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Old 09-20-2008, 03:39 PM   #1
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Berkshire 390BH

Can anyone tell me if the 350HP/3000 Trans option over the 340Hp/2500 Trans on the 390BH is worth it or not? It looks like a $10K option. I would like to tow a small car but not very often. Just do not want to be under powered. Will it regain the $$ on trade in? I am very new to this so I hate to make a mistake.
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Old 09-27-2008, 01:43 PM   #2
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I have the 340hp/2500 trans and so far I haven't felt that it is under powered. I haven't towed anything as yet, so I can't comment on that, but it is rated for towing 5000 lbs, so a small car shouldn't be a problem.
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Old 10-07-2008, 09:37 PM   #3
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I agree and now own the 340hp unit. I just did not see the $10k difference.
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Old 01-23-2009, 11:46 AM   #4
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FYI, hadn't noticed it until now but the difference isn't so much in the power as it's in the transmission and rear axle. The 340 comes with an Allison 2500MH 6 speed, the 350 comes with an Allison 3000MH 6-speed. This is fairly significant because the 2500 significantly reduces your GVWR and GCWR over the 3000. The 2500 is rated to 27910/33000lbs, the 3000 is rated to 29410/39410lbs (i.e. the 2500 can tow 5000lbs, the 3000 can tow 10000lbs). I haven't seen any UCC / CCC numbers published but I suspect that the 350 does not weigh 1500lbs more than the 340 so the 350 likely gives you a higher CCC as well.

See this link for the specs on both http://www.freightlinerchassis.com/p...R0601-2009.pdf

Whether this is worth $10k or not is debatable (seems pretty expensive to me) - although if you want to tow a large vehicle / trailer than it's a non-issue ...
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Old 02-04-2009, 02:09 PM   #5
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Birkshire 390 BH

Bought our 09 390BH in June. Should have bought double pained windows.We upgraded the invirter, but really should not have. Upgraded the generator and found out their is a design flaw so when we boondock we have to open the generator compartment or it cuts off because it gets too hot!! Seems there is not enough room for ventilation...
Like the bus but realize it is low end contstruction.
Great service from our dealer 3 way campers in Atlanta
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Old 02-05-2009, 11:41 AM   #6
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Patty,
If you have the Onan 8K generator, it is liquid cooled and opening the compartment should not make a difference. Check the coolant level- it might be low causing the overheating.
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Old 01-06-2010, 12:15 AM   #7
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Bill,

Which engine choice did you go with and are you happy with it? I am in the same predicament.

Allen
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Old 03-28-2010, 10:02 PM   #8
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engine size

I selected the smaller engine/trans. At times I could use the extra horses, but 90% of the time it is fine.
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