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rob37dawn's avatar
rob37dawn
Explorer
Mar 19, 2014

1999 dutchmen motorhome or not

I was thinking hard about getting a TT but like the idea of a motor home more. Too many dogs and kid to fit in the truck for a long ride. We came across one we liked online, 30ish E350 with about 40k miles. Pictures makes it look like it is good shape. Going to look at it in the morning but would like some thoughts from experienced people. Is there any known problems i should be looking for?

Thanks for any advice
Rob
  • BAD NEWS Sorry we would keep shopping Then we got any email later telling us he has a lean on it.
  • I have to say i like all the advice. There is a lot of helpful people here. I end up on a lot of forms with classic cars.

    He told us today on the phone that he seals the roof every year. Then we got any email later telling us he has a lean on it. Did not say how much but not telling me upfront makes me not trust to much of what he says now.
  • At 30 feet on an E-350, I would defiantly drive it and check the handling. There is a good chance it has a V-10. Read about the spark plug problems with the V-10 of that era, spiting plugs out.

    I have a 1998 Four Winds 23 foot with a V-10 with 37k on it. I knew about the V-10 when I bought it. I'v put 3K into it to fix handling, and a bunch of preventive maintenance work: including new shocks, serpentine belt, fuel filter, tie rod ends, and dripping pinion seal plus some other stuff. Not saying don't get it, just saying there is a lot under the cover that is not obvious. Everything else was in excellent shape so I bought it last September. I was at the front of the line, there were people right behind me after the same unit, and glad I bought it, lots of fun.
  • a rig that old will almost certainly have water damage in the cabover area above the driver if it wasnt properly maintained. lift up the bunk mattress and look. and eye the corners especially inside for wrinkles on ceiling panels. Delamination of exterior fiberglass will show up as bumps/ripples in the wall outside. if it isnt a bunk it may have cabinets up front, open and look for water damages
  • I have a 2005 Dutchmen motorhome, made by Four Winds. I have almost 50K miles and have had very few problems. I like mine. Mine is on a Chevy chassis. I have made many mods, such as light switches, back-up camera, replaced TV and many more. I know of no problems specific to the Dutchmen or Four Winds MHs. Any specific questions, let me know.