Owning a motorhome is a dream for many, but if you buy the wrong one, it can turn out to be a nightmare. These vehicles combine the complexity of a motor vehicle and a house. Travel trailers are less complex, but it’s important to get one that’s in a good shape and fits your tow vehicle. With a free VIN check, you can verify the authenticity of the vehicle and quickly identify major changes that may affect its value. If you get a VIN report, you can see the history of the vehicle before you buy it and get a NADA VIN check to tell you the market value of the vehicle. Spending a few dollars now can keep you from making a mistake that will cost you thousands.
RV VIN Lookup – What Is It?
A VIN number is a 17-digit code that is unique to each vehicle and trailer. This code includes information about where and when the vehicle was manufactured, as well as major equipment options. Using a trailer VIN lookup tells you important specs like the length of the trailer, as well as the number of axles.
The last few digits of the VIN is a serial number. While serial numbers repeat, no other vehicle or trailer on the road has the same serial number, manufacturing and equipment digits. Our lookup tool decodes all this information for free, so you can compare the motorhome or trailer with its factory specifications.
Why Should I Look Up an RV VIN?
Motorhomes have two VIN numbers. The number issued by the chassis company tells you about the basic mechanical components. The number issued by the motorhome manufacturer tells you about what was added to turn the chassis into a complete recreational vehicle. Travel trailers also have VINs that contain manufacturer information and specs.
Using our decoder can tell you a lot about a recreational vehicle, whether it’s one you own or one you’re looking to buy. An RV trailer VIN tells you the official length of the trailer, the number of axles, and the hitch type. The chassis VIN gives you information about the chassis size, the engine and the manufacturing year, which is helpful for verifying the vehicle’s construction. The manufacturer’s VIN helps you verify the model, as well as the GCWR, which determines the vehicle’s weight class. This information helps you verify the accuracy of the sale listing, as well as the licenses and insurance you’ll need to get it on the road. After buying a recreational vehicle or trailer, you can use this information to get the right parts for repairs.
How do I look up an RV VIN number?
Before you use our RV lookup tool, you need to find the VIN. While a travel trailer has a single trailer VIN, motorhomes have two VINs. The first VIN is issued by the chassis manufacturer, and the second VIN is issued by the motorhome manufacturer. For example, let’s say you have a Winnebago View. This Class C motorhome started life as a Sprinter chassis, which has a VIN issued by Mercedes Benz. After Winnebago builds the “home” part of the motorhome on top of this chassis, they issue their own VIN number.
When you register or insure your vehicle, you need the motorhome VIN. If you want to learn more about the chassis, including the original engine and transmission, you should look up the chassis manufacturer VIN. Need parts or service for your vehicle? You need the chassis VIN for the vehicle components, like brake pads and oil filters. The motorhome VIN is used for everything added to the chassis, including plumbing, exterior decals and auxiliary power components.
Some manufacturers also use internal codes, like Fleetwood’s “FIN”, or “Fleetwood Identification Number”. These codes don’t have 17 digits and aren’t used for documentation. Instead, they’re only used to order replacement parts directly from the manufacturer.
Placement of the VIN isn’t standardized on recreational vehicles. Here are some places you should check to find the VIN number on your vehicle or trailer.
Motorhome VIN Locations
On the front corner of the driver’s side dashboard. The VIN plate is oriented in a way that it can be read through the windshield.
On the driver’s or passenger’s door, or on the frame around these doors
On the door or walls of an exterior storage compartment
In the engine compartment, either on the firewall or somewhere on the engine.
On the steering column
Under the driver’s side window
Next to the gauge cluster
If the number is a part of the original chassis, it’s probably the chassis manufacturer’s ID. This includes the engine, frame and, if the vehicle has a van or truck front end, the dashboard. A firewall number could be either. If the chassis has a van body, it’s from the chassis manufacturer. If the cab is built by the motorhome manufacturer, it’s their ID. All the other tags should be from the motorhome manufacturer. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure which code you have. Our RV VIN decoder is free, so you can type in the number and see which manufacturer issued the number.
Travel Trailers and Campers
On the frame next to the tongue, or directly under the propane tanks
On a sticker inside an interior cabinet, usually under the kitchen sink
Next to the support bars on the underside of the trailer
On the pillars of the entry door
Inside the wheel wells
On the door or walls of an exterior storage compartment
On the pillars of the entry door
Inside a closet or the heater compartment
On the pin box of gooseneck hitch trailers
With trailer VIN number lookup, there’s only one number to worry about. Remember that the VIN is 17 digits long. If you find a number that’s longer or shorter, it’s a serial number issued by the manufacturer for internal use.
What about truck camper VIN lookup? They’re legally considered cargo, not vehicles, so they don’t have a VIN. This eliminates most of the paperwork tied to vehicle and travel trailer VIN lookup, so there’s no way to get a detailed history on this type of camper.
Once you have the VIN, you can use our site for a free trailer VIN check or recreational vehicle check. From there, you can order a complete history report on the trailer or vehicle.
What will an RV history report tell you?
The VIN acts as an identifier for the vehicle or trailer in official documents. By pulling information from available records, our VIN report builds a history of the vehicle, from when it rolled off of the factory line to today. Here’s what you’ll find in this report:
Past vehicle registrations
Insurance claims for accidents, natural disasters and other damage
Outstanding liens
If the vehicle or trailer was stolen, and if it was recovered
Odometer reporting discrepancies
Market value using NADA VIN lookup for accurate pricing
This information helps you determine a fair offer and helps you avoid lemons and vehicles that might be repossessed. Using our reports can save you a considerable amount of time and guesswork when hunting down your next camping vehicle, and gives you the peace of mind that what you buy doesn’t have any hidden problems.
Recreational Vehicle Sample VIN
What does a VIN off of an RV look like? Here are examples of chassis, trailer and motorhome vehicle identification numbers.
1FDXE45S53HC05364: 2003 Ford E-450 chassis with a 6.8 liter V10
