THE VEHICLE IDENTIFICATION NUMBER (revised and edited by Lou)
How to use the information from the VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) Plate.
Data used in preparing this paper is from the early and later Winnebago Service Manuals for the Winnebago built H-body vehicles. This paper was prepared by and comments added by Larry S. This is good data as I understand it, Should anyone want to add to or comment about this item, feel free to do so.
The Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)) This information is provided on the Vehicle Certification Label located on the lower portion of the drivers door and on the "drivers door latch post"--actually on top of the far left portion of the dash, visible thru the windshield.
The vehicle identification number is divided into four parts:
World Manufacturer's Identification (WMI)
The VIN Accuracy Check Digit
Vehicle Identification Section (VIS - eight characters)
World Manufacturer's Identification (WMI - three characters)
If we de-code/ break down the VIN, this is what we will find.
First three characters..................1 W W.......Registered ID. 1 WW is on the VIN of all H-bodies and is for all H-bodies, if made by Winnebago or Itasca or others. This is why the title on my Phasar reads Winnebago Motor home instead of Phasar, apparently 1 WW is used by the DMV's to identify the manufacturer of the chassis/coach, (my own interpretation)
The first character in the WMI sequence represents the country where the vehicle was manufactured. The numbers 1 and 4 indicate the United States. Technically the vehicle is manufactured in France but since it is completed in the US it will be identified as such
The second character refers to the manufacturer. The characters can be either letters or numbers. In this case W is for Winnebago
The third character represents the vehicle type or manufacturing division.
Fourth character .............................B.............. BODY TYPE/CLASS (A-- for vehicles purpose built as motor homes with driver at windshield. B--for hood, front finders grill and cab section forward with built on coach,
C--Pick-ups with self contained removable camper slide ins.
The H-bodies are class B.
Fifth character..................................B...............Model Serial -- B represents model serial 200.
Apparently all H-bodies are serial B---200.
Sixth and Seventh character t..........1 5...VWR Gross Weight
12 B 3001 to 4000 lbs
13 C 4001 to 5000 lbs
14 D 5001 to 6000 lbs
15 E 6001 to 7000 lbs
This weight, given as numbers, represent the total permissible weight of the vehicle, including driver, passengers, and vehicle itself with all options, and the load it is carrying including, all liquids (gas, oil, coolant) The vehicle used as an example is rated at 6001 to 7000 lbs
Eighth character .............................M............Engine Type Fuel, Liter CID
(Cubic Inch Displacement)
M..........Gas 2.2 Liter (134 CID)
Z...........Diesel 2.068 Liter (126 CID)
Naturally Aspirated
Y...........Diesel 2. 068 Liter (126 CID)
Turbocharged
Ninth character...................4.......VIN accuracy check number
The 9th character is a VIN accuracy check digit which verifies the previous VIN numbers. It is determined by carrying out a mathematical computation developed by the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Tenth character....................H..............Alpha code to indicate model year.
D......1983
E.......1984
F...... 1985
G......1986
H......1987
J.......1988
K......1989..
L .....1990
M'.....1991
N......1992
Eleventh character..................F............Plant of Manufacture
F........ Forest City, Iowa
The remaining characters are the actual serial number of the vehicle, these Indicate the exact date of manufacture and give the vehicle a unique identification.
Early serial numbers appear to be separate numbers by fuel type.
Example:
Referring the Rear Axle Section in he Service manuals
Turbo diesel units beginning with SN. 0001 to 6299 and all naturally aspirated (primarily 1983 units ) used the Standard Duty Axles,
Gasoline powered units 0001 through 0050 starting in 1985 also used the Standard Duty Axles
Turbo-diesel units from 6300 up got Medium Duty Axles.
Gasoline powered units Sequence number 0051 and up were fitted with the Heavy Duty Axles
So, the VIN numbers last digits/ Sequence of manufacture are apparently good numbers to identify your particular vehicle. (leave off the O preface)
Comparing early and late: Below are two VIN from an early and a later H-body The first VIN is for an early diesel powered unit, the second VIN is from a later unit. Let's compare the two to see if we can recognize the difference.
(1) 1 W W B B 1 2 Z 4 C F 2 00035
(2) 1 W W B B 1 5 M 4 H F 2 06786
(1) An H-body,built by Winnrbago, for Winnebago class B, serial 200, GVRW of 3001 to 4000 lbs, a Naturally Aspirated diesel,2.068 Litre engine , VIN Cked 4 a 1982 model, manufactured at Forest City, IA, by Winnebago; the. 35th unit built.
(2) An h-body.built by Winnebago, for Winnebago, class B, serial 200,
GVRW of 6001 to 7000,a gas 2.2 liter/134 CID engine, VIN cked.4, 1987 model, manufactured at Forest City Iowa, by Winnebago, the 6786th unit built.