Any opinions? It is a 1996, 26' 5th wheel. Very nice shape.
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Dutchman TT any good?
- Thread starter Texas Diesel
- Start Date
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Bob Wagner
TDR MEMBER
run don't walk awy from a Dutchman
Known several people that owned em and most are POS
very low quality
Known several people that owned em and most are POS
very low quality
Hate to sound negative about Dutchman, I never owned one BUT:
While searching for a new RV, I talked to a friend who owns a RV dealership. He does not sell new RV's, just parts, repair and used rigs.
His one sugustion when I asked him "what manafactures should I look at" was "Stay away from Dutchman.
SO, after looking at lots of 5th wheels for 3 years, I did look at a Dutchman. My (and my wifes) impression was that is seemed cheap in construction and meterial. We moved on and bought something else.
Then this weekend I was in a campground watching the guy in a 1999 Dutchman next to me try to move his slide in. It was a hydrolic slide, and every time he hit the button it would just click, and the slide would move about 1". (this could be a dead battery in the rig, because the pump draws lots of electric, the connection from the truck would not supply enough power to run the motor)
Then he started telling me how he has had 3 wheels snap the lug studs off, and come off going down the highway (this could be failure to tighten them, I did look at the VIN chart and notice it only had 3000 lb axles on it, then noticed the wheels were 15" 5 lug, load range D, and the one I looked at was missing at least one wheel nut! (stud was there, but no nut) I also thought the axles were pretty much running at there max weight for a 30' 5th wheel!
Then he took me inside to show me the wall along the opening for the slide, it was bowed in about 1" and the slide would let light in when it was closed! He had also said how the manafacture had already replaced the complete slide for something else (I really did not hear why they replaced it).
The wall was a mess, you could see it was bent, almost like something got closed into the slide and bent it. I did notice the wall was only about 1" thick including the inside and outside covering!
Anyway, Hope this helps.
While searching for a new RV, I talked to a friend who owns a RV dealership. He does not sell new RV's, just parts, repair and used rigs.
His one sugustion when I asked him "what manafactures should I look at" was "Stay away from Dutchman.
SO, after looking at lots of 5th wheels for 3 years, I did look at a Dutchman. My (and my wifes) impression was that is seemed cheap in construction and meterial. We moved on and bought something else.
Then this weekend I was in a campground watching the guy in a 1999 Dutchman next to me try to move his slide in. It was a hydrolic slide, and every time he hit the button it would just click, and the slide would move about 1". (this could be a dead battery in the rig, because the pump draws lots of electric, the connection from the truck would not supply enough power to run the motor)
Then he started telling me how he has had 3 wheels snap the lug studs off, and come off going down the highway (this could be failure to tighten them, I did look at the VIN chart and notice it only had 3000 lb axles on it, then noticed the wheels were 15" 5 lug, load range D, and the one I looked at was missing at least one wheel nut! (stud was there, but no nut) I also thought the axles were pretty much running at there max weight for a 30' 5th wheel!
Then he took me inside to show me the wall along the opening for the slide, it was bowed in about 1" and the slide would let light in when it was closed! He had also said how the manafacture had already replaced the complete slide for something else (I really did not hear why they replaced it).
The wall was a mess, you could see it was bent, almost like something got closed into the slide and bent it. I did notice the wall was only about 1" thick including the inside and outside covering!
Anyway, Hope this helps.
Hmmmm, interesting comments. It seems nicely constructed to me. Have to look closer. What should I look for?
Barry, just got the catalog from Dexter axle today.
This one has no slide-out and already has been lifted to match a 4wd truck. No need for additional work or wheel spacers, new tires too. It seems to me that an aluminum frame would be superior to a wood frame but I get lots of good reasons why some prefer wood frames. Any comments on wood vs aluminum frames?
Barry, just got the catalog from Dexter axle today.
This one has no slide-out and already has been lifted to match a 4wd truck. No need for additional work or wheel spacers, new tires too. It seems to me that an aluminum frame would be superior to a wood frame but I get lots of good reasons why some prefer wood frames. Any comments on wood vs aluminum frames?
I've owned 2 Dutchmen - with an E - and my 94 has over 30,000 miles on it without a single problem. This includes 11,000 miles in the summer of '98. They are built by Thor Industries - the same folks that brought you the Airstream. I will admit they are an entry level low cost rig. Both of mine served me well - however when I go full time I will move into a higher priced rig. Just my 2 cents worth.
Happy Trails
Happy Trails
Idaho Native
TDR MEMBER
I've got a '95 26' TT by Dutchmen (had it since new) and I've loved it every mile. I don't get to use it as much as I'd like, though.
I see lots of comments about how they stand up (or don't stand up if you like), but in my experience, they hold their own against the same design in other brands. The thing I like best about mine is the 8" frame rails as oppose to the 4 or 6" ones that some of my buddies have on them. Mine sits very high also... looks great behind the Ram
The only problem I've had with the axles was due to my own ignorance. I didn't repack the wheel bearings after I bought it. The factory pack isn't worth a darn and I tried to lose a wheel around St Joseph MO in the summer of '98!!
Cheers,
Loren
I see lots of comments about how they stand up (or don't stand up if you like), but in my experience, they hold their own against the same design in other brands. The thing I like best about mine is the 8" frame rails as oppose to the 4 or 6" ones that some of my buddies have on them. Mine sits very high also... looks great behind the Ram
The only problem I've had with the axles was due to my own ignorance. I didn't repack the wheel bearings after I bought it. The factory pack isn't worth a darn and I tried to lose a wheel around St Joseph MO in the summer of '98!!
Cheers,
Loren
Well now there are strong feelings on both sides of the fence. I looked it over very carefully and decided to buy it. Time will tell about the quality issue but I can tell you some of the new ones I looked at (various brands) were pretty bad in the fit and finish department. Thanks to all who took time to respond!! 
This thread called for an opinion. Some were different from others, hence the answers to the original question. Its sad that some people think they have to belittle someone elses post when an OPINION is what is being asked. Oh well, maybe I should wait and see what some of the others put in the post first, then agree with them like a good little boy.
Steve H
Steve H
Steve,
Yeah, me too, I guess. No, I've never owned a Dutchmen product, but I've been camping and RVing for over 30 years. I shared what I had seen firsthand and learned from talking to other RVers - including those who owned Dutchmen products. That's why I never bought a Dutchmen product, but does that disqualify me from voicing an opinion or sharing my experiences? 
Rusty
Yeah, me too, I guess.
No, I've never owned a Dutchmen product, but I've been camping and RVing for over 30 years. I shared what I had seen firsthand and learned from talking to other RVers - including those who owned Dutchmen products. That's why I never bought a Dutchmen product, but does that disqualify me from voicing an opinion or sharing my experiences? Rusty
I have heard that Dutchmen's were a poor quality trailer. That is what I heard and of the people I have talked to in the campground's it was all they could afford at the time and it served their purpose but couldn't wait to get rid of it. I know one couple personally that did not like it and traded. One can only go by the word of the grapevine. Hear-say is cheap but I can't say they are bad cause I have never owned one nor will I buy one if there are other's on the market. I have heard some people bash Avion and Terry in person. It may be from looking at their stuff it was because they couldn't afford these two brands so they thought they would run them down. I think MOST people would agree that Avion and Terry are pretty good trailers. You can't talk about your neighbor until you have walked in his moccasins. People are entitled to their opinion though,if you don't want to know don't ask.
Okie, am I missing something here?
"People are entitled to their opinion though,if you don't want to know don't ask. "
When did you see *me* get upset over someone posting an opinion? Seems that this is how *I* answered:
"Well now there are strong feelings on both sides of the fence. I looked it over very carefully and decided to buy it. Time will tell about the quality issue but I can tell you some of the new ones I looked at (various brands) were pretty bad in the fit and finish department. Thanks to all who took time to respond!! "
"People are entitled to their opinion though,if you don't want to know don't ask. "
When did you see *me* get upset over someone posting an opinion? Seems that this is how *I* answered:
"Well now there are strong feelings on both sides of the fence. I looked it over very carefully and decided to buy it. Time will tell about the quality issue but I can tell you some of the new ones I looked at (various brands) were pretty bad in the fit and finish department. Thanks to all who took time to respond!! "
Originally posted by '956Wheel
Ever notice how MOST who do not or never have had a whatever call it crap. If it works for you enjoy it!
My second ex-wives husbands brother-in-law said his stepsister's dads Dutchman was a pos. hummmm
TexasDiesel,
I believe this was the post that Steve, Okie and I were referring to. You're right - you asked for others' opinion and made your decision. At the end of the day, it's your money and certainly your right to decide how you spend it.
Rusty
Rusty, how do you do that quote thing?
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Issue 128 – Digital Version
Digital Magazines
FREE!
TDR Test Drive - Digital Edition
Renew
Subscribe
Gift Subscriptions
Back Issues
Subscription Status
Address Change Form
Buyer's Guides
Ram Diagnostic Trouble Codes
The Perfect Collection
The Perfect Collection Vol. II
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Dodge/Cummins Historical Overview
Cameron Collection
What Makes Us Tick?
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