If you are looking to buy a caravan then this is something you should definitely take note of. In this post I am going to show you just how to decipher a caravan VIN number. The reason for this is that there is a few things we can learn from the VIN number of a caravan, this information could save you a lot of money! So without further ado, let’s get on with it. I think a quick definition is in order here: A caravan VIN ( Vehicle Identification Number) number, also referred to as; serial number, CRi S number and chassis number is a 17 digit code that is and has been given to each and every caravan made in the UK (and some of Europe) since 1992. The VIN number is unique to each caravan and is used by CRi S to keep a track of who owns what caravan. The number given to the caravan is etched on the corner of each window (as photographed). As I said above, the caravan VIN number can give us some key information that you will find useful when purchasing a caravan. Click to get help finding your VIN. TIP: You can use Caravan VIN Decoder tool to decode your VIN automatically Using the VIN number for the image above I will now demonstrate how to decode the caravan VIN number. SGDTT6 ESWD0335379 – first two characters = Country of manufacture ( SG in this case represents UK) SGDTT6 ESWD0335379 – 3rd character = Can vary but in most cases is the make ( B for Bailey, A for Avondale etc) SGDTT6 ESWD0335379 – 4th character = Whether the caravan is sible or twin axel ( T for twin CRi S can confirm the make and model details registered against a VIN, whether it is stolen or written off, or if any finance is still outstanding on it. When purchasing a new caravan, your dealer will register the van, and you will receive your CRi S certificate within a few weeks of taking ownership. If you own or are buying a caravan which is pre 1992, you can now apply for the caravan to be CRi S registered if it is not already. CRi S Numbers Decoded You can also use the CRi S number to check some details on the caravan yourself. To help explain what the CRi S number means, take for example the number below: SGBS000 BYA1234567 SGBS000 BYA1234567 SG = Manufactured in UK SGBS000 BYA1234567 B = Make of caravan is Bailey SGBS000 BYA1234567 S = Number of axles ( S= Single, T= Twin) SGBS000 BYA = Optional manufacturer's data (eg caravan model) SGBS000 BYA1234567 BY = Manufactured by Bailey (see list below) SGBS000 BYA1234567 A = Year of manufacture ( A= 2010 - see list below).
CRi S (the Central Registration and Identification Scheme) is the National Register for caravan owners in the UK working towards preventing and detecting caravan related crime. Established in 1992 by the The National Caravan Council, CRi S provides registration documents similar to the DVLA for motor vehicles and maintains information relating to the history of the caravan. A CRi S check will: show if a caravan has ever been written off by an insurance company, show if a caravan is subject to any outstanding finance, provide details of the current registered keeper, and detail how many owners there have been in the past, confirm the make, model and age of a caravan. All new caravans will be given a unique 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number ( VIN which is recorded onto an electronic tag and embedded into the bodywork of the caravan, and etched onto the windows. It will also be recorded in the Touring Caravan Registration Document which is kept by the registered keeper of the caravan. If you are buying a new caravan, the dealer will register the van and you will receive a CRi S certificate shortly after. If you already own, or are considering buying a caravan which was manufactured prior to 1992 when CRi S was established, and therefore does not have a VIN, you can apply for it to be CRi S registered. If you are looking to buy a used caravan, the CRi S number is really useful in preventing you from purchasing a stolen caravan, or one which has finance outstanding on it. Simply call CRi S with the number which has been etched onto the windows (or stamped on the chassis and for a small fee they will make sure that the number matches the caravan make and model on their register. It is also advisable to ask the seller for their CRi S registration documents. Whilst it is highly recommended that you do carry out a full check, you can decode the CRi S number yourself. Here’s a.
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