New DSDP in our future

[MJFZ]

Just ordered a 2012 Dutch Star 3734. Our build date has been set and I plan to travel to Napanee to see the unit being built late in October-- very exciting. The last six+ months the DW and I have been looking for a new class A to replace our 1999 Holiday Rambler Vacationer 32CG. We spent many weekend's traveling around the mid Atlantic area to different dealers looking at many different brands; often returning several times while we decided on what was important to us. Our decision weekend was the Hershey RV show, when we had the opportunity to compare several brands within in a few hours-- and speak with factory rep's. Initially settling on a Ventana, but changing to a Dutch Star when we returned to the dealer the following weekend to select exterior/interior colors. The last minute change was facilitated by the fact the dealer had just received a 2012 Dutch Star for us to spend time in-- the ISL and IFS helped too!!

Much has changed in the industry since we purchased our last unit and I am still learning. I joined irv2 several months ago and have read just about every thread. Hopefully in the future I can contribute back as much as I have learned.

Has anyone visited the factory to see their unit in production?


Mike

[mikron]

Welcome to iRV2 and congrads on your purchase. This site will help with what ever questions you have. We have been camping with class As for over 15 years and have learned lots on this site.

[Skip426]

Mike, first welcome to iRV2, and Congratulations on your purchase. DW and I missed the last tour or the day last Sept, when we passed through Napanee; too long enjoying lunch at Ahmish Acers. Two weeks later we bought our new to us Dutch Star, so we really regret missing the tour.
Have a great time viewing the build, and I hope you have many wonderful trips in your new coach.

[GaryKD]

Hi mikefultz,
Welcome to iRV2 and the Newmar owner family. I did not see my coach being built. I have taken the factory tour so many times, I could give the tour myself. Because you have a coach on the line, see if you can get the more "advanced" tour. This tour will show you the chassis line, cabinet making and paint, areas.

FYI, when you visit Nappanee, you will leave with more knowledge and more weight! Remember your in the heart of Amish food.

[Traps90]

Congrate's looking forward to hearing how it all goes, we're just waiting for our acerage to sell so we can order one too, . Keep us informed on how it all works out for you,.

Trap

[enjoyrv]

How exciting Mike. Congrats and keep us posted.

["007"]

Welcome mike to the Newmar family and Newmar forum.
Congrats on your purchase and all the effort in acquiring a Newmar.
Many happy and safe miles for you and yours.
Enjoy your tour of new coach being built and enjoy forum.

[JMonroe]

Congratulations! The Dutch Star was on our short list. It's a great coach and a great value for the money.

Be sure to post photos of the build process. Those are always very popular here.

Happy trails...

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Welcome and cogratulations. Did not see my M/H built but the tour is very informative.
Are you planning a factory PDI? I understand it is well worth the cost. Wish I had done it.

[Renden]

Congrats Mike

Hope the tour is excellent !!! and brings you lots of Info

What is a PDI ?

["007"]

Renden, a PDI list is what you need when purchasing a new or old coach to make sure you go over with dealer all items you have in your coach.
Newmar has it setup when you pick up at their plant they will run through it with you and correct any problems there maybe with coach if found.
They would cover more than dealer, which some do not like.
There is a cost though having it done at plant some have had it done and were very satisfied for the extra cost involved.

[Renden]

Thanks 007

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikefultz Has anyone visited the factory to see their unit in production?

Visited the factory for two days in July 09 while my coach was being built - first day saw stud walls assembled on chassis and second day saw rough o/s walls up and roof on with some interior work done. Was invited up on scaffold by work crew putting roof on and invited to drive some screws (OSHA probably would have a fit). Great experience but only got to see certain phases as I had to stick to the tours, one morning and one afternoon.

[MJFZ]

Thanks everyone for the nice responses. To do the PDI at the factory, Newmar charges an additional fee of $2400. As it is now, I am planning to do the PDI at the dealer. Does anyone know if Newmar will allow me to take pictures when I watch the coach being built? I had toured the Monaco/Holiday Rambler plant in Elhart, Indiana in 2000, while I had our Vacationer in being repaired, and was not allowed any photography. Any suggestions where to stay in Napanee? I should have more of an update at the end of the month.

Mike