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Topic: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel (Read 1641 times) previous topic - next topic

Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

It seems to come up occasionally that a new or prospective owner needs to determine some basic information that is not readily obvious to them.  This seems to be especially true on Grand Villas where that's the only badge on the exterior of the coach.  As far as I know Grand Villa only signifies the nose shape:  it could have any variety of engine, chassis, floor plan or length.  There are two different numbers on the plate next to the drivers seat:  VIN and Model which I think get confused with each other sometimes.

Attached is my first cut of what all the Model numbers mean.  In addition, on the second page I included a VIN decoding "map" (which I think was created by Foretravel) along with where one can find the VIN stamped into the steel frame - sometimes used in the VIN verification process when first registering in a new state.

Like I said I'm not 100% sure of everything contained in it.  For example, I'm not sure the starting "G" stands for Grand Villa.  As best as I can tell the U320/U295/U270 series start with an "F".  I invite any additional or corrective information on the subject that anyone might have.  The idea is we will have something we can give to newbies.
-John Fitz
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

Reply #1 –
Here is one by the door on my '81 am I right in build 1500?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

Reply #2 –
Does this secret decoder ring help?

Re: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Does this secret decoder ring help?
That might be the information the insurance company and DMV were reading when I gave them my VIN and they said it was not the VIN. Also the insurance company said there were no 40ft Foretravels in 1981 mine must be a 38 I finally got it insured and never changed companies for 18 years as I didn't want to go through the hassle again.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean
 

Re: Decoding the VIN and Model numbers on a Foretravel

Reply #4 –
Yes that is the build number 1500
previous 1984 35 ft ORED 250 HP 3208 Cat       
previous 1998 40 ft U295 CAI 325 hp Cummins
previous 2003 40 Ft u320 build #6140 450 Cummins M11.                                                         
1999 Mazda Miata
Ron, Nancy, Tipper the cat, Max The dog
1997 U 270 36 ft build number 5174 8.3 Cummins