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Old 10-21-2015, 06:59 PM   #1
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Couple of questions about new Coachmen

My wife and I are set to pick up our new Coachmen Catalina Banner Edition 273DBS next week. I've had a few travel trailers and fifth wheels but she has always camped in a tent. While shopping for TT's, the Coachmen stood out as having quite a few nice features and the build quality looked solid from what I saw. The wife laughed at me because I crawled in, under, and over the thing before we made the decision. My question is, how is Coachmen quality compared to others in the industry? Is there anything in particular that I need to be aware of?
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Old 10-21-2015, 07:06 PM   #2
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There were only a couple of cosmetic issues with the lite, dealer had them squared away before we did the PDI.

Last year after 3400 mile trip the kitchen faucet came loose, I fixed that.

Only complaint is we are still getting sawdust in the lens for overhead lights.
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Old 10-21-2015, 10:05 PM   #3
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I'm hoping for minimal issues. I know all trailers have small issues so as long as nothing major happens I'll be happy.
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Old 10-23-2015, 07:04 PM   #4
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Only complaint is we are still getting sawdust in the lens for overhead lights
Ain't it the truth.Ours I swear makes sawdust by its self.On the counters,in the lights and on the stove. We have over 10,000 miles on our 29 RKS.Hope it quits soon,before it falls into it self.

Our build quality is really pretty good.It's a 2015 model Chaparral lite.Pulls great and suits our needs fine.Getting the front cap painted in the next couple of weeks.It faded out and they are covering it under warranty.
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Old 10-23-2015, 07:48 PM   #5
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Saw dust and little pieces of aluminum. Every time we clean. Where the h does it come from?
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Old 10-24-2015, 11:55 AM   #6
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Originally Posted by curtestitt View Post
Saw dust and little pieces of aluminum. Every time we clean. Where the h does it come from?
Coachmen sawdust fairy?
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Old 10-24-2015, 01:33 PM   #7
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The build quality on my Coachmen Freedom Express 292BHDS has been good. My only issues were 3rd party items: The converter was bad and was not charging the battery, and the AC compressor went out. None of those were Coachmen issues.
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Old 10-24-2015, 01:38 PM   #8
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I felt like it was a pretty solid trailer. I am sure there are better ones but the price is reasonable on these trailers. I feel pretty good about it even though I wanted a fifth wheel. The price is getting up there on the fivers though.
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Old 10-24-2015, 02:23 PM   #9
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Crambo,
You almost sound like me - tend to second guess myself. You and the DW made a good decision. Enjoy yourselves!!! BTW, at one time I did a short stint selling RV's and new Airstreams would have some aluminum shavings.
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Old 10-24-2015, 02:28 PM   #10
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I do second guess a lot. I've had three campers before this one and I've never had any trouble with any of them. I always expect the worst and then I'm happy if it doesn't happen lol
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Old 10-24-2015, 02:41 PM   #11
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Cool

Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveandSue View Post
Ain't it the truth.Ours I swear makes sawdust by its self.On the counters,in the lights and on the stove. We have over 10,000 miles on our 29 RKS.Hope it quits soon,before it falls into it self.

Our build quality is really pretty good.It's a 2015 model Chaparral lite.Pulls great and suits our needs fine.Getting the front cap painted in the next couple of weeks.It faded out and they are covering it under warranty.
Make sure that 'saw-dust' is NOT from termites !!!
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Old 10-25-2015, 06:47 AM   #12
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I previously owned a Forest River Palomino Puma. Bought new 2 years ago and unexpectedly traded for a 2016 Coachmen Chaparral Lite this past July. I have also owned a preowned Keystone Outback which we liked but it became 2 small quickly. Saying that the Forest River products in my opinion are better built. We bave had minor issues with both the 2016 has been back to dealer twice but both times very minimal. I am finding a couple of cosmetic issues I will deal.with once I am not going to camp a month n or.so but being in SC there is always good camping weather.
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