Motorhome VIN/Year

[robsox128]

Hi folks,

I've been doing the travel trailer thing for a while and am starting to look at used motorhomes (forester/sunseeker, and Lexington mostly) but have a quick question.

The last 2 I've seen, the dealer is saying they are 2013's but the VINs (same for both the chassis and house) would indicate they are 2012s. both were built mid to late March of 2012.

Both were in good shape but there is a fairly significant difference in value between the 2 years as they are pretty new so I wanted to check.

I'd appreciate any insight as to whether this is standard or are the dealers mistaken as I'm not nearly as informed on the motorhome side.

Thanks,
Rob

[AquaMan]

A lot of motorhomes are built on the previous year chassis until they have used up their supply, then they move on to the current year. As for the coach itself, it's as titled. There doesn't seem to be a year cutoff date for RVs and can really be at any time. Usually with some type of change to the unit that may come mid year.

[robsox128]

They are both titled based on the VIN (the same for coach and chassis) so, based on what you are saying, these are late model 2012s not 13s?

[KenandCarol]

My Sunseeker is a 2017 built on a 2016 E450 chassis. The date of the motorhome at the dealer is the year model of the MH...not the Ford Chassis.

[sask]

I found this interesting article on the web...

It states that the chassis can be up to 2 years different than the coach year. For example a 2018 motorhome can have a 2016 chassis.

Manufacturers cannot rebrand old stock as the next model year. If an RV is being manufactured continuously, then the manufacturer designates a manufacture date as the new model year.

https://www.faegrebd.com/what-year-i...-important-and

[robsox128]

Thanks sask,

I found something similar from RVIA, I've sent an email to Forest River with the VINs asking for information.

Rob

[gmacklem]

Originally Posted by KenandCarol

My Sunseeker is a 2017 built on a 2016 E450 chassis. The date of the motorhome at the dealer is the year model of the MH...not the Ford Chassis.

Same here, my RV is titled as at 2014 but the VIN on the E450 chassis shows it is a 2013.

[B D HOWie]

When you purchase be sure the title, tag, and insurance indicate the RV year not the chassis year. You may want to print the RVIA article and have it with you.
Also, when your finance lender or insurance does a spot check a couple years after purchase expect to have to explain all this to them and provide the RVIA article to them. Been there, done that.
Paul
2013 Coachmen on a 2012 Chevy chassis.

[kenandterry]

Two years out of sync......because there was a downturn in the economy

2010 Georgetown 330TS on a 2008 Ford F53

[s1njin]

I got 'lucky' in the sense my chassis was built 1/18 and my coach was built 2/18. I understand that's pretty rare.

[Nancyc7]

When we bought our Sunseeker we were told the house is 2016 and the truck was 2015. But when we registered and insured it, it is reported as a 2016 truck. Makes you wonder.

[Edrps]

Originally Posted by Nancyc7

When we bought our Sunseeker we were told the house is 2016 and the truck was 2015. But when we registered and insured it, it is reported as a 2016 truck. Makes you wonder.

X2. Mine is a 3011DS. 2015 chassis 2016 model MH.🤷*♂️ Can you imagine the year some of the other components were manufactured?

[RedLdr1]

The chassis manufacture sells FR an "incomplete chassis" as shown on the chassis Manufactures Statement of Origin or MSO. After FR builds the motor home they issue a second MSO for the entire unit as a "complete chassis". The complete chassis MSO information determines the model year for title, registration, and insurance purposes.

Our new Sunseeker has a Ford E-450 chassis build date of 04/18. The completed chassis, the Sunseeker 2500TSF, is dated 05/21/2018. The FR MSO shows it as a 2019 Sunseeker 2500TSF which is what it is titled and registered as here in Georgia...using the Ford VIN number.

One of those weird things in the RV, and other incomplete chassis, vehicle markets...

[kenandterry]

Originally Posted by s1njin

I got 'lucky' in the sense my chassis was built 1/18 and my coach was built 2/18. I understand that's pretty rare.

Wow

If your rig was any fresher or newer, it would’ve still had the umbilical cord attached

[soulman327]

Originally Posted by B D HOWie

When you purchase be sure the title, tag, and insurance indicate the RV year not the chassis year. You may want to print the RVIA article and have it with you.
Also, when your finance lender or insurance does a spot check a couple years after purchase expect to have to explain all this to them and provide the RVIA article to them. Been there, done that.
Paul
2013 Coachmen on a 2012 Chevy chassis.

I plan to do that but have been unsuccessful at finding that RVIA article. Do you have a link?
Thanks!

Immediately after posting, found what I was asking for. DOH! Insert headslap! Never mind....

[B D HOWie]

Soulman

There is a ‘sticky post’ in this General Motorhome discussion on this subject by ‘wmtire’. It is below the different brand/models listing. I think what you are looking for is in there.

DOH, me, too. Just noticed your update.
Paul