Twist on split model year

[DamonDude]

There have been many discussions here about split model years where the chassis and the finished motorhome have two different years and which the DMV should register. But here's a twist to that discussion. How do you know what model year your rig is? I have a buddy with a Forest River Georgetown. The chassis was built in Dec 09, the completed manufacturing was in March 2010 and he bought it used as a 2011 model. What paperwork should show it to be a 2011 model? The DMV registered it as a 2009. You can imagine the difference in value between a 2009 and a 2011. He's like to get it titled as a 2011 but how to prove it?

[Unplanned Tourist]

I had same problem, 2007 chassis and 2008 model. Registered as 2007 in Ontario and would have been a 2008 if first registered in BC! Doesn't seem that I can change it now though.

[RDGray]

I got a copy of the original window sticker for my 05 Monaco and it has a 04 chassis. That being said Va. still has it titled as 04. I didn't argue the point, just figured cheaper personal property tax. I did call Monaco to get this.

[4x4van]

My Itasca has a sticker on the door that shows the chassis mfg date, the coach mfg date, AND the model year (model year is at the bottom):

My previous RV (a class C Jamboree) had a chassis mfg date in '86, coach mfg date in '87, and a model yr of '88. The title reflected '88.

Your friend's RV is legally supposed to be registered as a '11 (if it was indeed an '11 model). Isn't there a similar sticker in your friend's coach? It is the one with the tire pressures/GVWRs, etc.

[BigBadDad]

The controlling document is the MSO (Manufacturers Statement of Origin) That document is what is used to establish the original Title. If you think that somehow got set up wrong initially you would need to cough up the MSO, or get a replacement from the manufacturer somehow. I would guess the Title has the date you have to go by.

[DamonDude]

There is no model year listed on the sticker on the rig. Forest River was no help with the MSO but he did have a piece of paper that listed the original dealer (not the one he purchased it from). He called them and they emailed a copy of the MSO. Definitely a 2011 model built in March 2010 on a December 2010 chassis. Need to get a look at the old title to see what it said. Not sure the copy MSO will be enough to convince the Virginia DMV.

This is really only a big deal if he ever trades in or sells the rig. Two years difference equals $$$.

Thanks everyone for your input.

[daydream37]

I have a 2004 Winnebago Sightseer with a 2003 chassis and 2004 build date. I asked Winnebago for a letter stating that the MH was actually a 2004. They researched my VIN # and provided me with the letter.

I took the letter and old title (I puchased it used) to the DMV. The DMV said "sorry", they go by the chassis date and old title. Can't beat City hall.

[GBDTN]

We had the same problem, in Indiana where we bought the coach, the CW sold us a 05 model on all there paperwork complete with some Good Sam warranty. When the title showed up, it was an 04 in Illinois. My DW went off on CW to no avail. In Tn. where we live, we took the 2004 title and the 2005 paperwork to the courthouse and they declined it.( fortunately we were holding there drive tag hostage, made us feel good) called CW back and they said no problem we will change the bill of sale! Good Sam says it will void out GS insurances, not to mention $$ in year models (nada). GS also went on to say off the record that this is BS! Fortunately for us they helped us persuade CW to go to the Indiana court house and set things straight to change the title back to an 05. In Illinois the laws are different about what dates to use, mfg, chassis, title, sales year ?? Tn. doesn't care as long as all paperwork matches. Good luck. Year title equates to dollars and sale ease. Most would rather have an 05. Than a 04

[4x4van]

ALL states are SUPPOSED to use the model year assigned by the final stage motorhome manufacturer. Here is a link to some good info:

http://winnebagoind.com/resources/se...Motorhomes.pdf

In particular, look at the last 2 paragraphs.

[Rbhein]

My RV is just the opposite. Chassis is 2011, motorhome is a 2010.

[bobmac]

Unplanned:
Realize that yours is now registered in BC but be advised that Ontario changed their registration around 2013 to show the year of manufacture by the final manufacturer. Previously, their System utilized the 10th digit (year) in the VIN - the Chassis manufacture date. They willingly re-registered vehicles affected with proof. Mine went from a 07 to a 09 when I presented the info from Winnebago. Good luck,

[Philswrench]

If the 10th vin digit is a B then it's a 2011, if it's a 9 it's a 2009

[4x4van]

Originally Posted by Rbhein

My RV is just the opposite. Chassis is 2011, motorhome is a 2010.

??? Now, that I don't understand at all ???

[PanJH]

Originally Posted by Rbhein

My RV is just the opposite. Chassis is 2011, motorhome is a 2010.

That's how our prior MH was too. When I bought it, it was titled as a 1998 with a Indiana title... I was the second owner. That was based on the coach builders info and model year. When I titled it in Florida, they use the VIN and they titled it as a 1999.