2013 Surveyor sv304. VS 2012 Dutchman Denali 261 BH

jjwelliver · 05-06-2013, 11:42 PM

By tomorrow noon time I need some help making a decision between a
2013 surveyor sv304 or a 2012 Dutchman Denali 261 bh.
Both are used but in great shape. I can buy the Denali for $18,000 maybe $17000
And the surveyor is $20,000. Maybe $21k
This is our 1st trailer and we were sold on the Denali until we discovered the Suveyors. we really like both. But a little worried about the bunks on the denali.
Are surveyors really the best? The only person I really herd of them from is the salesmen who told me about them.
The denali seem to have a little nicer interiors. But I guess they just are not built as good structurally as the Surveyor?

And help or opinions would be great!!!

sself1219 · 05-07-2013, 08:26 AM

I've got a 2004 Surveyor that I bought used and haven't had a bit of trouble out of, it tows great and has plenty of space for my family and friends. I have a bunk house model and the bunks are plenty strong enough for a full grown man to sleep on. My 300lb friend sleeps on one of them on a regular basis with no issues. After looking at other models, I'm pretty sure my next camper will upgrade to a Surveyor 5th wheel.

Goomph · 05-07-2013, 09:18 AM

Are the floor models more or less the same ? If they are in the same condition, for a few thousand dollars more I would say go for the newer of the two.

Do you have enough Tow vehicle to really choose any of them ? Surveyor is a light model, Is the Dutchman in the same category ?

What does the family want after seeing both of them ?

You are in a Forest River Forum, so we like Surveyors

jeeplj8 · 05-07-2013, 09:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjwelliver

By tomorrow noon time I need some help making a decision between a
2013 surveyor sv304 or a 2012 Dutchman Denali 261 bh.
Both are used but in great shape. I can buy the Denali for $18,000 maybe $17000
And the surveyor is $20,000. Maybe $21k
This is our 1st trailer and we were sold on the Denali until we discovered the Suveyors. we really like both. But a little worried about the bunks on the denali.
Are surveyors really the best? The only person I really herd of them from is the salesmen who told me about them.
The denali seem to have a little nicer interiors. But I guess they just are not built as good structurally as the Surveyor?

And help or opinions would be great!!!

Those seem to be very different trailers!

I looked at a Surveryor SV305, but they had a 304 there and we walked through it. That surveyor is almost 6 feet longer than the Denali and will weigh at least 2K more loaded. The 304 is a LARGE trailer, what are you towing it with?

I think both are finished nice. I liked some of the structural details of the Surveyor, and the torsien axles. I did not like the countertops and some of the door framing inside. The select line is built up a little to compete with other higher end lines.

From the prices I saw - that is a smoking deal on the 304. Not sure on the Denali as again that is much different trailer.

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 04:37 PM

Well ended up buying the Surveyor SV304. We had to pay $22500 though.
It just seemed to be a better all around trailer than the Denali.

Camping Buddys · 05-07-2013, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jjwelliver

Well ended up buying the Surveyor SV304. We had to pay $22500 though.
It just seemed to be a better all around trailer than the Denali.

Was that out the door, (taxes, tag and fees)?
If you don't mind the ?

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 06:19 PM

That was out the door except tax. Is that a good deal? This is our 1st trailer.

Camping Buddys · 05-07-2013, 06:26 PM

That sounds like a good deal,
Enjoy!!!

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 06:31 PM

Have you had any problems with your sv305? Or is there anything I should look out for?

Camping Buddys · 05-07-2013, 07:00 PM

We got ours 2 months ago, it was a used unit and so far, no problems. We already did some mods like tv arm in the swivel entertainment, and upgraded to a 32' tv, installed the extend a-shower, replaced the sofa in kids area for a futon for an easier usage of the bed... and still working on a few more. Great unit, we have camp more than we had expected, and had enjoyed it. My dw likes the outside kitchen, which keeps the camper cleaner, and also the space in the kids bdrm. All this to say... We love it!

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 07:35 PM

Sweet! Yeah we really wanted the 305 but just could not find one in our price range plus the extra weight was a bit to much. We are pushing it as it is. We have a 07 Tahoe LTZ. what did you have to pay for the 305? Our was used to but the people only used it 2 times and it looks new. And it has every option I think except the slide out covers.

Camping Buddys · 05-07-2013, 08:02 PM

Same with the 305, all the upgraded pkg, all electric, the only thing the previous owners keep was the grill. (Sad) it's mssing the spare tire (surveyor)cover, and i know it was a good looking cover, but I can't complaint, they owned for 8 months and it was in like new condition.
We paid 23.7k with extended warranty, but it took us 3 weeks to get it from the dealer. (Very long story) this is the short one: the prev. owners didn't get their new motorhome on time, so we had to wait for them.
Great camper. We upgraded from a 26bh jayco 08.

clancythecamper · 05-07-2013, 08:08 PM

IMHO, you made a good choice. We've owned two Dutchmen 5ers and while they were decent quality, my Roo seems better quality-wise. In all fairness, that's been a few years ago and there are higher and lower models. Still, to me my Rockwood is a solid B, Dutchmen was a solid C.

Enjoy!

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 08:27 PM

Nice! That seems like a good deal to! We really liked the extra slide and the out door kitchen. The 305 was deffentaly our 1 choice. I don't think I saw the outdoor BBQ on mine eather? I will have to ask about that. We just bought it today and I pick it up next tuesday. The dealer has to do their thing with it?

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 08:33 PM

Yeah I'm happy with the purchase! We spent a few thousand more than we wanted but the dealer we were at was awesome and explained both the good and the bad between the both... I guess not really the bad because they sold both brands but the surveyor just seemed more solid. The Denali was a bit nicer cosmetically in side though. But.... The surveyor is nice inside to.. After all were camping who cares?

Camping Buddys · 05-07-2013, 08:35 PM

The dealer did not ad the grill, but that's ok, it was a good deal for us.
We almost paid 32k a year ago for a new one, so i guess it was a blessing waiting a little longer. You can see my mods so far in my albums.
Have fun camping and enjoy!

jjwelliver · 05-07-2013, 09:20 PM

Yeah we put a deposit down ones on a 2013 for 32k or something and another time on the 2014 3051 sport which had the dinette and the couch but it was 30 something k to. We're are deffantly glad we waited. The 2014 had a cool led awning though...

clancythecamper · 05-08-2013, 01:17 AM

We bought the LED lights discussed on the mod forum but are apparently not tech savvy (LOL, can't turn a light on?) at any rate, can't keep them on. finally bought some inexpensive rope lights at Lowes. They sure looked neat tho.

Goomph · 05-08-2013, 05:50 AM

Congratulations !!!! Now we want pictures

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