Community Forums

Johnontheroad · 08-24-2017, 10:34 PM

I had been thinking of "retiring" my 42ft Monaco Camelot for one slightly smaller, and saw the Dutch Star 4002. It's the first one I've seen that pretty well has everything I'm looking for: 40ft, 450HP Cummins, full wall slide, tag axle, good finish out.

Just curious about feedback from owners of Dutch Star motor homes?

Thanks, John
2009 Monaco Camelot 42FKQ

BBelanger · 08-25-2017, 06:12 AM

I doubt that the 4002 will be much smaller but it's probably newer since you didn't mention the year. You won't hear many complaints about those units from us.

Drifter Jake · 08-25-2017, 11:12 AM

We just finished a 27 day journey in the Rockies in our 2015 DSDP 4002, and in 2 years have over 19,000 miles on the coach. Wonderful coach, love the floor plan, especially having the dinette table on the passenger side and having the 2 recliner chairs instead of the 2nd couch. Have had no issues with the coach, motor or chassis other than the LED ceiling lights, which Newmar and our dealer, Guaranty in Junction City OR, replaced, and the material on the furniture, which again Newmar and our dealer fully replaced. It is so nice being able to travel with no MH issues to deal with and enjoying the comfort of our 4002.

Johnontheroad · 08-26-2017, 08:09 AM

Thanks for the replies. We finally test drove the DS, and quite honestly the Comfort Drive did not impress me that much. Sure, it had very light and variable steering, but the coach tended to drift a bit on the roads. But I feel you have to get used to it. I spent a lot of time (and money) setting up my 42ft Camelot and it rides great.

However, we really liked the coach. We actually liked the two recliner floorplan option of a Ventana better, but I don't want to go for the smaller engine. So Guaranty and I are talking about the new DSes currently on order, or modifying the one they have in stock.

Then, there is the trade/price thing, but we are feeling the urge...

BBelanger · 08-26-2017, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnCamelot

Thanks for the replies. We finally test drove the DS, and quite honestly the Comfort Drive did not impress me that much. Sure, it had very light and variable steering, but the coach tended to drift a bit on the roads. But I feel you have to get used to it. I spent a lot of time (and money) setting up my 42ft Camelot and it rides great.

However, we really liked the coach. We actually liked the two recliner floorplan option of a Ventana better, but I don't want to go for the smaller engine. So Guaranty and I are talking about the new DSes currently on order, or modifying the one they have in stock.

Then, there is the trade/price thing, but we are feeling the urge...

John, if you felt light steering it's because you had the comfort drive turned down. Where you will really appreciate it is when you're driving faster and turn it all the up "clockwise" and feel the steering stiffen up so it won't drift. You're driving down the freeway at 65 and realize you can steer with one finger, wind and all. That's when you'll realize how nice it is.

Mr_D · 08-26-2017, 09:14 AM

The '02 DSDP we had actually measured just under 41' at 40'-11".
I think I'd keep the Camelot.
What salesperson are you talking with at Guaranty? We came very close to ordering a 4375 ftom them.

BBelanger · 08-26-2017, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

The '02 DSDP we had actually measured just under 41' at 40'-11".
I think I'd keep the Camelot.

'02 was 16 years ago. Hate to break it to you, but things have changed.

WYRon · 08-26-2017, 09:49 AM

We have a 2015 Dutch Star 4002, and really do love it. The option of two recliners instead of the second sofa is there, but it is also an option for the 4018. The biggest difference between the 4002 and 4018 is the kitchen on the drivers side, and the dinette on the passenger side. Really like being able to see out onto our patio, rather than the neighbors, when eating.
However, there are some downsides. The slides extend a bit less than the 4018, and therefore some reduced living space. Also with the dinette on the passenger side, it is necessary to have a slide that goes out *and* down (just like the full wall slide), which reduces basement storage and makes access a bit more difficult. With the 4018, the front passenger slide goes straight out because the sofa *and* kitchen can tolerate a step in the floor.

Steve Ownby · 08-26-2017, 09:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

'02 was 16 years ago. Hate to break it to you, but things have changed.

Are you saying that 40' Newmars now measure 40'.

BBelanger · 08-26-2017, 10:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steve Ownby

Are you saying that 40' Newmars now measure 40'.

No, the OP said

and saw the Dutch Star 4002. It's the first one I've seen that pretty well has everything I'm looking for: 40ft, 450HP Cummins, full wall slide, tag axle, good finish out.

And was told to keep the Camelot. I felt Mr d was comparing the 4002 to something made in 2002, and told him to keep his Camelot. Not a fair comparison, In my opinion.

FlaRider · 08-27-2017, 01:54 PM

How is the counter space on the 4002? That is one thing I am going to check out. The other thing I was told was the curbside slide sits lower than other DSDP and it is tuff to get into. Is it the same inside height?

FlaRider · 08-27-2017, 02:02 PM

WYRon. Just say you post about the slide and reduced basement storage.

BBelanger · 08-27-2017, 02:19 PM

The big slide does reduce access to those bays. But if you do your hookups when you get to the camping area before you put the slide out, then pull that slide in before you do you unhooking, you only need to get at the wet bay to dump your black tank. It's worth it for the beautiful space inside. There's the fuse bay, batteries, oasis, wet bay and electric on that side, so not a lot of access needed during the stay. There is one bay that has the pull thru storage but we put those items like water softener etc. that come out and stay out, again do it before deploying the full wall slide.

After re-reading the post, Maybe you were talking about the passenger side, in which case my post is not really relevant.

Bill

WYRon · 08-27-2017, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BBelanger

After re-reading the post, Maybe you were talking about the passenger side, in which case my post is not really relevant.

Bill

Yes, it's the passenger side front slide that is a bit unique. Most passenger side slides just go straight out, but for the 4002 the front passenger slide goes out and down (just like the full wall on the driver side). It reduces basement storage and access a bit on the passenger side.