Re: [A/S]Airstream/Argosy Motorhomes

["Charlie/Betty Burke" <cbburke@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Airstream's choice of serial numbers on motorhomes from 1974 until they 
went to the 17 digit VIN in 1981 made it difficult to decode what year a 
coach is.
Often, depending on the state, a VIN number was required for licensing 
and title. In the beginning the only 17 digit VIN was the one on the 
chassis provided by that manufacturer. RV manufacturers were not 
required to create a VIN style 17 digit number at the time.
Airstream's answer to the need, and to be able to track their production 
was to create a 10 digit number not unlike their trailer serial numbers 
of the day.
To add further confusion, all to often the chassis was purchased in one 
model year and the coach body was added and sold in a different model 
year. Automotive manufacturers typically start their model year in 
Sept.- Oct. and RV manufacturers can start as early as May of the 
previous year. (a May 1978 built coach would be sold as a 1979 model). 
The result was 5-6 months of production where the chassis is one model 
year and the complete RV is of another. This situation still exists today.

For the 10 digit serial numbers a typical breakdown of M28T8V5061 is as 
follows:
M = Motorhome
28 = 28' length
T = Twin bed floor plan
8 = 1978 model year
V = Versailles, OH were the motorhome production plant was first located 
along with Argosy trailers.
5061 = production sequence number.
This number was located behind the front engine access cover either 
stamped directly on one of the steel posts running vertically on each 
side of the radiator or on a plate riveted to the post. ( Now a days 
always the roadside post )

Nothing in the records I have indicate they differentiated between 
Argosy and Airstream models  in the serial number they assigned.

Another possible reason for the lack of 1980 models was the move of 
production from Versailles to Jackson Center.

Charlie