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Post by laurarainbow on May 24, 2022 13:43:29 GMT -8
Greetings! Could anyone help me figure out how to translate serial numbers into VIN Numbers for the DMV so I can register these two trailers prior to selling them? They were purchased with the land adjoining my farm. 1. The first is a 1963 Shasta Airflyte. I found the serial number on the tongue and it is simply five digits beginning 300__. Will the DMV accept that as the VIN number or do I need to add some other number or letters? I hired a VIN verifier to come inspect the trailer and fill out the form and he just put the serial number as the VIN on the DMV form but I'm thinking there must be more to it? Found the year, 1963, stamped on the tail lights. 2. The second is a 1968 Northwest Coach. The serial number is stamped on a plate by the door and the VIN Verifier wrote 1882S823 on the DMV form as the VIN number but I was wondering if that format is correct? Again, finally found the year, 1968, stamped on the tail lights. Any suggestions as to correctly writing the VIN or how to sell them would be appreciated. Craigslist doesn't seem to be working. They are in fair condition but could be transformed into something remarkable by the right person. I've already spent endless hours trying to properly identify them and getting them mobile with new tires. Thanks in advance, Laura ![]() |
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 24, 2022 16:32:00 GMT -8
The Shasta is the correct VIN if you have uncovered all the numbers and or letters. Look again and use a wire brush to make sure. Might be more to it than that. There is a thread here that will tell you where and when your Shasta was made using the VIN. Not sure where that thread is but someone here will know.
The second one is NOT the VIN. All VINs are stamped on the metal frame of the trailer and are always on the tongue. Usually Curb Side top or side of the frame.
Sounds like your VIN verifier has no idea what he is doing.
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Post by laurarainbow on May 24, 2022 18:33:05 GMT -8
What does a Northwest Coach VIN number look like? I thought it was based on the serial number.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 25, 2022 5:57:13 GMT -8
What does a Northwest Coach VIN number look like? I thought it was based on the serial number. I've never seen a northwest coach so it seems that I am comletely mistaken about this one. |
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Post by vikx on May 25, 2022 12:13:27 GMT -8
My 71 Northwest Coach had the VIN on a plate by the door. This may have been 1970 and later, but was the only VIN on the trailer and corresponded to the title. An easy way to tell the age of the NW Coach is the composition of the cabinetry. 70 and newer was MDF (particle board)
To me, the serial number IS the VIN. Depends on who you talk to on that.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on May 25, 2022 16:46:05 GMT -8
My 71 Northwest Coach had the VIN on a plate by the door. This may have been 1970 and later, but was the only VIN on the trailer and corresponded to the title. An easy way to tell the age of the NW Coach is the composition of the cabinetry. 70 and newer was MDF (particle board) To me, the serial number IS the VIN. Depends on who you talk to on that. Oh dang Vik LOL... Well I've never seen a Northwest Coach. |
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Post by vikx on May 26, 2022 12:41:16 GMT -8
Yup, reminds me of my Aljo with the VIN on the A frame coupler...
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Post by Teachndad on Jun 1, 2022 20:00:52 GMT -8
Hi Friends,
Well, for what its worth, here is my POV. The goal is to get your Shasta registered. If a licensed verifier felt that the number they put down in the paper work is verifiable, then just go with that. Sure it's nice to know for sure, but the goal is to get it registered. You already paid the verifier. I would just let it ride on what they put down on the form.
As for the year of manufacture (YOM), since the numbers on the tail lights aren't the YOM, then you have to rely on something else. For one of my trailers, I couldn't verify the YOM, so I went online and kept guessing on the year as I searched. I knew the manufacturer, but kept changing the year on my searches until I found a trailer model that looked like it - looking at details like window design and placement as well as interior features and finally the overall shape of the trailer. I downloaded the pictures and took them to DMV with me when I registered it. The website for the photos showed the YOM, so I told DMV that was the YOM. Sometimes that's about all we can do since the trailer can't talk to us.
Cheers,
Rod
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 2, 2022 8:53:21 GMT -8
You can also look on the back side of the mirror if it is original. Another place to look is the bottom side of the sink. Both usually have a year date on them and will be within a year of the YOM.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 2, 2022 8:55:27 GMT -8
Hi Friends, Well, for what its worth, here is my POV. The goal is to get your Shasta registered. If a licensed verifier felt that the number they put down in the paper work is verifiable, then just go with that. Sure it's nice to know for sure, but the goal is to get it registered. You already paid the verifier. I would just let it ride on what they put down on the form. As for the year of manufacture (YOM), since the numbers on the tail lights aren't the YOM, then you have to rely on something else. For one of my trailers, I couldn't verify the YOM, so I went online and kept guessing on the year as I searched. I knew the manufacturer, but kept changing the year on my searches until I found a trailer model that looked like it - looking at details like window design and placement as well as interior features and finally the overall shape of the trailer. I downloaded the pictures and took them to DMV with me when I registered it. The website for the photos showed the YOM, so I told DMV that was the YOM. Sometimes that's about all we can do since the trailer can't talk to us. Cheers, Rod But.... what about when you go to sell it? What if the new owner has a problem registering it? I believe it is wise to do things right and not leave it up to dimwits at the DMV you happen to be working with. If you use a bad nimber for the VIN and the trailer is stolen, it's still stolen and listed as such. Do things right folks. |
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Post by vikx on Jun 2, 2022 13:05:29 GMT -8
I had to re-stamp my 61 Terry after inspection, so the VIN can be changed if necessary, with permission, of course. Be SURE to do it all before you need it.
I tend to agree with Rod. The VIN inspector gave you the number, use it and document the rest.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 2, 2022 14:44:08 GMT -8
Document, documen, document...
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Post by Hamlet on Jun 2, 2022 17:47:45 GMT -8
We just got new tags for Hamlet and I realized that when we got the title, we didn’t have a VIN so the DMV guy gave us one. He also listed it as a 1985 Shasta. He pulled that out of his…. hat. The man who sold him to us said he was a 1959. We finally uncovered the real VIN and put it on the database. Hamlet is a 1962. Now it really doesn’t matter much to us, but after 12 years, we should probably up the amount of insurance. An ‘85 Compact in any condition wouldn’t be worth what a ‘62 is. Any ideas about how to fix this?
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Post by vikx on Jun 2, 2022 19:47:50 GMT -8
Again, I wouldn't go against the DMV on VIN numbers or years. You can "prove" thru our database that Hamlet is a 62 and that should be enough.
Rock the boat and you might tip over...
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Jun 3, 2022 1:44:36 GMT -8
I would be wanting to point out the mistake and get it fixed.
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