I have never owned a travel trailer before and I have been looking to buy one. There is a huge price difference between new and a couple yrs. old so a couple yrs old is the direction I think I want to go. I'm looking at a Dutchman at a good price but don't know much about which brands are built better than others so if anyone has any experience with a Dutchman travel trailer, I would appreciate comments. The one in question is a 2004 26' Dutchmen bumper pull.

Thanks

 

I had a 26 Dutchman bunkhouse.. it was ok but I traded it after 5 years and bought a Wildcat and like it mutch better, I think it is built better and get more for your money,plus you get a lot more storage room

 

Buying a unit a couple of years old will save you a lot of money.

Dutchmen is not known as being one of the best built units but is a reasonable deal at its price point. If you are going to full time you probably (well, definitely) want to spend a bit more, but for the typical 'couple of trips a year' a lower-line unit will probably serve you well without tying up a lot of money only to have it sit in your driveway and degrade over the years. As it always true with RVs, fit the unit to the requirement.

 

At that price point, I would suggest looking at some alternate brands - Jayco, Sunnybrook and Nash are some that come readily to mind, but there are other good alternatives. Dutchmen has had a reputation for construction quality problems over the years (water leaks, etc.), and I've personally run into individuals who have experienced these problems.

This is, of course, just my opinion and experience. YMMV. Flame suit donned for counterattack by Dutchmen owners.

Rusty

 

I've owned a Dutchmen and no flames here. Definitely built cheaply to match the price but in my sample population of one I've had no real problems. Only leak was at a window seal and considering that the unit was six years old at the time that can hardly be called unusual. But... I would agree to look at Jayco and Sunnybrook... a little more money but better built. But if you already have your eye on a used Dutchmen I wouldn't necessarily run away from it as it may be a good deal if the price is right and it's in good condition, but check it over thoroughly looking in particular for any signs of leaks. Window leaks can be fixed easily but roof or joint leaks can be miserable. Of course that advice is true for a used unit of any brand.

 

Through the years,I have owned several TT and campers.Some bought new and some used.Without a doubt,buying used lets its last owner take the hit on depreciation.As far as quality,they all produce boners once in awhile.Dont compare money all the time.A few years back we bought a Springdale for $ 11,500 brand new and had no problems for 4 years.My new one is constaintly producing more issues and I spent real money.The best advice I can give is spend time looking at it and making sure eveything works,check for leaking and if old owner did maintenance and so forth

 

I have a 1997 27 dutchmen classic and we pull something behind it pretty much most of the time,so far no troubles with the exception of the tub support and they use the sink cut out for a brace and its a little small gotta watch the edges in the tub cause theres no support. Any way they pull good and we put around 2000 miles a year on it, I've replace the tires once with the brakes and shackles and bolts,bushings thats from pulling the stuff behind it, if the price is good and you like it go for it. This is my 2nd one