Dutchman Denali
Considering buying a Denali 297. Can't find many reviews about the Denali even on the Dutchman forum. Anybody with opinions about them?
Forum Discussion
I have a 2012 Denali, had warranty issues re: bedroom doorframe came apart, wardrobe door frame came apart and the mirror attached to it shattered. Other smaller items that the factory eventually authorized the dealer to repair. My most recent repair was replacing all 3 roof vents as the material on the originals severely disintegrated. I have also invested in beefing up the leaf springs and equalizers. To date I have invested over $4,000 in three years for repairs and upgrades.
The biggest issue I had was over the premature oxidation of the brown paint/gel coat (never did get an honest answer to what finish it was) on the front cap that was noticed approximately 15 months after delivery. Dutchmen argued that it was out of warranty, I argued wtf, it was only 15 months old and clearly a manufacturing defect. If you google this website, the Dutchmen Owners website, etc., you will find there are many folks with '12 and '13 models with similar front cap finish problems. After lots of back and forth with Dutchmen, they agreed to pay for half of the refinish. How sporting of them!
If I had to do it over again, I would give more serious consideration to another brand. I realize most, if not all, units have issues. But by far, this unit has clearly been the most troublesome. Must be something with todays QA at Thor Industries, and particularly Dutchmen??? While I do enjoy the layout, and the rare trouble free moments I do experience using it, I will attest that my next unit will not be a Dutchmen/Denali.
Best of luck to you and your ultimate purchase decision.
The biggest issue I had was over the premature oxidation of the brown paint/gel coat (never did get an honest answer to what finish it was) on the front cap that was noticed approximately 15 months after delivery. Dutchmen argued that it was out of warranty, I argued wtf, it was only 15 months old and clearly a manufacturing defect. If you google this website, the Dutchmen Owners website, etc., you will find there are many folks with '12 and '13 models with similar front cap finish problems. After lots of back and forth with Dutchmen, they agreed to pay for half of the refinish. How sporting of them!
If I had to do it over again, I would give more serious consideration to another brand. I realize most, if not all, units have issues. But by far, this unit has clearly been the most troublesome. Must be something with todays QA at Thor Industries, and particularly Dutchmen??? While I do enjoy the layout, and the rare trouble free moments I do experience using it, I will attest that my next unit will not be a Dutchmen/Denali.
Best of luck to you and your ultimate purchase decision.
