Community Forums

rowekmr · 06-10-2017, 01:01 PM

I finally have gotten 2000 Dutch Star. It was my parents (never travelled in it) and it sat for 4-5 years so its been a steep learning curve getting it. I made my 1100 maiden voyage home solo and was a much better driver of it when I finished than when I started.

There are so many systems and subsystems I don't know how my dad kept track of everything. He had meticulous notes and labels but I just needed how to turn on the AC, hot water and lights to get home lol

I hope to learn a lot from here and maybe one day I can contribute myself.

Mr_D · 06-10-2017, 01:03 PM

We owned two DSDP's, a 2000 3865 on FL chassis and a 2002 4090 on Spartan.

ckhenshaw4 · 06-10-2017, 01:24 PM

Welcome aboard. You will love it. We have a 2002 Dutch Star 4097 and love it.

RJOL · 06-10-2017, 02:01 PM

Congratulations on your "new to you" Dutch Star. After decades of trailer and 5th wheel camping, we bought our "new to us" 2002 Dutch Star 4090, last Summer. It has been pretty much trouble free, but it was a steep learning curve getting into a 41' diesel pusher. I drove school bus, while in college, but that was a long time ago. I started feeling comfortable driving it after two or three trips, but I have found that I need to pay close attention to driving at all times. When (not if) you have questions, this is a great place to get help... Good luck with your travels.

Spk64 · 06-10-2017, 02:11 PM

Congrats! The old coaches are great if taken care of. We love our 2002 MADP, I probably spend too much time looking things over and fixing minor items. It has become a new hobby for me so I do not mind. When we hit the road I feel confident with going anywhere knowing my systems are ready to perform.

rowekmr · 06-10-2017, 11:45 PM

Oops meant to say it is a 3851 model on a Spartan chassis and has a 8.3l Cummins.

GaryKD · 06-11-2017, 05:14 AM

Hi rowekmr,
Welcome to the family of Newmar owners. Congrats on the coach coming alive and being yours. There are many happy memories waiting to be made.

"007" · 06-11-2017, 09:23 PM

Welcome to the Newmar family and forum.
Not sure you have this info but all links below in my signature have links to info for your coach.
This link will lead you to TSB's for your coach plus brochure and owners guide and much more.
If you have a 110 plug outside plug in shore line and have the battery cut off switch on and your BIRD System will keep all your batteries fully charged, moving slides always have coach plugged in or run Gen for a good 12v's for slide motors.
Enjoy your coach, safe travels and we are here to help.

dennis45 · 06-11-2017, 09:35 PM

Congrats on your new acquisition. These old coaches are a fine piece of equipment and will give you many miles of enjoyment with proper maintenance.
There's always something to take care of. Enjoy.

Snomas1 · 06-12-2017, 06:41 AM

Our 2002 DS had 105K mi and has many upgrades, tv's, a/c's, traveler dish, it still performs like a champ Just put on new Michelins and ready to travel this summer and fall. Good luck w/ your big rig!

rowekmr · 07-04-2017, 07:31 AM

Just did the maiden family trip from IL to FL and back. By the time I arrived in Orlando I was fairly comfortable driving it. I do have past experience driving trucks/buses but it is different in many ways to what I was used to.

I am still discovering new functions ("What does this button do?") and minor issues that need to be addressed.

One plus we found is Disney only charges $2 more for RV's and we were placed in the front next to the entrance and had nice place to relax.

I am now looking forward to Air Adventure (Oshkosh) next!