Serial/Vin Number Understanding

[alewiswi]

Hello,
I am trying to understand if there is a difference between the serial number and the VIN number also were they both would be located? the picture below is of a form stapled to the bathroom closet of my Airstream the plaque on the front is rather weathered as it has been out in the California sun for some time the number on the Form under serial reads as follows. I am looking to get a better understanding of what this means. When i look at previous post the numbers appear longer and in a different order than this trailer. Can someone explain what this number means. thank you!!

#24T/S1020

[Lily&Me]

You don't say what kind of airstream you have, and that information would be helpful to those who read this post.

My Interstate is on a Dodge Sprinter chassis...I have a vin# for the Sprinter and a serial# for the airstream Interstate.

Maggie

[alewiswi]

Hello it is a 1947 Airstream safari from what I was told.

[uncle_bob]

Hi

As mentioned above this is indeed yet another "that depends" sort of thing. On most (but not all) trailers, serial number and VIN number seem to be the same thing.

Bob

[alewiswi]

Thanks bob I am at the DMV now hopefully all goes well.

[Lumatic]

24 Foot Twin Bed Layout built in Santa Fe Springs?

[roy35orr]

VINs were first used in*1954. From*1954*to*1981, there was no accepted standard for these numbers, so different manufacturers used different formats. In*1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States standardized the format.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by roy35orr

VINs were first used in*1954. From*1954*to*1981, there was no accepted standard for these numbers, so different manufacturers used different formats. In*1981, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration of the United States standardized the format.

Not quite correct. Airstreams have always a had serial numbers, at least since it reopened it's doors in 1947, but I suspect before WWII, too, but have not researched that detail. The Airstream serial number formats changed several times over the years before the government mandated a standardized format that took effect in 1981.

[uncle_bob]

Originally Posted by alewiswi

Hello it is a 1947 Airstream safari from what I was told.

Hi

Simple answer on a 1947: The serial number is the VIN. They re-used serial number over the years so it may not be unique. Since it's "pre-VIN" (see posts above) that's really not a big deal.

Bob

[Old Mule]

I'd also like to better understand serial numbers- mine is O-3178. 1954? Ohio? I can't seem to find an answer.

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by Old Mule

I'd also like to better understand serial numbers- mine is O-3178. 1954? Ohio? I can't seem to find an answer.

O-3178 is a 1954 22' Flying Cloud built in Ohio.

[nancyhart1]

I am having the same issue. On the plate by the door the numbers have weathered off. It does say AirStream Beamer which I cannot find anything about. I believe I found the VIN under the tongue MO 228. Is this the VIN? How to decifer it?
Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!!

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by nancyhart1

I am having the same issue. On the plate by the door the numbers have weathered off. It does say AirStream Beamer which I cannot find anything about. I believe I found the VIN under the tongue MO 228. Is this the VIN? How to decifer it?
Any feedback would be appreciated! Thank you!!

"MO 228" is not an Airstream serial number. It may be a chassis (frame) number that is unrelated to the actual serial number. In any case, I have no idea how to decipher it.

I have never heard of an "Airstream Beamer", so photos of this plate as well as the overall trailer might help.

[OTRA15]

Nancy’s new thread:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f368...er-197133.html

[lawrell]

Hi Joe, maybe you can help me with this one...
# 127 D1J 3988 (this is also on the original Airstream Reg of Ownership)
I read this as..1971 27' rear bath double made in Jackson Center, OH. It is a International Overlander but shouldn't the first '1' be an 'I'? Or do I have a 1st edition and its worth more than any trailer on the road?! 🤣

Thank you
Lawrell

[66Overlander]

Originally Posted by lawrell

Hi Joe, maybe you can help me with this one...
# 127 D1J 3988 (this is also on the original Airstream Reg of Ownership)
I read this as..1971 27' rear bath double made in Jackson Center, OH. It is a International Overlander but shouldn't the first '1' be an 'I'? Or do I have a 1st edition and its worth more than any trailer on the road?! 🤣

Thank you
Lawrell

Hi Lawrell,
Below is a link to the best Pre-1980 Serial Number decoder that currently exists which does acknowledge the first character can be either and "I" or a "1". I agree with your interpretation of the serial number. It is possible that a "1" was exclusively used instead of an "I" in some years - we have not studied the serial number to that level of detail to know for sure.

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...2020-06-16.pdf

[lawrell]

Originally Posted by 66Overlander

Hi Lawrell,
Below is a link to the best Pre-1980 Serial Number decoder that currently exists which does acknowledge the first character can be either and "I" or a "1". I agree with your interpretation of the serial number. It is possible that a "1" was exclusively used instead of an "I" in some years - we have not studied the serial number to that level of detail to know for sure.

https://www.airstream.com/wp-content...2020-06-16.pdf

Hey, thanks for the quick response and the link.

[InsideOut]

I realize this is an old thread...

Originally Posted by alewiswi

the picture below is of a form stapled to the bathroom closet of my Airstream the plaque on the front is rather weathered as it has been out in the California sun for some time the number on the Form under serial reads as follows. Can someone explain what this number means. thank you!!

#24T/S1020

Originally Posted by alewiswi

Hello it is a 1947 Airstream safari from what I was told.

...but just to close the loop of the opening post:

Based on the "Lifetime Warranty" certificate - these were from the 60's - we had one in our '64. The serial/VIN #24T/S1020 is most likely a CA built 1963 Tradewind w/twin beds, 24' long. The "pickled oak" wood that is seen on the door where the certificate is attached also confirm this. It's a finish that I've seen in several 63's.

Trailers in the 50's used birch and in the late-40's/early 50's were metal.

Shari