Last updated on July 3rd, 2023 at 12:37 pm
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Whether it’s for insurance purposes, your own records, or researching the year of your travel trailer, you may be curious if your camper has its very own VIN number. Campers are like cars, so it would make sense that they have a VIN number too!
So, do campers have VIN numbers?
Typically, all types of RVs including campers have their own specific VIN numbers. The number may be difficult to find, especially on older rigs, but it’s vital and mandatory for manufacturers to include. If you can’t find the VIN for your camper, you may have to contact the DMV and be issued a new one.
But what exactly are VIN numbers, and why do campers have them? Moreover, where can you find your travel trailer’s VIN number and what might you need it for? Let’s dive in with some VIN number information.
What Are VIN Numbers?
First off, let’s discuss what exactly a VIN number is. A VIN number stands for “Vehicle Identification Number” and it would follow that your camper is indeed a vehicle that needs identifying.
VIN numbers are important both for the manufacturer and the vehicle’s owner to know. They are unique and individual numbers attached only to one camper, and it allows an owner or insurance company to look up the history of the camper.
This history can include information on the camper’s odometer, what repairs it may have had in the past, an accident or collision history, and even if the title has been salvaged. The VIN number is key to recall any and all of this information, which means it is very important, especially if you have just purchased a used RV!
VIN numbers are usually 17 characters long and include letters as well as numbers. You can read more below about what all of these different characters mean; they are not simply a random assortment of numbers and letters!
Are VIN Numbers The Same As Serial Numbers?
It may sound like a VIN number is similar to a serial number in terms of its importance to you and your vehicle. While it may seem strange, these numbers are not the same. However, serial numbers can be found inside your VIN number!
Vin numbers are made up of 17 characters and the final six of those characters make up your serial number. So you ultimately only need to keep track of your VIN number should you be looking for your serial number as well.
If you own a vintage rig like me, you may not have a VIN number. VIN numbers were not made mandatory until 1980. So my 1976 Fleetwood Terry just didn’t make the cut!
However, I know the serial number for my camper, and this number counts as a vintage rig’s VIN number since it is a unique enough identification number. Who knows how far back these records can go?
What Types Of RVs Have VIN Numbers?
It may come as a surprise to you, but typically, all RVs have VIN numbers. These numbers are necessary for any road-approved vehicle, including RVs. So it would make sense that essentially all types of RVs have VIN numbers, including:
- Travel trailers
- Teardrop trailers
- Fifth wheel RVs
- Class A motorhomes
- Class B motorhomes
- Class C motorhomes
- Pop-up tent trailers
- And of course any other campers!
Most motorhomes end up with two serial numbers or VIN numbers, depending on the year and manufacturer. This is due to the frame often being built and warrantied through another company. This shouldn’t be a common issue with camper VIN numbers, however!
Why Should I Know My Camper’s VIN Number?
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Knowing your camper’s VIN number is important, though it isn’t necessary to keep it memorized. Chances are, your camper’s VIN number is located on your vehicle’s title, or somewhere on your rig so you will always have it in case you forget it!
For Looking Up Past Repairs
Knowing your camper’s VIN number is important should you wish to look up any past vehicle repairs or accidents. It’s also necessary to know this number if you plan on insuring your RV, as well as getting your rig titled if for whatever reason the title is lost.
Checking History Of Used RVs
Your VIN will be a great record for any used camper, as it will record any standard maintenance as well as non-standard. It will let you know if your RV has ever been stolen, or has suffered hail or fire damage. It can also be a great informational resource for checking out any recall information or warranty claims.
It is easy to look up any information that has been recorded using your VIN number. You can reach out to the DMV, your RV dealership (especially if you are buying a used RV from a dealer), as well as many websites. These sites are usually free, but some may charge a fee. However, you may receive a more in-depth report if you choose to pay for it.
Ensuring There Aren’t Unreported Accidents Or Claims
If you are unsure about making an RV purchase, knowing the VIN would be a good idea. Before you decide on an RV purchase, look up the VIN number and check for any unreported accidents or claims. Some dealers and private sellers may not tell you all of the important information about your camper, and it’s always best to be prepared before buying a used RV!
If you don’t know your camper’s VIN, you may need to apply to get a brand new one from the DMV. This can involve some fees and complications if you are trying to take possession of a used rig, or even sell a used rig of your own.
That’s why it is important to locate your VIN number before buying or selling any RVs. Now, let’s go over some possible locations of your camper’s VIN number.
Where Can I Find My Camper’s VIN Number?
Since no two RVs are created equally, the location of your camper’s VIN number can sometimes be as unique as the VIN number itself! Depending on the age, the overall wear and tear, and the manufacturer of your rig, the number could be outside or inside.
Here are some of the most common places where your VIN number may be found:
On The Tongue Of The Trailer
This is one of the more common VIN number locations, especially for campers. However, wear and tear may make it difficult to see. If you’ve just bought your rig fresh off the lot, I’d recommend finding your VIN number sooner rather than later, as traveling full-time on the road will lead to a considerable amount of wear and tear.
Under Propane Tanks, Along The Frame
This is also a tricky spot for general wear, and your VIN number may be worn away. If you inspect every corner of your rig and are still unable to find the VIN number, try not to panic! Instead, give the manufacturer a ring and see if they can provide a bit of help and guidance.
Along The Frame Rail, Away From The Trailer Tongue
This is also a fairly unprotected spot for a VIN number to be, as many people repaint their camper frames and accidentally paint over the VIN! Be aware of this should you decide to give your rig an external revamp. Also be aware that prolonged sun exposure can also cause damage, making the number hard to see too.
Inside A Wheel Well
While it isn’t convenient, your VIN could be inside a wheel well. Hopefully, this will mean your VIN is protected, but it may be more difficult to get at and could be covered up by fixtures. This may go without saying, but if you’re new to RVing and don’t have much experience taking components off a rig, I think it’s a good idea to take a picture of what everything looks like before you get started. This can help later on when everything will need to go back together the way it was before!
Inside The RV
VIN numbers can also be hiding inside your RV, in a kitchen or bathroom cabinet. This is a convenient place to keep a lot of key RV information, including the weight of your camper and other necessary towing information.
On An Exterior Informational Plaque
This is where my serial number and important towing information are located for my vintage camper. While it does seem strange, the plaques have the information etched into the metal, which means it’s far less easy to rub away than a sticker or label. However, it definitely shows its age given that it’s on the outside of the rig.
In An Outer Storage Box
A lot of rigs nowadays have external storage boxes, ideal for keeping adventure equipment, additional belongings, and more! But it also isn’t a bad location choice for a VIN number label. It will be protected from the elements and should hopefully be easy to see once you open the compartment door. It should be on the door itself or the walls surrounding it.
On The Main Door Frame
This is close to where my vintage serial number is. It should be listed on an easy-to-see plaque or label. You may also wish to check near your hot water heater compartment door, should you have one.
Under The Kitchen Sink
While it may seem strange, a popular VIN number location is under the kitchen sink. This keeps the number safe from the elements, and it ensures you will remember where it is (once you find it, of course!).
Inside Closet Or Heater Compartment
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If you’re running out of options, your best bet is to check any compartment you have inside your camper, including any closets, cupboards, or heater locations. Let me know in the comments if you have any strange locations of VIN numbers! RVs try to make some things universally located, but for whatever reason, this necessary number often goes wherever the manufacturer wants it to. Just one of those things, I guess!
What Do All These Numbers And Letters Mean?
As I mentioned earlier, your VIN number has certain characters listed in a certain order. It’s not simply a bunch of random letters and numbers squished together. Let’s go over what each of these individual characters means!
The World Manufacturer Index (WMI)
The World Manufacturer Index (WMI) makes up the first three characters. The first symbol will tell where the vehicle was built and the second and third will make note of who the manufacturer is.
Manufacturer Specification Data
What usually follows, is the Manufacturer Specification Data. Characters four through eight will illustrate the trailer’s model series, engine (though your camper won’t have one), and body type.
Check Digit
The U.S. Department of Transportation has what is called a Check Digit, which is an authenticity digit that affirms the VIN number is real. This will be in the ninth slot.
Model Year
Your tenth character will be how you figure out your rig’s Model Year. However, since it’s only one character’s worth of content, you will have to look up your model year on another informational table.
Manufacturer’s Information
Wherever the vehicle was built will be listed as the eleventh character. It is essentially your Manufacturer’s Information.
Serial Number
Finally, the final six characters make up the vehicle’s Serial Number. For any rig dated before 1980, this may be the only number you have. While it isn’t necessary to know what every individual VIN character means, you may find it interesting to look up all of these fun facts about your camper!
I Have a Vintage Camper. What About My VIN Number?
I have personal experience dealing with a vintage camper’s VIN number. Vintage campers are a labor of love, from beginning to end. This love even extends to DMV paperwork and making sure you can locate your camper’s important numerical information like the RVer with an old-school rig in the video below:
If you own a camper that dates before the year 1980, you will not necessarily have a VIN number. You should, however, have a serial number, which is enough for the DMV to go off. They will either create a VIN number for your vehicle’s title with the serial number included, but sometimes just the serial number is enough.
It is of course ideal to purchase or sell a vintage camper with a vehicular title in hand. Your camper’s VIN number or serial number will be found on this document so you don’t have to go searching for a serial number on your vintage rig. However, many vintage campers may be too old to have VIN or serial numbers, and wear and tear or modern modifications may hide any serial numbers from your sight! The older your rig, the trickier it gets.
However, you can always get a brand new VIN number from the DMV should you be unable to find any sort of number on your trailer. On some vintage rigs, it is common to lose the serial number to the wear and tear of time. You may know exactly where the number is, but it could be rubbed away or so worn it’s illegible!
The DMV can work with you to get proper identification numbers assigned to your camper. Just know that it may take some extra time and love, just like your vintage rig!
What To Do If Trailer Doesn’t Have A Vin Number?
It is possible, of course, to search your entire rig and not find anything remotely like a VIN number. There could be several reasons for this, such as the VIN number being scratched off, painted over, rubbed away, or maybe you can only make out a could of digits…what do you do?
First of all, try not to panic! There are many pros and cons to RVing, and unfortunately, when purchasing used vehicles especially, it’s common to come across some hurdles and bumps in the road.
So, if your trailer doesn’t have a VIN, your best bet is to contact the DMV and get a new number issued. This shouldn’t be too tricky, and much of the process can be found online such as this New York DMV VIN registration. The process of registering for a new VIN will incur some fees, but generally, they won’t break the bank and since having a VIN is law, it’s best to get registered and keep your trailer legal.
Conclusion
Having a VIN number is a necessary identification for all vehicles, including campers. Before you hit the road or even decide to purchase a used RV, knowing its VIN number should be at the top of your list. The VIN will identify any past repairs or accidents associated with your RV, so it’s a good issue to get resolved if you can’t find your rig’s VIN.
Once you’ve sorted out your camper’s VIN number, you can rock up at the campground for a couple of days, kick back, and relax knowing your RV is perfectly legal and ready to tackle all the adventures yet to come!
Source: https://t-tees.com
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