One of the first things to do after bringing your new ALCOM aluminum trailer home is registering it with your local DMV. Next, register your trailer's warranty by providing ALCOM with your email address and trailer's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN). Finally, hop over to our Tire Registration Form and register your trailer's Tire Identification Numbers (TIN). This important step lets ALCOM notify you if there's a recall on your tires. It also satisfies a legal requirement for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), part of the United States Department of Transportation (DOT). 

Tire Registration Basics

Tire identification numbers were established in January 1971, "to facilitate notification of purchasers of defective or noncompliant tires."(Source) They are similar to your truck or trailer's Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) -- but for tires. Standardized identification numbers help to more easily track down defective equipment, but it only works if there's a way to notify the end user of that equipment. 

In April 2015, the NHTSA enacted a rule requiring that all tire sellers register the TIN of each tire they sell to help close the loop and allow better distribution of important safety information, like manufacturer recalls. Consumers can also directly report safety issues to the NHTSA, and if enough customers report the same issue, an investigation may be opened and a remedy, like a safety recall, created.

In the event of a recall, a manufacturer notifies a retailer, and -- this is where you come in -- the retailer notifies their customers of the recall and available solutions. When you register your Tire Identification Numbers with ALCOM, you complete the loop that allows important safety information to get to those who need it.  

How to Register

First, get your Tire Identification Numbers from your aluminum trailer. The TIN is generally located on the outside sidewall of your tire. It begins with the letters DOT, followed by 8 to 10 digits. The second to last digit is usually 0. Please be sure to record all numbers accurately, as these will help ALCOM notify you in the event of a safety recall from the tire manufacturer.

Next, visit the Tire Registration page for your trailer's brand: Mission Trailers | CargoPro Trailers | High Country Trailers | Stealth Trailers | Xpress Trailers | Triton Trailers | Polaris Trailers

There, you'll fill out a short form including your name, address, contact information, trailer purchase date, and Tire Identification Numbers. Complete the form in its entirety, click the "Submit" button, and the process is complete.

If you ever suspect your trailer or one of its tires has a defect which could cause a crash or injury, notify ALCOM -- and the NHTSA! You can reach out to your dealer directly, or to ALCOM through our website. For NHTSA reports, visit their online portal.   

More About Tires & Trailers

Once your trailer, its warranty and TINs are registered, you're ready to roll out for whatever adventure you have planned. But before you go, remember: starting off with a plan for trailer inspection and maintenance is a good way to make your investment last! Set a reminder to renew your trailer registration and insurance -- and to give your trailer a little TLC to make sure it keeps rolling smoothly. 

Still looking for a trailer? Check out the rest of our ALCOM blog buying guides and learn more about open aluminum landscape trailers, enclosed aluminum cargo trailers, snowmobile trailers, horse and livestock trailers, car haulers and more.

• Customized Gooseneck Car Haulers: Go Big or Go Home
• The Best Landscape & Utility Trailers On the Road
• Cargo & Contractor Trailers: All Aluminum With Options
• Must-Have Horse Trailer Accessories
• Choosing the Perfect PWC Trailer for Summer Fun

Our aluminum trailers feature a menu of options, upgrades, and accessories to create the custom trailer you've always wanted. Learn more, find your local dealer, and get ready to start putting miles under your tires ... just don't forget to register them with ALCOM first!