Community Forums

Possum · 07-24-2012, 12:07 PM

Hi all,

Denise and I want to move up to an "A" class for the extra room and comfort. I keep reading about recalls and such for the various chassis units out there and would like to know how we determine which is under whatever we are presently looking at.

We are considering a couple of used units from the mid to late 90s and all are Chev 454 powered except one with a Ford 460 in it.

Where do we find which chassis is under what?

TIA
Denise and Dennis

Tha_Rooster · 07-24-2012, 03:26 PM

Chevy is probably p-30 and ford could be a p-30 also.

GaryKD · 07-24-2012, 03:41 PM

Hi Possum,
Google the VIN, sticker on the side wall behind the driver's seat or the coach documentation or the manufacturers web site.

edgray · 07-24-2012, 04:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Possum

Hi all,

Denise and I want to move up to an "A" class for the extra room and comfort. I keep reading about recalls and such for the various chassis units out there and would like to know how we determine which is under whatever we are presently looking at.

We are considering a couple of used units from the mid to late 90s and all are Chev 454 powered except one with a Ford 460 in it.

Where do we find which chassis is under what?

TIA
Denise and Dennis

Get the chassis VIN # and use the first 3 digits and compare the info to the charts found here: VIN Decoder World Manufacturer Identifier | AutoCalculator.org to determine "who" made the chassis.

AFAIK, almost ALL the RV chassis (from that era) with the GM 454 V-8 are Chevy P32 chassis. The Ford 460 V-8 was used by Ford in their F53 RV chassis, but other chassis builders also bought the Ford motor.

My first Class A was a 460 powered John Deere chassis, under a Fleetwood Pace Arrow.

desobelman · 07-24-2012, 04:54 PM

The answer was posted. No matter the chassis, just google the VIN number to find any and all recalls. You can also find out if there are any recalls on appliances by going to the manufacturers website, find the section for recalls and entering your model # in the proper spot.

Chevy chassis were P-30/P-32. Fords, after the John Deere era, are all F-53. There is also a Workhorse Chassis, which may also be known as P-30. Workhorse used the GM 8.1 liter engine and Allison transmission. Great combo! The later Ford V-10s have better trannys. (I believe started 2004/2005, but I may be off a couple of years)

Happy Trails!

Darryl

Possum · 07-24-2012, 09:45 PM

Thanks everyone, as usual very helpful information being passed along.

Jon Mopar · 07-24-2012, 10:13 PM

Google-ing the vin is one way....or better yet, look at the steering wheel???? Normally, if it has a 2 spoke "Ford" wheel, you've got a Ford under the doghouse. GMs have a 4 spoke wheel. Easy as cake

If you're looking at pre 2002 GM Motorhomes, none will be 8.1/8100 Vortecs. They're all 7400 454s. 98+ is the preferred option, as the had stronger internals/forged pistons. V10s are usually only found in 1999+

I'm pretty sure 460 was the preferred engine over the 454, according to NADA (that's what I heard anyway). With newer models, the V10 was the preferred choice over the GM.