Community Forums

tlc1244 · 12-21-2014, 04:01 PM

I ordered a 2015 Dutchstar 4369 scheduled for completion March 17, 2015 P/U probably the first of April.
I choose most of the options and customize some things.
Can any one enlighten me on what to expect for Factory pick-up?
Towing I have three vehicles and only one is flat towable. The vehicle is a 2013 Chevy Suburban LTZ. My first choice is to pull an enclosed trailer 8.5 x 18 '.
My question is does anyone have any expierance pulling one. I know that whereever I go we will need the space but how hard is it to drive.

Al, Michigan · 12-21-2014, 04:06 PM

My quick answer is, I have never owned a DP, but I towed a car. Not sure what difference it makes in what you pull, but a DP should handle it. Pulling the trailer might be a problem in a lot of parks for storing it.

Al, Michigan.

GaryKD · 12-21-2014, 04:43 PM

Hi tlc1244,
Congratulations on your new coach. As to factory pickup, plan for a couple of weeks in Nappanee. While there you will be guided through the different owner responsibilities. You will be expected to stay in the CG Newmar has for owners (on the Newmar property). You will be expected to live in the coach and try out all the systems. Drive the coach in the area. This is a good place to learn to drive a coach. The land is flat and the roads are straight. Go get fuel, there is a BP station about 10 miles east of Nappanee, on Rt 6. Make a list of what needs to be fixed and questions you have. The tech assigned to shepherd you will be by as often as you need him.

As to the towing, call your choice for towing equipment. I use Blue OX. You will need the 10K towing bar. Tell them what you want to do and they will guide you through what is needed. You will need:
1. 10K tow bar (industry standard size, it will match the receiver on the coach).
2. base plate for the toad. Have this installed while waiting for your coach.
3. Wiring for the toad break and running lights
4. break away switch
5. umbilical cable from the coach to the toad
6. Consider purchasing a TPMS system. If something happens to a toad tire, you will not know it until your down to the axle and sparks are flying. Then you will only know it because those passing you will be sounding their horn and pointing back toward the toad. The reason is the Cummins engine will just hunker down and haul a little harder when a toad tire goes flat or has a rapid air loss (blow out).
Consider professional installation for items #2 through #4.

Cummins (Coach Care) in Elkhart is a very good shop and can do this work.
As to how hard is it to drive. the DSDP will not even know the toad is connected. Left turns are easy. Take caution when making right turns.

tlc1244 · 12-21-2014, 07:58 PM

Great advice and
So detailed thanks so much.

millerj · 12-21-2014, 08:13 PM

One advantage to a trailer versus towing a car four down is the ability to back up if you need to. Many times towing my car I wish I could just back it up like you do a trailer.

"007" · 12-21-2014, 09:24 PM

Here is a take on factory delivery by Deek our lawyer of the HOOT's group and here is the Newmar PDI LIST.
Congratulations welcome to the Newmar family.