Good evening!Do any of you have any experience with Dutchmen Aerolite? I found a couple of models I really like as they have triple bunks (two electric jack and a mat for the floor), which raise up to create a nice open space for the kids when not in use. We have 5 kids and of course they like to bring friends, so this is an ideal setup. The model I really like is the 282DBHA. I have two main questions1) how is the quality? I know all brands have some issues, but is this brand close to the big dogs like Jayco, Forest River and Keystone?2) It looks like the closest dealer is up by Chicago. Same state, but a 5 hour drive. Will I encounter service issues if there is not a local option? If service will be too much of an issue, I will likely go with a Keystone Bullet or Jayco Jay Feather locally. Thanks in advance and Merry Christmas!

If I am reading the specs correctly, the TT dry weight is right at 6300 dry with over 800 lbs. on the tongue. So that means a loaded weight near 7300 lbs. and a tongue weight should be near 1000 lbs.The tongue weight is going to use up a lot of your cargo capacity not leaving much for you the DW kids and toys.We have a 2010 Dutchmen Lite 25 footer that we like very much. If you know the payload of the Suburban you know how much carrying capacity you have to play with.

I once had a Dutchmen Class C motorhome and it was built pretty good.

My first TT was a Dutchmen. I liked the frame clearance, which seemed a bit higher and was good for boondocking down gravel roads.

rbpru wrote:If I am reading the specs correctly, the TT dry weight is right at 6300 dry with over 800 lbs. on the tongue. So that means a loaded weight near 7300 lbs. and a tongue weight should be near 1000 lbs.The tongue weight is going to use up a lot of your cargo capacity not leaving much for you the DW kids and toys.We have a 2010 Dutchmen Lite 25 footer that we like very much. If you know the payload of the Suburban you know how much carrying capacity you have to play with.The Burb's PL will be between 2100-2200. Fully loaded with our family of 7, one guest, the dogs, a full tank of gas, and we will come in using about 1150 pounds of the payload. Another 150 for the hitch, and we have about 800 or 900 for TW. We will probably have to run at 11% tongue weight, but I plan to purchase a 3P, so I think it will handle well with a close-to-max payload. Still well under on tow capacity and GCWR. Thoughts? I may give the 242BHS a look as it looks like it may have the same bunk setup. It's a bit vague, as it it just says "Happi-Jack Bunks", but it looks the same in the photos. I'm sure I could pick up the mattress for the floor if it does not come equipped. That would give us sleeping for 10 on occasion with a GVW of ~6500. This would be much more manageable.

I have had two Aerolites. Both were great units....not overly expensive but everything worked the way it was supposed to. Had a hybrid---no leaks, and a 30 footer.

Dutchmen Aerolite | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

RVcircus
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2015
We were looking at the Dutchman Aerolite's at the Hershey RV show and really liked them. I especially likes the electric bunks that allow for a large storage area when traveling.
Campinfan
Explorer III
Dec 24, 2015
I have had two Aerolites. Both were great units....not overly expensive but everything worked the way it was supposed to. Had a hybrid---no leaks, and a 30 footer.
Knminton
Explorer
Dec 24, 2015
rbpru wrote:
If I am reading the specs correctly, the TT dry weight is right at 6300 dry with over 800 lbs. on the tongue. So that means a loaded weight near 7300 lbs. and a tongue weight should be near 1000 lbs.

The tongue weight is going to use up a lot of your cargo capacity not leaving much for you the DW kids and toys.

We have a 2010 Dutchmen Lite 25 footer that we like very much.

If you know the payload of the Suburban you know how much carrying capacity you have to play with.

The Burb's PL will be between 2100-2200. Fully loaded with our family of 7, one guest, the dogs, a full tank of gas, and we will come in using about 1150 pounds of the payload. Another 150 for the hitch, and we have about 800 or 900 for TW. We will probably have to run at 11% tongue weight, but I plan to purchase a 3P, so I think it will handle well with a close-to-max payload. Still well under on tow capacity and GCWR. Thoughts?

I may give the 242BHS a look as it looks like it may have the same bunk setup. It's a bit vague, as it it just says "Happi-Jack Bunks", but it looks the same in the photos. I'm sure I could pick up the mattress for the floor if it does not come equipped. That would give us sleeping for 10 on occasion with a GVW of ~6500. This would be much more manageable.
lgarcia
Explorer
Dec 24, 2015
My first TT was a Dutchmen. I liked the frame clearance, which seemed a bit higher and was good for boondocking down gravel roads.
hohenwald48
Explorer
Dec 24, 2015
I once had a Dutchmen Class C motorhome and it was built pretty good.
rbpru
Explorer II
Dec 24, 2015
If I am reading the specs correctly, the TT dry weight is right at 6300 dry with over 800 lbs. on the tongue. So that means a loaded weight near 7300 lbs. and a tongue weight should be near 1000 lbs.

The tongue weight is going to use up a lot of your cargo capacity not leaving much for you the DW kids and toys.

We have a 2010 Dutchmen Lite 25 footer that we like very much.

If you know the payload of the Suburban you know how much carrying capacity you have to play with.

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Dutchmen Aerolite

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