Community Forums

JennGresham · 04-02-2012, 05:45 PM

My husband and I bought a 1994 Firan Europremier 34' on a Spartan Chassis from a large dealership. When we tried to get a tag for it, the VIN plates are both missing. Can anyone help? Dealership is giving us the run around and they basically did not verify the VIN before they sold it.

OldChief7155 · 04-02-2012, 05:53 PM

Call your local police auto theft detail and ask where the public VIN is located on your chassis. They'll know or find out.

JennGresham · 04-02-2012, 06:15 PM

We found the Chassis VIN number but it's not the same as the one on the title. However, the title VIN and the Chassis VIN are clear, not reported stolen or wrecked. We called the local sherrif's department out and they offered no advice. Is there a way to legally get a VIN plate replaced?

BFlinn181 · 04-02-2012, 06:23 PM

From the Spartan manual: "The chassis identification plate is shipped loose with the chassis to the coach manufacturer by Spartan. The final location varies but is usually inside the coach near the front entrance." I'm sure you've looked. In my RV, there is a paper copy of the build list (with vin) pasted inside a closet in the back. I can't find any info about other places the VIN is on the chassis. The engine should have a #, maybe Spartan could cross check it for you, or give a clue as to where else the # is located.

Mr_D · 04-02-2012, 06:23 PM

Here (WA state) it's illegal for a dealer to sell a vehicle with a missing VIN#. Better find out about your state and it's laws rather than asking for legal advice here.

bubba931 · 04-02-2012, 07:05 PM

We just bought a 1990 Winnebago and the VIN plate was loose in the storage compartment above the drivers seat.

Qwert66 · 04-02-2012, 10:50 PM

Mental note for the next time we buy a coach or a car - verify the VIN on the vehicle BEFORE paying. Sorry for your misfortune.

J Walker · 04-03-2012, 07:47 AM

You could run a Carfax on both the chassis VIN and the VIN on your title and see if that leads you to a solution. I would pursue the question or even threaten to return the MH.

Gary RVRoamer · 04-03-2012, 08:41 AM

If the chassis VIN does not match the title VIN, you have a BIG problem. There is no valid reason for them not to match. This is not just a paper problem - it is serious! You have a vehicle you cannot prove you own (and therefore cannot sell or insure), and a title to a vehicle you do not have or even know where it is.

Actually, the dealer has a big problem, since in every state he is obligated to provide a clear title to any vehicle he sells unless explicitly sold as scrap or for parts only. If the vehicle doesn't match the title paperwork, the sale is fraudulent. Contact the state DMV if he won't get it resolved quickly - he should pay attention because his license is at stake.

wa8yxm · 04-03-2012, 09:07 AM

Contact the manufacturer of the motor home.. They should know where/if they put it.

If they can not be contacted, or if they do not know, or if it's missing, contact your DMV. They have people (Usually police officers who have been specially trained) who can inspect your vehicle and "Recover" the vin if it is at all possible to do so. NOTE: when the officer is doing this he is "off duty" as much as any officer is (This is a side job).

Then he signs some forms and you go to the DMV and they treat you nice.

As others have said.. You may need to talk with the DMV about the dealer selling a vin-less ride.

Pairajays · 04-03-2012, 09:55 AM

I have a 1997 Beaver, there is no VIN "plate" anywhere. The number is only on the title. When I bought the coach, I transfered the title to another state without any problem. In all my years of transferring titles for MHs or cars, I have never had the DMV check the VIN number. Let's not make a mountain out of mole hill or create a problem when there is none.

Jim E

J Walker · 04-03-2012, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays

I have a 1997 Beaver, there is no VIN "plate" anywhere. The number is only on the title. When I bought the coach, I transfered the title to another state without any problem. In all my years of transferring titles for MHs or cars, I have never had the DMV check the VIN number. Let's not make a mountain out of mole hill or create a problem when there is none.
Jim E

They might get away with this since both the chassis VIN and title VIN titles are clear currently, but they may not remain clear. If someone owns the MH with the title VIN they could register it and then there would be a conflict. DMV or the police would be looking all over the MHs for their VINs.

C-PHartley · 04-03-2012, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays

I have a 1997 Beaver, there is no VIN "plate" anywhere. The number is only on the title. When I bought the coach, I transfered the title to another state without any problem. In all my years of transferring titles for MHs or cars, I have never had the DMV check the VIN number. Let's not make a mountain out of mole hill or create a problem when there is none.

Jim E

When I recently registered my MH in Florida, the DMV Agent went out to the vehicle and personally verified the VIN matches the paperwork prior to registration.

Hope this helps.

BFlinn181 · 04-03-2012, 10:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by C-PHartley

When I recently registered my MH in Florida, the DMV Agent went out to the vehicle and personally verified the VIN matches the paperwork prior to registration.

Hope this helps.

X2, Ohio requires a physical match up of VIN with Title also. The OP needs to either get the VIN verified/matched with title, or they'll have trouble down the road.

I can't believe Spartan doesn't stamp the VIN somewhere on the chassis. Contact Spartan to find out for sure.