Trouble Identifying Terry Trailer Model Using VIN

[JerBear11]

Hey y’all! I need some assistance in identifying my specific model Terry travel trailer. I have the VIN # for it but EVERY SINGLE time I plug it into any of the RV VIN web sites it generates a 2024 Fleetwood motor home. I know it is definitely way older than 2024. Heck I have had it for nearly 4 years now.

I know Terry no longer manufactures RVs and am having an extremely difficult time finding any resources online. Even trying to find a pdf owners manual.

**** (I am new to rv’ing and needing to do some repairs and remolding now too. If any of y’all can help this newbie out or have any tips/tricks or advice PLEASE do tell.)****

Can anyone explain? Do they recycle VIN numbers by chance? Cause I am

 

[Utclmjmpr]

Is it really necessary to ID that specific model? after all they are all just a box with doors and windows,, the rest is mostly after market pieces that are available from other sources..>>>Dan

 

[OldWEB]

Heck, I would not worry either!

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

No, VINs are not recycled, but theoretically a duplicate VIN could get generated after 36 years, when the YEAR digit begins to repeat. Even then, the check digit makes it almost impossible. You might have copied a digit wrong in your VIN if you get the wrong vehicle. For example, a 0 instead of an O. And some of the online VIN decoders are inaccurate when it comes to RV brands.

The last Terry manufactured with Fleetwood as the Mfg code would have been 2009. The Terry name got re-used in the 2017-2018 model years but the manufacturer code would differ (Heartland rather than Fleetwood). Those years were branded "Terry Classic". As best I can tell, Terry trailers manufactured by Fleetwood's trailer division had a VIN beginning 1EA while motorhomes began with 1F8 or maybe 1F plus some other numeric digit.

You don't need the VIN to identify documents or parts for a Terry trailer. Just use the Year from the title plus TERRY Trailer when you Google for manuals. You won't find unique manuals for different Terry floor plans or sub-models. And often little or no changes for adjacent model years.

You can also find component manuals by searching on the component brand name, e.g. refrigerator (Dometic or Norcold), furnace & water heater (Atwood or Suburban), etc.

 

[DonTom]

a 0 instead of an O.

IMAO, there are some letters and numbers that should never be used in a S/N, model number, VIN, insurance policy etc.

Such as 1, I, l, 0,o, 3,5,S, 6, 8 or anything that can be confused with another.

I had a major problem with NV DMV trying to tell me I had no insurance on several of my motorcycles because they read an "I" as an "l" in my policy numbers.

-Don- Douglas, AZ

 

[Kirk]

To add just a little bit to what Gary has told you, if you should locate an owner's manual for your trailer, you will probably find that it is of little help to use or repair the RV. Owner manuals for RVs tend to be very general and when new the RV comes with a large bundle of owner/operator manuals for each appliance and item of equipment that were supplied by the equipment manufacturer. As Gary indicated, those are easily found in .pdf format and can be downloaded from the internet. If you share what make & model each item is, we can supply links for them.

 

[IBTripping]

I have a old 2004 Terry and have never needed a manual. However, there is plenty of information on this forum and Youtube videos which will be of great help as you transition to being an RV expert. Just post your questions and we have lots of experts eager to help you.

Also, welcome to the Forum. Glad to have you aboard!!!

 

[dcairns]

Like Kirk said, the "Owner's Manuals" are pretty generic, applying to the whole line of trailers. I am the second owner of my 1996 trailer and it came with a large orange Fleetwood pouch full of papers. The "Owner's Manual" was so generic, it was kind of useless. A nice collectable, perhaps. Also in the pouch were more useful manuals for the appliances. If nothing else, it let me know what make and model they were so I did not have to dig around to find the info on the individual appliances. When you are searching for parts, that helps a lot.

Speaking of VINs, mine trailer is getting so old the sticker on the side of the trailer that has the VIN, is fading away. I photographed it while it was still mostly readable. I do hope there is a VIN stamped on the frame somewhere.... At least I have 20 years of registration slips plus some from the previous owner.

 

[RayIN]

Most every city has a mobile home hardware store, the parts are mostly the same as used in an older TT.