P-series models explained

[Mac and Chris]

Originally posted by parts_expert:

P32 is the only 'real' model name out of those three, so that is what you have there. Keep those other two in the back of your head though, as many aftermarket sources have adopted those terms out of picking digits from a vin and reading full model names wrong.

Just to make sure I understand, the number "32" won't necessarily appear anywhere in the VIN of a P32 chassis. Right?

Mac

[parts_expert]

Originally posted by Mac and Chris:

Just to make sure I understand, the number "32" won't necessarily appear anywhere in the VIN of a P32 chassis. Right?

Mac

never, but 'p32' is a vin sequence on earlier p42/step van chassis

and you have a P32032 as a full model name of your vehicle

[Matt B]

P37 just means it's a"motorhome" chassis as opposed to the "bread truck" chassis. Things are moved around somewhat and the driver sits further forward. That said it is confusing.

[Steady Eddie]

Originally posted by Matt B:
P37 just means it's a"motorhome" chassis as opposed to the "bread truck" chassis. Things are moved around somewhat and the driver sits further forward. That said it is confusing.

My P12 Vin # is 1GBMP37B2W3311219...I can see the "P37" in there and things ARE moved around somewhat, for one thing the whole Chassis is lowered. The front I-beam axle is of a "double-dropped" design and the rear axle is lowered AND wedged by stacked spring section lowering blocks. The Coach sits level and low. What happens to handling when you lower over 18,000#s by six or so inches?? I'll have to crawl under it and measure, but the rear axle pumpkin housing can't be more than five inches off the ground, if that. Like a WCC, the engine and Allison are channeled down into the frame rails. GM has an option in the MD Kodiak and Topkick Trucks called the "Low Pro" option
and that is like the P12s ride height...

[parts_expert]

Originally posted by Steady Eddie:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Matt B:
P37 just means it's a"motorhome" chassis as opposed to the "bread truck" chassis. Things are moved around somewhat and the driver sits further forward. That said it is confusing.

My P12 Vin # is 1GBMP37B2W3311219...I can see the "P37" in there and things ARE moved around somewhat, </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

that's why it's imperative that everyone understands that "P37" is JUST a vin sequence, and NOT a true model name. That sequence is used on BOTH P32 and GM P12 models--- two different model vehicles.

[parts_expert]

Here are some VIN sequences and what models they are usually 'attached' to.

P57- WCC P32
P37- GM P32/GM P12
P42- WCC P42 van
P32- GM P42 van
P67- WCC W20/W22
PA7- WCC W24
P72- WCC W52 van
PD2- WCC W42 van

not all but those are just common ones.

[Ultra RV Products]

The leter previous to the P37 is the one that tells you what you have.For instance 5b4"L"p37 Whereas a "W" seies or P12 will always be MP67 or MA67.But the L designates the P32 independant front end.

[parts_expert]

Originally posted by Brazels RV Performance:
The leter previous to the P37 is the one that tells you what you have.For instance 5b4"L"p37 Whereas a "W" seies or P12 will always be MP67 or MA67.But the L designates the P32 independant front end.

That digit is a brake system weight range code,not axle type
some examples:
H= 9001-10000 LBS. (hydraulic)
K= 14001-16000 LBS. (hydraulic)
L= 16001-19500 LBS. (hydraulic)
M= 19501-26000 LBS. (hydraulic)
N= 26001-33000 LBS. (air)

there is no four digit sequence used of "MA67".
some proper examples in existence are:
MPA7= W24
MP67= W20/W20
MP37= P12
LP37= P32
LP57= P32

[Steady Eddie]

I found a Magazine Article on the 'Net that said: By contract with WCC, the date on which the last GM-made P Chassis was to be built by GM was Dec. 23, 1998...a fyi...

[parts_expert]

Originally posted by Steady Eddie:

I found a Magazine Article on the 'Net that said: By contract with WCC, the date on which the last GM-made P Chassis was to be built by GM was Dec. 23, 1998...a fyi...

you are correct... basically, '99 model year was split in two... early and late

[Steady Eddie]

"..Also that digit is a brake system weight range code,not axle type
some examples:
H= 9001-10000 LBS. (hydraulic)
K= 14001-16000 LBS. (hydraulic)
L= 16001-19500 LBS. (hydraulic)
M= 19501-26000 LBS. (hydraulic)
N= 26001-33000 LBS. (air)

there is no four digit sequence used of "MA67".
some examples:
MPA7= W24
MP67= W20/W20
MP37= P12
LP37= P32
LP57= P32

Your post explains why the Tech that rebuilt our P12's Brake System told me that the P12's "brakes were the largest ever installed on a GM Motorcoach Chassis" ie. "MP37" = "M=19501-26000 LBS.."

[PPCLI-jim]

so what your saying , is that my VIN of 1GBKP37W7H####### indicates its a 1987 P32 chassis in the 14000 -16000 lb load range? im just trying to figere all this out as its an National dolphin RV sold in the USA then imported to Canada so they GM Canada are not able/willing to track down the VIN and give me any specifics about the chassis.

[tropical36]

Look at the Vin#, it will tell you.
3 Position - B = Chevy D= GMC
5 Position - P = Forward Control Chassis
6 Position - 3 = 1 Ton Chassis
7 Position - 2 = Forward Chassis 7 = Motorhome Chassis
8 Position - J = 7.4L Engine 454
My Coach VIN ..... 1GBLP37J9W........
If you go by this, then I would think that I have a P37...and I've been told this.

[Morguns1cam]

Originally posted by edgray:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">The P12s are not my area of expertise, but rest assured, the P42, P32, RDP, W-series, etc. are.

Parts_expert: We appreciate your forthright correction, and "rest assured" we appreciate the knowledge you bring to iRV2.com ED </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Hi ED,
I too am trying to decipher the chassis designation of my 1989 Pace Arrow the vin contains a "P37" Ive read that the "7" indicates
a motorhome chassis"? so do I order parts based on a P30, P32 or a P37?
Thanks in advance for any help!
Cam