2019 Dutch Star 4018 & Modifications (FLSteve)

[FLSteve]

Figured it was time to do some posting on our new coach. Have spent the past several weekends starting on my modifications. Ordered it on September 4th from NorthTrail RV and took delivery on January 12th. It actually came in two (2) weeks earlier but had a broken windshield from the trip down from Nappanee so NorthTrail had to order and replace that first.

We ordered the following specials after doing some research on the forum to see what other folks were doing.

·Omit the wooden fold down shower seat in shower.
·Add a 110-volt electrical outlet on right front face of back bath sink counter cabinet.
·Solid wood doors for bedroom bypass doors instead of the standard glass frosted panel doors.
·Deeper overhead cabinets over the kitchen dinette.
·Omit the decorative mirrors on the interior walls … but leave the full-length mirror in the rear bath.
·Vent microwave to outside of coach.
·Add a 12-volt outlet at drivers’ seat (lower left by USB plug).
·Use King Aire Flooring.
·Omit Clock & Artwork.
·Change headboard to leather material and bedroom window valances to chair fabric.
·And finally, we had gone with the standard seapearl colors, but after seeing Dutch Star Don’s new coach picture on the forum (and after checking in with him) I called and made a “last second” special color change to get his colors. Told Don that since he is on the west coast and I am on the east coast … chances are we would never be in the same park at the same time.

One note about the NorthTrail pick-up. This is not the 1st coach we have bought from them … but I will say that they have definitely upped their game on their pick-up’s. We were very impressed with the attention they gave us and the follow-up so far. They addressed a few items we had that day and set a follow-up appointment in 45 days to address anything that we find as we start to use it. So far so good. And a special call out to “kpecks” who I cold called that day to ask a question on the microwave vent to outside of coach. We had a rattle and I remembered from a forum post that he had the same issue and NorthTrail fixed his. I got the same fix thanks to him talking directly to my delivery technician. No telling how much time that saved me.

So here are a few pictures … and I will post some of the modifications as I complete them.

FLSteve

[lostinfla]

Very nice Steve, Congrats!

[FLSteve]

Decided to see if I could come up with a shelf idea to utilize some of the open wasted space in my under bay like many of you have. Since I like wood working … naturally I used wood. Here is what I came up with. It hangs off the top chassis frame rail with four (4) “J” bolts and cantilevers off of the frame. I did not drill any holes in the frame. I made it full bay width and 24” deep. The bottom of it is even with the bottom of the frame rail so the slide tray still works as normal. Next weekend I will build another one to go on the other side of the bay to hold my new telescoping ladder. Like some of you, I carry two (2) ladders … I use the one in the white fence post to clean the front windshield and other stuff not involving the roof. Here are some pictures.

FLSteve

[HavingABlast]

Nicely done FLSteve! I am not at all as talented as you and most of the others who share their mods on the forum. The pics do however motivate me (and perhaps others). Case in point, I am finishing up building a plywood organizing cabinet that I built for my back bay on the drivers side (where the side radiator resides on your DSDP...we have a VTDP with rear radiator). So, keep posting your mods! I won’t likely catch up with you and the others, but at least I am in the race.

BTW, beautiful coach that you two have!

Travel safely.

Jerry

[Dutch Star Don]

Boy.... that coach looks familiar!

Congrats!

[DalenKate]

Your new coach is just beautiful! This is my first time on this site. Love the cabinet shelf you made. My husband and I are still in the planning stages, to go full-time for the SECOND time! We retired early at age 53 and traveled for 4 years, but the price of diesel got too much for us, so we bought a house and went back to work. Now, almost 13 years later, we are planning another great escape

[FLSteve]

I am one of the old school folks that still use the 3” sewer hose instead of a macerator. I am all about trying to make things easy and convenient when we travel and have always liked a storage tube mounted under the coach with the end of the tube right below the wet bay which makes it really handy when stowing the hose after use. I just drain it and stuff it in the tube. Only issue with the new coach was that the Oasis exhaust outlet was right where I needed to install the tube, so I have to move it first. It originally ran straight back for about 8' - 10' and then 90’ed out to the edge. I cut the pipe and just ran it straight out from the Oasis unit. As far as it exhausting under the slide, both locations are under it so don’t think my modification will made a difference.

Used some 36” heavy duty plastic ties to hold it in place and did not drill any holes in the undercarriage. Just looped the ties over the frame members. My goal is to make the hose hook-up and disconnect as easy and fast as possible. When it’s cold and the sewer hose is very stiff … it’s still easy to stuff it straight into the tube. As far as clearance, it's higher than some of the front axle parts, so they would hit before the tube does.

Here are some pictures … although not the best.

FLSteve

[Rojaco]

FL Steve

Nice looking rig and garage. Our CS will be ready for pick up in February.
Care to share the dimensions or your garage and garage door?

[FLSteve]

Originally Posted by Rojaco

Care to share the dimensions or your garage and garage door?

Rojaco … it is 50' x 20' with a 14' x 14’ garage door. If I did it again … I would make it 22' wide (instead of 20') as it would be nice to have about one (1) more foot on the sides when the slides are out. On the back side through that door is my 20' x 20' wood shop.

FLSteve

[Bill Hunt]

Originally Posted by FLSteve

Rojaco … it is 50' x 20' with a 14' x 14’ garage door. If I did it again … I would make it 22' wide (instead of 20') as it would be nice to have about one (1) more foot on the sides when the slides are out. On the back side through that door is my 20' x 20' wood shop.

FLSteve

Good looking garage Steve. We did ours 24’X48’. Should have insulated and used drywall but not going to do it now.
I can let my slides on both sides out and the awning too.
Only problem is I have to be careful about other stuff collecting along the sides.

["007"]

MY THOUGHT's ALSO --- I am one of the old school folks that still use the 3” sewer hose instead of a macerator. I am all about trying to make things easy and convenient

Steve I will be adding this thread in the Importunate info for Newmar Owners link, any more additions please add to this thread, thanks.
Many safe travels in your new coach, I sure do miss the traveling and Mode building..

[drdonny]

Congratulations on your new coach. It was good to see you in Tampa.

[FlaRider]

Congratulation on your new coach.

[RKins]

Very Nice Steve!! Are the circular things jack pads? Are they 3/4" plywood and will that hold up?