Forum Discussion

Hitch_Itch's avatar
Hitch_Itch
Explorer
Aug 10, 2014

looking at 2003 37' Damon Intruder 375, opinions needed

We have camped for over ten years in travel trailers. This time DW would like to move into a Class A. We have been looking for a few months.
We came across this Damon Intruder 375, WE love the layout, it is so different then most of the other layouts.

Since the class A will be new to me I hoping hoping to get some answers form you Class A veterans.

Any widespread issues with this model?
Does it really matter Ford verses Chevy? No brand wars please, just asking
We have a 16' car hauler that we would like to pull behind. The trailer weighs 1700# Option 1 is to put the 5000# Chevy equinox on the trailer or put the 3800# Saturn Ion on the trailer. Would the RV have an issue pulling either setup?

We have found 2 different Intruders
2003 37' Damon Intruder 375, 51k miles $44,900. Link to the RV

2002 37' Damon Intruder 375 37k miles $25,900. Link to RV

They appear to be the same unit, just different interior colors and one year different.
Im not sure why the price is so far apart, they are both Fords and both seems to be in the same good condition.

Thank you for any opinions you may have, We dont want to buy a RV we will be unhappy with due to issues.

Ken
Class A

9 Replies

  • Hitch_Itch's avatar
    Hitch_Itch
    Explorer
    Aug 12, 2014
    Thanks for the input
    Our equinox is all wheel drive, 4 down I would think would be bad, I rather not put the wear on the eqinox, I would rather put it on the trailer. I do see where you guys are coming from about loosing the un needed trailer weight.
    I am a Chevy guy too but I have read a lot of happy campers with a ford drivetrain. All I care about is that it gets us where we want to go without breaking down.

    I wonder how I can find out if the 03 has the upgrade that was mentioned

    Ken
  • wa8yxm's avatar
    wa8yxm
    Explorer III
    Aug 11, 2014
    I live in a 2005 377W (Workhorse chassis, Chevy Engine)

    I like the house.

    Ford or Chevy.. Well,,, The arguments there are loud and long and I will only say this.. They are both right close to each other .. I happen to be a chevy fan myself but.. alas... Perhaps not since mine is blown (needs 10K replacment).

    Allison Tranny is tops though.

    Only known issues I can tell about is my sorta: Joke about RVers having a few screws loose.... I had to tighten several when this rig was new, but since you are buying used.. Most likely already tightened.

    Screws included circuit breakers, Power inlet (And on a different rig the marinco OUTLET on the end of the cord) and more.... Loose screws are routine and a #2 Square bit should be in your toolbox.
  • fischer's avatar
    fischer
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    looks like camping world has a few damon's in Florida for 45k 2005/6
  • Heisenberg's avatar
    Heisenberg
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    I cannot see putting the Equinox or Ion on a trailer. Just saying. Our Equinox is an easy 4Down toad.
  • FC's avatar
    FC
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    The year of the chassis is important. The 2003 model year switched to Bilistein shocks and there was a HP increase according to the Ford literature I have. Also want to make sure they are on the 22,000 lb chassis.
    Our 03 chassis was the 350th of the upgraded chassis.
    JM2CW
  • jy's avatar
    jy
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    They both probally have hitches rated at 3500 lbs.{maybe 5000lbs}.The factory welds frame extensions on the Ford frames and they don,t make them very strong.I have a friend with a mobile welding company and he reinforced my frame and hitch.He has done a few others and no one has had problems.
  • Captain_Happy's avatar
    Captain_Happy
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    Less weight the better. 6700 lbs is alot of weight to be pulled behind a V-10 motor home. I'd go with the Saturn, either pulled 4 down, or a less weight tow dolly. Loss the 1500 lb trailer.
  • Hitch_Itch's avatar
    Hitch_Itch
    Explorer
    Aug 11, 2014
    Both of them are Ford's
    The only difference I can see is the interior color and the 2002 has the upgraded larger refrigerator.

    Im hoping someone can comment on the towing

    Thanks
    Ken
  • Bumpyroad's avatar
    Bumpyroad
    Explorer
    Aug 10, 2014
    is that 2003 a chevy/workhorse or ford. if chevy could be on a 2002 or older chassis which might be the old P-30/32 model with its issues.
    bumpy

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