Buying a 2000 Dutch Star-what to look for?

[gregd]

Hi guys,

Saying goodbye to our 5vr and getting back to class A.

This time a DP and am very excited.

Everything we read on the Dutch Star is they seem to be a very well built coach. We go back in this Saturday for a final look over and hopefully to pull the trigger.

For those like yourselves that already own one, what should we look for? It has 57k miles on the Spartan chassis. Anything that we need to watch for on these guys?

Thanks,

Greg

[Mr_D]

We had a 2000 DSDP on FL chassis. When we ordered the 2002 we now have I specifically got the Spartan chassis just to get the Cummins engine and IFS. With a 2000 Spartan you should have the IFS too.
Nothing really stands out as a problem although you might want to look at the sidewalls, not for delamination because it's impossible for a hung wall RV to delaminate. But do look for spider cracks in the finish. Newmar (as well as others) used material from Dow Corning and they are now starting to be a problem. The cost is about $20,000 to fix it now.
PS: We're ex members of Trailer Tillicums out near Pat's Acres. My parents were charter members there and I was President as well as holding all the other offices. Some members came in and decided they wanted the property for themselves and basically forced the old members out.

[overthemtn]

well my 05 dsdp was built on a monday so you dont want to even get me started

[gregd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D We had a 2000 DSDP on FL chassis. When we ordered the 2002 we now have I specifically got the Spartan chassis just to get the Cummins engine and IFS. With a 2000 Spartan you should have the IFS too. Nothing really stands out as a problem although you might want to look at the sidewalls, not for delamination because it's impossible for a hung wall RV to delaminate. But do look for spider cracks in the finish. Newmar (as well as others) used material from Dow Corning and they are now starting to be a problem. The cost is about $20,000 to fix it now. PS: We're ex members of Trailer Tillicums out near Pat's Acres. My parents were charter members there and I was President as well as holding all the other offices. Some members came in and decided they wanted the property for themselves and basically forced the old members out.

Mr_D...thx for the heads up on the spider cracks. How has the Spartan performed for you? It appears there are fewer service centers for the Spartan...have you experienced this? Is it anything to be concerned about?

What year did Tillicums change out? Were you there for the '96 floods?

Greg

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregd Mr_D...thx for the heads up on the spider cracks. How has the Spartan performed for you? It appears there are fewer service centers for the Spartan...have you experienced this? Is it anything to be concerned about? What year did Tillicums change out? Were you there for the '96 floods? Greg

Been great for us. Did end up having to take it back to Charlotte and Napanee in 2004. Newmar had to have Spartan replace the front 12,000# axle with a 14,600# unit due to overloading. Then I dropped down to Napanee to have stuff fixed that the dealer couldn't/wouldn't do or fix. Since then no real problems although the last trip out the front TV quit, but it's 9 years old too. We still have the original batteries too, but they could go at any time.

The club changed in about 2004 or so as I remember. My wife forgot to pay the dues and we were 1 week late so they used that as an excuse, but one of the people they wanted to keep was allowed to be 6 months late with no penalty. But it might be OK now as one of the instigators has died, another has gone full timing and another has been thrown out (the one that was 6 mo late on his dues). I should get an update from some friends that are still members.
The patio was built with folding sides so we could put them up, the pump/storage house was on stilts and everyone usually moved out for the winter. During the '96 flood we were piling sandbags along the dike in front of the RV park on Jantzen island. My parents had a double wide right on the river front there.

I guess I should add that there are two types of interiors (not just colors). There was a standard interior and then the hardwood option. We ordered the hardwood on both, was something over $3,000 cost and well worth it. On a used rig you won't have a choice as I'm sure you know. We had a '98 Santara and I got tired of repairing the cabinets almost every time we were out. My parents had an Airstream and a Foretravel so I guess that's why the option made sense. Plus in the Trailer Tillicums there were about 12 MH's and six of them were Newmar's so we knew what we wanted before we went looking (sort of)!

[PoetryJoe]

The DSDP is a fine coach. If you are able, crawl under the front and look at the ball joints. If the boots are torn, make the dealer replace them or credit you as part of the deal. There is a good chance they will be torn.

Check the date code on the tires - if over 5 years, get a credit for a new set or ask them to replace them.

Check the Dash AC and make sure it is good and cold.

Make sure the step cover actuator is working and functioning properly.

Check the hours on the generator - to low is not great - a higher number is not a bad thing.

We're on our second DSDP on Spartan and I wouldn't own any other coach. They are quality built and Newmar and Spartan are good companies.

Joe

[gregd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by PoetryJoe The DSDP is a fine coach. If you are able, crawl under the front and look at the ball joints. If the boots are torn, make the dealer replace them or credit you as part of the deal. There is a good chance they will be torn. Check the date code on the tires - if over 5 years, get a credit for a new set or ask them to replace them. Check the Dash AC and make sure it is good and cold. Make sure the step cover actuator is working and functioning properly. Check the hours on the generator - to low is not great - a higher number is not a bad thing. We're on our second DSDP on Spartan and I wouldn't own any other coach. They are quality built and Newmar and Spartan are good companies. Joe

Joe,

Thx for the feedback. I will definitely check the ball joint boots. The tires are '06 date code and look to be 70%. With 57k on the meter I am not sure when they were replaced last. They are fixing the dash AC as that never did get cold during the first test drive. Step cover...check. 500+ on the jenny...shes been used but that isn't a bad thing if she was serviced properly I suppose.

Glad to hear positives about the Spartan. Everything we drove up until this one was on the FL chassis. I prefer a Cummins so Spartan has got me there...I just don't know anything about their chassis build.

Greg

[gregd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D The club changed in about 2004 or so as I remember. The patio was built with folding sides so we could put them up, the pump/storage house was on stilts and everyone usually moved out for the winter. During the '96 flood we were piling sandbags along the dike in front of the RV park on Jantzen island. I guess I should add that there are two types of interiors (not just colors). There was a standard interior and then the hardwood option. W(sort of)!

Interesting...I had always wondered about that place. You don't see much from the road but when it floods it sure looks bad.

I believe the DSDP we are looking at has the hardwood cabs. The only interior damage I have found thus far is a few cracked tiles. I plan on replacing the tile with plank floor anyway.

Greg

[Norm4015]

I bought one of the first 2000 DSDP's to roll off the line and my wife and I traveled fulltime in it 5 1/2 years before trading for a 2005 DSDP. I had the Spartan / Cummins and never had a problem with the chassis or engine. Three of my friends bought 2000 DS's and one still has his. He and his wife have fulltimed in it over 11 years.

Newmar upgraded the 2000 DSDP mid year and added over $5000 to the MSRP, so there are 2000 DSDPs and 2000 1/2 DSDPs. The original tires were 255/80's with a front axle capacity of 10,410 pounds so they were all over loaded. Newmar and Spartan had a recall and replaced the front tires with larger tires giving the front a capacity of 12,000 pounds. Newmar sent me a sticker with the new rating and told me to put it over the original sticker located on the wall behind the driver's seat.

With the mid year changes Newmar upgraded the tires to 275/80's, increased he Cummins ISC horsepower from 300 to 330, upgraded the transmission from a MD3060 to a MH3000 and installed a BriteTek roof instead of the rubber roof. A fiberglass roof was optional. I'm listing this so you will know if you're looking at an early or late model 2000 DSDP.

The standard generator was LP (which I wouldn't own) and there were two upgrade options. The first was a PowerTech diesel generator and the second and most expensive was an Onan Quiet Diesel. The PowerTech did a great job, but many owners complained about excessive noise and vibration.

The standard cabinets were not solid wood, but there were several upgrade options and most were ordered with solid wood. The caulking Newmar used on 2000 DSDPs was poor quality and dried out and cracked after a couple of years. If an owner complained Newmar would recaulk the entire motorhome free at an authorized Newmar dealer.

As already mentioned check the sidewalls for spider cracks and the ball joints for cracks and leaking boots.

Good luck.

[gregd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Norm4015 I bought one of the first 2000 DSDP's to roll off the line and my wife and I traveled fulltime in it 5 1/2 years before trading for a 2005 DSDP. I had the Spartan / Cummins and never had a problem with the chassis or engine. Three of my friends bought 2000 DS's and one still has his. He and his wife have fulltimed in it over 11 years. Newmar upgraded the 2000 DSDP mid year and added over $5000 to the MSRP, so there are 2000 DSDPs and 2000 1/2 DSDPs. The original tires were 255/80's with a front axle capacity of 10,410 pounds so they were all over loaded. Newmar and Spartan had a recall and replaced the front tires with larger tires giving the front a capacity of 12,000 pounds. Newmar sent me a sticker with the new rating and told me to put it over the original sticker located on the wall behind the driver's seat. With the mid year changes Newmar upgraded the tires to 275/80's, increased he Cummins ISC horsepower from 300 to 330, upgraded the transmission from a MD3060 to a MH3000 and installed a BriteTek roof instead of the rubber roof. A fiberglass roof was optional. I'm listing this so you will know if you're looking at an early or late model 2000 DSDP. The standard generator was LP (which I wouldn't own) and there were two upgrade options. The first was a PowerTech diesel generator and the second and most expensive was an Onan Quiet Diesel. The PowerTech did a great job, but many owners complained about excessive noise and vibration. The standard cabinets were not solid wood, but there were several upgrade options and most were ordered with solid wood. The caulking Newmar used on 2000 DSDPs was poor quality and dried out and cracked after a couple of years. If an owner complained Newmar would recaulk the entire motorhome free at an authorized Newmar dealer. As already mentioned check the sidewalls for spider cracks and the ball joints for cracks and leaking boots. Good luck.

Wow Norm...thanks for all the items and info. I will add them to my list of questions and things to look for.

Everyone's knowledge, observations, and experiences are such a great resource on this forum. Way more than the dealers know (but then they would need to know everything about every model).

Thanks again

~Greg

[Lug_Nut]

I had a '02 DSDP on a Spartan chassis. The best coach ever, vertually no issues. Weight and power with the ISC Cummins was perfect. Best of luck.

Peter

[Ramets]

We bought a 2000 Dutch Star 14mos. ago and have been fulltiming ever since. The only hitch we've had was a fuel pump that went bad. Other than that just little nuisances that I expected on a(at the time)10yr. old coach. You should try to get the service history on the unit, and if not done get all fluids and filters changed, and the belts inspected. A little prevention will go a long way for your peace of mind. Something else I did was get an extended warranty with a high deductible that would cover any catastrophic failure, like engine or transmission(the 2 biggies). Also a road service clause(towing) in our insurance. Which came in handy when the fuel pump went bad. The coach is so smooth and quiet sometimes I look down at the speedometer and it'll shock me how fast I was going. If the coach has been taken cared off it's a great buy.

["007"]

Welcome to the Newmar family Gregd.
Here is a Owners Manual in case there isn't one.
Here is also a brochure for that model year.
If you go to COM_NET link found in Quick Tips & Mods your will find much more for your coach as to Spartan Tech bulletins, vendor info.
Good luck and happy miles in your new Newmar.

[Jeff Regan]

Great info from Norm! We have a very late 2000 DSDP/Spartan and although mileage is low(under 40K), the Spartan chassis has been perfect, ditto the Cummins ISC 330 which I had uprated to a 350. Only drive train issue I've had is an Allison sensor which required a tow. The coach has been pretty bullet proof, happily.

The only items I'm not happy with on our heavily optioned coach would be the fiberglass roof with no plywood structure underneath and full length seams that require constant vigilance, and the PowerTech 7K generator that has run perfectly, albeit with low hours, but is loud and vibrates. Would not order a driver door again, not that many coaches have them these days.

Our coach still looks new on the interior and we haven't had any appliance issues other than the ice maker. Jacks have had leaks a couple of times. One AC unit lost its freon and required full replacement. If the coach you're looking at has AC with heat pumps, we've found this option to be worthwhile.

My view of Newmar, as an owner and ex-RV salesperson, is that after the passing of Virgil Miller, some of the fundamentals were lost in the areas of quality control and focus on durability. It is my view that the older coaches are more reliable, in part due to simplicity. Of course the one-piece fiberglass roof, aluminum basement doors, and wonderful ISL 400 engine are nice improvements in later years, but the early coaches, when taken care of, offer a fantastic value, IMO. There is a reason why Dutch Star used to be the number one or two pusher model for a time.