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Old 01-16-2018, 06:38 PM   #1
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Berkshire XLT 45A Owners

We are considering changing back to a Berkshire, but I need to check the measurements of the passenger compartment just behind the front wheel. Can someone measure it for me? I want to see if the Dometic Fridge/Freezer will fit.
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Old 01-16-2018, 07:23 PM   #2
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What would you be changing back from?
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Old 01-17-2018, 05:47 AM   #3
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What would you be changing back from?
I know you may not be able to read it with a cell phone but his signature says 2016 Entegra Anthem 44B
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Old 01-17-2018, 09:45 AM   #4
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We would be coming back from a 2016 Entegra Anthem 44B. We had a 2013 Berkshire 390BH before and we miss the bunks. Entegra has a bunk model, but we really like the floorplan of the 45A.

We had great service and support from Forest River before and as a result, we would not hesitate to buy another Forest River Diesel product.

Hopefully I can squeeze a Dometic Fridge/Freezer into the passenger front compartment...
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Old 01-18-2018, 05:40 AM   #5
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We would be coming back from a 2016 Entegra Anthem 44B. We had a 2013 Berkshire 390BH before and we miss the bunks. Entegra has a bunk model, but we really like the floorplan of the 45A.

We had great service and support from Forest River before and as a result, we would not hesitate to buy another Forest River Diesel product.

Hopefully I can squeeze a Dometic Fridge/Freezer into the passenger front compartment...
I have a 2012 390bh and one of the many reasons I like it is the lp/electric frig. I dry camp a lot- and i like not have to run generator to keep frig going. I assume that is why you want the "Dometic Fridge/Freezer" also.
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Old 01-19-2018, 07:40 AM   #6
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I have a 2012 390bh and one of the many reasons I like it is the lp/electric frig. I dry camp a lot- and i like not have to run generator to keep frig going. I assume that is why you want the "Dometic Fridge/Freezer" also.
Not really... For us, The basement fridge/freezer is used to keep water and adult beverages cold. It is a great replacement for an ice chest. Forest River puts them in the Charleston and Entegra puts them in the Anthem from the factory.

We dry camp also. With 2 inverters, 8 batteries, solar panels, and Auto Gen, the generator only runs twice per day (as long as it is favorable temps...)
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Old 01-21-2018, 12:03 PM   #7
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Baddmann, just curious. How do the two companies compare in quality, innovation and responsiveness to problems?

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Old 01-22-2018, 11:39 AM   #8
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Here's what I put in mine.... Bought the slides and installed it myself.... Love the fact that it extends out past the open slide..... Also - larger than the brand you're asking about....
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Old 01-22-2018, 11:47 AM   #9
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Oh - mine's an Edgestar 85 quart 12V/110V refrig/freezer.... Switches power sources automatically
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Old 01-28-2018, 10:38 AM   #10
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We left Forest River after our Georgetown and bought a Thor MH. BIG MISTAKE!!! And BTW, Thor now owns Entegra so be very careful. If their same "quality practices" carry over to Entegra, the new products may suffer.
We learned our lesson, we will never stray from Forest River again!!
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Old 02-10-2018, 10:23 AM   #11
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Baddmann, just curious. How do the two companies compare in quality, innovation and responsiveness to problems?

Rich
Rich,
Both did well in response to any issues. The Entegra has some additional features that we really like along with a 2 year warranty. It is hard to compare the 2 coaches because of the price point for both.

With that said, I would not hesitate to purchase either of them again.

When you compare the Berkshire line with true competitors, you can't beat the value that it provides. The same can be said for Entegra Coach. Both have been excellent choices.
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Old 02-10-2018, 10:28 AM   #12
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Oh - mine's an Edgestar 85 quart 12V/110V refrig/freezer.... Switches power sources automatically
That is very similar to what we have now. I really like having the 12v/110v dual power and it keeps my beer ice cold...

Back to original question: Will someone measure the front compartment so I can see if the fridge will fit?
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Old 02-10-2018, 10:44 AM   #13
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Entegra is now owned by Thor. If the previous build quality of Thor products follows them to the Entegra plant that could cause problems. During our recent "upgrade" journey we did look at Entegra, but I didn't see the quality level that was customary in previous build years. We were confident in our choice of staying with the Berkshire line.
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Old 02-10-2018, 11:14 AM   #14
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Entegra is now owned by Thor. If the previous build quality of Thor products follows them to the Entegra plant that could cause problems. During our recent "upgrade" journey we did look at Entegra, but I didn't see the quality level that was customary in previous build years. We were confident in our choice of staying with the Berkshire line.
We toured the factories for both Forest River and Entegra (all new) and were able to see the build process for both. I purchased my Entegra before the buyout, but I would certainly buy another. Entegra is their premium brand and they strive to keep customers happy. My customer service has been just as good after the buyout as before.

I'm not sure what you mean by "quality level" but the features/benefits they offer are exceptional. If you watch them build the coach you can see the difference. There is a reason why it is one of the most quiet coaches on the road.

I would just buy another Entegra, but the bunk model doesn't include a fireplace. However, it does have Aquahot, full length dual awnings, flush slides, no propane, solar panels, basement freezer, etc...
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Old 02-10-2018, 12:44 PM   #15
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The great thing is that there are very good choices for most wants and needs. If everyone liked/wanted the exact same things it would be pretty dull out there. I appreciate this thread as it didn’t degenerate into a “mine is better than yours” thing but stayed pretty close to the original ops discussion. Good details to think about when thinking about changing.
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Old 02-10-2018, 02:33 PM   #16
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Come on guys..... The OP only wanted the measurements of a compartment on the passenger side of a coach.... Seems like it's gone in a totally different direction.....
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:44 PM   #17
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I don't have the same model but from looking on line that compartment looks to be at lest about 3' wide. But it has sherbets and I can't see how deep it is. You should probably check me out out and take some measurements if you have one nearby.
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:51 PM   #18
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When I installed mine, I had to remove the piston that holds the compartment door open.... In addition, I had to install 2X4's inside on the floor so that my self-installed slider was at the correct height....
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Old 02-10-2018, 08:58 PM   #19
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That is very similar to what we have now. I really like having the 12v/110v dual power and it keeps my beer ice cold...

Back to original question: Will someone measure the front compartment so I can see if the fridge will fit?
Having just retired 31 DC 2017, I have been busy and not paying much attention to the FRF, so, thanks Karen for bringing this thread to my attention ��

The front co-pilot side 1st basement is 29” W x 18” D x 21” H

It is pretty small - we use ours to store our fluids and cleaning chemicals
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Old 02-10-2018, 09:12 PM   #20
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IMO It's too shallow to hold a frig/freezer..... That's why I selected the next compartment back....
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