Dutchmen RV Guide
Who Makes Dutchmen RV?
Dutchmen was founded in 1988 in Goshen, Indiana. After only four years, the company was acquired by a subsidiary of Thor Industries, Keystone RV. The brand name was catchy and so it was kept despite a change of ownership.
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Where Are Dutchmen RVs Made?
After the acquisitions of Dutchmen RV, Four Winds International, El Dorado Motor Corp, and National Coach, Thor Industries became the second-largest manufacturer of RVs in North America by 1994.
If you need Dutchmen RV parts, you can get them at Camping World, as well as at many RV dealers and online (incl. amazon.com).
What Types Of RVs Do Dutchmen Make?
Dutchmen RV makes several different models. The Astoria and Atlas models come in both travel trailer and fifth wheel options, while the Aspen Trail, Colorado, Coleman Light, Coleman Lantern, and Kodiak units are all travel trailers. The Voltage is a toy hauler, while the Yukon is a luxury fifth-wheel.
Is Dutchmen RV A Good Brand?
Dutchmen RV is a great entry-to-mid level camper brand. The catchy name is also great for brand recognition. Dutchmen RV is overall a fairly good brand, with a 3.4 on a 5.0 scale.
The Dutchmen line of travel trailers and fifth wheels are among the most recognizable and innovative on the market and come with one of the industry’s best structural warranties. Dutchmen RV offers a turnkey recreational vehicle experience that is attractive to many young buyers.
The brand is also widely recognized in the RV market for its longevity, as it’s been around for over 25 years now (even though it changed ownership in the background).
Their RVs are overall great quality with many different floor plans and features to choose from.
Top Dutchmen RV Brands
In the fifth-wheel category, there are the Astoria and the Atlas model.
Astoria
Model specs:
Varies greatly based on floorplan/model selection. The specs below are for the Astoria 1500 2943BHF:
- Length 33′ 10″
- Height (with AC) 12′ 6″
- Shipping Weight (Average) 8,627 lbs.
- Hitch 1,558 lbs.
- Axles 2
- Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,373 lbs.
- Fresh Water Capacity 50 gals.
- Gray Water Capacity 67 gals.
- Waste Water Capacity 39 gals.
- Awning Length 21′
- Refrigerator Size 8 cu. ft
Features:
- 13,500-BTU Ducted A/C
- Aluminum Wheels
- Battery Disconnect
- Dark-Tinted Safety Glass Windows
- Fiberglass Exterior
- Large Entry Assist Handle
- Magnetic Baggage Door Catches
- Outside Speakers
- 30# LP Gas Bottles
- Backup Camera Prep
- Black Tank Flush
- Easy Lube Axles
- Friction Hinge Entry Door
- LP Quick Disconnect (Available on Outside Kitchen Models)
- Outside Shower Port
- Painted Fiberglass Front Cap w/LED Lights
Advantages:
- Great luxury fifth wheel at a good price
- Many floor plans to choose from
- Turnkey unit
Limitations:
- Many floor plans require a 1-ton truck to pull comfortably
Atlas
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice. Below are the specs for the sample floor plan that is displayed.
- Length 33′ 10″
- Height (with AC) 12′ 6″
- Shipping Weight (Average) 8,534 lbs.
- Hitch 1,537 lbs.
- Axles 2
- Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,466 lbs.
- Fresh Water Capacity 50 gals.
- Gray Water Capacity 67 gals.
- Wastewater Capacity 39 gals.
- Awning Length 21′
- Refrigerator Size 8 cu ft
Features:
- Auto leveling
- Premium steps
- Arctic insulation package
Yukon
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice. Below are the specs for the sample floor plan that is displayed.
- Length 42′ 5″
- Height (with AC) 13′ 4″
- Shipping Weight (Average) 13,794 lbs.
- Hitch 2,565 lbs.
- Axles 2
- Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,006 lbs.
- Fresh Water Capacity 162 gals.
- Gray Water Capacity 84 gals.
- Wastewater Capacity 44 gals.
- Awning Length 14’/14′
- Refrigerator Size 18 cu ft
Features:
Residential luxury fifth wheel
7-ft ceilings
Voltage (toy hauler)
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice. Below are the specs for the sample floor plan that is displayed.
- Length 39′ 4″
- Height (with AC) 13′ 3″
- Shipping Weight (Average) 13,579 lbs.
- Hitch 3,106 lbs.
- Axles 2
- Cargo Carrying Capacity 3,221 lbs.
- Fresh Water Capacity 162 gals.
- Gray Water Capacity 88 gals.
- Wastewater Capacity 44 gals.
- Awning Length 18′ /10′
- Refrigerator Size18 cu. ft.
Features:
- Luxury residential toy hauler
- 7-ft tall ceiling
- Zero-G ramp door
These nine models are available in the travel trailer category:
Astoria
Model specs:
These vary based on floor plan selection. Based on the floor plan example below, these are the specs:
- Length 31′ 11″
- Height (with AC) 11′ 5″
- Shipping Weight (Average) 6,575 lbs.
- Hitch 886 lbs.
- Axles 2
- Cargo Carrying Capacity 2,369 lbs.
- Fresh Water Capacity 50 gals.
- Grey Water Capacity 78 gals.
- Waste Water Capacity 39 gals.
- Awning Length 20′
- Refrigerator Size 8 cu. ft.
Features:
- Power tongue jack
- Premium entry steps
- Heated and enclosed underbelly
Advantages:
- Nice finishes
- Great layout choices
- Good towability
Limitations:
- None
Atlas
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Aspen Trail
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Colorado
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Coleman Light
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Coleman Lantern
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Kodiak
Model specs:
This varies greatly based on floorplan choice.
Sidenote: Dutchmen Aerolite was a popular model and it is surprising and somewhat disappointing to see that Dutchmen quietly discontinued this style of camper. Even on rvinsider.com, this camper ranks higher than the Dutchmen fleet altogether. It seems that it was a solid model with good quality build and great options for those just getting into the RV market.
How Much Does A Dutchmen RV Cost?
New model price ranges (MSRP) for each model:
Astoria Fifth Wheel: starting at $72,000
Astoria Travel Trailer: starting at $54,000
Aspen Trail:starting at $24,066 for the LE unit and $42,000 for regular
Atlas Fifth Wheel: starting at $42,394
Atlas Travel Trailer: starting at $37,000
Colorado: starting at $32,000
Coleman Light: starting at $23,000 (Rubicon) or $37,000
Coleman Lantern: starting at $21,000-38,000
Kodiak: starting at $34,000-58,000
Voltage: starting at $109,000-153,000
Yukon: starting at $105,000
Used model price ranges vary GREATLY based on several variables: dealership vs private seller, model year, model make, condition of the unit, use/mileage, overall market supply vs demand, location of the unit, as well as negotiation strength (buying cash vs financing etc.).
Many online RV sales Websites can give you a good idea of what the current going price is for a specific model: check out https://www.rvuniverse.com/, https://www.rvt.com/ or https://www.rvtrader.com/ for detailed info.
To find Dutchmen RV dealers near you, go to https://www.dutchmen.com/nearby-rv-dealers.
Dutchmen RV Customer Reviews
Overall, Dutchmen RV receives fairly positive ratings from their customers online, although not as high as many competitors in the industry. This means there is definitely room for improvement. Their overall score on rvinsider.com is 3.4 on a 5.0 scale.
JoAnn from New Jersey writes: “I wish we would have looked around more. All the doors are pealing and it’s only one year old. Now our AC is not working, The drain spout fell off already, We have been sealing all the outside , around speakers and door it was half gone. Just the worst workman ship. I know it was inexpensive compared to others, but being our first time of owning our own it is so disappointing. Now to call service and see what they can do with the AC.”
It also seems that the years of manufacture make a huge difference. Jim from Arizona points this out: “We bought ours pre-owned from a private party. As I’m reading these reviews, one thing came to mind. The year of manufacture. Anything built just prior to our during the trump pandemic had awful reviews. Furniture coming off the floors walls coming off window dressing falling off etc. The builders kept building but used less and cheaper or inferior products. There were many articles written. Not only that but a close friend and his wife spent close to 75k for their unit and they’ve had nothing but problems. Window dressing falling off the windows a/c and heater problems. La Mesa also giving them grief and extra long repair times. So keep reading before buying.”
(Source: https://www.rvinsider.com/Dutchmen-Travel-Trailers-RV-Reviews?type=Travel%20Trailers&make=Dutchmen)
There are many common problems, but the heavy hitters are: poor workmanship (especially since 2020), electrical issues (failure, wrong wiring), poor functional design (e.g. location of blakctank pump vent etc.) and overall lack of care when it comes to warranty and customer service.
For most people, an RV purchase is an investment that they make to enjoy time relaxing someplace. When that time is spent mainly with trouble-shooting and frustration, coupled with indifference from dealer and manufacturer, it is often a deal breaker for any future sales. For any company to ignore that would be short-sighted and suicidal.
FAQs
What does Dutchmen mean?
The term Dutchmen usually refers to a dutch ship, or a person of Dutch descent. Since Dutchmen RV has a blue windmill logo, the Dutch connection is most definitely what the company is shooting for.
Does Dutchmen still make Aerolite?
It looks like 2020 was the last year of Aerolite. The company Website no longer advertises it, but you can purchase used units.
Is Dutchmen RV still in business?
Dutchmen RVs are owned by Keystones RVs, under Thor Industries. Dutchmen RVs were acquired back in 1991, only four years after they had been on the market.
Are Keystone and Dutchmen the same?
Dutchmen was acquired by Keystone RV in 1991. Keystone RV is a subsidiary of Thor Industries and was acquired by Thor Industries in 2001.