Motorhome Serial Number/VIN

[PuffinPotter]

Just got mine a few days ago. The VIN is M24R9V5119

[keith53]

Originally Posted by PuffinPotter

Just got mine a few days ago. The VIN is M24R9V5119

Wow! thats close to mine, I bet yours is in better shape than mine

[hirsch22]

1986 Classic 345

1A9CGAU34GJ 010607

Now residing in the Lehigh Valley, PA

[Punch]

Up here in Alberta the Registries (equivalent to DMV) require the RV manufacturer's serial number as well as chassis manufacturer's VIN, so when I was registering my 345 I was inspired to find out what the heck it meant. I then got deeply immersed in reading this thread, and unless I completely missed it, the AS serial number riddle was not solved within the thread, although someone came quite close. Now, what I am writing here does not apply to the pre-Classic models, but only to the Classics. I believe that Airstream adopted a new VIN-style system with their introduction, and they followed standard automotive industry convention to some considerable degree. so here is my decoding, based upon the specific AS SN examples given in different posts. I do not know if my table formatting will hold up when posted, and I suspect it won't, but I am going to have a stab at it.

Digit Serial Number
Yr Model 123 4567 89 10 11 Prod#
--------------------------------------------------
1982 24 1A9 DGAH 26 C J 009796
1982 280 1A9 DGAM 26 C J 009819
1982 280 1A9 TDAM 20 C J 009822
1982 310 1A9 BGAR 26 D J 009823
1982 280 1A9 TDAM 22 C J 009868
1982 310 1A9 AGAR 22 C J 009926
1982 280 1A9 DDAM 28 C J 009979
1983 310 1A9 BGAR 26 D J 010034
1983 300 1A9 TDAP 25 D J 010123
1984 310 1A9 BGAR 23 E J 010215
1984 310 1A9 BGAR 22 E J 010212
1984 345 1A9 BGAU 31 E J 010329
1984 310 1A9 ADAR 29 E J 010339
1985 345 1A9 BGAU 37 F J 010465
1985 345 1A9 BGAU 37 F J 010496
1985 345 1A9 CGAU 34 G J 010607
1986 345 1A9 BGAU 3X G J 010705
1987 345 1A9 BGAU 30 H J 010777
1987 345 1A9 JGAU 38 H J 010828
1988 345 1A9 JGAU 30 J J 010991
1989 345 1A9 JGAU 37 K J 011153 This is mine
1990 250 1A9 KGAJ 23 L C 34316
1991 350 1A9 JGAV 33 M J 011281
--------------------------------------
Digit "1" = always 1, "built in USA", as with GM VIN
Digit "2" = always A, "Airstream" as with GM VIN being always G
Digit "3" = always 9, so probably vehicle type (say Class A, or Motorhome?)
Digit "4" = bed and/or bathroom arrangement T=twin;J=driver-side corner double;D=rear bath; B=rear queen;A=rear twins;
Digit "5" = fuel type D or G
Digit "6" = transmission, always A for automatic
Digit "7" = length H=24 J=25 M=28 P=30 R=31 U=34.5 V=35
Digit "8" = axle number 2 or 3, the latter being tag
Digit "9" = check digit, same position as GM
Digit "10" = year C=82 D=83 E=84 F=85 G=86 H=87 J=88 K=89 L=90 M=91
Digit "11" = assembly plant Jackson Center

I'd like help with the 4th digit, if you have letters C or K in that position please post or PM me what your bed/bath layout is. If my interpretation of any of the other layout designations is incorrect, please do the same.

The 1990 250 with 11th digit C is a problem. Either it should be J and was misread, or something else. If you have a 250 would you be so kind as to check that 11th digit and let me know what it is?

Note that the year letter, 10th digit, uses the same lettering system as GM, but your chassis may be the previous year to your MH; for instance mine is on a 1988 chassis = J, but a 1989 MH = K

[Punch]

OOps.... note that
1985 345 1A9 CGAU 34 G J 010607
should be 1986. I'm sure that's not the only typo/error
Bob

[Punch]

Hmmm, that's embarrassing.....
I see in the general MH section that there is this link
http://www.airstream.com/files/libra...d86d618144.pdf
which is a document that answers the whole question definitively. Guess I didn't pay attention. I should get a life I guess.... but then what would I DO with it?

[bkahler]

While searching for some info on my 74 Argosy motorhome I came across this site: The Original Airstream E-mail List

One of the items that popped up was how to decode the Argosy motorhome serial number provided by Airstream.

Quoted from a post by Charlie Burke on July 31st 2005.

For the 10 digit serial numbers a typical breakdown of M28T8V5061 is as
follows:
M = Motorhome
28 = 28' length
T = Twin bed floor plan
8 = 1978 model year
V = Versailles, OH were the motorhome production plant was first located
along with Argosy trailers.
5061 = production sequence number.
This number was located behind the front engine access cover either
stamped directly on one of the steel posts running vertically on each
side of the radiator or on a plate riveted to the post. ( Now a days
always the roadside post )

Nothing in the records I have indicate they differentiated between
Argosy and Airstream models in the serial number they assigned.

Another possible reason for the lack of 1980 models was the move of
production from Versailles to Jackson Center.

This information might be listed on Airforums somewhere but I haven't run across it. Anyway I thought it was to good of information to not include here.

Brad

[bkahler]

I just noticed this is not a Sticky thread. Seems to me it should be. How about it Moderators, can we make it a Sticky thread?

[huberto]

I just purchased Excella Motorhome VIN # is M24R9V5001.
Please add it to the list.
Thanks,
Chris

[grandparippe]

My 'wish it was a diesel' 79 Excella 24' last four digits are 9886

'Zat help at all?

[JudgesArgosy]

Just found the Vin... m24t4v0058
After looking through whole engine compartment and dash i found a old sticker inside roof locker. Wow cant believe i got one of the first Airstream Motorhomes ever produced!
Also got a R.V.I. plate by door dated 11/19/73

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by JudgesArgosy

Just found the Vin... m24t4v0058
After looking through whole engine compartment and dash i found a old sticker inside roof locker. Wow cant believe i got one of the first Airstream Motorhomes ever produced!
Also got a R.V.I. plate by door dated 11/19/73

Wow! From the information I've compiled your's is the earliest recorded Argosy motorhome.

Your information means mine is now the 4th oldest known Argosy. Hopefully you'll post pictures of your rig and provide more details.

I'm in the process of trying to resurrect my 20' Argosy so don't be surprised if I ask you a bunch of questions!

By the way welcome to Airforums

Brad

[JudgesArgosy]

Last week I replaced shag carpet in cabin with some indoor/outdoor stuff. Easy enough as I used old carpet for template.
Next project on my list is slider window schlegle and some broken latches. Not looking forward to it but the old stuff is pretty funky and it needs to be done. Hopefully Inland supplies some directions with schlegle!

[bkahler]

Looks to be in pretty decent shape inside and out. The window schlegle isn't hard to install, at least it wasn't on our 84 310. I haven't tried it on the Argosy yet and the windows are slightly different although I doubt they are significantly different.

The brown latches on your interior doors are available from Out Of Doors Mart for about $15 each.

Brad

[James Rogers]

My 1987 345 Air Stream is no longer on the road. On memorial day week end it became road toast. I never thought it would go out that way. But it did. It caught fire in the engine compartment some how. I don't have the seriel number but it one less 345 Air Stream.

[ScrapIrony-2]

James,
We are all sorry for your loss...I don't suppose you could scrape off the charred crust and make a go of it...? In this community such a loss is a sobering thought...m

[grandparippe]

CPS3793309886 1979 Airstream Excella 24' classic motorhome.

Making some progress of too many restoration items!

[redrobin911]

Hi I have a 1979 excella 28 here in northern ireland

vin number CPS3793313509
build number? M28A9V5223

pls let me know hw this fits in with your research

[bkahler]

Originally Posted by redrobin911

Hi I have a 1979 excella 28 here in northern ireland

vin number CPS3793313509
build number? M28A9V5223

pls let me know hw this fits in with your research

Redrobin,

From the notes I've been keeping yours is the newest 79 that has been posted to this thread. You need to start a thread and post pictures of your rig.

Brad

[la nomade]

mine is very faded,but this is what i can make out....
jackson center Ohio..15334 .1990

id n...1GBKP37N8L3312447.....