2011 Dutchman Denali 289RK Review
Available in bunk house, rear lounge, rear entertainment, and rear kitchen models, there’s a Dutchman Denali trailer to suit your road travel needs.
So, which of the seven floorplans do you choose? We’re going to pick one for you – well, at least just to take a tour of. We’ve selected the 289RK, the second largest plan in the series. It has an unloaded weight of 7,442 lbs, a cargo capacity of 2,238 lbs and a hitch weight of 934 lbs. The 289RK measures in with a length of 33′ 8, a height of 11′ 4 and a width of 8′. In terms of water capacities, it has a 52-gallon fresh water tank, a 42-gallon waste water tank and an 84-gallon gray water tank.
The roads and the elements can take their toll on your RV… that’s why it’s so important to ensure it can stand up to them. And Dutchmen has put a lot of thought into the Denali’s construction. Built on a steel I-beam powder coated chassis, its walls consist of welded aluminum side wall construction, and are fully insulated and laminated. On the outside, these walls use gel coat Filon fibreglass to keep them looking their best over time. Overhead, you’ll find a fully decked truss-style walk-on roof with 5” tapered truss roof rafters and 3/8” wood decking. It also comes with residential fiberglass insulation, attic vents and radiant foil insulation to keep your living environment optimal.
Underfoot, there’s 5/8” marine-grade plywood floor that comes with a polypropylene water resistant barrier that’s attached to the bottom of the floor structure. It also comes equipped with residential fiberglass insulation, radiant foil insulation, an in-floor aluminum heating duct system and an insulated and enclosed underbelly that’s heat ducted to its tanks.
When it comes to the exterior of this travel trailer, the Denali doesn’t skimp on amenities. Giving you a smooth ride on the roads less traveled is its EZ lube axles and radial tires that are filed with “Nitro-Fil” nitrogen, which helps prolong the life of the tires. Its four wheel electric drum brakes offer extra stopping power, while its molded fender skirts keep rocks and other debris from damaging your RV. Packing for your trip and entering and exiting this Dutchmen travel trailer is easy, thanks to triple entry steps with radius edges, a radius corner entry door, a full view screen door and an extra large entry assist handle.
Other exterior features that will come in handy include a 12V electric slideout system with triple-seal, an exterior scare light, an exterior hitch light, cable and satellite hook-ups, drip rail gutter with extended spouts, dual 30 lbs LP bottles with an easy access cover, sewer hose storage, dark tint safety glass windows and LP quick connect.
Because you’re on the road all year long, the Denali keeps you comfortable no matter what the weather is like outside. With a 30,000 BTU furnace forced air heating system, a 13.5K air conditioner with quick cool vent, ceiling ducted AC vents and insulated and foil wrapped AC ducting, you’ll be able to brave the most trying temperatures the four seasons throw at you.
For a little piece of home, all you have to do is step inside the Denali. Underfoot, you’ll find upgraded vinyl flooring that’s designed to withstand extreme temperature changes, as well as residential carpet with padding. For your storage needs, it comes with raised panel hardwood Sierra Oak cabinets, doors and drawers. Adding to this travel trailer’s homey feel are decorative night shades and hardwood slide-out fascia.
Because the 289RK is a super slide-out lounge plan, you get more room for relaxing and entertaining. In the lounge area is where you’ll find an oversized U-shaped dinette with extra large storage drawers below, a Comfort Air hide-a-bed sofa with an air mattress (also comes with extra large storage drawer below) and two swivel rockers. They will all come in handy while you’re watching the LCD HD flatscreen TV, complete with AM/FM/CD/DVD player and an MP3 and iPod hook-up on the stereo.
Next to the lounge is the kitchen that comes with everything you’ll need to whip up a meal. Outfitted with an oven with a three-burner cooktop, a residential microwave with a turntable and a 6.3 cubic foot double door refrigerator, you’ll never go hungry on the road. For all your dishes and sundry items, the kitchen comes with a full height pantry, full access cabinets, and large pots and pans storage drawers. Other kitchen features include a built-in countertop extension and a dedicated trash storage area.
Located at the front end of this travel trailer, the master bedroom is a welcome retreat. Sleep soundly on the queen-sized bed that’s outfitted with a bedspread and headboard – it even comes with below-bed storage that’s easy to get to, thanks to its gas struts. Clothes and accessories can be tucked away in the wardrobe, nightstand table or closet. And when your clothes get dirty, send them down the laundry chute.
Next to the bedroom is where you find the bathroom. Just so that you don’t feel homesick, it comes complete with a host of handy features, including a tub surround, a neo-angle glass shower and a porcelain foot flush toilet. Other great features include a medicine cabinet with a mirror, a power roof vent, bath tissue holder and towel hooks and bar.
The 2011 Dutchmen Denali 289RK Travel Trailer is priced from $34,635. For more information, visit denali-rv.com.
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