2013 Dutch Star 4344 Purchasing

[Andre9280]

I'm considering purchasing a 2013 Dutch Star 4344.

Are there any known mechanical or common cosmetic problems to look for?

[bentjm]

Originally Posted by Andre9280

I'm considering purchasing a 2013 Dutch Star 4344.

Are there any known mechanical or common cosmetic problems to look for?

What chassis?

[Capt. Bill]

Are the chairs- driver & Co-pilot, couch coverings ok? They had a bunch of trouble with Flex- Steel brand furniture fake leather peeling during that time period.

Happy Trails

[Andre9280]

Originally Posted by Capt. Bill

Are the chairs- driver & Co-pilot, couch coverings ok? They had a bunch of trouble with Flex- Steel brand furniture fake leather peeling during that time period.

Happy Trails

According to the dealer, there is flaking on the chairs and it is a known problem with it. He suggested having them re-covered or by new ones from a furniture store.

[2cyber71]

That is an excellent model and yr.
Just remember it’s 10 yrs old.
It like buying a 10 yr old car but with higher repair costs.
If was well cared for it will be less of an expense.
It will need maintenance and repairs down the line.

[lass]

Originally Posted by Andre9280

According to the dealer, there is flaking on the chairs and it is a known problem with it. He suggested having them re-covered or by new ones from a furniture store.

Just as an example, about 5 years ago I replaced my 2 captains chairs with real ULTRA LEATHER for $1400. Covers and labor.
Lisa Bauer upholstery has all of the original Flexsteel patterns.

The sofa and recliner were much more than that.

[Andre9280]

Originally Posted by 2cyber71

That is an excellent model and yr.
Just remember it’s 10 yrs old.
It like buying a 10 yr old car but with higher repair costs.
If was well cared for it will be less of an expense.
It will need maintenance and repairs down the line.

Thank you for the response and suggestions.

[Andre9280]

Originally Posted by lass

Just as an example, about 5 years ago I replaced my 2 captains chairs with real ULTRA LEATHER for $1400. Covers and labor.
Lisa Bauer upholstery has all of the original Flexsteel patterns.

The sofa and recliner were much more than that.

Thank you for the response. That's good to know.

[Andre9280]

Originally Posted by bentjm

What chassis?

Freightliner

[PanJH]

As Mentioned, you'll likely need to recover the furniture... Lisa Bauer will be a good source for the new skins. The original microwave was problematic. Newmar replaced mine 3 times before I got them to put in GE unit. After 10 years, all the common bugs should have been worked out. Hopefully it comes with a complete maintenance history so you know it's been taken care of.

[Jim 75]

TIP, Find the BEST RV inspector you can find!! Mine missed several things. I`m in Ohio, coach was purchased in Fla. More to the story later. Jim 75 2012 MADP 4336

[NCC-1701A]

Check to be sure all recalls have been done. The CARB-driven emissions recall times out Feb '24 and would be quite expensive to pay for if not done under the recall.

Be sure the fan gear box oil is checked. While the exact cause is only speculation, many are known to lose gear oil through the vent and if not checked could cause gear failure.

While checking the gear box, thoroughly inspect the fan mounting system. There was a recall that has long since passed and may or may not have included the unit you are looking at. I have a 2013 MA and it wasn't included, but the "fix" was far more robust than what my 2013 has and, IMO, more units should have been included.

Check the electric slide motor bolts...all slides. See sticky post at the top on this ongoing issue and good DIY fixes.

Overall our 2013 has been good. Always stuff to work on but, knock LOUDLY on wood, nothing major I could not fix myself.

[Andre9280]

Originally Posted by NCC-1701A

Check to be sure all recalls have been done. The CARB-driven emissions recall times out Feb '24 and would be quite expensive to pay for if not done under the recall.

Be sure the fan gear box oil is checked. While the exact cause is only speculation, many are known to lose gear oil through the vent and if not checked could cause gear failure.

While checking the gear box, thoroughly inspect the fan mounting system. There was a recall that has long since passed and may or may not have included the unit you are looking at. I have a 2013 MA and it wasn't included, but the "fix" was far more robust than what my 2013 has and, IMO, more units should have been included.

Check the electric slide motor bolts...all slides. See sticky post at the top on this ongoing issue and good DIY fixes.

Overall our 2013 has been good. Always stuff to work on but, knock LOUDLY on wood, nothing major I could not fix myself.

Thank you for your thorough reply. It'd really appreciated.