Odd VIN Number for Tradewind

[cherring]

Another question to folks in the know -- I posted a photo earlier of a spare tire cover on a Tradewind International and on the same unit have noticed an odd thing about the VIN.

The tag says 24D-0170 which translates as 1960 Tradewind Double. Made in CA.

Below that info on the same tag is stamped 12/58.

Is it possible that there was a mistake made at the factory when this unit was tagged? I have another 60 Tradewind CA model that is a Land Yacht model. The International model Tradewind has some older type features such as a manual pump in the kitchen sink and different roof vents. I think it is a much earlier model than my 60 Tradewind Land Yacht.

Any thoughts as to the true vintage of the beast?

[Ken J]

I think you are missing a number....24 is 24ft, d=double, then there should be a 9 - since it was built in late 58, it would be a 59 model year, then the sequence number 170.

So should be 24D9170..........I think........

Ken J.

[cherring]

I went out and looked again. The correct VIN is: 24D-0170

[Ken J]

That makes sense for a 1960 trailer (0=1960) - then would the build date be 12/59?

Ken J.

[cherring]

One would think that the build date would be 12/59 BUT the tag says 12/58, hence the reason I posted the message regarding odd VIN number/manufacture date. I'm guessing it's a 59 with a wrong VIN number but how can I know for certain?

[53flyingcloud]

Cherring

For many years A/S has stamped the VIN right on the metal of the A-frame of all Airstreams..You might take a real close look at your A-frame and, see if you spot the numbers.
Good luck on finding your's..

ciao

[47WeeWind]

The California and Ohio plants used slightly different VIN numbering schemes in 1959, hence some confusion on late 1950's VINs.

1959 was the first year California used the "trailer length /bed type /sequential number" format on all their trailers, although some late 1958 models had this VIN format too. Your VIN 24 D 0170 means 24 foot trailer length, double beds, 170th 24' long trailer built sequentially. The 0 before 170 is zero in a set of progressive numbers, not an alphabetical "O" for Ohio and not a zero denoting 1960.

California kept this VIN format for 1960, and only the higher sequential numbers ("0226") would distinguish 1960 model year California trailers. We have not yet discovered the 1959/1960 cut-off numbers for different length Calif. trailers, so do not have any 1959 production figures. 12/58 is the correct build date (month/year) for your 1959 Tradewind.

By contrast, Ohio did not list the bed type in their 1959 model year VINs but used "9" to denote the model year. 1959 Ohio Tradewind VINs range from 24 9 001 to 24 9 187, for 187 TWs built at Ohio in the 1959 model year.

[Ken J]

Fred

Thanks - learn something new every day. I always thought that middle digit was the year..........


Ken J.

[cherring]

Fred,

Thanks so much for the explanation of the VIN. I suspected I was misreading the numbers and am happy to have this clarified. I like to know EVERYTHING about my toys. :-)

Chris