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Old 01-03-2016, 02:59 PM   #1
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Best layout for families

Happy New Year everyone! I am looking to upgrade from my current Georgetown 351 DS bunkhouse to a Berkshire. I have 3 kids and 2 are out growing the bunks. I am still considering upgrading to a Berkshire with the bunks, but wanted opinions on the models that have a nice layout with sleeping space for a family of 5. I've looked at all the different layouts, but looking at pictures isn't the same as traveling and spending time inside. Thanks in advance!
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Old 01-03-2016, 03:22 PM   #2
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Well a bunkhouse model for sure. How about pulling a pop up for the kids LOL
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Old 01-03-2016, 03:37 PM   #3
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Well a bunkhouse model for sure. How about pulling a pop up for the kids LOL

Good answer!!👍🏻


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Old 01-03-2016, 08:08 PM   #4
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We have a 2012 390BH60 with two teenage kids. Best Floorplan hands down
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Old 01-03-2016, 09:14 PM   #5
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Well a bunkhouse model for sure. How about pulling a pop up for the kids LOL
I saw a motorhome pulling a pop-up just the other day!
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Old 01-03-2016, 10:05 PM   #6
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I have the 390bh with 3 kids. One 6-2",one 5-10" and a youngster. The bunks and pullout couch work great. We put a 2" memory fome top on pullout and it works great. Stores under couch.


Mike & Amy + 3 and the dogs!
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Old 01-04-2016, 04:29 PM   #7
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Thanks everyone!
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Old 01-04-2016, 05:11 PM   #8
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I saw a motorhome pulling a pop-up just the other day!
Had a 36' Coachman diesel. Carried a tent for young guest. Everyone happy.

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Old 01-04-2016, 10:26 PM   #9
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We have a GT 364TS BH It is one of the few FR models that still have a pull-down bed over the driver's compartment. It is stressed for over 200# and folds out of the way in an instant. We used to have a 5ver where we used the pull-out bed. What a mess. Blankets and pillows all over the place. Others could hardly squeeze past the bed. The side bunks are also sturdy and can be occupied while traveling. That's why we enjoy the layout. With three adult sized teens, we are quite comfortable with ample room parked or on the road.
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Old 01-05-2016, 11:53 AM   #10
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Originally Posted by edmonh View Post
Happy New Year everyone! I am looking to upgrade from my current Georgetown 351 DS bunkhouse to a Berkshire. I have 3 kids and 2 are out growing the bunks. I am still considering upgrading to a Berkshire with the bunks, but wanted opinions on the models that have a nice layout with sleeping space for a family of 5. I've looked at all the different layouts, but looking at pictures isn't the same as traveling and spending time inside. Thanks in advance!
Check out the new 2016 XLT 43B. Since it is a Tag, you will have much more CCC than a non-Tag. With 3 kids, and all the ash & trash a family takes camping (I know - we camped with 2 ) the extra storage capacity in the XLT will be welcome. Also, when we took the factory tour, we were told the bunks are rated for 300 pounds - at 6' long, don't thing those 2 will outgrow the bunks! The LR sofa makes into a third bed, so there you go!

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Well a bunkhouse model for sure. How about pulling a pop up for the kids LOL
Folks may take this as a joke, but I have seen several MHs pulling PUPS and have been in camps where they were set up side-by-side (granted you pay for 2 sites)
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Old 01-05-2016, 11:59 AM   #11
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Thanks, Bama...

Any idea on the cost of the XLT?
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Old 01-05-2016, 12:08 PM   #12
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I personally like apposing couch and love seat. I am not sure how big bed is on newer models with L shaped sofa. The Berkshire bunks in mine are 74", most models only have 72". I had a drop down queen bed above driver on my 32 fleetwood, and I find that pulling out the queen bed on the 390 BH is a better layout. With the apposing slides the is plenty of room to walk around.


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Old 01-06-2016, 02:44 PM   #13
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  • Quote:
    Originally Posted by edmonh View Post
    Thanks, Bama...

    Any idea on the cost of the XLT?
    Here is what I have. please note all Berkshires are delivered witha full body paint scheme at no cost to the owner. There are several other "extra" patterns that, if chosen, add $1.5K to the price. We like the Labyrinth option


  • 2016 Berkshire XLT 43A Base Price $346,248.00
    • Topaz interior & Exotic Cherry cabinetry N/C
    • Labyrinth Custom Full Body Paint $1,400.00
    • Stackable Washer/Dryer $2,234.00
    • Electric Heated Tile Floors includes 10 kW Generator $5,709.00
    • Winegard HD Traveler Satellite System, DIRECTV $2,382.00
    • Free Standing Dinette w/ Hutch & 4 Chairs $1,479.00
    • Chassis Upgrade Package Ultra-Steer, Jacobs Brake, 150 gal Fuel Tank, Adjustable Pedals $5,940.00
    • RVIA Advertising Seal $164.00
  • Total MSRP with Options $ 365,556.00
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Old 01-06-2016, 02:51 PM   #14
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Originally Posted by mikeborny View Post
I personally like apposing couch and love seat. I am not sure how big bed is on newer models with L shaped sofa. The Berkshire bunks in mine are 74", most models only have 72". I had a drop down queen bed above driver on my 32 fleetwood, and I find that pulling out the queen bed on the 390 BH is a better layout. With the apposing slides the is plenty of room to walk around.
It will be interesting to see that floorplan Mike. we hope to do so in February - and those lucky Berk owners who are going to Tampa this month will be able to see them all I suspect!
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Old 01-08-2016, 07:52 PM   #15
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We have the 38A floorplan which has bunks. The good news is the bunks fold up so when the kids outgrow spending time with you in the MH, you can fold the bunks up and use the area for storage or pull out the bunks completely and make it an office! You still have a really roomy sleeping area in the couch and the dinette area. If you are spending that much money anyway, you might as well get something that will serve many purposes over a long period of time.
One note about the "over-the-cockpit drop down bed". That is a good idea in theory, but it is really only good for little kids. (and then mom stays up all night scared they are going to fall out of the bed during the night). Most adults aren't climbing up there to sleep! (well the fact that most adults CAN'T climb up there is besides the point). And there isn't room enough for a good mattress so it won't be soft up there AT ALL! I am speaking from experience, our last MH had one. All that drop down bed did was squeak and rattle going down the road! Like Chinese Water Torture!!
Good Luck in your search!
Karen
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Old 01-08-2016, 08:02 PM   #16
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Originally Posted by Vince and Charlette View Post
We have a GT 364TS BH It is one of the few FR models that still have a pull-down bed over the driver's compartment. It is stressed for over 200# and folds out of the way in an instant. .
When I was a teen and traveled with my family, this was my preferred sleeping place. I hated the couch and dinette beds for the simple reason that you are always in the way. I liked having my own space that did not do double duty as something else. My younger brother and sister slept in bunks and my parents had the bedroom.

My parents liked to trade RV's often but this was always my favorite set-up.
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Old 01-08-2016, 08:05 PM   #17
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It will be interesting to see that floorplan Mike. we hope to do so in February - and those lucky Berk owners who are going to Tampa this month will be able to see them all I suspect!
I will text you and let you know what they have at the show. Either that or I will post a pic for you on Facebook. We won't forget about you and Anne-Marie, don't worry!

Karen
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Old 01-08-2016, 08:24 PM   #18
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  • Here is what I have. please note all Berkshires are delivered witha full body paint scheme at no cost to the owner. There are several other "extra" patterns that, if chosen, add $1.5K to the price. We like the Labyrinth option


  • 2016 Berkshire XLT 43A Base Price $346,248.00
    • Topaz interior & Exotic Cherry cabinetry N/C
    • Labyrinth Custom Full Body Paint $1,400.00
    • Stackable Washer/Dryer $2,234.00
    • Electric Heated Tile Floors includes 10 kW Generator $5,709.00
    • Winegard HD Traveler Satellite System, DIRECTV $2,382.00
    • Free Standing Dinette w/ Hutch & 4 Chairs $1,479.00
    • Chassis Upgrade Package Ultra-Steer, Jacobs Brake, 150 gal Fuel Tank, Adjustable Pedals $5,940.00
    • RVIA Advertising Seal $164.00
  • Total MSRP with Options $ 365,556.00
Bob,
You can get the dealership to remove the "RVIA Seal" price. That seal is paid for by the RV Manufacturers. It certifies that the RV is safe and compliant. Some dealerships try to sneak in that "extra fee". But really it is a bogus charge. Also the "RV PREP" fee shouldn't be charged to the customer. RV manufacturers pay to have that RV prepped by the dealership for sale. (Things like making sure there are no stray screws laying around, tripping or injury hazards inside coach or seat belts that have come loose from the wall etc.) The dealership should not get paid for it and then turn around and charge the customer for it. That is called "Double Dipping". In 2011 a couple of dealerships were sued for charging that fee.
When you are on an RV lot, mention that lawsuit to the dealership, it is amazing how quick that fee is removed!
Karen
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Old 01-08-2016, 08:27 PM   #19
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LazyDays has an XLT 43B on the lot in Tampa.


It is listed for $294k


That is Charleston Pricing.


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Old 01-08-2016, 08:52 PM   #20
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we were really surprised at LazyDays' prices when we were shopping for our RV. There really isn't any excuse to be 7-8 thousand dollars above everybody else's price! Unless "the Crown Club" means William and Kate come with the coach as my driver and maid!!
Karen
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