Dutch Star generator opening

[BBelanger]

I sent this email to customer service. Thought I would share, and encourage others who suffer with this issue to voice their concerns.

“I had the opportunity last night to open the front of my RV to get at the generator. I would like for one of the engineers to open that front hatch, at night. There is a light in there, but try to reach it while holding up that front cover. Then try to find the hole where that peg from the Support arm goes, in the dark.
I would be interested to see if they have any suggestions.”

[BFlinn181]

There are many varieties of 'headlamp' type flashlights that you can strap on your head, clip to the bill of a ball cap, etc. You can even use rubber bands to put a penlight on your wrist to illuminate where your hand is pointing. Not sure an RV manufacturer needs to light every part of the RV you may wish to access in the dark.

[Buly]

I have hard time with if during day time. Never mind at night🤣. But I have a headband light if I ever need it.

[BFlinn181]

You could also mark the hole for the support rod with white paint, nail polish, or white vinyl tape to help find the spot for the peg. These are all solvable problems.

[BBelanger]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

There are many varieties of 'headlamp' type flashlights that you can strap on your head, clip to the bill of a ball cap, etc. You can even use rubber bands to put a penlight on your wrist to illuminate where your hand is pointing. Not sure an RV manufacturer needs to light every part of the RV you may wish to access in the dark.

With all due respect, with nearly a half million dollar coach, yes they do.

Customer service tells me that are not hearing complaints, so that's why I'm reaching out.

[Webz]

As some other people on this forum have suggested, you can install gas filled struts like the ones on the engine cover. Check out Dutch Star Don's mod: http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html
It would be nice if Newmar would install the struts to start with.

[96 Wideglide]

Just don't open it at night !

[Stuart W]

The automotive industry figured this out 40 years ago and installed lights that turn off when in level position and light when the hood was opened. Mercury switch’s
I do like the idea of painting the support rod retaining area with bright/fluorescent paint. I agree with Bill that at a very minimum there should be an auto light at this level MH.

[BFlinn181]

I find it keeps me busy and sharp finding solutions to problems like this. I problem-solve and develop solutions. Improving my home and RV give bragging rights and allow me to show off these gadgets when people visit. Dutch Star Don didn't ask the manufacturer to correct the problem, he did it himself.

A 'half-million dollar coach' would cause twice as much if every little problem was solved before purchase.

[BBelanger]

Apparently my post was not clear. I am asking those who have a recent Newmar product with the generator door with the rod bracket, and are unhappy about its clumsiness, to let Newmar know.
Thank you for all the suggestions, I’m just trying to improve the product for future purchasers. Unless Newmar is aware, they won’t change anything. That is what Newmar customer service has told me.
Unless you have this item and have the daily struggle, you probably won’t understand.

[JFXG]

Well, BB, I don't have a new- or newer- Dutch Star, but I do have a 16 year old one. This means that I too have a manually operated support rod and a light fixture that is not obviously placed.
I am not nearly clever enough to afford a half-million dollar coach. I am just barely clever enough to carry a flashlight of some sort with me when poking around outside my far less expensive coach in the dark. [emoji6]

[BBelanger]

Originally Posted by JFXG

Well, BB, I don't have a new- or newer- Dutch Star, but I do have a 16 year old one. This means that I too have a manually operated support rod and a light fixture that is not obviously placed.
I am not nearly clever enough to afford a half-million dollar coach. I am just barely clever enough to carry a flashlight of some sort with me when poking around outside my far less expensive coach in the dark. [emoji6]

Sorry I offended you.

[TonyDi]

I've found that a headband LED light is extremely important. Even rooting around in the basement you can't always see what you need to, even with the lights on but the head mount does the trick. Better to light a candle then curse the darkness.

[Dutch Star Don]

"BBelanger"......I think this was both a good and important post. Like you said, something like adding pistons to hood is something Newmar should look at. Personally, I was disappointed that the generator didn't slide out like my Diplomat did, and then was further disappointed by the fact they used a stupid rod like they did on cars in 70's.

I do projects on my coach for both bragging rights and it's the hot rod I never had. With that said, we would like to buy another Dutch Star and custom order it this time with factory delivery. It would be nice if something simple like the hood struts was something they added to their design so that I wouldn't have to do the project again. I'm getting older and just don't have the same enthusiasm to do projects.

There are a couple of things that would prevent me from buying another Dutch Star. One was the poor paint work (lack of clear coat) and the other was the way the front door closes. Personally, I think my complaining to Newmar about their crappy paint along with some others had some impact on them stepping up their paint work at the Dutch Star level. My next coach will be a factory delivery and I won't move it an inch until the front door is absolutely perfect.

I know many have had issues with the HDMI cables not staying connected and part of a hugely cluttered cabinet. I now see them using a different system and getting it out of the overhead cabinet. Someone had to complain enough that this was finally improved.