Community Forums

BBelanger · 10-15-2017, 07:01 AM

For anyone ordering a new coach that has the 1950’s pry bar up front to hold the generator hood open, ask as a special to have the same pistons that are in the engine compartment added to the front please? They’ll say no, it won’t cost you anything, but just maybe someone in the future will benefit.
Thanks in advance.
Bill

LJowdy · 10-15-2017, 08:02 AM

Take a look at this thread. I followed "Dutch Star Don's" advice and installed pistons on the front of my coach. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html

BBelanger · 10-15-2017, 08:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

Take a look at this thread. I followed "Dutch Star Don's" advice and installed pistons on the front of my coach. http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html

I bought the struts too, then I realized I’m just part of the problem. Fixing Newmar’s laziness to provide what they should on this level of coach.

BrianGlenn · 10-15-2017, 08:27 AM

I just looked at a new DSDP and thought "what the heck?" when I had the salesman open the front compartment. This is the first mod that came to mind.

Secondly - how do you service the generator for spark arrestor cleaning, or air filter, or fuel filter....? It does not slide out!

Brian

BBelanger · 10-15-2017, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrianGlenn

I just looked at a new DSDP and thought "what the heck?" when I had the salesman open the front compartment. This is the first mod that came to mind.

Secondly - how do you service the generator for spark arrestor cleaning, or air filter, or fuel filter....? It does not slide out!

Brian

It does slide out in the 43 foot models. Still run the risk of being decapitated geting at the water or air.

"007" · 10-15-2017, 11:18 AM

I agree with all of you maybe Newmar will get the point and correct the situation.
I am also glad to see members following the stickies and the MOD-SECTION's of members that supply the MOD's in their coach's.

LJowdy · 10-15-2017, 12:09 PM

If you have a 4369, 4318 etc. The generator slides out on a track making it relatively easy to service.

"Dutch Star Don" in this thread http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html didn't have a slide out generator and as such, he was able to mount the lower portion of the gas struts to brackets he made that bolt to the fiberglass.

My 4369 required me to make metal extensions and if you go to page 2 of the above link, you can see photo's of those lower brackets.

BBelanger · 10-15-2017, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

"Dutch Star Don" in this thread http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html didn't have a slide out generator and as such, he was able to mount the lower portion of the gas struts to brackets he made that bolt to the fiberglass.

My 4369 required me to make metal extensions and if you go to page 2 of the above link, you can see photo's of those lower brackets.

Could you send the photos and instructions to Newmar please?
Really, thanks for the post.

Bill

bandcworkhorse · 10-16-2017, 08:44 PM

Don't be surprised if Newmar's response is along the lines of "it's one of the things that differentiates the price point of a Ventana from a Dutch Star." Will struts eventually make it on to the VTDP? Probably. It's a relatively cheap "update" for a future model year. Detroit has been doing this for decades.
As far as servicing goes, I don't LOVE sliding on my back to change the oil and filters, but I HATE paying some place $150+ to do it. For that matter, once the gen is slid out, don't you still have to get on your back to access the oil and filters on a DS?

BBelanger · 10-16-2017, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bandcworkhorse

Don't be surprised if Newmar's response is along the lines of "it's one of the things that differentiates the price point of a Ventana from a Dutch Star." Will struts eventually make it on to the VTDP? Probably. It's a relatively cheap "update" for a future model year. Detroit has been doing this for decades.
As far as servicing goes, I don't LOVE sliding on my back to change the oil and filters, but I HATE paying some place $150+ to do it. For that matter, once the gen is slid out, don't you still have to get on your back to access the oil and filters on a DS?

Not quite following you here. I have the 2018 Dutch star and still have the pry bar. Never owned a Newmar long enough to change the oil, don’t intend to. That’s why I’m pushing to get the pistons for next year 2019 models.

LJowdy · 10-17-2017, 06:19 AM

On my 2016 DS you service the filter from the side but as with all of them, you have to pull the drain plug from the bottom of the generator.

BBelanger · 08-02-2018, 10:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LJowdy

If you have a 4369, 4318 etc. The generator slides out on a track making it relatively easy to service.

"Dutch Star Don" in this thread http://www.irv2.com/forums/f103/dutc...ed-211095.html didn't have a slide out generator and as such, he was able to mount the lower portion of the gas struts to brackets he made that bolt to the fiberglass.

My 4369 required me to make metal extensions and if you go to page 2 of the above link, you can see photo's of those lower brackets.

Thanks for the write up and pictures! Can you tell me which gas shocks to buy please?
Thanks