2002 Dutchmen Supreme 35bh - advice on purchase

[barchetta1]

Im looking at a 2002 Dutchmen supreme 35bh. It is a few hours away so at this point only have photos.. can anyone give me any advise about this model?

It has an option master bed slider..

Its a package deal with a really nice ford f250 diesel with 220k on it which looks immaculate as it was only used as a TV...

asking $18k.


Seems high to me if both are in excellent condition even.

[otrfun]

barchetta1 wrote:
I guess I need to clarify.. im trying to determine the quality of these dutchmen 5th wheels in 2002 regardless of the condition.

The condition appears to be excellent based on conversations and photos.. but if these were bad from dutchmen Id like to know.. I heard Dutchmen went thru a dark period..

The floors per the brochure the floors are tongue and groove plywood which is a good sign.. but thats about all I know.. furnace? air units? cabinetry? Hardware on external doors? Lots of unknowns. I have googled till my fingers bleed but cant find an owner..

IMO, one has to assume the worst with ANY RV, new or used. There is no such thing as consistent quality control in the RV world---unless one is spending mega-dollars on a niche production unit. Even if consistent quality control did exist, all bets are off on a 14 year old rig.

Good luck!

[barchetta1]

gbopp wrote:
Maybe you can find a RV Tech in the area the 5th Wheel is located? They could do the inspection and let you know if it's worth the trip.

Or, maybe a forum member would volunteer to do a quick check to see if it's worth the trip, if they knew the location of the RV.

Did you check online for any Dutchman Forums?

Sorry I don't have a better answer.

I guess I need to clarify.. im trying to determine the quality of these dutchmen 5th wheels in 2002 regardless of the condition.

The condition appears to be excellent based on conversations and photos.. but if these were bad from dutchmen Id like to know.. I heard Dutchmen went thru a dark period..

The floors per the brochure the floors are tongue and groove plywood which is a good sign.. but thats about all I know.. furnace? air units? cabinetry? Hardware on external doors? Lots of unknowns. I have googled till my fingers bleed but cant find an owner..

[gbopp]

Maybe you can find a RV Tech in the area the 5th Wheel is located? They could do the inspection and let you know if it's worth the trip.

Or, maybe a forum member would volunteer to do a quick check to see if it's worth the trip, if they knew the location of the RV.

Did you check online for any Dutchman Forums?

Sorry I don't have a better answer.

[barchetta1]

gbopp wrote:
My advice?
I would advise you to go see it in person. You need to check for leaks and soft spots on the floor. There is a lot you can't see in pictures.
If you are not capable of doing the inspection, hire a Mobile RV Tech to do the inspection.
Condition is the important factor when buying a used RV.

Keep us updated and don't hesitate to ask lots of questions before you decide to buy the Dutchman.

Seeing it in person is a given, Im trying to figure out if its worth the trip. So far I find no one discussing this era of Dutchmen 5th wheels.

[gbopp]

My advice?
I would advise you to go see it in person. You need to check for leaks and soft spots on the floor. There is a lot you can't see in pictures.
If you are not capable of doing the inspection, hire a Mobile RV Tech to do the inspection.
Condition is the important factor when buying a used RV.

Keep us updated and don't hesitate to ask lots of questions before you decide to buy the Dutchman.