Berkshire Wish List

[BamaBob]

Agreed Phil. Makes sense too - a long list of options would make it look like Berkshire was nickle and dimeing you to death.

[ependydad]

Not a Berkshire, so I don't know if it applies- but I know that the Sabre rep mentioned a couple of times that they could only support so many options. I guess that maybe it makes it too difficult to manage on the factory floor?

[tmmar]

Originally Posted by ependydad

Not a Berkshire, so I don't know if it applies- but I know that the Sabre rep mentioned a couple of times that they could only support so many options. I guess that maybe it makes it too difficult to manage on the factory floor?

I think that this is why the automakers limit the options as well. The fewer the options the easier and faster the build.

[gasman94]

Perhaps they could offer options as packages, each containing logical options within the package.

Rich

[tvj]

Larger drain for fresh water. It takes hours. Should add nothing to the cost.

[tvj]

Gas strut managed door for the one compartment on right that houses water tank. Currently uses Jesus pins an junky latches. On needs to carry stick to hold open.

[tvj]

Just a pipe to roof from electronic area for whatever you need.

[tvj]

Different door on the DEF cabinet incase one needs to pour in from 1 or 2.5 gallon container.

[tvj]

Extra latches magnet or latches like on drawers on refrigerator so we don't need a Velcro strap.

[tvj]

Now these cost but here goes: floor heat, better a/c or additional a/c, drop down bunk above driver or another full size pull out rather than all those built for small people convertibles. 40BH

[tvj]

Michelin tires

[Phil57]

FL had a contract with Good Year and good year pulled out of it as FL had used all the tires allocated to the contract. As a result FL had gone back to Micheline. Hopefully they stick with them.

[tvj]

Thanks, of course 2016 get the V-Ride and safer tires.

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by tvj

Now these cost but here goes: floor heat, better a/c or additional a/c, drop down bunk above driver or another full size pull out rather than all those built for small people convertibles. 40BH

The new XLT has a Heated Floor Option and 3 A/C

[tvj]

And V-Ride with upgraded Axel

[BamaBob]

OK I *think* I have distilled the list to the critical needs (and took into account that it seems Berkshire does not want to offer a lot of options on each build level).

Also, I did not include wish list items that are included on the more expensive build (e.g., the XLT comes with 3" block foam insulation, so I did not include the "more insulation" wish list item. The XLT uses Michelin tires, so that wish list item was not included).

After several PMs and discussions with thread members, it seems the 2 biggest "wishes" are a Berkshire rep on the FRF & a Data Closet. So, I included these first on the wish list.

Comments and corrections are always welcome. I will print the list out before we leave Monday night (9 NOV).

Forest River Forums Berkshire owners and prospective owners


Options and Enhancements Recommendations.

1. We request that a member of the Berkshire management team join the Forest River Forums:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f112
2. All Berkshires should have a centrally located Data Closet. It will be the nexus for all of the coach monitors (tank levels/battery monitor & slide rocker switches), data, voice, and video connections.

Data Closet should contain:

• 2 x 12v cigarette outlets (possibly with 1 on an easy to reach on/off switch depending on where the tech cabinet is)
• 4 x 12v USB charging outlets with shelf for Smartphones & Tablets
• 4-6 x 120v outlets (wired on 2 separate circuits)
• Conduit or direct wiring to the entertainment center.
  • This is a way to store a streaming device (AppleTV/Fire/Roku) and connect a media server (a hard drive that has video and audio files stored on it) and wire direct to the entertainment Audio, AUX and/or HDMI ports.
• 12x12x12” deep shelf to store a media server
• 8x8" wall space inside the Data Closet to mount WiFi Router and 4G Booster

· Oversized conduit to a protected/sealed roof point of presence.
o The conduit should have a pull line to assist in cable routing.
o The conduit would be used for running wires between roof top antennas and this cabinet (e.g. WiFi booster and cell booster.) Best practices would for this conduit to share the Winegard Trav'ler satellite prep (and to be able to mount WiFi & Cell booster antennas on the satellite antenna arm.

3. Other recommendations:

• Reusable Emergency Exit Door in lieu of the Emergency Exit Window
• Smart Wheel
• Tire Pressure/Temperature Monitoring System
• Offer the Lippert WasteMaster sewer system (like Vengeance does)
• Keyless Door Entry & Combination locks on all storage/entertainment doors. FINALLY freedom from keys J
• Power reels for power cord and water hose
• Insulation and heater for water manifold to facilitate cold weather camping
• Prewire diode TOAD brake light indicator on dash.
• Wall to wall shower cabinet with towel rack and seat.
• Second Fire Extinguisher in the bedroom
• Upgrade HDTV Antenna to Wineguard Rayzar Automatic
• DEF tank fill on left side.
• Tank level indicator in the water manifold bay
• Include slide locks on all slide outs.
• Larger fresh, gray and black water tanks (like Toy Haulers) currently, we can only boondock for 3 days.

[accumack]

My unit came with slide locks. I've never used them though.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by accumack

My unit came with slide locks. I've never used them though.

Mine as well. I'm not even sure where they are.

[gasman94]

Originally Posted by BamaBob

OK I *think* I have distilled the list to the critical needs (and took into account that it seems Berkshire does not want to offer a lot of options on each build level).

Also, I did not include wish list items that are included on the more expensive build (e.g., the XLT comes with 3" block foam insulation, so I did not include the "more insulation" wish list item. The XLT uses Michelin tires, so that wish list item was not included).

After several PMs and discussions with thread members, it seems the 2 biggest "wishes" are a Berkshire rep on the FRF & a Data Closet. So, I included these first on the wish list.

Comments and corrections are always welcome. I will print the list out before we leave Monday night (9 NOV).

Forest River Forums Berkshire owners and prospective owners

Options and Enhancements Recommendations.

1. We request that a member of the Berkshire management team join the Forest River Forums:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/forums/f112
2. All Berkshires should have a centrally located Data Closet. It will be the nexus for all of the coach monitors (tank levels/battery monitor & slide rocker switches), data, voice, and video connections.


Data Closet should contain:

• 2 x 12v cigarette outlets (possibly with 1 on an easy to reach on/off switch depending on where the tech cabinet is)
• 4 x 12v USB charging outlets with shelf for Smartphones & Tablets
• 4-6 x 120v outlets (wired on 2 separate circuits)
• Conduit or direct wiring to the entertainment center.
  • This is a way to store a streaming device (AppleTV/Fire/Roku) and connect a media server (a hard drive that has video and audio files stored on it) and wire direct to the entertainment Audio, AUX and/or HDMI ports.
• 12x12x12” deep shelf to store a media server
• 8x8" wall space inside the Data Closet to mount WiFi Router and 4G Booster

· Oversized conduit to a protected/sealed roof point of presence.
o The conduit should have a pull line to assist in cable routing.
o The conduit would be used for running wires between roof top antennas and this cabinet (e.g. WiFi booster and cell booster.) Best practices would for this conduit to share the Winegard Trav'ler satellite prep (and to be able to mount WiFi & Cell booster antennas on the satellite antenna arm.


3. Other recommendations:

• Reusable Emergency Exit Door in lieu of the Emergency Exit Window
• Smart Wheel
• Tire Pressure/Temperature Monitoring System
• Offer the Lippert WasteMaster sewer system (like Vengeance does)
• Keyless Door Entry & Combination locks on all storage/entertainment doors. FINALLY freedom from keys J
• Power reels for power cord and water hose
• Insulation and heater for water manifold to facilitate cold weather camping
• Prewire diode TOAD brake light indicator on dash.
• Wall to wall shower cabinet with towel rack and seat.
• Second Fire Extinguisher in the bedroom
• Upgrade HDTV Antenna to Wineguard Rayzar Automatic
• DEF tank fill on left side.
• Tank level indicator in the water manifold bay
• Include slide locks on all slide outs.
• Larger fresh, gray and black water tanks (like Toy Haulers) currently, we can only boondock for 3 days.

Bama, awesome compilation list. Only thing that I would change is central storage door locking with inside switch and key fob instead of combo locks. Wonder how much more this puppy will cost with all of the extras....


Rich

[BamaBob]

Originally Posted by accumack

My unit came with slide locks. I've never used them though.

Thanks - did not know this (I was just repeating a member's wish list item). Will remove from list.

Anyway, I had always thought all the slides in a Berkie were hydraulic? And all the slide switches are behind a cabinet door? If so, wouldn't that obviate the need for slide locks?