What Is A Caravan VIN
The caravan VIN number, also known as the chassis number, or even a CRiS number is an identification number which is individual to each caravan. You'll find it stamped on the chassis and even etched on the caravan windows. If a caravan is stolen, it's a way of tracking the registered owner.
The VIN number, actually, I'll stopped there for a second. I guess calling it a "VIN number" is incorrect. It's a bit like saying "PIN number" as the "N" in both PIN and VIN stands for "number", so you're really saying Vehicle Identification Number Number, which is a bit odd. However, they seem to be called VIN numbers by most.
So, the VIN can tell you quite a lot about the caravan. It's quite a long number and the meaning of the number can be broken down into its component parts. What I'm about to divulge has been kept a secret in the inner sanctum of the ancient order of Caravan Vloggers. After telling you this, I will almost certainly have my membership revoked! I might even be forced to own an Airstream. So read on and be enlightened, don't concern yourself what will happen to me. I'll probably just continue to vlog without a permit!
VIN Decoded
Now, this number is described in a few different ways, here's how I understand it. Here's an example of a VIN number:
SG D T X3G SW M 1234567
Let's "decode" it, bit by bit....
1st and 2nd are the country code. I don't know why, but SG signifies UK.
3rd can specify the make, but it is optional.
4th will be T or S for Twin or Single Axle
5th,6th,7th are again manufacturer's optional
8th and 9th are the manufacturer for example SW is Swift
10th is the manufacturer year
The last 7 digits are a unique serial number
Manufacturer's Codes
- AB = ABI
- AD = Adria
- AV = Avondale
- BE = Bessacarr (later Bessacarr were built by Swift so will carry the SW code)
- BU = Buccaneer (later Buccaneer were build Explorer Group so will carry code EX)
- BY = Bailey
- CL = Carlight
- CM = Coachman
- CP = Compass (may carry EX code in some circumstances as were built by Explorer Group)
- CS = Cosalt (later Abbey’s were built by Swift and so will carry SW code)
- CU = Sprite (later Sprite’s were built by Swift and so will carry SW code)
- EL = Elddis (may carry the EX code for earlier model before Explorer Group re-branded to Elidds)
- EX = Explorer Group (now known as Elddis)
- FL = Fleetwood
- LU = Lunar
- SW = Swift Group
Year Codes*
*see notes re dates
- 4 = 2004
- 5 = 2005
- 6 = 2006
- 7 = 2007
- 8 = 2008
- 9 = 2009
- A = 2010
- B = 2011
- C = 2012
- D = 2013
- E = 2014
- F = 2015
- G = 2016
- H = 2017
- J = 2018