Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill
Ask the dealer for the VIN number. If he won't give it to you, turn away and run. But most likely he will. Then plug the VIN into any one of the online VIN Search sites. Most such sites are geared to automobiles, trucks, etc, but it is possible that you could find one that works with trailers. If you find one that correctly identifies the trailer, the site undoubtedly offers a report like a Car-FAX for a fee. I haven't seen such a report, but it would/should identify any previous insurance issues (was it in a flood, for example, as so many southern cars have been?), and perhaps previous registrations.
A few bucks well spent might help with the decision.
[Edit - one site says that trailer VINs are hard to look up, but once you have the VIN, you should "Call or visit a DMV office near you if you want to look up the ownership history, accident history or theft history of the trailer. Most DMV offices should be able to provide this service, but it is possible that you may be referred to a main office. Depending on the state in which you live, a small fee may be charged for this service."]
Bill
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I would think that any such search on a trailer might give you a line of title. Other than that, I doubt that it would have any real value. If this thing were damaged in flood or anything else, I doubt very much that it would have been reported to DMV. It is required on passenger vehicles for obvious reasons. I doubt that it is required on trailers.
Checking for flood damage on a unit like this would never be reported to anyone and takes a trained eye to find the damage. It would merely be sent to a professional detail shop. It's easy to have the aesthetics from flood damage cleaned up and painted over. However, the long-term life and reliability of the unit and all of it's accessories may be severely effected.
My bet is, this dealer bought that trailer at auction and has no idea where it has been. Most vehicles end up at auction for a reason.
Very-very few dealers "Own" their own inventory. The standard business practice is to have a line of credit at a bank that finances the dealer's inventory. If the dealer fails, the bank repossess the inventory and deals with it. In some cases, it may even be sent to auction. There is a possibility that this may be the case with this trailer (although not likely). If that is the case, it would still be sold as a 1st Owner "New" Vehicle and registered as such with DMV. I would think that you would also receive a full factory warranty on the trailer. That's why I smell a rat here.
The other possibility is that the salesman that you talked to was flipping burgers at the local fast-food joint last week and has no clue of what he is saying. There is a possibility that the dealer may have it on consignment from a bank.
You may want to call TM with the VIN and ask them what dealer that unit was sent to and if that dealer is still in business. If he's not in business, the possibility of this being a bank consignment is higher but still not insured.