
The frame number of a Foton truck is located at the front or rear of the right frame near the rear wheel, or on the central plane at the right rear of the engine. The frame number is a unique set of seventeen letters or numbers used to identify the vehicle's manufacturer, engine, chassis serial number, and other performance details. Taking the Foton Xiangling V2018 1.2L semi-load-bearing 3070 wheelbase (flatbed) 4W12M1 as an example: it is a micro-truck launched by Foton Motors, with dimensions of 4880mm in length, 1680mm in width, and 1925mm in height, a wheelbase of 3070mm, equipped with a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, a maximum power of 63kw, and paired with a 5-speed manual transmission.

I just helped my friend locate the chassis number of his Foton Aoling truck, and here's how it went. The 17-digit chassis number is like a vehicle's ID card, and finding it requires knowing a few common hiding spots. First, always check the lower left corner of the windshield – many cars have it on a small label there. If it's not there, try opening the passenger door; the metal plate below the B-pillar usually has the chassis number clearly stamped. Some older Foton models are a bit special – you might need to crouch down and check the inner side of the right front wheel's frame, using a phone flashlight to spot the engraved number. Also, don't forget the vehicle registration certificate in the document folder; the factory chassis number is printed on the first page. If it doesn't match the physical location, you should promptly check for consistency. During routine maintenance, take a moment to clean these spots – it saves a lot of hassle during annual inspections or ownership transfers, as a rusted or unclear chassis number might require a certificate from the DMV.

With over twenty Foton Times vehicles in our fleet under my management, I've gained extensive experience in locating VIN numbers. Simply put, there are three most accessible spots: The transparent sticker at the corner of the windshield is most visible but prone to scratches during car washes; The stamped steel plate beneath the driver's seat is most durable, though it requires bending down to inspect; The aluminum plate on the rear wall of the engine bay is more concealed, but during a recent inspection I found one vehicle's plate obscured by grease – it took carburetor cleaner to reveal the number. The most hassle-free method is keeping a photo of the vehicle registration certificate in your phone – the VIN recorded there is absolutely accurate, especially useful during rainy outdoor inspections when you'd otherwise need rags to wipe down stamped locations. I always have drivers verify the legibility at these spots before annual inspections to avoid on-site delays.

When I used to drive a Foton Riwor to transport construction materials on site, there were basically three spots to check the VIN. The small label at the bottom left corner of the windshield was the first choice—easy to read while standing; if not found, open the passenger door and check the plate on the door frame; if still missing, it must be stamped on the frame behind the right front wheel. Though this spot is well hidden, it’s the least likely to get damaged. Friends buying a new car, remember to compare the number on the registration certificate—don’t waste an hour in line at the DMV like I did last time.


