Serial # Not Vin # for 1985 Winnebago Elandan 31 rt

stopngo · January 16, 2016, 05:02 PM

I am unable to find my serial number as it is no longer on the Driver side door.
It so happens that on one of my repair receipts the Serial Number is given but the writing is unclear and is hard to make out.

As I can make it out it is 865572M and if the M is wrong then my guess is 17.
In other words it is either the above # or 86557217

My question.....(As you see one has 7 characters and the other 8.)Would somebody who has a unit in this category be kind enough and look at theirs
if still there and inform me how many characters and if all numbers or both letters and numbers.

Do any of my numbers look like they could be right??

MotorPro · January 16, 2016, 07:10 PM

The serial number is on a plate under the hood on the firewall, driver side.

stopngo · January 16, 2016, 07:36 PM

Thank you will check

stopngo · January 16, 2016, 09:46 PM

N:( Thanks but that is the VIN # which I already know. I want the Serial #. Cannot order parts without the Latter.

HELP!!

joanfenn · January 16, 2016, 09:54 PM

Does this help you?

Where can I locate the WIN (Winnebago Identification Number) of my motor home and what is the difference between the WIN and the VIN?
The WIN (Winnebago Identification Number) is the number Winnebago uses to identify your motor home. You can find the WIN on the Certification Label on the driverâ€™s door or placed on the wall to the left of the driverâ€™s seat. You may also find the WIN on the Carrying Capacity Sheet located in the main wardrobe closet.

stopngo · January 16, 2016, 10:07 PM

QuoteYou can find the WIN on the Certification Label on the driverâ€™s door or placed on the wall to the left of the driverâ€™s seat

As I said it is no longer on the Drivers door although I see the spot where it was. That is my Problem. Will check the Closet as you suggest.

joanfenn · January 16, 2016, 10:54 PM

You may also find the WIN on the Carrying Capacity Sheet located in the main wardrobe closet.

stopngo · January 16, 2016, 11:14 PM

No nothing in Wardrobe Closet.

Now I need to re iterate my original question. I know y'all are trying to be helpful but what I am asking is for IS anybody with an 84 85 or 86 Elandan
if you could please tell me how many Digits or combo of numbers and letters are on YOUR serial # If you can find it. That's all I ask.

Please I am not asking for the VIN#

I have a serial # that was noted on one of my repair bills as described in my original post. I am NOT asking where to find it. I want to know by way of number of characters whether the number appears plausible.

DaveVA78Chieftain · January 17, 2016, 08:09 PM

To all,
He is trying to check on parts through Winnebago. Winnebago requires information like the Winnebago serial number (not chassis VIN) to look up parts for his rig.
The plate by the driver door is missing. The Certification label that came with his rig is missing. He has found a hard to read copy of a repair receipt but he cannot clearly read the last few digits on the receipt. He just needs someone in the 85 era to look at their driver area plate or Certification label for number format.

Example Certification label with a serial number in the bottom left corner:

joanfenn · January 17, 2016, 08:41 PM

I was trying to help him find it in other areas of his rig, the article I posted said it could also be posted in the closet or on the wall to the left of the drivers seat. I read that it was not on the drivers side door so looked for other areas for him. Just trying to help.

stopngo · January 17, 2016, 09:00 PM

Yes thanks to both of you. It is the last part of the serial # that I cannot make out on the receipt. It is either an M or a 17.

As Dave says.......I need to know the pattern as to whether all numbers or some letters and how many of each.

If they are all numbers then I hope that number is 8 and no more...........If all numbers with one Letter at the end it would be 6 #s + 1 letter/.

If neither is the case then that number on the receipt is meaningless

Rickf1985 · January 17, 2016, 09:54 PM

My 88 Chieftain is Y followed by six numbers. 10N68Y280436
Don't know if that helps but I would think all the Winnebagos had similar serials.

TerryH · January 17, 2016, 11:05 PM

If Winnebago was made aware of the problem you have determining the serial number would it be possible for them to cross reference with the chassis VIN?
It may be an out of the ordinary request to Winn., but they might be able to help.

stopngo · January 18, 2016, 12:09 AM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 17, 2016, 09:54 PM
My 88 Chieftain is Y followed by six numbers. 10N68Y280436
Don't know if that helps but I would think all the Winnebagos had similar serials.

Ya that's kinda what I thought in terms of the number of characters between numbers and letters that they would be all similar but the number Im looking at on that receipt has 8 at best. Unless that is typical for 85. Hmmm

Quotewould it be possible for them to cross reference with the chassis VIN?

May have to try that.

Thanks Y'all

stopngo · January 18, 2016, 02:33 PM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 17, 2016, 09:54 PM
My 88 Chieftain is Y followed by six numbers. 10N68Y280436
Don't know if that helps but I would think all the Winnebagos had similar serials.

Yeah.......12 Digits for All Winnebagos I was told by Winnebago. Guess I am hooped.

Rickf1985 · January 18, 2016, 08:29 PM

Most receipts would not use the entire number, just the last few digits. I was never able to find any numbers on mine in any closets or cubbyholes either and I have been ALL through it. Luckily I do still have the door sticker. Be sure to check all drawers and pockets on seat covers for any paperwork. I have found paperwork hiding in strange places in both of mine.

BrianB · January 18, 2016, 10:36 PM

Quote from: Rickf1985 on January 18, 2016, 08:29 PM
Most receipts would not use the entire number, just the last few digits. I was never able to find any numbers on mine in any closets or cubbyholes either and I have been ALL through it. Luckily I do still have the door sticker. Be sure to check all drawers and pockets on seat covers for any paperwork. I have found paperwork hiding in strange places in both of mine.

This is a timely topic for me, so I guess I'll jump on this thread as well..... My 86 Chieftain 31 doesn't have any stickers at all. I was just out in the shop (looking for something with the rear axle GAWR on it). No door plate, nothing behind the drivers seat, nothing in any closets, nothing in any of the outside compartments, nothing under the hood nor on the dog house.

I thought all vehicles required the plate with the GVWR/GAWR and tire pressures, but no evidence of it on my rig. Suggestions welcome.

Rickf1985 · January 19, 2016, 09:37 AM

As with StopnGo's there should be a label on the bottom of the drivers door or in front or behind the door. Check ALL compartments and drawers for any paperwork that may have been left behind by previous owners.

HamRad Mobile · January 19, 2016, 11:24 AM

Good morning, StopnGo;

In checking the data I have, the Winnebago serial number does use six (6) numbers in the last six character positions of the twelve character serial number. Your reading of the six numbers on your receipt is probably correct, and it is not the letter "M." The sample Rick provided from his is in the standard format.

I still have the original plastic laminated identification and weight specification paper glued to the inside of the driver's side door on my 1987 Elandan, and my serial number is a little higher than yours, so your assumption and reading of the number from the receipt probably is in the right range. Working out the first six characters might take a little more discussion and reference to the Winnebago literature.

And, like several others, I have not been able to find any weight and capacity paper posted in the clothes closet either, nor is there any evidence of any adhesive that might have held such a paper to the wall or inside the closet door. There are some electrical and other system inspection stickers inside the cabinet over the sink in the galley area.

With the information you have already, plus what is in the Winnebago literature, I am sure that your Winnebago serial number can be reconstructed.

In a like manner, with the able assistance of a knowledgeable and experienced parts man, I have been able to identify the "Spec" character for my Onan 6.5 KW generator. It did take some effort to learn what is on my Onan, and get the engine serial number from it also, but it was done. Yes, it can be maddening to not have the information the parts guy says he needs, because a previous owner, frustrated with being told that the parts guy cannot do anything without the model, spec, and serial number, pried off the Onan identification plate with a screwdriver to take it in to show the parts guy. You could not read it where it was down between the side wall and the side of the Onan. I just wish the PO had stuck the Onan ID plate back in with the Winnebago and accessory equipment manuals.

Enjoy,

Ralph
Latte Land, Washington

Rickf1985 · January 19, 2016, 03:51 PM

The number I posted was modified and was not my actual number, I don't put that out on the net but if you need it for reconstruction pm me and I will give it to you. Remember, mine is an 88 though.

stopngo · January 19, 2016, 04:15 PM

Quote Rick

QuoteAs with StopnGo's there should be a label on the bottom of the drivers door or in front or behind the door. Check ALL compartments and drawers for any paperwork that may have been left behind by previous owners.

Indeed. I can even see where it was on the Door (rivets) but gone gone gone

And Thank You Ham Rad Mobile for your info.

Quote Rick

QuoteI don't put that out on the net but if you need it for reconstruction pm me and I will give it to you

Thanks but no need for your actual number. Only the number of digits and pattern which I think you have supplied.