Is my RV a Chevy Express 3500 or 4500?

[jdelduco]

Hello All: I have a 2017 Thor Chateau 22B. I have been unable to determine definitively if it is an Express 3500 or 4500. I have called Chevy Customer service with the VIN and they couldn't say. I've called Thor and they couldn't figure it out. I've registered on Chevy's website and entered the VIN and it say's just that it is a Express Cutaway but Doesn't say 3500 or 4500. I've called the dealer and they said it was a 3500 but they I think they were just trying to get me off the phone. The best proof I have so far is the GVW for my RV listed on Thor data sheet matches the GVW on Chevy's website for the 3500. But I still find everyone referring to the 22B on-line as a 4500. If I go by the GVW it looks like they don't go to the 4500 until you get up to the 27 footer. So my question is does anyone know definitively what it is a 3500 or 4500, how do you tell and what is the difference. Thanks John

[EdwardYork]

enblethen wrote:
I would use one like this:
They may have more information.
Another place to look is on the vehicle sheet that is normally in one of the cabinets stuck to the wall or door.

Yeah, thanks

[jodiboyd]

My suggestion is that the OP simply drives the motorhome over to the service department at a Chevy Dealership.

Just because it is a 2017 Thor Chateau motorhome does not mean the Chevy engine is a 2017, it may be a 2016. And Chevy did make changes between the 2016 and 2017 model years.

Between the VIN# and a knowledgable Chevy service center, they will get it sorted out for you.

My money is on the 4500.

[coolmom42]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

pnichols wrote:
Hmmm ... this is an eye-opening conversation thread: You mean Chevy doesn't put a (metal) marker indicating "3500" or "4500" on both front sides of their cutaway van chassis - like Ford does on their E350 and E450 chassis? :h

Not since about 1995 when they switched over to the Express from the G series cutaway.

My 2014 has it.

[coolmom42]

IAMICHABOD wrote:

pnichols wrote:
Hmmm ... this is an eye-opening conversation thread: You mean Chevy doesn't put a (metal) marker indicating "3500" or "4500" on both front sides of their cutaway van chassis - like Ford does on their E350 and E450 chassis? :h

Not since about 1995 when they switched over to the Express from the G series cutaway.

My 2014 Chevy says "450" big and bold on ONE side.

[coolmom42]

pnichols wrote:
Hmmm ... this is an eye-opening conversation thread: You mean Chevy doesn't put a (metal) marker indicating "3500" or "4500" on both front sides of their cutaway van chassis - like Ford does on their E350 and E450 chassis? :h

My 2014 Chevy Coachmen has a "450" marker.

[I-Can-Am-Can-Yo]

My 2015 4500 is pretty clearly marked and has a 14,200 gvwr. It’s a 32’

[coolmom42]

jdelduco wrote:
Hello All: I have a 2017 Thor Chateau 22B. I have been unable to determine definitively if it is an Express 3500 or 4500. I have called Chevy Customer service with the VIN and they couldn't say. I've called Thor and they couldn't figure it out. I've registered on Chevy's website and entered the VIN and it say's just that it is a Express Cutaway but Doesn't say 3500 or 4500. I've called the dealer and they said it was a 3500 but they I think they were just trying to get me off the phone. The best proof I have so far is the GVW for my RV listed on Thor data sheet matches the GVW on Chevy's website for the 3500. But I still find everyone referring to the 22B on-line as a 4500. If I go by the GVW it looks like they don't go to the 4500 until you get up to the 27 footer. So my question is does anyone know definitively what it is a 3500 or 4500, how do you tell and what is the difference. Thanks John

My 2014 Coachmen C on a cutaway has a shiny tag on the front that says 4500.

This GM Fleet sitesays that the 3500 has a max GVWR of 12,300 lb. More than that and you have a 4500.

[IAMICHABOD]

pnichols wrote:
Hmmm ... this is an eye-opening conversation thread: You mean Chevy doesn't put a (metal) marker indicating "3500" or "4500" on both front sides of their cutaway van chassis - like Ford does on their E350 and E450 chassis? :h

Not since about 1995 when they switched over to the Express from the G series cutaway.

[CC38EL]

Not on this model. Looked at several online....no front side decal.

Gotta believe it's a Thor thing....they saved $8 each side to not have GM put them on.

[pnichols]

Hmmm ... this is an eye-opening conversation thread: You mean Chevy doesn't put a (metal) marker indicating "3500" or "4500" on both front sides of their cutaway van chassis - like Ford does on their E350 and E450 chassis? :h

[ItsyRV]

What does the RPO sticker GM puts in the vehicle say for your unit? Also make sure the VIN on the RPO sticker matches the VIN on the dash. Don't decode from any VIN listed on any other paperwork (coach sticker, RV build sheet, etc) as only the dash and RPO VIN numbers are from the factory.

[Grit_dog]

But then again where I got that info on Chevy website, it lists all models as semi floating rear axles, in which I’ve never seen a drw rear axle with a 9600lb axle rating (which these are) with a semi floating axle. But Chevy site lists as a semi floater for all models.

What does it matter? Seems the specs are all the same with the changes being rear springs Capacity only Based on tech specs for the 2 models.

[Grit_dog]

If the gvw is 10500 or 12300 it’s a 3500. If it’s 13980 or 14200 it’s a 4500.

[bobndot]

Have Thor run your vin, they bought it and they built it.