1. Locate the VIN: VIN stands for "vehicle identification number" and is a unique code assigned to each vehicle by the manufacturer. On a small utility trailer it is typically located on a metal plate attached to the trailer frame, often near the hitch or front of the trailer.
2. Understand the VIN format: The VIN is a 17-character alpha-numeric code. Each character in the VIN represents specific information about the vehicle, including the year of manufacture.
3. Identify the 10th character: The 10th character of the VIN is the one that indicates the year. The 10th character, which is what you're looking for in the VIN number, is a number or a letter. If it's a number, the chart below will help you translate it to a year. If it's a letter, use this chart:
A - 1980
B - 1981
C - 1982
D - 1983
E - 1984
F - 1985
G - 1986
H - 1987
J - 1988
K - 1989
Here is the chart to find the year for a small utility trailer with a number in the 10th position:
0 – 2010
1 - 2011
2 – 2012
3 – 2013
4 – 2014
5 – 2015
6 – 2016
7 – 2017
8 – 2018
9 – 2019
Note: If the trailer is more than 20 years old, it might not have a VIN. In this case, you can try contacting the manufacturer or checking the trailer's documentation to find the year of manufacture.
