New XL or 2011 Berkshire

[jskelton83]

Prices are pretty equal and floorplans real similiar. I am in the market for a bunkhouse and keep flip flopping on which would be the better deal. I have found a couple of 2011 Berks for close to the same price as a 2015 Georgetown XL. What are your opinions, please.
1st Motorhome

[Iggy]

If you are looking a $$$ on a used MH and the price is about the same for 2011 something is wrong with the equation.


A 2011 Georgetown used should be about $74,000 - $79,000
A 2011 Berkshire should be still in the $135,000 and up range.


Tell us the prices they are trying to sell the used MH for?
Then we can tell you if its a good deal or what.


You also can check price using NADA User RV guide.
Motorhomes Price, Motorhomes Value & Motorhomes Trade In | NADAguides | Motorhomes Price Specs

[jskelton83]

new georgetown xl appx 110,000 2011 berkshire 120,000

[Krazymace]

Originally Posted by jskelton83

new georgetown xl appx 110,000 2011 berkshire 120,000

I'd by the Berkshire at that price.


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[Iggy]

Originally Posted by jskelton83

new georgetown xl appx 110,000 2011 berkshire 120,000

How many miles on the Berkshire and what HP engine?
They did have a smaller diesel engine than most.

If the Berkshire is under 10,000 miles and is the bunkhouse model I'd offer them $110,000 after you have a mechanic check it out.

[jskelton83]

Appx 20,000 miles and 340hp

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by jskelton83

Appx 20,000 miles and 340hp

I did a Goggle search for a 2011 Berkshire model 390BH and found many with 18,000-20,000 miles and have a price around $125,000.
The 340hp is the smaller output engine and you may want to use that as a leverage to lower the dealers price. It may help.

[siskom]

There are many opinions on this subject but there are considerations like, weight diesel's heavier which is a consideration as far as where you park/store it, mileage they are about equal except gas is cheaper, repairs on diesel is astronomical compared to gas, diesel better for pulling loads up and down mountains, tires on diesel more expensive, diesels are typically longer once again storage and entry into some parks limited, ride can be good on both. I like both but a buyer needs to look at many aspects not just what others say is good it's a individual choice, we (class A folks) like em all.

[Iggy]

Another question is will you be full timing in the motorhome or just a few weeks during the summer?

[jskelton83]

We typically take 2 trips to Disney from Tennessee each year. Would also be taking several long weekend trips to visit daughter and her husband. I also travel quite often for work and could use it to travel then. I am looking for something that makes our travel, the to and from, more enjoyable. Also, when when we goto Disney, there are 7 or 8 that go and we could travel together instead of riding in 2 cars.
I was leaning toward the diesel for towing and hauling capabilites and I typically hang on to purchases awhile. I dont trade cars every 2 or 3 years and I have lived in the same house for 22 years. Married to my darlin bride for 30 years. Looking for something to drive and to last.

[BigMac8253]

Personally, based on what I read your utilization typically is, the only reason I'd go to a diesel would be for the comfort and quiet during the drive (air ride suspension and rear engine) and possibly for speed control on long or steep downhills, although you may have that capability in the 2015 GT anyway. I have a 2004 GT 370TS on the older Ford chassis that I added a Banks system to and I can go virtually anywhere so long as I understand and accept that I may not be the 1st guy to the top of the hill. And with the motor in the 2015 GT, you probably have as much stock pulling power as I do with the Banks. I guess what I am saying is that from an attribute perspective, you are not going to get that much more with the Berkshire than you will get with the GT, and your operating costs with the Berkshire will be considerably greater. With that equation, I'd go with the GT.

[Iggy]

Originally Posted by jskelton83

We typically take 2 trips to Disney from Tennessee each year. Would also be taking several long weekend trips to visit daughter and her husband. I also travel quite often for work and could use it to travel then. I am looking for something that makes our travel, the to and from, more enjoyable. Also, when when we goto Disney, there are 7 or 8 that go and we could travel together instead of riding in 2 cars.
I was leaning toward the diesel for towing and hauling capabilites and I typically hang on to purchases awhile. I dont trade cars every 2 or 3 years and I have lived in the same house for 22 years. Married to my darlin bride for 30 years. Looking for something to drive and to last.

If the initial costs,fuel price and maintenance costs doesn't bother you go for the Berkshire diesel.

[jskelton83]

I don't mind spending the money, if I am getting "bang" for my buck.

[SilverbackMel]

Just a suggestion: some resorts restrict coach by AGE. Take a guess on how many years you plan to keep the coach, vs, depreciation factors on each AND age and change of direction as kids get older. May be more challenging as kids become involved in sports, etc.

Then look to see what seems to be selling resale. Is a 5 yr old 2010 gasser easier to sell vs a 2006 diesel?

Then make an informed decision. When I was younger, had boats; 26 and then 28 ft cruiser. In later years, no one in the family wanted to go out anymore. Took a significant hit to get rid of it.

There is NO WAY I could convince my wife to let me buy a 5 yr old diesel pusher. 😉 Actually considered a 2008 Allegro Bus....nope!! Did not happen.

[chrisbailey13]

I would go with the New GTXL. Based on your self identified usage potential, I think you will get more bang for you buck with the GT.


Which Georgetown are you considering, the 350 or the 352?