Where I can find the year model ?

[calinet]

Hi there,
I'm new in the RV world and have not any knowledge about them. I have to admit that I've been reading lots of reviews about trailers lately and watched the used market for more than 6 weeks now.
Right now I'm in a process of buying an used 2008 Sprinter 312 SLS , I already paid 500$ down payment.
The price is good for a 2008 trailer, the layout is perfect for my family and it looks like the owner took very good care of it.
My question for you is : how do I now is a 2008 unit ?
I've checked the VIN# which tells me only when was registered in Ontario (2008) but also stated that was previously registered in New York. It might be the dealership the owner bought it from but not any other date or information about previously owner.
The owner gave me already all the manuals and warranties the trailer came with and in the manual I can read on the first page:
Owner's manual September 1, 2006
Is it possible the trailer come with an old manual , the model was not up-dated in the last two years or the trailer is from 2006?
It's not uncommon to buy a 2007 model in 2006 but 2008 ? Is it something fishy in here ?
Is there any other place I can look for the year model or when it was manufactured ?
The add in the local used RV site was 2008 Keystone Sprinter 312 SLS.
The trailer is not with me yet, the owner agree to tow it to my trailer park in two days, but being a different year is a deal breaker for me.
Can you help me with this one ?
Thank you !

[Festus2]

calinet:
If you look on the exterior (front street side) of your TT, you should find a "sticker" with the date and place of manufacture along with some other information. It is not uncommon for the date of manufacture to be earlier than what the TT has been advertised and sold as. On ours, for example, it was sold and advertised as a 2008 Cougar but was manufactured in 2007.
Our owner's manual was printed in September, 2006 -- 2 years earlier. If there are not any significant changes in the models , this owner's manual may be "good for" 2 or 3 years - depending upon changes that have or have not taken place. Remember that these manuals are not model specific but generic --- "one size fits all".
I don't think that there is anything "fishy" about your situation. Ignore the date on the owner's manual. Look for the decal/tag which gives the date of manufacture --- it could well be that it has been made a year earlier but your trailer is registered a year later. I hope this makes sense.

[Ron]

There is a model year encoding chart that will tell you what year it is, the 10th digit is the code you are looking for in your vin number, just google (model year encoding chart), that should help......Happy Future Camping.........Ron

[calinet]

Thank you so much. I really got in love with "my trailer" and don't want to start searching again for another one.

[mhs4771]

To give you another example: I ordered our last TT at the end of May 2006 and was told I would get a 2007 Model year TT at the 2006 price. The unit came in approx a month later, so I picked up a brand spanking new 2007 unit in July of 2006. Like mentioned above, look to the ID plate on the Front road side of the unit. And enjoy.

[calinet]

Thank you.

[SAABDOCTOR]

THE 10th Digit in the vin is the year. x=1999 y=2000 1=2001 2=2002 0=2010 a=2011 b=2012 and someday that will get real confusing as b also=1981

[calinet]

Good one.
I've just checked it right now and you are right it's an 8 so it's a 2008 indeed.
Thanks a lot to everyone!

[LittleJoe]

Just look on the ownership.