Another Newbie looking for advice.

[Paulie Boy]

Hi, I'm looking seriously at Berkshire 390BH units. All three are 2014 used, with reasonably low mileage. The biggest question I have is about the engine size. Two of the units have 360hp and one has a 340hp engine. I will be towing a Lincoln MKX probably on a tow dolly, but that is another question in itself. Is there really a big difference between the two engines?

[NO3putt]

Between the 340 and 360, 360 is the right one if the prices are close. I believe the 340 can tow 5,000 lbs and 360 is 10,000 lbs. The 340 should have allison 2500 transmission vs the 360 having a 3000 transmission.

I'm sure others will chime in, we have a 340.

[JTN8]

I have the 340 and tow a 4200 pound Cadillac SRX and have no problems at all and never been over weight even full of water! Honestly the biggest difference is the GCVWR!! The 340 is limited to 33,000 only because the transmission not the suspension since the 14's have the beefed up suspension, air bags and tires.

Jason

[Campin Cajun]

I have the 390BH with the 340. NO3putt is correct, if the prices are close I would go with the 360. Although I have no problems towing my JKU. Mine is a 2013. There were other improvements to the 2014's. Look them both over really good and I'm sure you will find the differences.

The 2014 360 has the beefier suspension also.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by JTN8

I have the 340 and tow a 4200 pound Cadillac SRX and have no problems at all and never been over weight even full of water! Honestly the biggest difference is the GCVWR!! The 340 is limited to 33,000 only because the transmission not the suspension since the 14's have the beefed up suspension, air bags and tires.

Jason

Some of us 2011 have that "beefed up" tires and airbags.

[ceedog]

My 2011 has been 'beefed' up also. The limiting factor in Toad weight is the tow hitch. I've seen Berks with a 10,000lb tow hitch installed. How much does your toad weigh?

According to a FL technician the 340 ISB can be worked to provide 400hp with minimal effort & expense.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by ceedog

My 2011 has been 'beefed' up also. The limiting factor in Toad weight is the tow hitch. I've seen Berks with a 10,000lb tow hitch installed. How much does your toad weigh?

According to a FL technician the 340 ISB can be worked to provide 400hp with minimal effort & expense.

The limiting factor in. 340 HP is the 2500 transmission limiting the GVCW to 33,000 lbs. The hitches are all the same. The 360 has a 3000 transmission and a larger rear axle.

[Paulie Boy]

The curb weight of the MKX is 4300#. Just sounds like I would be pushing the limits with the 5000# hitch on the 340hp.

[I-RV]

Welcome to the forum.

The GCWR and GVWR ratings are most important. The Allison 2500MH in the 340 limits the GCWR to 33,000 lbs. (forget the hitch rating)

You need to first figure how much you will load the RV (with occupants), see if that is within the GVWR and then subtract that from the GCWR, which will give you what you can tow. You can get your fully loaded weight by having your motorhome weighed (fully loaded) after purchase, but that is not what you should do. See.............

RV and Vehicle Weight Definitions

With the UVW and CCC ratings, you can do some calculations. Unfortunately, these ratings are not always supplied.

The yellow sticker on the motorhome's front door has information not in the brochures. You should get that info.; it will help you decide. Forget the Hp difference between the 340 and 360, the load carry capability is most important.
Hank

[Phil57]

I would suggest that you weigh any RV before you buy it. The yellow sticker isn't always accurate. Know your empty weight and your traveling down the road weight.

[RLHAMILTON]

We have a 390RB 360, and highly recommend the 360 if possible.

[JJvike]

Go with the 360 if the price point isn't too great. Towing isn't going to be a problem with either. You really will not notice it back there. IMO the difference is the transmission upgrade you will get with the 360. You will be happy with either one.

[TwiceTheIce]

The 360 also gives you aluminum wheels whereas the 340 has steel. Figure $3000 to upgrade to aluminum, thereby reducing unsprung spring rate which vastly improves handling--not to mention the aluminum looks much better than the hub caps.

[Phil57]

Originally Posted by TwiceTheIce

The 360 also gives you aluminum wheels whereas the 340 has steel. Figure $3000 to upgrade to aluminum, thereby reducing unsprung spring rate which vastly improves handling--not to mention the aluminum looks much better than the hub caps.

I will sell you aluminum wheels all day long for 3000.00$. Expect to pay between 1500-1800 with all the hardware.

[I-RV]

Originally Posted by Phil57

I would suggest that you weigh any RV before you buy it. The yellow sticker isn't always accurate. Know your empty weight and your traveling down the road weight.

Phil, that is one great suggestion and should probably be a commandment for buying a motorhome. By doing this before one makes an outlay, the unloaded weight can be seen and with some simple calculations, like adding water weight, passenger weight and fuel (if not full), one then can see how much is left for cargo.
Hank

[TwiceTheIce]

Phil, did you include the cost of new tires in your $1500? Many professional tire places will not reinstall tires that have been previously mounted. Invisible, but serious damage can be done in dismounting a tire. You could make an argument that the tires on the steel wheels do not need replaced. However, if they have more than a few miles on them, they will have a different circumference than the others. I guess it is all about one's personal tolerance for risk and one's willingness to spend money. For myself (and I do not force my opinion on others) I will not have a remounted tire on my vehicles. After all, it is essentially a used tire. I gave up used tires and recaps when I was 17. Just my opinion.

[Phil57]

I have no idea what you mean. I didn't go get old tires and put them on. I had tires that were just I've one year old and had four of them switched to the aluminum rims. This does absolutely no damage to the tire. The question was what do aluminum rims cost. The price I paid was for mounting and balancing. I might have put new tires if they were over 5 years old but no way am I risking anything by using my old tires.

[Phil57]

I would love to know where you can get all new tires and aluminum rims for 3000.00. 6 tires and 4 rims. No way.