Community Forums

patpro23 · 04-12-2017, 08:00 AM

Hello,

I just purchased a 2016 Winnebago Vista 35B. The vin plate says it was manufactured in 2015, and I am trying to find out if it has the new 6 speed transmission or not.

I see many posts saying you can find it using the vin, but I cant seem to find a website that tells me for sure.

The vin is: 1F66F5DY2F0A12345

Can anyone provide any guidance?

mikebreeze · 04-12-2017, 08:13 AM

According to this web site, you do have a 6 speed transmission:

https://winnebagoind.com/products/cl...specifications

Beau388 · 04-12-2017, 08:26 AM

Look at the transmission position indicator. If it shows 1, 2, 3, D, N, R, P it is a five speed. If it shows 1, 2, 4, D, N, R , P it is a six speed.

powercat_ras · 04-12-2017, 09:21 AM

Winnebago used up all the 2015 VIN Chassis when building 2016 RVs on the F53 Chassis. So, just because the 2016 Winnebago brochure said 6 speed transmission does not guarantee your specific one has it.

RRR · 04-12-2017, 09:32 AM

5 speed. Buy 2015 Ford F53 Parts | FordParts.com

computerguy · 04-12-2017, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRR

5 speed. Buy 2015 Ford F53 Parts | FordParts.com

Based on the VIN given RRR is correct. It is a 5 Speed. Beau38 is also correct on the selector way to determine the transmission.

Mr_D · 04-12-2017, 10:21 AM

One of the hazards of buying after a major chassis upgrade, and the RV manufacturer still has a stock of the older chassis.

rssj · 04-12-2017, 12:19 PM

Computerguy and RRR are providing you with correct information. If you want, you can improve the performance with a 5star tune. Still a nice motorhome.

Tetonchief · 04-12-2017, 03:23 PM

Seems to me if you were sold a 2016, and the brochure says 6 speed, and your bill of sale (that you and dealer sign) doesn't say anything about you getting a 5 speed, you have a law suit. Years ago, GM found out the hard way when selling cars with 350 engines and people who bought Oldsmobiles or Bucks had Chevy engines, or something to that effect. GM was sued in class action and had to pay rebates.

Yellowboat · 04-12-2017, 04:40 PM

Here is a link to the Ford Vin decoder.

VIN Guides | fleet.ford.com

The tenth character defines the year of the chassis. F is a 2015 chassis and G is a 2016 chassis.

As said by others the easiest way to know if the chassis is a five or six speed is to check the gear shift display. If you have 321 it is a five speed transmission and if you have 421 it is a six speed transmission.

Enjoy your new coach. Safe travels. JD

computerguy · 04-13-2017, 06:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tetonchief

Seems to me if you were sold a 2016, and the brochure says 6 speed, and your bill of sale (that you and dealer sign) doesn't say anything about you getting a 5 speed, you have a law suit. Years ago, GM found out the hard way when selling cars with 350 engines and people who bought Oldsmobiles or Bucks had Chevy engines, or something to that effect. GM was sued in class action and had to pay rebates.

I always find it so frustrating that so many have the first action of LAWSUIT. Sue sue sue.

The brochure has this text in it
"Not all items available in combination. See dealer for details.
Winnebago’s® continuing program of product improvement makes specifications, equipment, model availability, and prices subject to change without notice. Published content reflects the
most current product information at time of printing. Please consult your dealer for individual vehicle features and specifications"

But I am sure you can find a lawyer who will take the case. It is a sad country we live in when the first action is to lawyer up.

patpro23 · 04-13-2017, 07:52 AM

Thank you everyone for the responses.

I am obviously disappointed that it is the 5 speed, but it is still light years better than the 97 Itasca 454 P30 chassis I have been driving for the past 10 years.

With regard to filing a lawsuit, I am an attorney licensed in Florida and D.C., but would not consider doing so in this case. The dealership was honest in saying they didn't know if it had the 5 or 6 speed transmission. Even if I knew for sure, I would have still bought the coach, and I am happy with the purchase.

Thanks again

computerguy · 04-13-2017, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patpro23

Thank you everyone for the responses.

I am obviously disappointed that it is the 5 speed, but it is still light years better than the 97 Itasca 454 P30 chassis I have been driving for the past 10 years.

With regard to filing a lawsuit, I am an attorney licensed in Florida and D.C., but would not consider doing so in this case. The dealership was honest in saying they didn't know if it had the 5 or 6 speed transmission. Even if I knew for sure, I would have still bought the coach, and I am happy with the purchase.

Thanks again

patpro23, you've restored my faith in humanity. Thank You!!
The 5 speed is really good BTW. The 5 star tune will make it better in that it will not do the 5-3 downshift and will seek better shift points. Highly recommended.
Enjoy the new RV.

z3406 · 04-13-2017, 10:05 AM

pat
Did you buy it new from a Winnebago dealer? If the answer is yes then we have another case of how to tell if an RV dealer is lying. His lips are moving. There is no way that a dealer with a 2016 coach on his lot does not know what it is. The 6 speed chassis has been out there about a year and a half now and that's a big reason why it was still on his lot. I hope you got a very good price on it.
If it was used and on a non Winnebago lot the chances of the selling dealer not knowing it was a 5 speed are still pretty slim.
I'm glad you like your coach and wish you the best with it there's no reason you won't get years of pleasure out of it.