Purchase 2008 43" DSDP

[DocJim]

Hello everyone, I have been looking at Newmars for a considerable length of time. We are looking at a 43' 2008 DSDP with low miles. It was serviced last year for oil and fluids and has not had many miles since. It has had the trailer hitch replaced on recall. It has the majority of items that we want although it does not have Hydroheat. We live in Canada and are wondering if everyone is happy with the conventional furnace system. Can the auxilliary heater in the bedroom be added aftermarket.
Is there anything in particular I should be looking at to ensure it is okay. I will arrange for a thourough PDI and ensure I am there for the inspection. I have 2 different PDI sheets that I have gathered off the internet. We live on the west coast and the unit is in the east so this is a big step and a considerably long drive home. Any comments would be greatly appreciated. It seems that most Newmar owners appear to be happy campers. Thanks
Jim (Veterinarian for the SPCA).

[Norm4015]

I hope the Dutch Star works out for you and welcome to the Newmar family. My wife and I have fulltimed for ten years to two Dutch Stars and we love our present 2005 Dutch Star. We spent two winters in Indiana and had many days around zero degrees (F) with a low of -8 (F) degrees. The furnace kept us nice and warm both winters, but it drank a lot of propane. The only problem we had was a little icing on the bottom of the windshield.

[BCook57]

We have a 2007 DSDP model 4307. We have the conventional furnace and of course heat pumps on the roof, as does the one you are considering. We haven't spent much time in temps below 20 degrees F. The furnace works fine, but does use propane. If the outside temp is in the 40's, we use the heat pumps.

We bought ours off a dealer's lot, so did not have the option to have Hydrohot or Aquahot. It was not a deal breaker for us, since we don't use it in really cold weather. After more investigation into the hydronic systems, I'm not sure I would order one if buying a new coach.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

I havean 06 43' 4306. Probably not on your PDI
Check battery compartment for battery acid build up on cables and in the compartment. If found insist on total cleanup and spray with that rubberized stuff to prevent future contamination of the tray... the batteries will continue to outgas. I changed to Gel Cell to eliminate this problem
Check tires, especcially fronts inside and outside edge for wear. If found insist on an alignment of all tires front and back and tag. My rear duals on the drivers side were out of alignment which caused unusual wear patternon both front tires.
Check slide rubber for any wear or torn surfaces.
Check generator for hour usage and maintenance indications (condition of oil and antifreeze)
Check front hubs for oil level
Check exterior surface and roof for any deep scratches or unusual wear patterns where slides close.
Check roofline for any star shaped fiberglass cracks.
Check condition of water filter (replace if contaminated/buildup).
Check all window latches and water drain holes.
Check for water drain hole on front door awning (below electric motor)
Check water flow rate when hooked to city water.
Check fiberglass attachments in wheel wells to ensure no broken or missing fasteners.
Check the location of CB wiring if provided.
Check with Spartan, Cummins and Allison on any recalls that may be outstanding on your VIN or S/N.
Check condition of front shade edge for wear.
Drive the unit with windows closed and listen for rattles or unusual noise, especially the micro wave vent. Make several turns and driveway type surfaces to ensure that bathroom (potty) door stays closed
Check windshield for chips or cracks

That's all I can think of right now. ENJOY the heck out it we took delivery of our almost 4 years ago and have 42K miles. Let me know if you have any quetions.

["007"]

Welcome Jim to the Newmar forum and irv2.
Congrats on your Newmar as you say most Newmar owners are happy owners so many happy and safe miles for you.
You have received some good info from members already, do have a good PDI before moving the cash.

[DocJim]

Hey, thanks for some items that weren't on my list. The list is getting so long I may have to move in for a while just to get everything checked out.
Jim

[Spikester]

JIm, I hope everything works out for you on your pending purchase. Welcome to IRV2 forums, and hopefully to the Newmar Owners Group.

Spike

[DocJim]

Hello, I was told today by Independence RV that the Dutch Aire will be dropped as a model. I quote from their email. What I mean by that is that in 2009 the floor plans that we knew as Dutch Star were renamed the Dutch Aire and they have decided not to continue the production of the Dutch Aire line anymore. Any comments.
Jim

[Chickadee]

Jim: We've had an 06 Mtn. Aire and now an 08 Essex and I gotta tell ya, I'm SOLD on hydronic furnace. (Mtn. Aire had Aqua/Hydro Hot, and Essex has Oasis, a quieter unit). At any rate, I don't know whether or how difficult it'd be to have one installed in the Dutch Star you're looking at, but ya sure won't regret it if you have one put in. Might you're dealer install it as a "deal closer"??

Steve & Lynette

["007"]

Jim, if it can be done I would have Newmar factory do the job. They would have the patients for complications. Jan-March they have discount labor service.
Give Newmar a call to see if possible first.

[Lee Litchfield]

We sell quite a few coaches into Canada and the hydronic zone heating seems to be a deal breaker for a lot of customers, but especially Canadians. I'm sure there aren't very many used coaches with it in Canada as the AquaHot only recently passed the CSA standards.

Lee Litchfield
http://www.leesrv.com