390 vs 400 - Looking at buying a 2014.

[JimNix]

I searched to see if there was another similar post, but could not find one, hopefully I am not duplicating.

After the FROG rally, I got hooked on upgrading from our Georgetown XL to a Berkshire... The plant tour and a test ride sealed the deal.

I am wondering if any of you have any thoughts/feedback on which to buy (390 or 400 series). The only comments I have found is one person thought the 390 had a little better quality components vs what he perceived as less quality in the 400.

Thoughts? Feedback? Opinions?

[jcowles3]

I got the 400 because the L shaped couch and better windows. 4000 miles and still happy. You might get a lower cost on the 390 as it is an older model than the 400. Check around as pricing fluctuates greatly. MHSRV.com is a Gould gauge in my opinion. Ah heck the 2015's are out too!


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[jcowles3]

Good gauge...


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[dan-nickie]

Came down to the floor plan for us. DW does not like the L shaped couches.

Edit: we were also able to get a smoking deal on the 390.

[CAT-RN]

I like the 2014 390 FL. That I bought in July. At the time Forest River was giving a $10,000 rebate.

Russell

[gasman94]

Total Value RV in Elkhart was showing some pretty great prices on '14's.

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

I like the 2014 390 FL. That I bought in July. At the time Forest River was giving a $10,000 rebate.

Russell

I've also got the 390fl. Like the fact that we can all sit together to watch TV and not have to strain our necks....

Rich

[CAT-RN]

Originally Posted by gasman94

Total Value RV in Elkhart was showing some pretty great prices on '14's.

I got mine at Total Value RV

Russell

[CAT-RN]

Where do you set the reclining chair and foot stool when the slides are out gasman ??

Russell

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

Where do you set the reclining chair and foot stool when the slides are out gasman ??

Russell

Russell, I also got mine at Total Value. We usually have the chair next to the pull out desk by the fireplace to use our laptop and slide it farther out when watching TV.


Rich

[CAT-RN]

I've purchased 4 coaches from Total. As to the chair I just took it out and stored it in barn along with the stool. We have another stool that the top comes off for storage inside it.

Without that chair in there it is very easy to go to the back of coach with the slides in. We use the passenger captain chair as our recliner.

Russell

[tmmar]

Jim,
I don't know how you use the windows on your Georgetown, but if you like to open the windows for fresh air, I don't think that you would like the 400 because the only a small portion of the windows on the 400 flip out on the bottom where as the windows on the 390 slide wide open. I do think that they omitted some standard items that are on the 390 from the 400. Not exactly sure what the differences are but I found that when I went from my '08 to my '14. They removed map lights that were in the cockpit, they removed switches for the front window shades that were on the computer desk, they changed the bathroom fan that had switches on the wall to raise and lower the vent cover and turn the fan on/off. Now, you need to reach up and do it all manually. Sure that there are other things but just can't think of them right now.
Other things that I thought of after we spoke the other day is to see if the price you received included the full slide out tray in the storage area. Can't remember the other thing right now (CRS I guess).
In any case, it was good meeting you the other day and good luck with which ever way you decide to go.
Tom

[rattleNsmoke]

Sorry, I saw the thread header and got all excited. Let's see, 390 Ford Big block - vs- a 400M small block. Kinda' like word association I guess.

[Campin Cajun]

Jim what floor plan are you interested in?


2013 Berkshire 390 BH

[JimNix]

@Camping Cajun - looking at the 390-60RB. That's the floor plan that appealed to us. As we always find, in a perfect world we would combine bits and pieces from other floor plans to create what we think would be perfect for us.

Good point on the windows on the 400. At first glance, the frameless windows looked cool. But we do like to open up when the temps permit.

Lastly, we too are working with Total Value RV. Find them easy to work with and responsive to the requests we have had.

Also looked at 400BH at Motor Home a Specialist. Very good pricing on the close outs with lots of value. But DW and I like the 390 floor plan and that looks to be what we will be going with.

First go round with a diesel. So I'm sure I will be searching these forums looking for more insights.

Thanks all for sharing.


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[ernest917]

You will LOVE the diesel.... Power, quiet, power, quiet.... Power, quiet.... Getting the idea??? Did I mention STORAGE!!!!! We love our Berkshire and really are pleased with everything about it.....


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[Phil57]

Jim I figured you were driving a new one home from the rally. I don't think you will go wrong with ether choice. I really like our RB but I do believe the 400 has a longer wheel base. Give and takes. I think it comes down to floor plan and how you plan to use the MH.
It was nice to meet you and good luck on the new rig.


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[gasman94]

Originally Posted by CAT-RN

I've purchased 4 coaches from Total. As to the chair I just took it out and stored it in barn along with the stool. We have another stool that the top comes off for storage inside it.

Without that chair in there it is very easy to go to the back of coach with the slides in. We use the passenger captain chair as our recliner.

Russell

I've thought about taking the chair out for more room when travelling. May do it when it's just me and the DW...

Rich

[CAT-RN]

That the way we travel most of the time. Just two of us. When the grandkids are with us we spent lots of time outside anyway. On The RV I traded in I had to take the extra chair up in the car. You will be surprised how much more space there is without that chair. We also took the two spare folding chairs out and keep them in the house.

Russell

[Campin Cajun]

Jim, enjoy this time shopping. It's actually my favorite thing to do. Also like others have stated, floor plan is the most important thing to consider. If you are not happy with that then pretty much all is lost. This was the biggest disagreement DW and I had. I wanted the RB, she wanted the BH. I like the BH but I sure wish I would have an extra toilet.

The biggest difference I notice in the 390 & 400 RB is the beds available. The 390 can sleep more people comfortably, if that is any concern for you.

Good luck and have fun shopping.


2013 Berkshire 390 BH