Help with decision

[RPTexas]

I put $500.00 down on a Ducthmen Kodiak 299 BHSL last week. I had to sign a contract stating that if I backed out, I would loose my deposit.
Now after reading the HORROR STORIES concerning Dutchmen products, I'm just about ready to eat the $500.00 dollars.
I haven't signed anything other than the deposit contract.
I'm purchasing ( maybe not ) through United RV in Fort Worth.
Please, ANY thoughts or insights would be VERY welcomed!!

[azdryheat]

What, they had a gun to your head?

[RPTexas]

No, I've learned my lesson. Thanks

[chiefward]

I've got no gripes with my 28RK Dutchman 5th wheel, in fact, I love it. Now mind you mine is a 2004 model so the previous owners may have had a problems fixed everything.

[nineoaks]

I have a 2016 Coleman Lantern CTS 16 FB and we love it, it is also made by Dutchman (Thor) I bought it in November last year, I do think most RV's have a few problems when new, just like trucks, cars etc.but most are relatively minor and repaired easily. . You can ask 5 people what they think of a certain RV or vehicle and you will probably get 5 different answers for different reasons because each are purchased for their use. I was an RV tech for several years after my retirement from the Navy and have found this to be true, However if you do not think you will be happy then don't by it.

[RPTexas]

I'm sure I'll be happy with it. I got worked up over bad reviews and then thought about it. Like most forums, you have honest people that have issues, but that's a fraction of satisfied customers.
After more conversations with the dealer over the weekend, I'm satisfied with his answers. I'm also purchasing an extended warranty that also covers labor.
I checked with the BBB and the dealership has had only 5 complaints in the past 7 years and they were all resolved quickly.
Thanks for the replies!

[Pirate]

You just have to recognize that RVs are not built like space shuttles...there are things that are done with good quality and things done with poor quality.

If you're handy at all, you just tackle what comes up needing fixed and do it. Remember, you have a lot of us that have done just that...and we're all here to help!!! Don't be afraid to ask.

If you have absolutely no mechanical skills at all...why are you buying an RV? Takes a certain amount of skill just to hook the thing up!!!

Dive in, most of the issues are pretty small and there are lots of us here to help!!!

Pirate

[Soccerloco]

Totally agree!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tap
2014 V3005 Voltage Toy Hauler
2012 Dodge Ram 2500. Firestone Bags. 1 ton+ leaf spring pack basically stock

[DesertRat]

If you make your decisions by bad online reviews you wouldn't buy anything.

[RVNevada]

Just make sure, you do a good Walkthru, and try everything your self and make sure all repairs are done before you take it off the lot, once you do, it will be months before they get you back in to do the repairs… Its your cash, so let them make you happy, Let us all know how it goes, then get out there and enjoy……There will always be small repairs here and there with the roads we travel, but once you get there and sit out in the fresh air and look at the views…..Ah and a cold one…yea

[Cantork]

We just took our 2008 Dutchmen Four Winds 5th wheel out for the very first time this past weekend (purchased it about a month ago), and after a 200 mile run had a couple of very minor issues to fix (rough road traveling). Other than that, we enjoyed the RV immensely! Can't believe we hadn't ever bought one before. A few adult beverages and a whole lot of quality "Hammock" time in the mountains of Arkansas next to a lake. Damn, I wish I was back up there still!

[Bryon4]

Originally Posted by RPTexas

I put $500.00 down on a Ducthmen Kodiak 299 BHSL last week. I had to sign a contract stating that if I backed out, I would loose my deposit.
Now after reading the HORROR STORIES concerning Dutchmen products, I'm just about ready to eat the $500.00 dollars.
I haven't signed anything other than the deposit contract.
I'm purchasing ( maybe not ) through United RV in Fort Worth.
Please, ANY thoughts or insights would be VERY welcomed!!

We purchased in July a Coleman Lantern, 2018, 263bh. Other than a bad control board on the hot water heater, we have no complaints. We have taken it out twice and our 2011 F150 pulls it with no problem.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using Tapatalk

[Pirate]

RPTexas,

The thing you need to keep foremost in your mind is that just about any RV on the market these days is liable to have some "defects". The question then becomes...do you have the skills to address them yourself? Without a doubt, I believe, the happiest owners on this forum are the ones that take issues in stride and just fix them.

If you're the type that doesn't know which end of hammer to use, the the RV world probably isn't for you.

Just sayin'

Pirate

[3wheeler]

I agree with Pirate. I tell people who ask me about owning an rv that you either need to have some electrical/mechanical ability or if you have to have someone else do the work, you need to be rich. If neither of those apply, then you need to just stay in hotels.

[rickstrailer]

Hi - How has the Kodiak been so far for you. We are looking at getting one this weekend and are a bit nervous as well. Have you been happy with it? What extended service plan did you go with?

[Adair1965]

Originally Posted by rickstrailer

Hi - How has the Kodiak been so far for you. We are looking at getting one this weekend and are a bit nervous as well. Have you been happy with it? What extended service plan did you go with?

We have a 2014 Kodiak 291 RESL. We've had one problem with the kitchen slide motor that was fixed under warranty. Other then that it's been great. A good dealer is the key in my books.