I have the title and the original paperwork for the trailer from when I bought the trailer new. The trailer has been registered and titled in Maryland since day one. Calkins went out of business years ago and that means I can't get a replacement sticker.
I am sure some of you have had to deal with this same situation. How do I get a replacement VIN on the trailer which will satisfy the Maryland Safety Inspector and the State Police if I ever get pulled over and checked? I have been told to either write the VIN on the trailer with a Sharpie or use metal stamps to punch the vin onto the trailer. Have any of you done either of these and did it get through inspection like that?
I am really trying to avoid the Home-made trailer process and I want to sell the trailer "inspected" with the boat. I want it to be a very easy process for the next owner to start using this rig.
By the way, I did find out today that if your VIN sticker is unreadable and you get pulled over and checked, the State Police will write you a ticket because your trailer registration does not match the VIN ( or lack of VIN ) on the trailer. If your trailer manufacturer is still in business, they will make you a new VIN sticker for free.
I also found out that it is illegal to affix a new VIN to a trailer or any vehicle unless you are a representative of Maryland DMV or if you are a Maryland Safety Inspector.
- ron
I am sure some of you have had to deal with this same situation. How do I get a replacement VIN on the trailer which will satisfy the Maryland Safety Inspector and the State Police if I ever get pulled over and checked? I have been told to either write the VIN on the trailer with a Sharpie or use metal stamps to punch the vin onto the trailer. Have any of you done either of these and did it get through inspection like that?
I am really trying to avoid the Home-made trailer process and I want to sell the trailer "inspected" with the boat. I want it to be a very easy process for the next owner to start using this rig.
By the way, I did find out today that if your VIN sticker is unreadable and you get pulled over and checked, the State Police will write you a ticket because your trailer registration does not match the VIN ( or lack of VIN ) on the trailer. If your trailer manufacturer is still in business, they will make you a new VIN sticker for free.
I also found out that it is illegal to affix a new VIN to a trailer or any vehicle unless you are a representative of Maryland DMV or if you are a Maryland Safety Inspector.
- ron
