Forum Discussion

cwopaul's avatar
cwopaul
Explorer
Jun 15, 2014

BEWARE OF DUTCHMEN KODIAK

I purchased a Dutchmen Kodiak 242RESL January 9,2013 and as of this posting it has been at the factory since May 5,2014 for warranty repair. The repairs needed are 1) Replace passenger side wall due to cracks in the high gloss fiberglass siding. 2) Repair the bedroom ceiling which fell down. 3)Repair the A/C ducts which are falling apart and the fan inlet and outlet box (made of foil tape) which is allowing blower outlet air to return directly to the blower intake. 3) The dinette lounge seating support structure was built so poorly that it tore open the cushion bottoms and will have to be rebuilt.
I suppose I should have expected more problems when I found an exterior coaxial connector labeled as a city water connection. I will update this post when the trailer is returned.
  • cwopaul's avatar
    cwopaul
    Explorer
    Jun 18, 2014
    Thanks everyone for the input. I will give Dutchmen another chance to build my trailer correctly if they choose not to I will explore other options.
  • AH64ID's avatar
    AH64ID
    Explorer
    Jun 16, 2014
    Based on some friends that work(ed) at RV repair shops it sounds about normal for Dutchman, they said they are the cheapest and worst built units they work on.

    I would see about trading on a better brand.
  • 2012Coleman's avatar
    2012Coleman
    Explorer II
    Jun 16, 2014
    Good Grief! Replacing entire walls? Ceiling falling down? Sounds like a complete loss. Sorry for your troubles. But it sounds like you have a case for a new TT - not a patched up TT Let us know what happens.
  • darsben's avatar
    darsben
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2014
    Opie431 wrote:
    Instead of just going with your problems to the dealer have you contacted the company? Perhaps they would be willing to replace it rather than go thru the bed publicity.
    Keep coming here with your poblems and giving them lots of coverage. They are more likely to respond.
    Do not only go to the TT topic but to several others mentioning different problems. Spread the news around.
    Take the offensive.

    He did say it was at the factory so the company has been contacted unless the OP misposted
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    Jun 15, 2014
    Your Dutchman Kodiak 242RESL looks like the typical trailer design alot of similar trailers have.


    I would definitely talk with a Dutchman Rep about it.

    Hope you get everything resolved ok...

    Roy Ken
  • BillB800si's avatar
    BillB800si
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2014
    I remember when the wife & I checked out a 2014 Dutchman Denali 287RE trailer. Was not impressed at all with the quality of workmanship. We didn't buy and glad we didn't....
  • Opie431's avatar
    Opie431
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2014
    Instead of just going with your problems to the dealer have you contacted the company? Perhaps they would be willing to replace it rather than go thru the bed publicity.
    Keep coming here with your poblems and giving them lots of coverage. They are more likely to respond.
    Do not only go to the TT topic but to several others mentioning different problems. Spread the news around.
    Take the offensive.
  • YnotTurbo's avatar
    YnotTurbo
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2014
    I would have them replace the unit. I would not want a rebuilt unit..
  • Golden_HVAC's avatar
    Golden_HVAC
    Explorer
    Jun 15, 2014
    WOW! IT almost sounds like your RV was built the day of the Christmas party, and everyone went back to work after lunch and a few drinks!

    I don't think that your RV is typical of all Dutchmen construction. It does seem un-usual. I even wonder what the delivery crew did with the trailer while bringing it from the factory to Alabama?

    Good luck getting it fixed!

    Fred.

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