What should we look for in our 'new 2005 DSDP?

[Davidej M]

We have just made a deal for a 2005 DS but have not taken possession of it yet. The unit has 2 slides and a LP gen set. The dealer will put new tires on it, fresh oil etc. We have asked that the engine diog be done. Everything else seems to work. What have I glossed over in a rush to get what we have been looking for? Advise?

[Mr_D]

Does the inverter work?
Are the batteries in good shape?
Do the shocks work as designed?
In other words: DOES EVERYTHING WORK AS IT SHOULD?

Check the slides too.
Jacks alsoTake a couple days and live in it close to the dealers and try EVERYTHING

["007"]

Welcome David to the forum.
So you have some idea of what it was like new here is a brochure and here is a Owners Guide.
Here is the construction of your Newmar.
Here is a list of recalls for 05 DS and here is a PDI list that you can use while checking it out.
The recalls are broken down by year not the total you see.
Good luck and maybe a welcome to the Newmar family.

[Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43']

Along with all the other advice be sure and check out the battery compartment for acid buildup and corrosion. The outgassing batteries in my 06 was a real pain until I replaced with AGM's

[GaryKD]

Hi Davidej M,
What warranty is the dealer providing? Whatever it is, during that time use the coach as much as possible.

[DutchStar38]

All very good advice. Things to look for is enumerable.
1. Check the waste system throughly.
2. Does the onboard water pump work (put water in water tank)?
3. Do leveling jacks all retract fully?
4. Are the slideout gaskets dried out or ripped/torn?
5. Does the roof look to have been repaired?
6. Is the rear ladder securely fastened at all attachment points?
7. Does the door and patio awnings work properly?
8. Do all locks on all compartment doors work properly?
and on and on and on....Go over this thing with a very close eye and small flashlight as if you were doing a CSI investigation. If the seller doesn't like it then there probably is a reason and maybe you may have to rethink this. Once you own it you really OWN it.
Hope you found a dream RV and have as much enjoyment in it as we have with ours. Good Luck and Happy Motoring

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Bledsoe 2006 Dutchstar 43' Along with all the other advice be sure and check out the battery compartment for acid buildup and corrosion. The outgassing batteries in my 06 was a real pain until I replaced with AGM's

I got rid of that problem by putting 4 oz of mineral oil in each cell of the U-2200's. My battery box has less corrosion after 9½ years then my '00 DSDP did after one and I saved the expense of the AGM's!

[Mr_D]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Davidej M We have just made a deal for a 2005 DS but have not taken possession of it yet. The unit has 2 slides and a LP gen set. The dealer will put new tires on it, fresh oil etc. We have asked that the engine diog be done. Everything else seems to work. What have I glossed over in a rush to get what we have been looking for? Advise?

If you do much boondocking you'll be looking to replace the LP gen with a diesel unit very soon!! they just use too much fuel to be much good. We don't boondock a lot but still will never have another rig with a propane generator. In fact that was one of the big reasons we got rid of the '00.

[georgeblack]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Davidej M, What warranty is the dealer providing? Whatever it is, during that time use the coach as much as possible.

Hi Gary
We talked a few times last fall when I was going to visit camp newmar. I just noticed you are in Wellington. We winter in Hypoluxo with our RV in storage just around the corner. As we have very similar units I would love to meet you sometime to compare notes. I seem to remember that you bought new while I have only had mine a little over two years. If you ever have some free time let me know. I work couple of days
a week at a golf course in Lake Worth.