2002 National RV reviews

This was an awesome RV. We purchased it in 2008, so it was only 6 years old at the time. QUALITY! Too bad National went under. We've been hard pressed to find any newer model RVs with the amenities that this 2002 offered. Show less

After being a 'tent-camper' my whole life, including many days in the field as a career Marine, and after a lot of research on RV's, I finally broke down and 'went-big' by purchasing a (barely used) 2002 Dolphin 5356 from the original owner in Riverside, CA, just a few miles from the old (defunct) factory in Perris, CA where these were supposedly built. The rig is extremely clean, seems to be well-built, and is in excellent shape. I got it for what seems to be a steal ($19K). I'm a single dad (one young son still left), and was actually considering a Class C, but this Class A Dolphin popped up and I jumped on it. Seems this Covid crisis has a lot of people jumping into the mix and buying-up RV's! It has the Workhorse chassis with the 8.1L engine and Allison transmission and has only 20,144 miles on it! Of course I'm planning on changing the engine oil, filter, air filter, and transmission filter, along with topping off any fluids. Plus I'll change the oil and filter in the Generac generator, and inspect the water heater(s) and replace anything that needs it (anodes?). I did an initial inspection of the roof, but will be doig a closer inspection and re-sealing anything that needs it. I'll also be doing a bleach and water sanitation of the entire fresh-water system, and installing high-flow water filter. The owner gave me the (suggested) lubrication for the slide-out's so I'll do that too. Any other suggestions are welcome! The white paint and decals are in perfect shape with no fading or cracking. All the tires were replaced not too long before I purchased it, and the seller is including the tire covers. The seller included a lot of extra things in the storage compartments that look as if they were barely used (if at all). He also included all sorts of kitchen utensils etc. that also look like they've never been used. The stove and microwave/convection oven also look like they've never been used as well. There's a new ladder in the basement, and a slightly used Coleman tailgating grill, 2 brand new sleeping bags, 2 new Eddie Bauer camp chairs, and a large outdoor mat for under the awning. The coach has the usual 2 slides, but the kitchen is on the driver's side slide-out next to the sofa, with the table on the right side near the door. I like that configuration with the table nearest the area outside under the awning. Not all is perfect and there are things that actually need fixing; - one of the side pads on one of the table benches needs to be re-attached - one of the small drawers on the bed pedestal is broken - the house batteries both need to be replaced (but has a brand new vehicle battery) - the wipers need to be replaced. The coach was essentially clean on the outside, but the inside needed a minor cleaning of the small amount of dust that has accumulated since it seems it has been sitting in (covered) storage outside. Nonetheless, I'm super excited to join the RV culture, and have even planned to use it locally here at any of the San Diego area beaches that have re-opened (after the Covid thing). It's about 'baby-steps' at this point so I figure everything out and have a routine. I just reserved a spot in one of our favorite campgrounds, Hurkey Creek, near Lake Hemet and Idyllwild, CA. So far I have about 8 people going, including 2 of my adult kids, my young son, a daughter-in-law, and some friends. My intention is to take this Dolphin on a big loop around the West, to include, but not limited to, the following; Grand Canyon, Bryce Canyon, Zion, Canyonlands, Yellowstone, and Yosemite (not in any particular order). Let the fun begin!! Show less

I loved the space it has and the shower with alot of room.Also the grey,black tanks have alot of volume room.The gas tank is huge too.Bed slides out in the bedroom making alot more room.The closet has alot of hanging space too.Tons of storage inside and out.The micro convection oven is great!The side by side frig freezer has alot of room and the icemaker is nice.I like the counter space with double sink.and the gas stove.The couch makes out to a queen bed and the bedroom bed is also queen.The table makes out to a bed. Show less

This rv is big enough to live in.The couch folds down for a bed,and so does the table.The bedroom bed is a queen.Plenty of above head room throughout.Carpet in frontromm and cockpit and bedroom.Ceramic tile in kitchen and bath area.Pleanty of storage in each room.Many upgrades to the whole coach.Big storage for water and holding tanks for going off the grid for days.added sumo springs for better ride.Also sway bars for better control.Micro convection oven for bake or microwave.New breaks and rear tires,new batteries,newer slide toppers,new starter,custom curtains in front.Never smoked in.The new steps that come out for you when door is opened.clean. Show less

We have had no problems with our sea breeze other than the corian counter top getting a crack in it. I’m assuming it’s from stress. Our RV has a push out that includes the kitchen, so I think that maybe that’s the cause. We have noticed that this seems to be a common occurrence with this model. It doesn’t effect the functionality of it, it’s just cracked. After going to an RV show this year (2018), we have noticed that the new RV’s have lost the idea that people want a quality RV. We all don’t want an RV that’s made of flake board and fake paper backsplashs. National is a good quality manufacturer. Too bad they went under in 2008. Show less

This beautiful fifth wheel is in mint condition . With the triple axle it tows smoothly. Take all the comforts of home with you as you get away. The island counter and sink give you plenty of working space. Includes a hide away pantry and plenty of cupboard space. Side by side refrigerator/freezer with ice maker. Bedroom includes a lighted vanity and large closet. Show less

This has been a great motorhome with no real problems. We loved traveling and living in it for up to 3 months at a time. It was quite comfortable and built with real quality. The counter tops are all Corian, it has a double wide refrigerator with ice maker that has always worked with no problems. It has a dual furnace and air-conditioner that have never given us any problems. We are only selling it now because my husband's health is failing. Unfortunately our manufacturer has gone out of business. Show less

Didn't like the ride at first, too soft and hit bottom in dips but after some research I found that there is a shock upgrade available. I will do this soon. The rest of the RV as far as I am concerned is great. I bought it with the decals removed and had it painted. I do NOT like decals as they will go bad unless kept inside. The short (208) wheel base makes it easy to get around in town and RV parks. Show less

Great RV for fun and comfort on or off the road Show less