we are looking for a TT to purchase - price range 8-11k. today I looked at a 26' 2010 Dutchmen Rainer. it looked OK but the slideout was in the sink/counter area and the counter was not level - one side was about 2" higher than the other. is this normal? I also noticed a big dropoff on the bedroom floor along the same wall. floor was really sloped towards the edge of the wall. I looked under and it appeared one of the support flanges was bent and the side of the trailer bowed out a bit. I could not tell if this was due to an accident or if this was just a weak frame design. the seller did not know anything about it. I decided to pass.there is a 2004 31' Dutchmen classic I want to go look at but its over an hour away. am I wasting my time on this brand? are they known for structural issues or other major problems? the 2005 Layton went to see literally had sold 10 minutes prior but it looked amazing with 2 big 3' slides. btw, I am not new I currently own a 1997 lance truck camper and have owned 2 others before this one. I am handy and do basic repairs and will not take it to the "dealer" if some trim piece falls off or comes loose for instance. thanks!

OP wrote: I could not tell if this was due to an accident or if this was just a weak frame design. the seller did not know anything about it. I decided to pass.OP stated he passed on it - and I don't think he was kidding.

My 2010 Dutchmen is a 25 footer. The kitchen and couch/bed are in the slide.Outside the slide is level with the body. Inside it sits at least 1 1/2 inches higher on one end when it is brought in. It rubs against an interior wall.I have no idea why it does this, I wrote it off to poor design. Other than marking the wall, it has never been an issue.

Yes I passed on it. Along with the one I just looked at. After a 4hr roundtrip drive. I am discouraged with people that say "great condition, no problems" then you see it and you're thinking "dude, are you high"? And after a few questions they play dumb and say "to be honest I don't know much about these. Campers".. ?!?!?!?

I think there counting on the buyer not knowing much about (campers).

I am convinced that mice can walk through walls. :) They can and do get into everything.If you buy used from a dealer, you may get some form of short term guarantee. However, you are buying a used unit, so other than everything working when you leave the dealership, there is little recourse on things that break a month latter. That is the chance you take for the money you saved. As for construction techniques and/or poor workmanship, judging from the various shortcuts I have seen in my TT, the standard in the TT industry is a not what you see in home construction. There seems to be a lot of "good enough" thinking. Good Luck

Dutchmen TT | Good Sam Community

rbpru
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2017
I am convinced that mice can walk through walls. :) They can and do get into everything.

If you buy used from a dealer, you may get some form of short term guarantee. However, you are buying a used unit, so other than everything working when you leave the dealership, there is little recourse on things that break a month latter. That is the chance you take for the money you saved.

As for construction techniques and/or poor workmanship, judging from the various shortcuts I have seen in my TT, the standard in the TT industry is a not what you see in home construction. There seems to be a lot of "good enough" thinking.

Good Luck
snowninja
Explorer II
Jun 06, 2017
Looked at a holiday rambler which appears to be very well built including aluminum roof, powerful slide out motor, quality cabinets, problem is when I tested the AC bits of insulation blew out 2 overhead vents. The sellers said they ran the ac a week ago and there was no issue. I do believe them but obviously this is a problem. How would a mouse get into an overhead vent duct? Thru air return box? Ughh
snowninja
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2017
i agree there are little things you may just get used to or work around but its frustrating when you discover problems that are more than slight annoyances. structural issues are not something you just get used to, at least i don't.
rbpru
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2017
I expect dealers to know the condition of a TT on their lot but individuals develop a sense of acceptance of minor problems.

As a buyer you might be concerned about the fit of the door, the slide drag marks on the floor and other such things but the owner has found to be of little concern.

You also see a lot of this when you buy a used vehicle.
colliehauler
Explorer III
Jun 02, 2017
I think there counting on the buyer not knowing much about (campers).
snowninja
Explorer II
Jun 02, 2017
Yes I passed on it. Along with the one I just looked at. After a 4hr roundtrip drive. I am discouraged with people that say "great condition, no problems" then you see it and you're thinking "dude, are you high"? And after a few questions they play dumb and say "to be honest I don't know much about these. Campers".. ?!?!?!?
rbpru
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2017
My 2010 Dutchmen is a 25 footer. The kitchen and couch/bed are in the slide.

Outside the slide is level with the body. Inside it sits at least 1 1/2 inches higher on one end when it is brought in. It rubs against an interior wall.

I have no idea why it does this, I wrote it off to poor design. Other than marking the wall, it has never been an issue.
LadyRVer
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2017
Thank you 2012 Coleman.
2012Coleman
Explorer II
Jun 01, 2017
OP wrote:
I could not tell if this was due to an accident or if this was just a weak frame design. the seller did not know anything about it. I decided to pass.

OP stated he passed on it - and I don't think he was kidding.
TNRIVERSIDE
Explorer
Jun 01, 2017
I'm pleased with my Coleman. Made by Dutchman. I have no reason to not buy another one if the need came up.

Forum Discussion

Dutchmen TT

About Travel Trailer Group

Related Content

Dutchmen

Dutchmen Endurance 3556?

Electric TT

Dutchmen Atlas or Keystone Cougar

summerizing TT