Community Forums

Roll · 06-12-2012, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

What does it show when you put your VIN in this link?

https://www.fleet.ford.com/maintenance/vin_tools/

F-550, super duty stripped chassis, truck

I checked the title, it does say F5D not F53, but... it is an F53.

Roll

Dunner · 06-12-2012, 06:55 AM

I substituted "D" for a "3" in my VIN search and it didn't like it. Must be some other digits are not right. Good to know I have a F-550 - F53 when getting parts.

So, does this mean that all F53s are motorhomes, or just certain VINs?

VIN Code: F53
Vehicle Line: F-550
Series: Super Duty Stripped Chassis
Body Style: Motor Home

billyb · 06-12-2012, 07:49 AM

i've looked for parts on advance auto and rockauto, and some of the parts are not the same as used on either one.

Dunner · 06-12-2012, 08:25 AM

I bought a spare belt for my MH, but have not yet tried it. The counter guy at O'Reilly thought he found the right one, but....

The one he sold me was a Gates Belt K061000. Does that sound like the right one?

clyon51 · 06-12-2012, 08:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dunner

I substituted "D" for a "3" in my VIN search and it didn't like it. Must be some other digits are not right. Good to know I have a F-550 - F53 when getting parts.

So, does this mean that all F53s are motorhomes, or just certain VINs?

VIN Code: F53
Vehicle Line: F-550
Series: Super Duty Stripped Chassis
Body Style: Motor Home

Under no circumstances would I ever mention F-550 only when getting parts as they are pick-ups. Ford still designates the F53 as a motor home chassis, even in the 2013 models.

2013 Ford Stripped Chassis Models | View DRW, SRW, F-59 Commercial & F-53 Class A Motorhome | Ford.com

Granted, some parts on a F-550 are going fit on a F53, but you better know which one. Apparently in 2010/11 Ford changed their VIN system, but the F53 is still a MH chassis and all parts of an F-550 pickup are not interchangeable. If you went to a Ford parts counter and ask for something for an F-550, he's going to be looking in the pickup truck book.

Just my 2 centavos.

Richard S. · 06-12-2012, 09:13 AM

another link Detroit Chassis

Dunner · 06-12-2012, 09:17 AM

Thanks. Will only look for F53 when looking for parts.

C-Leigh Racing · 06-12-2012, 10:53 AM

Probably something Ford did on the new models, just so you have to go to them for parts & not aftermarket.
Any time I've gone to Advance, Auto Zone or NAPA, if they look under Ford F53 stripped chassis, normally they can find the parts, BUT, every counter person dont have that much common sence to know how to find it on the computer.
Neil

Dunner · 06-12-2012, 11:55 AM

O'Reilly shows a F53, but doesn't list any belts. AZ doesn't show F53, but under F-550, Super Duty, V10, it does list the belt that O'Reilly's sold me.

clyon51 · 06-12-2012, 12:52 PM

Difference in store systems I would guess. The V10 is the same engine across all lines, with the exception of external accessories. So it's not surprising a belt listed under F-550 is the same part No as the one for an F53. Probably the same belt for an F-250 also....same engine.

joes2901 · 06-12-2012, 11:22 PM

I checked my copy of Ford's "Certificate of Origin for a Vehicle" and "Body Type: 208 Motorhome Stripped Chassis" is listed. I guess making the description confusing can benefit Ford when you go looking for reasonably priced parts.

I was hoping there was a silver lining in that if a State recognized and titled the RV as a F550 stripped chassis, and the diesel was certified as an engine choice for the F550, then if I start looking for a wrecked F550 (with a 4x4 chassis) to swap the engine, etc. and California's CARB would say "OK, nice engine swap" instead of pitching a fit.

In my book, low RPM torque beats engine noise under your feet any day.

joes2901 · 06-12-2012, 11:41 PM

I checked Ford's web site and discovered you cannot get a 2012 F53 Owners Manual with the VIN. What shows up is a F550 Owners Manual and one look at the dash board illustration shows that it is the wrong manual for motorhome owners. I was hoping to be able to get an online version of the 2012 F53 Owners Manual.

Maybe RV sales are so slow that RV buyers are now like a red headed stepchild. We need more appreciation since RV buyers are individuals doing the most to jump start the economy and give huge tax gifts to the state and local govts.