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blderman
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015

Keystone Hideout vs Dutchmen Coleman

My wife and I went to the Portland RV show this weekend originally intending on making a final decision on a Nash 25C. However, after reviewing pricing we decided the Nash was out of our budget. Our next favorite floorplan that was much more in our price range is the Hideout 24bhswe. We also found that the Coleman 244bh is very similar with some slight changes. Is there any difference in quality/manufacturing between the two models? They appear to be coming from almost the exact same design/factory. Am I going to be disappointed with either one of these quality wise vs the Nash? I know Nash is near top of the line so that may be a loaded question. I appreciate any help you can provide!

13 Replies

  • We were in the Apache section around 1-2pm.

    I should restate my question. I know the Nash is much better but we just can't swing the cost and our 1986 Terry Taurus is on its last years. However that old trailer has held up well on over 60 nights of camping primarily in the Ochoco and Blue Mountains. I would think even the Hideout line is built better than an 80's era trailer? I wish one of these trailer lines would offer a bare bones featured, but rock solid trailer with the floor plan we like. It's like it's cheap with nothing or super expensive but you get everything. I would prefer the way they do cars, the same chassis and general structure but different grades of features.
  • I was at the same show, probably pumped into each other at the Apache Camping area some time. Anyways, My wife and I were just looking and I'm really sold on the Outdoors RV/Northwood brands but finances are about 1 to 2 years out before we can commit. I'm personally looking hard at the Cedar Creek or Timber Ridge lines (maybe an Arctic Fox). However, I like comparing features and seeing what innovation all the companies are bringing as the years go by. It seems like the more basic trailers by other brands have made some good strides in overall construction, but I notice more things on the Northwood products that keep them a better trailer. For Northwood/Outdoors, I see far more screws being used in the exposed joists. I also see a more uniform application of brads in the places they are used. I also noticed that they use thicker wood all around, especially under the bed. The floors don't bow/warp as much when pushing down in one spot on the floor (one of the checks my wife and I developed). The frames are absolutely massive compared to the other brands as well (and you get a massive increase in tow weight because of that). If you're going on those forest roads in the cascade lakes region, you'll appreciate that extra durability. However, if you're not going far off the beaten path, I don't think you'll miss much. It all depends on the type of camping you're going to subject your equipment to.
  • There is no comparison between the Nash and the Coleman/Dutchman! Nash is much better quality!