As road-tripping is becoming more popular, the RV market is getting bigger and bigger! With so many brands to choose from, it can be a real challenge to decide which one to go with. But don’t worry, because today we’re diving into the detailed comparison between two popular RV giants: Dutchmen and Forest River.
Key Takeaways:
The main difference between Dutchmen and Forest River is the type of RVs they offer. If you’re on a tight budget and looking for a solid entry-level RV, Dutchmen is a nice choice. But if you’re willing to invest in a more renowned and well-known brand, Forest River RVs are worth considering.
Ready to get into the nitty-gritty of Dutchmen and Forest River RVs? We’re going to take a deep dive into a side-by-side comparison of these two brands, covering everything from their maintenance needs to their construction quality, and from their pricing to their customer support. So read on to find out more!
Who Owns Dutchmen?
Since 1988, Dutchmen RV has been serving the RV needs of its customers. Dutchmen RV is owned by Keystone RV, a Thor Industries division. The Dutchmen RV brand was purchased by Thor Industries in 1991. Thor Industries is the parent company of a plethora of other manufacturers, including Airstream and Jayco.
Who Owns Forest River?
Berkshire Hathaway, the multinational holding company run by Warren Buffett, is the proud owner of Forest River. Founded in 1996, Forest River’s headquarters is located in Elkhart, Indiana, in the United States. As a major parent company in the RV industry, Forest River oversees a range of well-known RV brands, such as Coachmen, East to West, and various others.
RV Types Offered By Both RV Brands
| RV Type: | Dutchmen: | Forest River: |
| Non-Motorized | Travel Trailers | Travel Trailers |
| Non-Motorized | Fifth Wheels | Fifth Wheels |
| Non-Motorized | Toy Haulers | Toy Haulers |
| Non-Motorized | Camping Trailers | |
| Non-Motorized | Destination Trailers | |
| Motorized | Class A | |
| Motorized | Class C |
Dutchmen vs. Forest River: Complete Brand Comparison
| Comparison Points: | Dutchmen: | Forest River: |
| Founded | 1988 | 1996 |
| Company Support | Average | Average |
| Maintenance | Average | Average |
| Build Quality And Design | Average | Average |
| Cost | Affordable | Affordable |
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Maintenance And Problems: Dutchmen vs. Forest River
In general, expect to encounter maintenance issues with Dutchmen RVs as their build quality is not exceptional. Common problems include malfunctioning slide-outs and mechanical awnings.
Forest River RVs are not immune to maintenance and problems either. Common issues include subpar finishing, slide-out malfunctions, and low-quality appliances.
Build Quality: Dutchmen vs. Forest River
When it comes to build quality, Dutchmen RVs are typically considered average. While their roof structures are known to be sturdy, and they offer attractive floor plans, overall, the brand may not provide the most robust build quality.
Forest River RVs have a varied reputation when it comes to their build quality. While some customers have reported minimal issues with their units, others have experienced ongoing problems since day one.
Many of the complaints about Forest River RVs are specific to certain parts or issues. Overall, it seems that Forest River RVs provide an average build quality for their price range, unless you decide to invest in one of their high-end lines.
Customer Support: Dutchmen vs. Forest River
Unfortunately, the customer service from Dutchmen is about as mediocre as the quality of their products. If you have any questions or concerns about your Dutchmen RV, you can reach out to the company through their customer care number or online contact form during regular business hours.
Nevertheless, comments from users suggest that contacting Keystone, the parent firm, directly for assistance is the best course of action.
Overall, Forest River RVs have received mixed reviews from customers, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the brand’s reputation. Complaints have included delayed repairs, poor access to warranty services, and inadequate customer support.
While the brand does offer warranty services, some customers have reported difficulty accessing help when needed.
Cost: Dutchmen vs. Forest River
The cost of a used 2016 forest river travel trailer is available at $18K. On the other hand, the cost of a used 2021 model Dutchmen travel trailer is around $20K. So we can say that both RV brands offer RVs at competitive pricing and are usually budget-friendly.
Related Read: RV Terms, Jargon, & Definitions [Helpful Beginner’s Guide]
Pros and Cons Of Dutchmen
| Pros | Cons |
| Budget-friendly price points | Average build quality |
| Good as an entry-level unit | Mediocre level customer service |
Pros and Cons of Forest River
| Pros | Cons |
| Affordable RVs | Not Too Impressive Customer Service |
| Wide Floor Plans And Model Variety |
What Do Redditors Think About Dutchmen And Forest River?
The general consensus on Dutchmen RVs is somewhat mixed. Some users have had positive experiences with their models, although they had some issues but they highlighted that any issues they experienced were to be expected with any RV.
However, others are more critical, with one user stating that all RVs are the same and that quality issues are to be expected due to management problems. Overall, it seems that Dutchmen RVs may have some quality issues, but this is not necessarily unique to this brand and maybe a common concern across the industry.
According to Reddit users, there is a mixed perception of Forest River RVs. On the one hand, some users have praised the brand for exhibiting excellent workmanship and meticulous attention to detail.
On the other hand, some users have reported issues with poor workmanship, low-quality materials, and other problems with their Forest River RVs. Therefore, it appears that the overall opinion on Forest River RVs is somewhat divided.
Final Verdict – Which Brand Is Better For You?
Dutchmen is a nice choice for those looking for a non-motorized RV like a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or toy hauler with decent quality. They offer RVs at an affordable price point, making them a great option for entry-level units.
Forest River, on the other hand, is a well-known and established brand that offers a wider range of RV options, including Class A motorhomes and toy haulers.
Ultimately, the choice between Dutchmen and Forest River RVs will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
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