01 Dutchman question

[macguy]

The wife and I looked at a 2001 Dutchman the other day and they are asking $1800 firm.  It has a heater and fridge, but no air, no hot water and a pump faucet.  Also missing a tail light lens, the awning pole won't extend (was told it was stuck really tight, so they just tie that side off at a tree).   Very clean and doesn't smell at all (he is a smoker).  I cranked it up and down and did a complete setup onsite.  

Do you think $1800 is too much for such a stripped down model?

I have recently become aware of a 2004 Coachman Clipper that has heater, air, hot water and fridge.  It may/may not have a toilet also.  About $2500.

So for $700 more, we get hot water and air.  And a newer model.  Air might be worth it, we have 2 kids (6 and 4).  

Thoughts??

[AZsix]

The wife and I looked at a 2001 Dutchman the other day and they are asking $1800 firm.  It has a heater and fridge, but no air, no hot water and a pump faucet.  Also missing a tail light lens, the awning pole won't extend (was told it was stuck really tight, so they just tie that side off at a tree).   Very clean and doesn't smell at all (he is a smoker).  I cranked it up and down and did a complete setup onsite.  

Do you think $1800 is too much for such a stripped down model?

I have recently become aware of a 2004 Coachman Clipper that has heater, air, hot water and fridge.  It may/may not have a toilet also.  About $2500.

So for $700 more, we get hot water and air.  And a newer model.  Air might be worth it, we have 2 kids (6 and 4).  

Thoughts??

Personally, I'd go for the 04 if you are ok paying more. I love having hot water and if it has a toilet that would be a definite plus.

[4Campers]

Being a Dutchmen owner I definately say go for the Coachman Clipper. For the extra you'll enjoy having the A/C, heater, fridge and hot water and avoid any issues with the Dutchmen. (like roof leaks)

[macguy]

4Campers:  Is there a design flaw with the Dutchman line that predetermies a roof leak?  

AZsix:  I agree with you on having some of the creature comforts.  It doesn't matter much to me, but I really don't want to hear a bunch of whining that "it is too hot at night."  If the difference is $700 for comfort and better resale value, then I guess it is worth it.  I just don't want to pass up a great deal on a lesser model that can be modified, for less than the cost difference, to include the missing features.

[AZsix]

4Campers:  Is there a design flaw with the Dutchman line that predetermies a roof leak?  

AZsix:  I agree with you on having some of the creature comforts.  It doesn't matter much to me, but I really don't want to hear a bunch of whining that "it is too hot at night."  If the difference is $700 for comfort and better resale value, then I guess it is worth it.  I just don't want to pass up a great deal on a lesser model that can be modified, for less than the cost difference, to include the missing features.

I'm not sure what the cost would be to add all that to the cheaper model but I know it would be more than $700. I have heard a/c can cost about that much. Cassette toilets are also very expensive.

[rccs]

Since Dutchman popups are no longer made I would go with the Coachman if I had to choose one or the other and also that is not much of a difference for a three year newer popup with more features. Actually I would probably not buy either since I am very happy with my Coleman but that is just my choice.

[flyfisherman]

The wife and I looked at a 2001 Dutchman the other day and they are asking $1800 firm.  It has a heater and fridge, but no air, no hot water and a pump faucet.  Also missing a tail light lens, the awning pole won't extend (was told it was stuck really tight, so they just tie that side off at a tree).   Very clean and doesn't smell at all (he is a smoker).  I cranked it up and down and did a complete setup onsite.  

Do you think $1800 is too much for such a stripped down model?

I have recently become aware of a 2004 Coachman Clipper that has heater, air, hot water and fridge.  It may/may not have a toilet also.  About $2500.

So for $700 more, we get hot water and air.  And a newer model.  Air might be worth it, we have 2 kids (6 and 4).  

Thoughts??

Although I've never owned a Dutchman or a Coachman, all things being equal (condition wise), for seven hundred bucks I'd go for the '04 Clipper hands down.

One of the fun things (for me anyway) with owning a popup is making modifications to it that fits my camping style. Just might be some fun projects for you & yours there!


Fly

[macguy]

Thanks for the input everyone.  Once we get the money saved up, if the Clipper is still there, i think that will be the winner.  Unless we see something better.  
 :!

[4Campers]

4Campers:  Is there a design flaw with the Dutchman line that predetermies a roof leak?  

AZsix:  I agree with you on having some of the creature comforts.  It doesn't matter much to me, but I really don't want to hear a bunch of whining that "it is too hot at night."  If the difference is $700 for comfort and better resale value, then I guess it is worth it.  I just don't want to pass up a great deal on a lesser model that can be modified, for less than the cost difference, to include the missing features.

Every Dutchmen owner I know of with a 94-96 model had roof leak problems. I believe they went bankrupt after that, then re-opened in 99 making PU's again. I don't think they sold many, but I have heard the roof issues were not as common. My roof was replaced 4 times, would start leaking again in one year. Factory refused to do any more. My solution was Eterna-Bond on the roof edges.

[Miller Tyme]

My '98 Dutchmen 1006 has held up pretty well, and was bought from a dealer(Palomino/Starcraft) for $1900 last year. Did have a bit of a roof leak, but not from the factory...something got punched through the roof skin before we bought it.

[Used 2B PopUPTimes]

I had a 2007 Clipper 2485st for a year and liked it a lot.
D.

[macguy]

I had a 2007 Clipper 2485st for a year and liked it a lot.
D.

Why only a year?