Invalid VIN (Vehicle Identification Number)

[a64armt]

We are purchasing a used 5th wheel (2014 Lifestyle) and when I contacted our insurance company to add the vehicle, they reported that the VIN is coming back as invalid. The insurance agent also indicated that her husband, whom works at a local RV dealer, also tried to search for the VIN on their system that they use for trade-ins or other, with no results. I also tried CARFAX with no results.

The current owner has a valid FL title, registration and all data matches the VIN on the unit itself. The VIN is 1L9LLf820Exxxxxxx. The insurance agent suggested that the first 3 characters are odd for a VIN. I had a pre-purchase inspection by an RV inspection service with nothing indicated other than scratches or other minor blemishes consistent with a 6 y/o RV.

I know that Evergreen is out of business, so this may be an uphill battle.

Does anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,
OJ

[doxiemom11]

I used to work in insurance. I have run into typing errors on titles. Check the title carefully against what is on the vehicle. Pay particular attention to things like S and 5 , 0 is always the number, 8 and 3 are often confused. The letter I is never used. Someone types that information/ or used to into a typewriter / now computer so there is room for human error.

[Lwiddis]

“The current owner has a valid FL title, registration and all data matches the VIN on the unit itself.”

VALID...If you are such an expert, why are you asking us?

[dodge_guy]

Looked up some Lifestyles on rv trader.
This is a VIN off a 2014 LS36FW, 586LLF821E2495557
2016 LS38RS, 586LLF927G2495791
2016 LS38RS, 586LLF927F2495627

Looks like someone messed up the first 3 spaces on the vin on the title. Or the vin on the trailer has been changed? The way your ViN reads is how a car VIN starts. 1 is U.S. L is manuf (someone used L for Lifestyel) if it was a Ford it would be an F. And the 3rd is the type of vehicle, car, truck. Not sure what the 9 would signify? Recreational vehicles are not decoded that way though. Some more checking will be benificial.

[a64armt]

Thanks for all the advice and info. My Allstate insurance agent called me back. After the senior agent got involved, he told them this has happened in the past. They have images of the front/back of the title. They insured it, so I guess we are good.

The seller is the original owner.

As for the VIN and limited production manufacturers; the 3rd digit is a 9, but the 12th, 13 & 14 are not. Not sure what that means.

Thanks
OJ

[Flute_Man]

Sometimes it’s easy to miss read those numbers like an I for an l or one for an i so I would look at it carefully on the unit itself maybe take a picture and try to figure out the correct number

Invalid generally means that the format of the number is not correct.

[K_Charles]

Does this help ?
"World Manufacturer Identifier or WMI code. A manufacturer that builds fewer than 1000 vehicles per year uses a 9 as the third digit and the 12th, 13th and 14th position of the VIN for a second part of the identification."

[mich800]

If you confirmed the vin on the vehicle matches the title and registration not sure what your options are. Is this seller the original owner? They may have additional documentation to help the process along.

[opnspaces]

best I can offer is send the agent a few examples of that being a correct vin

RV Depot

Texas RV guys

[ford_truck_guy]

My VIN# starts with 4YOF399..,

Not sure how that compares to 1L9LL ???

I had issues with the VIN on my brand new fiver... there was a digit that was showing as an L.. but it should have been a 6...

[Tyler0215]

If you don't have the title in hand, a mistake may have been made in the title # when you were given the VIN over the phone or e-mail. Have the current owner send it again.

[wa8yxm]

A police officer or Motor Carrier (Diesel smokey) may be able to help you as a favor.... I know back when I worked dispatch I had a book I could use to de-construct a vin (Tell you what it was) and if he's good enough (I was) construct a vin for the most part (I can't do the xxxxx part ) many dispatchers also have a program on their computer (I helped the author test it) that can help too.

The leading 1 means "Made in the USA" but beyond that. I can't tell you much after many years retired.

[colliehauler]

I just went through a similar situation with a scooter. In my case the insurance company made a mistake when they entered the number. There is usually a vin stamped on the frame.

[gbopp]

Could it be a reconstructed/rebuilt unit?
Do you know long did the seller owned it?