VIN & Serial Decoding
A Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is a standardized, 17-character code that uniquely identifies a vehicle. Think of it as your RV or tow vehicle’s fingerprint. Since 1981, VINs follow a common format: the first characters identify the manufacturer and country (WMI), the middle describe the model and key features (VDS), and the last eight identify the year, assembly plant, and the vehicle’s unique production sequence (VIS). Older vehicles may use shorter, non-standard VINs.
Serial numbers are similar identifiers applied to specific products or components—such as the RV coach, generator, refrigerator, furnace, or other onboard equipment. While a VIN tracks the vehicle as a whole (often the chassis for motorhomes), serial numbers help you pinpoint the exact component variant inside your rig.
Decoding these identifiers turns the jumble of letters and numbers into useful facts. You can confirm the model year, body/chassis type, engine or drivetrain, safety systems, and build plant. For RVs, decoding also helps separate chassis details from coach information and pairs neatly with component serial numbers for warranty registration, recalls, and parts lookup. This saves time when ordering service parts, verifying titles, checking for theft or salvage history, getting accurate insurance quotes, and improving resale listings.
Use our RVR VIN Decoder to translate codes instantly and cross-reference your component serial numbers for complete rig details. See examples below.
Airstream
Airstream
Modern VIN (17-character)
Format: Modern VIN (17-character)
1STGEAU36MJ000001This is a modern Airstream VIN from 1991. The WMI code “1ST” identifies it as an Airstream Travel Trailer. Position 10 (“6”) indicates the model year 1991. The check digit (position 9) validates the VIN integrity.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1ST = Airstream Travel Trailer
- Model Year (position 10): 6 = 1991
- Check Digit (position 9): Validates VIN integrity
- Airstream uses various WMI codes for different vehicle types
Legacy Serial (1960s format)
Format: Legacy Serial Number (1960s)
022TDJ12345This is a 1960s-era Airstream serial number. The format encodes year (02 = 1960), trim level (TDJ = Deluxe Land Yacht), length (22′ Safari), and layout information.
- First 2-3 digits: Year code (02 = 1960)
- Middle letters: Trim level (TDJ = Deluxe Land Yacht)
- Length encoded in serial
- Layout information encoded
Legacy Serial (1970s format)
Format: Legacy Serial Number (1970s)
L23A5J123This is a 1970s-era Airstream serial number. The format encodes trim level (L = Land Yacht), length (23′ Safari), layout (A5J = Twin Bed Center Bath), and year.
- First letter: Trim level (L = Land Yacht)
- Length: 23′ Safari
- Layout: A5J = Twin Bed Center Bath
- Year encoded in serial
Legacy Serial (1980 format)
Format: Legacy Serial Number (1980)
225A1234This is a 1980 Airstream serial number. The format encodes length (25′), trim level (A = Excella II), layout, and production number.
- Length: 25′
- Trim: A = Excella II
- Layout encoded
- Year: 1980
Barth
Barth
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Barth RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Barth was known for luxury motorhomes. Barth models are not encoded in the VIN itself.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Barth uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Known for luxury motorhomes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Barth legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
Blue Bird Wanderlodge
Blue Bird Wanderlodge
Modern Chassis VIN (1981-2009)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1GB12345678901234Blue Bird Wanderlodge RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. Blue Bird Wanderlodge motorhomes were luxury units built on Blue Bird bus chassis (WMI: 1GB). Production ended in 2009. Model information is not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1GB = Blue Bird Corporation chassis
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Production ended in 2009
- Luxury motorhomes built on bus chassis
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Blue Bird Wanderlodge legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Blue Bird Wanderlodge began production in the 1960s
Coachmen
Coachmen
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Coachmen RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Coachmen models are not encoded in the VIN itself.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Coachmen uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Coachmen legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Coachmen began production in the 1960s
Fleetwood
Fleetwood
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Fleetwood RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis (WMI: 1FT). Fleetwood models are not encoded in the VIN – you’ll need to check the vehicle’s model badge or documentation.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Fleetwood uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
- Separate FIN (Fleetwood Identification Number) may exist
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
651234567Fleetwood legacy serial numbers from pre-1981 are not fully documented. Experimental decoding suggests the first 2 digits may encode the year (65 = 1965).
- Format: Not fully documented (research gap)
- Experimental: First 2 digits may encode year
- Year: 1965 (experimental hypothesis)
- Verification needed with real examples
Holiday Rambler
Holiday Rambler
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Holiday Rambler RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Holiday Rambler models are not encoded in the VIN itself.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Holiday Rambler uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
- Acquired by Monaco in 2009, then by REV Group
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Holiday Rambler legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Holiday Rambler began production in 1953
Gmc Motorhome
Gmc Motorhome
Legacy Serial (1973-1978)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
GMC Motorhomes were produced only from 1973-1978. Serial number formats from this era are not yet documented. All GMC Motorhome serials are from the pre-1981 era.
- Production period: 1973-1978 only
- Approximately 12,921 units produced
- Serial number format needs research
- Available in 23′ and 26′ lengths
Monaco
Monaco
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Monaco RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Monaco models like Signature and Dynasty are not encoded in the VIN. Monaco acquired Holiday Rambler in 2009, then was acquired by REV Group.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Monaco uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
- Corporate changes may affect VIN structures
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Monaco legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Monaco began production in the 1960s
Newmar
Newmar
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1NMHC26A1XK123456Newmar RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Navistar International chassis (WMI: 1NM). Newmar models like Dutch Star and Mountain Aire are not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1NM = Navistar International chassis
- Newmar uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
- Based in Nappanee, Indiana
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Newmar legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Newmar began production in 1968
Revcon
Revcon
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1GD12345678901234Revcon RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. Revcon was known for front-wheel drive motorhomes, often built on Oldsmobile Toronado chassis (WMI: 1GD). Revcon models are not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1GD = General Motors Oldsmobile chassis
- Revcon uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Known for front-wheel drive motorhomes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Revcon legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Revcon began production in the 1960s
Shasta
Shasta
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Shasta trailers use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Shasta was known for iconic “canned ham” style travel trailers, especially the Airflyte model launched in 1941. Model information is not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Shasta uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Known for “canned ham” style trailers
- Airflyte model launched in 1941
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Shasta legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure. Shasta began production in 1941.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Shasta began production in 1941
- Airflyte model launched in 1941
Tiffin
Tiffin
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
WDXPE4CD5JN123456Tiffin Motorhomes use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis (WMI: WDX). Tiffin models like Allegro and Phaeton are not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): WDX = Mercedes-Benz Sprinter chassis
- Tiffin uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
- Based in Red Bay, Alabama
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Tiffin Motorhomes legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Tiffin began production in the 1970s
Travco
Travco
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1B3ABCDEF12345678Travco RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. Travco was known for distinctive fiberglass body motorhomes, often built on Dodge chassis (WMI: 1B3). Travco models like the 270 and 320 are not encoded in the VIN.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1B3 = Dodge chassis
- Travco uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Known for fiberglass body and aerodynamic design
- Popular in 1960s and 1970s
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Travco legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
- Travco was popular in 1960s and 1970s
Vogue
Vogue
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Modern Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345Vogue RVs use chassis manufacturer VINs. This example shows a Ford chassis. Vogue models are not encoded in the VIN itself.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Vogue uses chassis manufacturer WMI codes
- Model information not encoded in VIN
Legacy Serial (Pre-1981)
Format: Legacy Serial Number
Format not yet documented – research needed
Vogue legacy serial number formats from pre-1981 are not yet documented. Research is needed to determine the format structure.
- Format: Not yet researched
- Research needed for pre-1981 formats
Winnebago
Winnebago
Modern Serial Number (1995+)
Format: Modern Winnebago Serial Number
12345A789This is a modern Winnebago serial number from 2000. The 6th character (“A”) indicates the model year. Winnebago serial numbers use the 6th character as the year code starting in 1995.
- 6th character: A = 2000 model year
- Format: 6th character encodes year (1995+)
- Winnebago has separate serial numbers and chassis VINs
- Serial numbers are Winnebago-specific identifiers
Transition Period Serial (1981-1994)
Format: Transition Period Serial Number
811234567This is a Winnebago serial from the 1981-1994 transition period. The format is not fully documented, but experimental decoding suggests the first 2 digits may encode the year (81 = 1981).
- Format: Not fully documented (research gap)
- Experimental: First 2 digits may encode year
- Year: 1981 (experimental hypothesis)
- Verification needed with real examples
Vintage Serial Number (Pre-1981)
Format: Vintage Winnebago Serial Number
3134103104653This is a 1971 Winnebago D24C Chieftain serial number (confirmed example). Vintage Winnebago serials use 13-digit numeric formats with year encoded in positions 1-2.
- Format: 13-digit numeric serial number
- Year: 1971 (confirmed example)
- Model: D24C Chieftain (24′ Dodge M300)
- Pre-1971 formats are experimental
Modern Chassis VIN (1981+)
Format: Chassis VIN (17-character)
1FTNW21F2XKA12345This is a Winnebago chassis VIN from a Ford chassis. Winnebago motorhomes are built on chassis from various manufacturers (Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, etc.). The WMI identifies the chassis manufacturer.
- WMI (positions 1-3): 1FT = Ford Truck chassis
- Chassis manufacturer VIN, not Winnebago serial
- Model year encoded in position 10
- Winnebago model not encoded in chassis VIN
Vintage Chassis VIN (Pre-1981)
Format: Vintage Chassis VIN
H31BN1S354340This is a 1971 Dodge M300 chassis VIN from a Winnebago D24C Chieftain. Pre-1981 chassis VINs use non-standard formats. This example shows a Dodge chassis with WMI “H31”.
- WMI: H31 = Dodge (vintage)
- Chassis: Dodge M300
- Year: 1971
- Non-standard format (pre-1981)