What is trailer VIN plate?
A vehicle identification number plate, or Trailer VIN Plate, is the identifying code for a specific car. The VIN number is unique for each car, much like a fingerprint. VIN plates, also known as chassis numbers, are code plates for specific vehicles and are required for all over-the-road vehicles.
Do all trailers have VIN numbers?
It’s important to do a VIN number check before you buy a trailer or vehicle. All road-legal trailers should have a VIN number by law. Every trailer manufactured is given a VIN number, which is a unique number for that specific trailer. VIN numbers on trailers is the same as it is for a car, you can use it to check the history of the trailer.
Where to get Vin Compliancee Plates for trailers?
Blank VIN Plates are available. Click here for further details.
How Do I Find The VIN Number On A Trailer?
Your VIN tag is located on the driver’s side frame rail. It is located to the rear of the landing leg. If your VIN tag is missing, you can locate your four-digit serial number. Your serial number is welded to the front face of the trailer crossmember.
How to read a compliance plate on a trailer?
The trailer plate must show at least the following information:
Manufacturer’s name
Caravan model
Vehicle Identification Number (17-digit)
Date of manufacture (month/year, e.g. 08/20)
Aggregate Trailer Mass (ATM) rating
Certification Statement: “This trailer was manufactured to comply with the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989”
The trailer plate may also include additional information, such as that required for the tyre placard. Masses and Ratings must be stated in kilograms (kg). Tyre inflation pressures must be stated in kPa (not psi).
The full specifications of the wheels (diameter, width and profile) and tyres (diameter, section ratio, width, and type [P/C/LT]) must be stated so that there is no guessing required to determine the complete specifications.
In addition to the information that is required by VSB1 (Vehicle Standards Bulletin No.1), it is most prudent to advise additional information that may very well be deemed to be “information required by the owner/driver, so as to best ensure that the tow vehicle and caravan are loaded and used in a safe and legal manner”.
This information includes the:
Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) Rating
Axle-Group Rating
Empty Ball Loading
The Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) Rating is needed to confirm what braking system is required… is it above or below 2000kg?
The Axle Group Rating and the Gross Trailer Mass (GTM) ratings are needed – for non-load-sharing suspension systems – to confirm if the 120% safety factor has been incorporated in the design of the suspension system.
The Empty Ball Loading is needed to ensure that the caravan is suitable for the intended tow-vehicle. It will also assist in correctly loading the caravan so that load-distribution (in a side view) does not cause any rating to be exceeded, or the caravan to develop hazardous handling and stability problems on the road.
It is recommended that the offset – plus or minus ‘X’ mm – of the wheels be added so that if aftermarket wheels are fitted, the same offset can be selected, so as to avoid having the tyre’s sidewalls foul on any chassis or body component, which can readily cause dangerous blowouts.
It is important to know that the allocated GTM Rating has been properly determined by the manufacturer.
Can you build your own trailer in Australia?
The Licensing process is slightly different in each state of Australia, but is normally a straight forward and pain free process. You will need to attach a Manufacturer’s plate that show’s general information about the trailer including it’s capacity, builder, date of fabrication and wheel size ect.
Do home-made trailer need trailer vin plate in Australia?
Under the Road Vehicle Standards legislation, 4 or less home-made trailers can be built in a 12 month period. Else you are considered a trailer manufacturer.
From 1 July 2023, home-made trailers will also need to be recorded on the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Register of Approved Vehicles under the concessional RAV entry pathway, Self-certification of trailers by attaching a compliance plate will not be permitted from 1 July 2023.