I have had 3 hybrids, first was a 2000 palomino Stampede 21S I bought it used in 2008 and had it until 2013. Other than one tent end needing a new cover for the window this was by far the best built unit I have had. Very solid, we just outgrew it. The second unit i got was a 2007 Kodiak Skamper by Dutchmen. This Floor plan was by far one of the best I had seen. Small slide for the couch but tons of storage and counter space, however I didn't look the unit over as well as I should have! This thing had some major water damage. The unit I have now is a Kodiak 210 ES by Dutchmen. Dutchmen is owned by Thor, which owns Airstream, Crossroads, Keystone, Dutchmen (the last 2 are made in the same factory) Cruiser, DRV, Heartland, and KZ. (I only listed TT's and Fivers. They have 3 other divisions as well that are work/living trailers and motor coaches). I have had 3 major issues with the 210 ES. First the support stanchions pulled out of the floor on our second trip out, Picked up late August 2013, incident happened mid-September 2013 and was covered under warranty. No incidents in 2014, now this year, which is now out of the one year warranty. On our return trip from Myrtle Beach, SC to Niagara Falls, NY the roof separated from underlayment. I had a huge air pocket in the front of the camper. I called Keystone/Dutchmen to inquire about the issue. I was told in my user manual I am to check the roof every six months and apply sealant as necessary. I fought hard trying to tell them I do, and I saw no issues. They hid behind that claim and denied I the warranty claim. This cost me $400 out of pocket to repair. Next issue (this year) was the tent ends started ripping in the corners. Both ends! Took it back to dealer and demanded that it be fixed and not out my pocket. Initially we were told it was out of warranty, so the wife and I started telling our story all over Facebook and to anyone who would listen. Finally we got the phone number for the president of Keystone. We presented our disappointment. They agreed as a good will gesture to cover ½ the cost of the tent repair. According to them I was looking at a total for parts from $500 to $900 not including labor. They were not going to cover labor. So while cleaning out the camper to get ready for one more trip before going in for the repair the tent end care and warranty fell out of the binder. So I googled the manufacturer and called them. They told me the tent ends rip in the corner when the bed ends are not adjusted correctly and there is weight being applied to the corners. Once you adjust the supports, they will no longer rip. They also said you do not need to replace the tent ends, but to remove them and send them in and they will replace the J-Lock (the part that ripped). It costs $58.50 each, plus $10 handling fee and shipping (about $30 each way). I told Keystone what I found out and expressed my concern that they didn’t refer me back to the tent manufacturer first. So it all boiled down to the following, they agreed to pay half the cost of the tent end repair, AND will reimburse me for half of the roof repair they initially denied. The tent ends will be shipped out on July 28th after this weekend trip, and I should have them back in about 8 business days which is fine as our next trip isn’t until August 21st. We just use a tarp over the ends and it’s been fine, plus it keeps the white tent ends looking brand new! (Like a popup gizmo!)
I really like my Kodiak, but I probably won’t buy another. I’ve been looking at the Jayco’s and the Rockwood Roo’s. I want the third tent end for my youngest, he’s sick of being on either the couch or the table. Hope I’ve helped with my “horror story”
I've added a few links for pics.
J-Lock rippedroof bubble
