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

I would use one like this: Vin DecoderThey 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.

Vin decoder is the best way. Welcome to the forum.

What's the GVWR? If it's over 14,000 it has to be a 4500 as Class 3 vehicles stop at 14,000 pounds according to the DOT.

KD4UPL wrote:What's the GVWR? If it's over 14,000 it has to be a 4500 as Class 3 vehicles stop at 14,000 pounds according to the DOT.Sorry that is wrong,my 3500 has a GVWR of 14050The 4500 has a GVWR of 14200

Interesting. The DOT clearly lists the top of the class 3 weight range as 14,000 pounds. Maybe Chevy just doesn't care to have their model numbers match the real weight class system.

Is my RV a Chevy Express 3500 or 4500? | Good Sam Community

enblethen
Nomad
Sep 04, 2020
I would use one like this: Vin Decoder
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.
Lwiddis
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2020
Vin decoder is the best way. Welcome to the forum.
KD4UPL
Explorer
Sep 04, 2020
What's the GVWR? If it's over 14,000 it has to be a 4500 as Class 3 vehicles stop at 14,000 pounds according to the DOT.
IAMICHABOD
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2020
KD4UPL wrote:
What's the GVWR? If it's over 14,000 it has to be a 4500 as Class 3 vehicles stop at 14,000 pounds according to the DOT.

Sorry that is wrong,my 3500 has a GVWR of 14050

The 4500 has a GVWR of 14200
KD4UPL
Explorer
Sep 04, 2020
Interesting. The DOT clearly lists the top of the class 3 weight range as 14,000 pounds. Maybe Chevy just doesn't care to have their model numbers match the real weight class system.
jdelduco
Explorer
Sep 04, 2020
I checked the Vin Decoder. It listed it as a 3500, but it also listed it as a diesel and I've been putting gasoline in it all this time. Who do can you trust?
enblethen
Nomad
Sep 04, 2020
Post your VIN number. Maybe someone here can get a better answer.
carringb
Explorer
Sep 04, 2020
KD4UPL wrote:
Interesting. The DOT clearly lists the top of the class 3 weight range as 14,000 pounds. Maybe Chevy just doesn't care to have their model numbers match the real weight class system.

He has a Workhorse. WH still called it a 3500 for whatever reason. Probably some bean counter didn't authorize the cost of new badges.

When Chevy took over branding of the 14,050 variant, they started calling it the 4500.
carringb
Explorer
Sep 04, 2020
OP - If you have a CHEVY, and it has a 14,050# GVWR, it is 4500 model.
bobndot
Explorer II
Sep 04, 2020
Have Thor run your vin, they bought it and they built it.