I'm looking at a 1999 Isata on a GM/Workhorse 31442 commercial rail chassis. This version is rated at 12000#GVWR. Disc brakes front, drum rear. 16" wheels. The vin # says P32 and when I talked to Workhorse, the guy said it was a commercial chassis, not a motor home chassis. Could somebody explain the difference to me? Thanks
Jim

Check the VIN #. There will something like: 1GBKP37....
(USA)(GM)(forward control)(load rating)(chassis type, P37 = motorhome chassis)

The P30 and P32 versions were smaller commercial chassis often used for bread trucks, etc.

Compared to the P37, they had different frames, springs, brakes and tires. There is discussion here on the site.

From Irv2 forumn
The "3" in the sixth position of your *vin* *#* was used to designate
BOTH the P32 and the P42 chassis. As you've learned, the P42 was deemed
a "commercial" chassis and the P32 is a "MH" chassis. You model number
confirms yours is a P42, because it is the first and last two characters
of the full model # that determines which its called. The three digits
after the "P" are a code for the length of the wheelbase. The "P" in
the fifth position of the VIN # is the code for "forward control",
therefore THAT does not make any difference between "commercial" and
"motorhome" designation.


As to you question about the differences between a P32 and a P42 with
the same GVWR, I really don't know where you can find a comparison spec
sheet. :sad:

and
On your serial number "P32" designates a forward control(step van)
chassis, A motorhome chassis will say "P37" Having spent a little time
with the P series stepvan, The major mechanical differences I can
recall was in the steering components (box and linkage) and of course
the engine which was usually the 350 gas or 6.8l diesel.


All the best,
iRV2 Forums

If my memory serves me right, I believe there was a solid front axle available in the commercial market. This predates the workhouse. Lots of companies did not like the independent front end.

The Isata/Dynamax I bought has independent front suspension.