Brake Recall VIN number check

[Jreeves2]

Send Ed Gray an email with the VIN

[edgray]

Sorry, but I can only access vins that begin with “5B4”. That appears to be a Chevy vin number.

[JohnnyKarson]

Hi Ed (or anyone else that would like to chime in) ��

We are in the process of purchasing our very first motorhome (a very clean 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 33V with 56k miles on what I believe is the W22 chassis) from a private party. I've been reading through the RV Life Pro forum and it didn't take me long to realize what an amazing resource you are and, along with others in this group, will be if I purchase this rig. You are definitely the expert on this chassis.

When we test drove it, we noticed that the ABS light was on and the seller indicated that it goes on and off from time to time. I did quite a bit of research last night and I'm really hoping it's just a bad/loose wheel sensor. I know about the infamous J71 AAPB and hope we don't end up with significant cost as soon as we buy it because, even though it is at a reasonable price, it is definitely at the high end of our budget. My brother, who is a mechanic (non-MH) said it could be a relatively cheap fix but that it could potentially be a major issue. I don't get the feeling that the seller is trying to hide something. I just think it's never been a concern of his. My brother tried to use his 2 scan tools to check monitors and for error codes today but was unable to get the info (not correct software for MH).

If it is the infamous J71 AAPB, I'm wondering what the cost for repairing would be (I saw $2900 somewhere). However, it also could be a switch (ex rotten green, brown, gray talk that I saw).

We have given him a deposit while we figure out finances and he gets it smogged. I intend to meet him at smog/repair shop tomorrow and ask that they scan it for the ABS light as they will already be checking all monitors.

If you could check the VIN for open/completed recalls, common issues, etc, I would greatly appreciate it!

VIN: 5B4MP67G533356875

Thank you all for any assistance!

If anyone has the ability to reach out to Edgray or DriVer to get a rush response, I would be forever grateful ��

[Seadog1970]

Hi Johnny, welcome to the forum. This is definitely where you want to be if your considering a motorhome. I will default to the experts, but the VIN you submitted seems to indicate a W22 chassis which I thought only came with the Allison transmission so there wouldn't be an Autopark brake. I have an 03' Itasca on W22 so no AAPB to worry about. You can spot an Allison if you crawl underneath and see an external spin on oil filter hanging from the transmission similiar to an engine oil filter. The GM transmission doesn't have an external filter. I can tell you when I bought mine a couple years ago I had ABS light on as well. The sensors are very sensitive to the distance they sit from the rotor and any debris (rust/spiderwebs) that can interrupt the signal. I ended up replacing two of my sensors and removing/cleaning the other two. Then when they are placed back in their brackets, they must be carefully set to the proper distance from the rotor. Search this site on how to do that. Also, unrelated to the mechanical side, take a good look at the roof on yours. That fiberglass roof can separate from the wood beneath due to poor sealing maintenance along the edges and if the wind catches it right while driving it will ruin your day. Good luck!

[edgray]

Originally Posted by JohnnyKarson

Hi Ed (or anyone else that would like to chime in) ��

We are in the process of purchasing our very first motorhome (a very clean 2003 Winnebago Adventurer 33V with 56k miles on what I believe is the W22 chassis) from a private party. I've been reading through the RV Life Pro forum and it didn't take me long to realize what an amazing resource you are and, along with others in this group, will be if I purchase this rig. You are definitely the expert on this chassis.

When we test drove it, we noticed that the ABS light was on and the seller indicated that it goes on and off from time to time. I did quite a bit of research last night and I'm really hoping it's just a bad/loose wheel sensor. I know about the infamous J71 AAPB and hope we don't end up with significant cost as soon as we buy it because, even though it is at a reasonable price, it is definitely at the high end of our budget. My brother, who is a mechanic (non-MH) said it could be a relatively cheap fix but that it could potentially be a major issue. I don't get the feeling that the seller is trying to hide something. I just think it's never been a concern of his. My brother tried to use his 2 scan tools to check monitors and for error codes today but was unable to get the info (not correct software for MH).

If it is the infamous J71 AAPB, I'm wondering what the cost for repairing would be (I saw $2900 somewhere). However, it also could be a switch (ex rotten green, brown, gray talk that I saw).

We have given him a deposit while we figure out finances and he gets it smogged. I intend to meet him at smog/repair shop tomorrow and ask that they scan it for the ABS light as they will already be checking all monitors.

If you could check the VIN for open/completed recalls, common issues, etc, I would greatly appreciate it!

VIN: 5B4MP67G533356875

Thank you all for any assistance!

If anyone has the ability to reach out to Edgray or DriVer to get a rush response, I would be forever grateful ��

Johnny Karson: WELCOME to iRV2.com !

As SEADOG posted above, that vin is for a W-22 series chassis and NONE of them have the infamous AAPB, so no worries there, however this one is a W-20 (GVWR=20,700 pounds) so it isn't a W-22 model. That in itself is not a big deal because it is mostly likely due to the suspension rating because the smaller coach didn't need the stiffer springs and 22.5" wheels that were standard on the W-22.

The bad news is that all three of the recalls issued by WCC are still "open" = NOT DONE. In fact, there are no service events of any kind listed in the history of repairs done at WCC expense under warranty, which is where the status of recalls is kept.

Depending on where you live, getting the three recalls completed MAY be problematic. IF you want the build sheet showing the open recalls, send me an email. edgray1@gmail.com

[yeloduster]

Originally Posted by edgray

Johnny Karson: WELCOME to iRV2.com !

As SEADOG posted above, that vin is for a W-22 series chassis and NONE of them have the infamous AAPB, so no worries there, however this one is a W-20 (GVWR=20,700 pounds) so it isn't a W-22 model. That in itself is not a big deal because it is mostly likely due to the suspension rating because the smaller coach didn't need the stiffer springs and 22.5" wheels that were standard on the W-22.

I am a little confused about the spring rates, brakes, wheels/tires and other things that distinguish the W20 from the W22. UltraRV, which seems to be the ultimate authority on Workhorse parts, does not make ANY mention of a W20. If you want springs, shocks, brake parts etc you get the same things regarldess of W20 or W22. I have heard that some of the early W22s came from the factory with 19.5" wheels and tires. The Workhorse Chassis Guide gives part numbers for W22 19.5" wheels and they are the same part number as for the W20.

The Workhorse Chassis Guide does define a difference in the Auxiliary Spring color between the various front axle ratings.

According t the Workhorse Chassis guide there is a difference in the front and rear axle ratings. It does not specify a difference in part numbers although there have to be differences that account for the differences in ratings and front wheel cuts.

Maybe someone can point to documentation that defines the differences?

[JohnnyKarson]

Originally Posted by edgray

Johnny Karson: WELCOME to iRV2.com !

As SEADOG posted above, that vin is for a W-22 series chassis and NONE of them have the infamous AAPB, so no worries there, however this one is a W-20 (GVWR=20,700 pounds) so it isn't a W-22 model. That in itself is not a big deal because it is mostly likely due to the suspension rating because the smaller coach didn't need the stiffer springs and 22.5" wheels that were standard on the W-22.

The bad news is that all three of the recalls issued by WCC are still "open" = NOT DONE. In fact, there are no service events of any kind listed in the history of repairs done at WCC expense under warranty, which is where the status of recalls is kept.

Depending on where you live, getting the three recalls completed MAY be problematic. IF you want the build sheet showing the open recalls, send me an email. edgray1@gmail.com

Hi Ed,

Thank you for the info. Looks like all the recalls were issued when the first owner had it and they may have just ignored them. I'm purchasing from owner #2 and he's put nearly 40k miles on the coach traveling all across the country possibly not even knowing. It has 56k on it now. That's crazy to think about but it's made it this far 😬 I really hope he didn't upgrade because he couldn't find a place to do the recall repairs; however, he's retired and has driven this coach to almost every state. He probably had no idea or else he likely would have found somewhere along the way. Carfax had no reported accidents.

I sent you email with vin for build sheets so I can take them in wherever I can find that will complete the work. Is it possible to get all 3 done in 30 days in Northern California??? We are picking up the coach tomorrow and heading to Michigan end of April/early May. It's more of a "workation" so I can't really postpone it. I'd rather not drive it across country without getting the recalls taken care of but may be better to find someone along the way because, ya know... California ☺️. We are going to head south to go through AZ and NM before heading north. There's gotta be a reputable repair facility along the way...

I understand you or someone on here may have a connection at Navistar and could possibly lead me in the right direction to a reputable repair facility.

Appreciate all the assistance!!!

[edgray]

I am replying to your email.

[UFO Pilot]

Originally Posted by JohnnyKarson

I sent you email with vin for build sheets so I can take them in wherever I can find that will complete the work. Is it possible to get all 3 done in 30 days in Northern California???

I don't know where you are in N Cal but as far as I know ALED in Petaluma still does Workhorse recall work. Give them a call.
https://www.aledmotorhomeandfleet.com/ 707-800-3097

[edgray]

Originally Posted by yeloduster

I am a little confused about the spring rates, brakes, wheels/tires and other things that distinguish the W20 from the W22. UltraRV, which seems to be the ultimate authority on Workhorse parts, does not make ANY mention of a W20. If you want springs, shocks, brake parts etc you get the same things regarldess of W20 or W22. I have heard that some of the early W22s came from the factory with 19.5" wheels and tires. The Workhorse Chassis Guide gives part numbers for W22 19.5" wheels and they are the same part number as for the W20.

The Workhorse Chassis Guide does define a difference in the Auxiliary Spring color between the various front axle ratings.

According t the Workhorse Chassis guide there is a difference in the front and rear axle ratings. It does not specify a difference in part numbers although there have to be differences that account for the differences in ratings and front wheel cuts.

Maybe someone can point to documentation that defines the differences?

yellowduster: I don't know if this info will address all of your questions, but I am providing below the info as shown on 2 different build sheets for 2003 model year W-20 and W-22 chassis compared side by side, hoping you MAY find some answers about the differences.

W-20 with 19.5" wheels 228" WB. W-22 with 22.5" wheels 228" WB

GVWR = 20,700 pounds GVWR = 22,000 pounds
GVWRF= 7,500 pounds. GVWRF = 8,500 pounds
GVWRR= 13,500 pounds GVWRR= 15,000 pounds
TTL Ship Wt. = 6,610.12 pounds. TTL Ship Wt = 6,623.94 pounds
FRT Ship Wt = 3,580.06 pounds. FRT Ship Wt =3,587.54 pounds
Rear Ship WT=3,030.06 Rear Ship Wt.=3,036.40 pounds

The SPID codes ( the 3 characters shown before the "=" sign ) vary slightly and may point to where there are differences:

008=Rear Axle 4.88 Ratio. 007=Rear Axle 5.38 Ratio

84P= Grey steel wheels 84P= Grey steel wheels

C7V= 20,700 GVW Rating C7X= 22,000 GVW Rating

FM8= Axle FRT 8,000 lbs. FP5=Axle FRT 8,500 lbs

FV4= Suspension FRT=7,500 lbs. FV6=Suspension FRT 8,500 lbs

GL7=Axle Rear 13,500 lbs. GL8= Axle Rear 15,500 lbs

GQ5= Suspension Rear=13,500. GQ7=Suspension Rear=15,000

I believe the frame rails, brake calipers & rotors, engine, tranny, and other components are exactly the same on both the W-20 and W-22 chassis. I am sure there are some W-22 chassis that where ordered by the coach builders with 19.5" wheels because they had not yet modified their body styles to accommodate the 22.5" wheels that were "standard" on the W-22, introduced in 2001. I'm assuming that "some" of those chassis may have been ordered because they planned to continue building shorter, lighter floorpans and they believed the 22,000 suspension would be too stiff under a lighter coach.

I am guessing that each of these SPID codes is included on the build sheets as an aid to parts guys needing to get the correct part numbers, and I am assumingthat the good folks at URVP are using their vin # verification system to access the proper part according to the SPID codes. I do not know for sure, but I'm thinking the ratings are determined by the component makers, and not some arbitrary decision made by the engineers at WCC to satisfy a customer's wishes.
Ed

EDIT: Now that my work above is posted, I see the spacing is all messed up. I cannot find a way to edit it to restore the spacing I had typed when creating it. I can only hope you can figure out where the info should be spaced to provide the "side by side" comparison I typed .

[JohnnyKarson]

Originally Posted by Seadog1970

Hi Johnny, welcome to the forum. This is definitely where you want to be if your considering a motorhome. I will default to the experts, but the VIN you submitted seems to indicate a W22 chassis which I thought only came with the Allison transmission so there wouldn't be an Autopark brake. I have an 03' Itasca on W22 so no AAPB to worry about. You can spot an Allison if you crawl underneath and see an external spin on oil filter hanging from the transmission similiar to an engine oil filter. The GM transmission doesn't have an external filter. I can tell you when I bought mine a couple years ago I had ABS light on as well. The sensors are very sensitive to the distance they sit from the rotor and any debris (rust/spiderwebs) that can interrupt the signal. I ended up replacing two of my sensors and removing/cleaning the other two. Then when they are placed back in their brackets, they must be carefully set to the proper distance from the rotor. Search this site on how to do that. Also, unrelated to the mechanical side, take a good look at the roof on yours. That fiberglass roof can separate from the wood beneath due to poor sealing maintenance along the edges and if the wind catches it right while driving it will ruin your day. Good luck!

Ruin my day? I think it would ruin much more than just a day! ���� I will definitely be keeping those seals maintained! Sure enough, as the seller stated, the ABS light was off when we got to the smog station yesterday and came back on before we left (they checked it and there were no stored or active codes - even with the light ON - strange). Today, did same thing, off on off... It has not come back on since the seller delivered it to me. I will definitely start with the wheel sensors; however, I'll see about having ALED do it so they can get a little more money than just the recall work while it's there (or maybe that gets taken care of when the take care of the brake recall). If it continues to do, I'll replace the 3 switches (rotten green, brown, gray).

Appreciate you all!

[JohnnyKarson]

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

I don't know where you are in N Cal but as far as I know ALED in Petaluma still does Workhorse recall work. Give them a call.
https://www.aledmotorhomeandfleet.com/ 707-800-3097

This group is fantastic! I called ALED in Petaluma which is about 2 hrs from me. I spoke with Greg. I was only concerned about getting the brake recall taken care of but he said I could drop it off Monday next week and he could have all 3 done and ready for pickup Thursday afternoon! Not sure where exactly I saw it but someone (likely Edgray) provided a contact to possibly expedite shipping of the parts... I'm exhausted but the good news is that we are now proud owners of a 2003 Winnie Adventurer and we are SO STOKED! I am so grateful that I found this group because we probably wouldn't have pulled the trigger quick enough if I wasn't so informed by those that shared their knowledge here (especially Edgray - much kudos to you sir)!

Safe travels everyone and I'll keep ya posted!