2016 Tag Axle Berk

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

Maybe that's what we need to do....put together a wish list for Forest River. Let's see, we have an emergency exit door rather than emergency exit window and we have a smart wheel. Anyone else got anything to add to the wish list?

Given that most folks need connectivity on the road these days, I am somewhat surprised that Forest River writ large is not offering WIFI and 4G Booster antennas optionis on their MH, 5ers and TTs. It would be so much better to have these installed at the factory because they do involve drilling holes in the roof

https://wifiranger.com/shop/product/...ack-flat-mount

https://www.wilsonamplifiers.com/web...kit-470510-rv/

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

Given that most folks need connectivity on the road these days, I am somewhat surprised that Forest River writ large is not offering WIFI and 4G Booster antennas optionis on their MH, 5ers and TTs. It would be so much better to have these installed at the factory because they do involve drilling holes in the roof

The problem with that is the technology changes so often and individual preferences vary so much. For instance, I do NOT want that cellular booster that you linked to preferring another model or brand entirely. And, do you really think FR would put quality items in? Maybe if Lippert made a crappy set, they'd install that.

What I really want is a dedicated tech cabinet with 12v cigarette outlets, 4 high power USB outlets, and a pair of 120v outlets (maybe even one powered off of an inverter). And then give me wiring conduit from the roof into this cabinet.

The wiring conduits from the roof is what would be most appreciated! In fact, they are a must have for my next rig. (They meaning one for a tech cabinet and another to the basement for a solar setup.)

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

Maybe that's what we need to do....put together a wish list for Forest River. Let's see, we have an emergency exit door rather than emergency exit window and we have a smart wheel. Anyone else got anything to add to the wish list?

Yes I agree that a Berkshire Wish List would be a great thread. Since you came up with the idea, please create a new topic - Hank

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by ependydad

The problem with that is the technology changes so often and individual preferences vary so much. For instance, I do NOT want that cellular booster that you linked to preferring another model or brand entirely. And, do you really think FR would put quality items in? Maybe if Lippert made a crappy set, they'd install that.

What I really want is a dedicated tech cabinet with 12v cigarette outlets, 4 high power USB outlets, and a pair of 120v outlets (maybe even one powered off of an inverter). And then give me wiring conduit from the roof into this cabinet.

The wiring conduits from the roof is what would be most appreciated! In fact, they are a must have for my next rig. (They meaning one for a tech cabinet and another to the basement for a solar setup.)

That would make additions so easy. IMO this is a great idea.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by Phil57

That would make additions so easy. IMO this is a great idea.

And extremely low cost to the manufacturers. I guess I should add having a pullable line to be able to fish the first thing through would be preferred.

[Campin Cajun]

Does anyone know when the XLT's are going to be hitting the dealer lots?

[dan-nickie]

See this Page for pictures and discussion:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...-13911-71.html

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

Does anyone know when the XLT's are going to be hitting the dealer lots?

When we were at Total RV in Elkhart last week, they said they were expecting their first XLT "Any Day Now."

When we were at the factory, we saw what looked to be 5 completed units (one of which will be FROG Bob & Cindy's new rig).

The factory was really gearing up for XLT production - we saw 2 units being driven to Middlebury for paint, there were at least 8 on the line and I think @ 10 Chassis outside waiting to be delivered to MORryde for the frame (have no idea how many are at MORryde.

I think what impressed us the most was the attention to detail the factory workers were givint to the construction process. They are taking the time needed to put together a outstanding coach---Tommy told us that from Chassis receipt from MORryde to final PDI, it takes two weeks to build a XLT!

[Campin Cajun]

Thanks for the info Bama. I found one ad on RVT, looks awesome.
http://www.rvt.com/Forest-River-Berk...631262-UX90574

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

Thanks for the info Bama. I found one ad on RVT, looks awesome.
2016 Forest River Berkshire XL 43a, Class A - Diesel RV For Sale in Windsor Locks, Connecticut | Long View RV Superstores 417944-11536 | RVT.com - 90574

I have seen those myself - this one, however, looks to be a completely optioned out Model. Not that the XLT has that many options! If it is max'ed out it would have:

• Heated tile floors
• 150 GAL Fuel Tank
• 10KW Gennie
• Winegard Trav'lr Auto-acquire satellite dish
• Stackable Washer/Dryer (BTW Berkshire has switched to Whirlpool! )

[Campin Cajun]

I did notice it doesn't have the Passive Steer Tag axle, I really like it other than that. I really like the new floorplan.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Campin Cajun

I did notice it doesn't have the Passive Steer Tag axle, I really like it other than that. I really like the new floorplan.

I still consider myself a raw newbie when it comes to Motorhomes...coulod you explain to me the difference between a Passive Steer Tag Axel and the (optional) Freightliner UltraSteer tag axle?

[Paulie Boy]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

I have seen those myself - this one, however, looks to be a completely optioned out Model. Not that the XLT has that many options! If it is max'ed out it would have:

• Heated tile floors
• 150 GAL Fuel Tank
• 10KW Gennie
• Winegard Trav'lr Auto-acquire satellite dish
• Stackable Washer/Dryer (BTW Berkshire has switched to Whirlpool! )

Heated tile floors a welcome addition
150 gal fuel tank, need it because the fuel mileage will drop to 7.5 from 10.2.
For some reason the maintenance fee for 10kw genset is more expensive than 8kw,
Yay for satellite
Stacked Whirlpool W/D in my 2014 390BH-60.
Damn I wish my floors were heated😂


Paul
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[Paulie Boy]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

I still consider myself a raw newbie when it comes to Motorhomes...coulod you explain to me the difference between a Passive Steer Tag Axel and the (optional) Freightliner UltraSteer tag axle?

The tag wheels passively turn when the coach is turned. In the case of a hard turn the tag wheels will turn rather than scrub.


Paul
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by Paulie Boy

Heated tile floors a welcome addition
150 gal fuel tank, need it because the fuel mileage will drop to 7.5 from 10.2.
For some reason the maintenance fee for 10kw genset is more expensive than 8kw,
Yay for satellite
Stacked Whirlpool W/D in my 2014 390BH-60.
Damn I wish my floors were heated��


Paul
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

I left one upgrade off the list - the Ultrasteer Tag Axel

And I am here to tell you those heated floors make a difference - we were in the Berkshire plant (ambient temps @ 50 deg) and they had the floors on high - darn near ran us outta the coach!

RE: Mileage...I believe we were told that mileage would actully be closer to 11MPG because of some new technology in the transmission and engine.

[A32Deuce]

MotorHome Mag. has an article all about the Ultraateer Tag Axle!

[Campin Cajun]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

I still consider myself a raw newbie when it comes to Motorhomes...coulod you explain to me the difference between a Passive Steer Tag Axel and the (optional) Freightliner UltraSteer tag axle?

Bob, I believe they are one in the same. I have seen it called both names, just depends on which forum I read. I am not sure what FL calls it officially.

[dan-nickie]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

RE: Mileage...I believe we were told that mileage would actully be closer to 11MPG because of some new technology in the transmission and engine.

Volkswagen technology?

[Paulie Boy]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

I left one upgrade off the list - the Ultrasteer Tag Axel

And I am here to tell you those heated floors make a difference - we were in the Berkshire plant (ambient temps @ 50 deg) and they had the floors on high - darn near ran us outta the coach!

RE: Mileage...I believe we were told that mileage would actully be closer to 11MPG because of some new technology in the transmission and engine.

New technology? I need to see 11mpg to believe it. Even with Econ mode on and 63 mph the best I've done is 11.7 mpg in Florida.


Paul
Sent from my iPad using Forest River Forums

[RKNOLA]

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

It looks like Berkshire is hitting for a level just below the pricing of the Dutch Star and the Aspire and the Phaeton. Nice addition to the line up.

One thing I think they really need to think seriously about adding is the emergency exit door like Newmar added on all their rear bath units. I've always been concerned about the potential of a fire and being able to easily and safely exit the rig. The window exit doesn't cut it in my book.

I agree about the Emergency Exit Door. I am afraid that window exit WOULD cut it....... cut my leg, cut my back, cut my butt, etc on the way out! That, and that exit window looks REALLY small.......... I am not!!!!
I have heard the "experts" say keep an extra blanket on the foot of your bed to lay across the window ledge to "soften" it. I guess if the coach is on fire, the LAST thing on my mind will be softness!!!

Karen