SR300 vs SR340

ajk123 · 10-05-2015, 11:40 AM

New member here.
Considering purchase of a new 2015 SR300 340KP. Older posts on this site indicate the SR300 Has a 300HP cummins engine whereas the SR340 has the 340HP engine. Other differences supposedly include LED lighting on the awning, heat pads, and heated side mirrors for the SR340, not included in the SR300. The SR300 I'm considering has the "Legacy SR300" decals on the front, rear, and side exterior walls. It also has the awning LED lights, heat pads, and heated side mirrors. Dealer tells me it has the 340 HP Cummins. I'm confused.
Questions:
1. Is this a mid-year upgrade to the SR300?
2. How can I verify which engine this unit has (300HP or 340HP)?
3. If it does have the 340 HP, then why does it carry the "SR300" logo?

I'm hoping to buy this week.
Thanks for any reply!

Blacknchromehd · 10-05-2015, 02:23 PM

Here is my solution...e-mail Mike Bukowski at Forest River...he is the go to guy

mbukowski@forestriverinc.com

Blacknchromehd · 10-05-2015, 03:16 PM

I was checking with my source and he told me it would have a 300 HP which is what is listed on the specs...Mine is a 340 RB....340 HP

Because of the light weight chassis the 300 might be enough for you...What are they asking for it?

ajk123 · 10-05-2015, 09:30 PM

So, does the SR300 have a lighter chasis than the SR340?
My dealer insists the SR300 he's selling has the 340HP engine and is willing to plug into it to prove it.

ajk123 · 10-05-2015, 09:33 PM

They're asking $142,950 for it plus a $5,000 discount towards the price or for accessories. The MH is in excellent shape but I question the engine size.

Blacknchromehd · 10-05-2015, 09:43 PM

What I meant is that the legacy rides on a lighter chassis and makes a big difference. Mine is a 360rb with the 340 hp....

What I would do is call the factory and ask for mike B who runs the legacy builds and give him the vin number...

Price seems very fair...

ajk123 · 10-05-2015, 10:07 PM

I sent a copy of the posting to Mike Bukowski at Forest River Inc. I'll post the answer once I receive it. Thanks guys.
another question: The SR300 340KP has a GCWR or 28,000 and a "dry" weight of 21,329 according to the dealer. That means I have 28k - 21.3k, or 6,700 lbs. If that's the case and I want to tow a 4,700lb Grand Cherokee, then I have 6,700-5,000 = 1,700 lbs available for driver, passengers, fuel, water, and cargo. If I carry me, wife and grand kids, that's about 500lbs. Another 600lbs for fuel and another 600lbs for propane and water, then I would have no weight allocation left for towbar, brake equipment, food, clothing, grill, tools, toys, etc. I see people toting much heavier loads than what I'm trying to do. That being the case, how important is GCWR for a diesel pusher like the SR300?

ajk123 · 10-05-2015, 10:19 PM

Yes, price is excellent, as is the MH itself. Caught it at an RV show this past weekend here in Colorado Springs. They even let my wife and I drive it for an hour or so back to their dealership after the show. Nice! I just want to know what I'm paying for, and why the discrepancy in model number versus engine. Does Mike Bukowski respond to emails?

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 05:02 AM

Yes Mike does respond to e-mails and he is a big help.

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajk123

I sent a copy of the posting to Mike Bukowski at Forest River Inc. I'll post the answer once I receive it. Thanks guys.
another question: The SR300 340KP has a GCWR or 28,000 and a "dry" weight of 21,329 according to the dealer. That means I have 28k - 21.3k, or 6,700 lbs. If that's the case and I want to tow a 4,700lb Grand Cherokee, then I have 6,700-5,000 = 1,700 lbs available for driver, passengers, fuel, water, and cargo. If I carry me, wife and grand kids, that's about 500lbs. Another 600lbs for fuel and another 600lbs for propane and water, then I would have no weight allocation left for towbar, brake equipment, food, clothing, grill, tools, toys, etc. I see people toting much heavier loads than what I'm trying to do. That being the case, how important is GCWR for a diesel pusher like the SR300?

I can tell you I pulled a trailer with two Harley's to Sturgis up and down hills on my trip from the east coast. Trailer weight total was 4800 lbs with gear and bikes. RV was filled to the max with fuel, water and all the compartments as well. Never ever had an issue at all with the load....I I believe the GVWR is 33000 lbs....got 10.5 mpg going 65 to 70 the whole way there....it's a great unit and chassis

ajk123 · 10-06-2015, 11:08 AM

I made a huge mistake! I was given 28,000lb as the GCWR (gross COMBINED weight rating) when that was really the GVWR (gross VEHICLE weight rating). The GCWR is actually 33,000lb, a huge difference. So, my bad, folks. Sorry for the error. Towing weight is not a problem with this motorhome.

Mike Bukowski responded already and asked me to send him the VIN for the MH so he could verify what engine is in it. He did say that during production changes, this anomaly can happen with model numbers. Nice of him to respond so quickly. I'll send him the VIN and let you all know how it comes out. I'm really starting to see Forest River is a good and responsive company.

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 11:55 AM

I can say from where I sit that FR has been very helpful with my RV and any issues or questions. Customer Service at times is a forgotten thing in today's work place..

ajk123 · 10-06-2015, 12:01 PM

Nice pics

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 12:03 PM

i love this RV....bought it July 18th...and put 5000 miles on her in 2 months during 3 weeks of total vacation...i still work full time so I cannot use it as much as others..

ajk123 · 10-06-2015, 12:03 PM

That's a BIG building you have for your MH.

ajk123 · 10-06-2015, 12:08 PM

Haven't bought mine yet. Waiting for final response from Mike on the engine question. Also need to find a good TOAD vehicle. Don't want a Wrangler. Maybe a pickup or Cherokee (Grand or Trail Hawk). Any suggestions on what's available and good for "wheels down" towing?

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 01:14 PM

Thank you on the garage....parent company of the company I work for has many commercial buildings ...I can use this one in the winter months and in the summer another great friend has outdoor secure space for me with 50 amp at my RV...

Tow vehicle in our home is a Mini Cooper S....weights very little and is a 6 speed

ajk123 · 10-06-2015, 01:29 PM

Do you tow the Cooper or put it in the trailer? If tow, any special considerations, like running engine every couple hours or pulling fuzes, etc?

Blacknchromehd · 10-06-2015, 04:00 PM

Cooper is easy to pull....place on neutral and put the key fob in the holder...no other issues...

captnrick3 · 10-06-2015, 07:50 PM

We have a 2015 with all the upgrades but the 340 hp engine. Remember torque is the important spec and there is a very little torque difference. We are on our way back to San Diego right now from a 7000 mile swing around the US and all of it towing our wrangler. Very pleased with power and we are seasoned rv'ers. Looks like a fair price to me. We ate happy with our rig so far.

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