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Old 05-11-2016, 11:41 PM   #1
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Thoughts on the Chaparral 371MBRB

Hi Everyone,

Working our way through the myriad of variables for a new tow rig and our first 5er.

Looking at the MBRB and am concerned that it might not have much interior kitchen storage space.

Anyone have this model and willing to give me the good, bad, and ugly on it?

Also wondering how this one, or the 372QBH stack up against say a Jayco 345bhts or the Keystone Avalanche 361tg.

If anyone has any information they are willing to share to help me make my decisions I'm all ears.

Appreciate the help.

Thank You.

Paul
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Old 05-12-2016, 09:43 AM   #2
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Watch that jayco top bunk is a toddler size! We bought the brookstone 395rl and really like it so far. (Used it 3 times)


2017 Brookstone 395RL
Chardon OH
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Old 05-12-2016, 10:26 AM   #3
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Watch that jayco top bunk is a toddler size! We bought the brookstone 395rl and really like it so far. (Used it 3 times)


2017 Brookstone 395RL
Chardon OH

Thanks CWC! Will keep my eye on it.


Fat guy seeking a Ram 3500 Megacab and a 5th wheel to tow behind it.
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Old 05-12-2016, 04:38 PM   #4
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Sorry, I can't really compare all the models you listed.. I will say the MBRB has decent kitchen space, but less than our 360ibl. .. but then again, the 360 has a ton of storage in the kitchen.
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Old 05-12-2016, 09:04 PM   #5
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Agreed. Dont make the mistake we made and compromised too much living area for bedroom area with our first RV. The 360 we have is soo much better laidout.
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Old 05-12-2016, 09:57 PM   #6
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Agreed. Dont make the mistake we made and compromised too much living area for bedroom area with our first RV. The 360 we have is soo much better laidout.

Thanks. Do you think the MBRB gives up too much living space?

Which 360 are you referring to?


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Old 05-12-2016, 10:06 PM   #7
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For us the MBRB gave up too much living space. We also choose the Chapparal 360ibl, for its awesome kitchen and living space and a bunk house.
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Old 05-12-2016, 11:07 PM   #8
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Thanks. Do you think the MBRB gives up too much living space?

Which 360 are you referring to?


Fat guy seeking a Ram 3500 Megacab and a 5th wheel to tow behind it.
We have the 360ibl. I suggest the 390 mid bunk if you have older children. The way center living room fifth wheels are setup really make for a strange living space with very little seating.
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Old 05-12-2016, 11:08 PM   #9
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I like the living space in the 360, and the kitchen is beautiful, but I don't want to give up the extra 1/2 bath or the available sleeping options.




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Old 05-13-2016, 04:41 AM   #10
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I could see that point of view. .. it's a very tough call. The wife and I spent a year + going over our list of needs / wants... ironically the floor plans we went into it really liking never made the final cut (like the Cougar 336bhs )... for us, with smaller kids, we really wanted more living space for rainy days.
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Old 05-13-2016, 03:17 PM   #11
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This is all excellent information, thank you very much.

How old are your kids shorthorn? Mine are 9 and 7.

The mid bunk did strike us as a bit odd, but when primarily used for sleeping, and combined with the rear bunkhouse like the MBRB for kids to play in it, it seemed to give us good space for all.

I see that we can't all get couch seating in this model though, and wonder what factor that will play when in use. Maybe the kids will like sitting at the booth to watch TV.

Rainy days? I wonder how much that will be the case given that I'm in Vegas and will not be going more than 5 hours away the majority of the time.


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Old 05-13-2016, 03:54 PM   #12
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hey PPrice,,, My youngsters are 5 and 9. Certainly you probably won't have as much issue with rain in Vegas as we do in Illinois... We also like the living room for cold spring and fall mornings so everyone has a seat to chill until it warms enough to head out (also not an issue in Vegas for sure).

We travel alot with my mother in law, which was the big push for a bigger unit. We really liked the MBRB so the MIL could have the back room to herself, the boys would have the bunk room, but we really wanted the living space and kitchen of the 360... We also live in the camper at fairs while we are showing, so having a place we could crash in the AC and relax with everyone getting a seat was huge for us.
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Old 05-13-2016, 05:03 PM   #13
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The 390qsmb sounds like it might be a good fit for you. Gives you a good sized bunkhouse as well as a great family gather area. You know, Palimino has a Columbus that has a better floorplan for front bed and rear bunk layout. Its not a hot seller, so they tend to be very reasonably priced. Here is an example

New & Used Travel Trailers/Fifth 5th Wheels | Top Selling Towable Brands

Theyve had that one for over a year and would probably take quite a bit off that reduced price. The perks of the columbus over the Coachmen are:
1. Frameless windows
2. One piece shower
3. Full profile
4. Front painted fiberglass cap
5. Whisper Quiet AC units
6. Rear backup camera
7. Z Frame
8. 1.5 baths
9. Higher quality furniture
10. 4 entry steps
11. Led interior and exterior lights
12. Better tires
13. Better brakes
14. MCD day/night shades
15. Stainless sink
16. Residential fridge
17. Residential microwave
18. Nicer bathroom faucets and sinks.

Cons:
No Azdel

The Columbus is more comparible to the Brookstone.

But, you might like this floorplan.
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Old 05-13-2016, 06:29 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pprice01 View Post
I like the living space in the 360, and the kitchen is beautiful, but I don't want to give up the extra 1/2 bath or the available sleeping options.




Fat guy seeking a Ram 3500 Megacab and a 5th wheel to tow behind it.
I was in the same boat as you. I have 2 young kids and didn't want to give up the extra half bath and I really wanted an outdoor kitchen.

However after seeing the 360.. I said to myself that I could put a mini fridge in the basement and I have my weber grill (didn't care about the dinky grills that come with the outdoor kitchen) so I easily gave that up. As far as the half bath.. the bathroom in the 360 is very spacious and it has a residential full size shower which was awesome. So easy to for us to give showers to our girls with it and not feel cramped.

Whenever it rains, our camper is the "go to" camper for all of us that camp together (typically 2-3 families) with plenty of room to spare.
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