Just bought my first PU, '94 Dutchman. Does anyone know where I can find an owners manual for it?
Also...I have an '01 Jeep Wrangler with a 4.0, 5 speed. Would you recommend pulling the Dutchman 1202 with this?
Quote from: bpikeJust bought my first PU, '94 Dutchman. Does anyone know where I can find an owners manual for it?
Also...I have an '01 Jeep Wrangler with a 4.0, 5 speed. Would you recommend pulling the Dutchman 1202 with this?
The NADA folks say the base dry (empty) weight for your 1202 is 1600 lbs.
Whatever the total weight carrying capacity is for the camper tires (will say what it can carry on the sidewall), take and subtract the 1600 and that will tell you your safe cargo carrying capacity. Let's just say you have 12" tires (and I have no idea if that's correct) and the carrying capacity for each tire is 1045 lbs @ 80 psi ~ 1045 X 2 = 2095 lbs.
Your Wrangler's owner's manual probably tells what it's tow rating is. I'm from the old trailer towing school and I like having a surplus of towing capacity ... like maybe 1,000 lbs. Again, lets just say the Jeep is rated to tow 4,000 lbs (and I have no idea if that's true) - subtract the the 2095 from the 4000 and that leaves 1905 ... but remember, you have to also subtract from that number the weight you'll be carrying in the Wrangler ... kids, dogs, whoever alse you can get to go with you, pots & pans, groceries, other assorted bric-a-brac.
Again ... good luck.
Fly
http://www.popupportal.com/ (//%22http://www.popupportal.com/%22) has a section dedicated to uploaded owners manuals.
And just a reminder if any of you have any manuals pertaining to PU's such as lift systems or even appliance specific manuals you could upload the rest of us would be very greatful.
As for using the Jeep, they are not the best TV's in the world. mainly due to their short wheelbase and low towing capacity. You tend to get a "tail wagging the dog" effect and if you've got oversized tires or riser kits it does further reduce the jeep's towing ability.
The new "unlimited" version makes a much better TV than the "wranglers" due to it's longer wheelbase.
Thanks for all the feedback.
I've looked at the popupportal.com and haven't seen Dutchman on their. Are they made by someone else or were they bought out by someone?
From the manufacturer data base:
Dutchmen (Aero Coach) Orphan(2001)
orphan means the company closed down production. You could try
Aero Coach (Aero Coach) 574-534-1224
This link will get you to the dutchmen / thor website: hope this helps...
http://www.dutchmen-rv.com/scripts/pdfretail/get.php?id=115
marty