2017 Escape build sequence numbers

[War Eagle]

So, I’m sitting around twiddling my thumbs while anxiously awaiting the completion of our 2017 21' (many of you have already experienced “the wait”, others will get their chance soon enough). Got to wondering what sequential production number ours will be and if the last digits of our VIN (“53") mean anything. Asked ETI and got a very interesting (to me) answer. As I understand it, within model year (in this example, “2017"), they assign batches of 12 VINs at a time to each model length (17, 19, 21, 5.0) as needed as production of that length trailer moves through their manufacturing process. So to cut to the chase, I’m putting this out there for current 2017 owners to figure out what batch of 12 VINs got assigned to each model length of 2017s so far. See if this makes sense:
2017 VINs ending 01-12 = ? (what length trailer, all 12 should be the same length model)
2017 VINs ending 13-24 = ? “
2017 VINs ending 25-36 = ? “
2017 VINs ending 37-48 = ? “
2017 VINs ending 49-60 = 21's (our #53 is the 5th camper within this batch of 12)

So, if 49-60 is the second batch of VINs assigned to 21' production, our 21' is the 17th (12+5) 2017 21' built. However, if 49-60 is the first batch of VIN’s assigned to the 21' production line, then our 21' is just the 5th 2017 21' built. Does that make sense? Regardless, ETI said that our 21' will be forever identified in their records as “2017 53". For whatever reason, I find that interesting to know.

So if any of you would like to help me sort out what length 2017 trailers got which batch of 12 VINs, please reply to this post with your 2017 camper’s length and the last two digits of your VIN, or private message me with that information if you want to keep your individual VIN a bit more secret, and I’ll try to sort this all out. And, once some numbers start rolling in, if it turns out I’m all confused about what ETI tried to explain to me about how they assign VINs, I’ll let you know that, too. Thanks...

[tdf-texas]

21' vin 019 So, I'm number 7?

I'm guessing your trailer is in the second batch.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

21' vin 019
I guess your trailer is in the second batch.

Thanks! Makes sense, so far. I'll be curious to see if my understanding holds up as other 2017 VINs roll in.

[float5]

I have never been under the impression that they are building a dozen of any model all at once, if that is what you are saying. Maybe not. But then what do I know. Of course, they are changing what they are doing. Did they say that the first dozen numbers are all the same model? And the second dozen...

[Jim Bennett]

This is like the joke about the ceiling, it is over my head.

My VIN ends in 07. Does this mean mine is the 7th of the 5.0TAs built? This would probably be about right.

[Jimrules]

Not sure I fully understand yet but I'll play along.
The VIN for our 19' ends in 25.
Our competition date says 3-Jan-17.

[H46Driver]

Our 2017 21' will finish next week - VIN ends in 050. Seems you may need the last three numbers this year as production will increase - no?

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by float5

I have never been under the impression that they are building a dozen of any model all at once, if that is what you are saying. Maybe not. But then what do I know. Of course, they are changing what they are doing. Did they say that the first dozen numbers are all the same model? And the second dozen...

Cathy, Let me try to explain what I'm saying (believing) with an example. Say you purchase a 24-roll pack of toilet paper, and you number the rolls 1 through 24. Then you put rolls numbered 1-12 in a linen closet in the master bathroom, and you put rolls numbered 13-24 in a linen closet in the guest bathroom. Then within each bathroom, you use the rolls, as needed in sequential order within that bathroom. So in the master bathroom, that you use a lot, you might go through rolls 1-6 and be on roll #7 while in the guest bathroom, that doesn't get used as much, you are only up to the second roll, which is roll #14. You are not using all 12 rolls in any one bathroom all at the same time, but each bathroom has 12 rolls in it, ready to be used next, whenever needed. I believe ETI is issuing VIN numbers the same way by model length. Say maybe they are building three 17's at the same time, and they run out of VINs for the next 17', so they dedicate the next 12 VIN numbers in sequence to the next 12 17's they build, whenever the next 17's happen to enter the build cycle. Does that help make sense of what I'm saying? Now imagine that same concept across 4 bathrooms that are all being used a lot, and I think you'll have an idea how ETI is going through batches of 12 VINs at a time at a pretty rapid pace!

[War Eagle]

Limited feedback so far (I think the West Coast is still waking up and getting their first cup of morning coffee), but it looks like the following is holding true so far (note I included the last 3 digits, even though they are still all zeros for now, but that will change soon as the numbers keep going up):
2017 VINs ending 001-012 = 5.0s
2017 VINs ending 013-024 = 21s
2017 VINs ending 025-036 = 19s
2017 VINs ending 037-048 = ?
2017 VINs ending 049-060 = more 21s
So I'm guessing VINs ending in 037-048 will be 17s unless that particular model production line has been shut down during the expansion.
Does anyone's 2017 trailer not fit into the above scheme?

[Tisiphone]

Vin for 21' ends in 22.

[War Eagle]

Originally Posted by Tisiphone

Vin for 21' ends in 22.

That fits. Thanks....

[tdf-texas]

Can we assume from this that the 21' is the most popular model being ordered?

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by tdf-texas

Can we assume from this that the 21' is the most popular model being ordered?

I believe your assumption would be termed "non sequitur" . Just as a conclusion at this time that the 19 is most popular because you have to wait the longest to get one. The "popularity" of trailer models would have to be confirmed by the manufacturer based on a finite time period and would be valid for that time period. A better, less scientific term, might be "trending" . As the old folks say " you never can tell" ( Chuck Berry) IMHO
Dave

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by Iowa Dave

I believe your assumption would be termed "non sequitur" . Just as a conclusion at this time that the 19 is most popular because you have to wait the longest to get one.

Or 19's have the longest wait because more people ordered the 21 and they are trying to get the orders completed first that have the most people waiting on them.

It doesn't really matter - we order what we like and they are all good!

[Iowa Dave]

One thing is sure, a compilation of build dates and corresponding serial numbers at this time, if recorded by any number of owners and the manufacturer, in either electronic or on paper forms, will make it a heck of a lot easier to write the history some day. There's an ongoing interest in 40 year old + or - fiberglass trailers like trilliums and bolers where the build history line has been lost. Makes for interesting sleuthing but can be frustrating and devisive at times. Be careful with this record keeping, it's how hoarding can start.
Dave

[Dave Walter]

Maybe I am missing something, but I really don't see any value (other than personal interest perhaps) in knowing the ETI thought processes behind how they assign serial numbers to a trailer. Maybe someone could enlighten me? My serial number was important when I registered and insured my trailer and could become important again someday if I ever sell it or have it stolen. But until then, I don't have a lot of interest in knowing the serial number of mine or anyone else's trailer.

[arniesea]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

Limited feedback so far (I think the West Coast is still waking up and getting their first cup of morning coffee), but it looks like the following is holding true so far (note I included the last 3 digits, even though they are still all zeros for now, but that will change soon as the numbers keep going up):
2017 VINs ending 001-012 = 5.0s
2017 VINs ending 013-024 = 21s
2017 VINs ending 025-036 = 19s
2017 VINs ending 037-048 = ?
2017 VINs ending 049-060 = more 21s
So I'm guessing VINs ending in 037-048 will be 17s unless that particular model production line has been shut down during the expansion.
Does anyone's 2017 trailer not fit into the above scheme?

From Tammy's post under trailers for sale:

"2017, 19’ Escape (VIN#046) Price $36,775cdn**
This trailer will be completed on January 20, 2017."

That would fill in your blank row: 037-048 = 19s

[Iowa Dave]

I think the desire to know the order of trailer production comes under the
"Different strokes for different folks" realm. I'd like to have the money that's been spent on gun serial number books at gun shows in the past 20 years. I'm sure I could buy a new Escape and have enough left over for a serial numbered bottle of hooch. Some folks just " gots to know".
Dave

[Chris & Patricia]

Originally Posted by War Eagle

Limited feedback so far (I think the West Coast is still waking up and getting their first cup of morning coffee), but it looks like the following is holding true so far (note I included the last 3 digits, even though they are still all zeros for now, but that will change soon as the numbers keep going up):
2017 VINs ending 001-012 = 5.0s
2017 VINs ending 013-024 = 21s
2017 VINs ending 025-036 = 19s
2017 VINs ending 037-048 = ?
2017 VINs ending 049-060 = more 21s
So I'm guessing VINs ending in 037-048 will be 17s unless that particular model production line has been shut down during the expansion.
Does anyone's 2017 trailer not fit into the above scheme?

OK so our 17, due for completion on 30 January ends in 044, so it is in your sequence although I have to agree with this one:

Originally Posted by ice-breaker

Maybe I am missing something, but I really don't see any value (other than personal interest perhaps) in knowing the ETI thought processes behind how they assign serial numbers to a trailer. Maybe someone could enlighten me? My serial number was important when I registered and insured my trailer and could become important again someday if I ever sell it or have it stolen. But until then, I don't have a lot of interest in knowing the serial number of mine or anyone else's trailer.

But hey, its (at least currently) a free world and Iowa Dave has it right!!

[NW Cat Owner]

I'm not sure how our trailer will fit into your scheme of numbering for the 2017's. On our build sheet it says:

Body Style 2017, 21'
Order date 17-Dec-15
Completion date 12-Dec-16 (although I picked it up Nov 25, 2016 and it was completed several days earlier; good thing we registered it on the 14th; otherwise our DMV might have wondered what was going on with the time space continuum)

For the actual VIN I don't see any way of knowing what year it was made, such as seeing "2016" or "16" in it. It ends in 247

So, I guess your numbering system is only gonna work for trailers actually finished in 2017, not those with a 2017 body style.

And I don't see anything wrong with this kind of curiosity. It's great you have a way of asking (via this forum) and getting some answers. And once you do and you think you have it all figured out, a number that doesn't fit your hypothesis will be thrown your way.

PS, regarding the completion date - it never occurred to me it could have been a problem registering it as I knew it would get done after that date (as Dirk was out of town and we both needed to be there to register it since both our names are on the title). But, if I had tried doing so earlier, who knows. It might be something future owners want to make sure ETI changes on the official paperwork.