Vin# please

[hoffbrew]

Just wondering why the Mfg, CW or any RV parts house want to know the Vin from the trailer when looking for parts? Example.. I was looking for the shower door sweep for my trailer, from the looks of it all the showers are pretty much the same style and mfg but cant get anybody to get me one without having my Vin?

I needed the auxiliary cap for where I plug my phone into to charge in my truck, told them year and boom... here you go sir.

Just curious if anybody knows.

[bsmith0404]

It's the computer age. Manufaturers load a series of model/vin #s into a database with standard equipment, I've heard some of the systems will load everything unique to each particular VIN. When the tech loads your VIN into the system it gives the correct parts used for your RV. Keep in mind that RVs are different from autos in respect that a car manufacturer typically will use the same parts for an entire production period. Sometimes you will ge a mid-year change and those are typically referred to as a half year such as 2014 1/2. RVs change brands of parts used from one day to the next without any indication. They are just trying to make sure you get the right part.

[Bob Landry]

Among other changes, it's a tracking device, just like the auto body shop uses your VIN to determine which color paint you have. Any changes, design, vendors, appliances, color schemes, etc., are tracked according to VIN which I think also has the manufacture date embedded in it.

[hoffbrew]

Thanks for the explanation, I was originally thinking it was for just for tracking problems. All good.