Buying a 2013 Berkshire 390bh. What do I need to look for?

[tstavros]

First off, this forum and the people in it are amazing. What a wealth of information. I appreciate folks taking the time to answer questions and share their experience. As a newbie, it’s comforting to know there are readily available answers to everything I am clueless about..at least about RVing.

I just came to an agreement on price with a private party on a 2013 Berkshire 390bh 340hp and need some advice on what I should be looking for. This rig was not used much, as it has less than 11,000 miles on it. Pretty sure it’s on it’s 3rd or 4th owner and the current owner only put about 500 miles on it since he bought it 2 years ago and it’s been stored outside.

1. As far as inspection, do you recommend I take it to a dealer or use one of these services that go to the unit and inspect it.

2. Is there anything specific to this model that I need to be aware or wary of? I’ve done some research in the group and have read about the weight issue and this motor possibly being a little underpowered. Do I need to be concerned about these? Is FR still offering the upgrade on the airbags and tires on a model this old?

3. Typically, as far as pricing what is a good deal when comparing to NADA low and average values?

Thank you so much in advance for your time and expertise!

Troy

 

[NO3putt]

Use a private inspector.
1.age of the tires, might need new ones
2. Batteries?
3. Maintenance records, was oil changes done yearly?
4. Run everything, hot water heater, ac's, refrigerator, inverter etc.
5.check for any water leaks, check roof

Good luck. Skip

 

[GoneSouth10]

Definitively use a private inspector - and pay for a good one specializing in Class A motorhomes if you can find one. You not only have the RV side to worry about, but also the engine/chassis side. It may be counter-intuitive, but the lack of use of the coach is problematic. A lot of these systems need to be "exercised" regularly (not just the generator) and it sounds like this coach has been a "coach potato."
That said, a quality inspection should be able to identify any issues with things/systems that have been sitting unused for, it sounds like, at least the last two years (not sure where you're located, but 500 miles in two years is probably one camping trip . . .). There will be problems/issues, but at least you'll be going in with your eyes open and you can negotiate appropriately (and hopefully nothing major - batteries and tires come to mind immediately).
Good Luck!

 

[tstavros]

Thanks. It says they put new batteries in February of 2020, but pretty sure the tires are original. We negotiated to an AS-IS price, so needless to say I need a good inspection to decide if it's worth what I'm paying.

 

[tstavros]

Here is a link in case anyone wants to put some eyes on it: https://www.poprvs.com/class-a-rvs-...-berkshire-390bh-in-mcdonald-tennessee-163911

 

[Serenity-RV]

My 2011 390BH has been great. My only issue is the GVW isn't so hot. Watch out for overloading.


The biggest issue is with the dash gauges. They sometimes just stop, they sometimes work when the lights are on, sometimes not. Freightliner's recommendations have not proven effective over the last year. I recommend getting a speedometer app on your phone just in case. You can then use the odometer on the app to judge when to fill up your fuel.


Otherwise, enjoy!

 

[Larry-NC]

Tire age

Thanks. It says they put new batteries in February of 2020, but pretty sure the tires are original. We negotiated to an AS-IS price, so needless to say I need a good inspection to decide if it's worth what I'm paying.

Follow the directions here to determine the age of each tire. Note that the date follows the DOT code on only one side of the tire. Depending on which way the tire was mounted, it may be on the inside.

The material that's used to bond the tires together ages, whether the tires have been driven or not. A general rule is to replace tires after five years although Michelin claims theirs are good for 10.

 

[Mmnsc]

First off, this forum and the people in it are amazing. What a wealth of information. I appreciate folks taking the time to answer questions and share their experience. As a newbie, it’s comforting to know there are readily available answers to everything I am clueless about..at least about RVing.



I just came to an agreement on price with a private party on a 2013 Berkshire 390bh 340hp and need some advice on what I should be looking for. This rig was not used much, as it has less than 11,000 miles on it. Pretty sure it’s on it’s 3rd or 4th owner and the current owner only put about 500 miles on it since he bought it 2 years ago and it’s been stored outside.



1. As far as inspection, do you recommend I take it to a dealer or use one of these services that go to the unit and inspect it.



2. Is there anything specific to this model that I need to be aware or wary of? I’ve done some research in the group and have read about the weight issue and this motor possibly being a little underpowered. Do I need to be concerned about these? Is FR still offering the upgrade on the airbags and tires on a model this old?



3. Typically, as far as pricing what is a good deal when comparing to NADA low and average values?



Thank you so much in advance for your time and expertise!



Troy

I had a 2012 390bh 360 so I know the unit well. First off make sure it has the upgraded front axle air bags and the 275 tires all around. There were a lot built with under rated axles and tires. FR did the upgrade after showing the front axle was overloaded.
The 340 hp has the 2500 Alison transmission which gives you a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds. Depending what you plan to tow this might be a major issue for you.
Check the hydraulic system, especially the sofa slide for any issues, leaks, scuffs on the hydraulic rams, alignment, etc. There have been many reported cases with the hydraulic system.
It is a very comfortable unit to drive and handle. The 340 Hp may be a little underpowered especially if you plan on using it out west.
Make sure the roof a/c units on roof are working properly including the heat pump on the front unit. The rear unit typically does not have a heat pump.
Definitely have it checked out by a professional inspector (not a dealer). If you are accessible to Gaffney SC I would recommend taking it to the Freightliner Service. Center.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[pplatts]

In addition to what everyone else has stated, check the condition of the 'leather' coverings for all furniture including the captain's chair/-co-pilot chair. I had to replace all of fabric in my 2013 390BH a couple of years ago. FR used poor quality materials that are prone to cracking. Tire: the tread may be good, but check the sidewalls. The Michelin RV tires are know to have sidewall cracking once they age. I replaced mine with Toyo's. The Wardrobe (bunk) slide is something worth looking at closely. Not a great design and lots of problems with this model...I've been lucky.

 

[Fkaske]

Berkshire

Here is a little interesting fact about this unit. It had been bough new by Bret Micheals of Poison. That is why he has signed it. The story that MHSRV in Texas told is that he bought the unit to tour in. He started his journey and with in a couple of hundred miles he had an accident. They had to change the front cap. He could not wait that long, so he traded it in and bought another one. They sold his bus and the next buyer was going to be able to get some free concert tickets and back stage passes. Now to find out if this is indeed the bus contact Motor Home Specialist and have them check the vin number.

 

[tstavros]

Here is a little interesting fact about this unit. It had been bough new by Bret Micheals of Poison. That is why he has signed it. The story that MHSRV in Texas told is that he bought the unit to tour in. He started his journey and with in a couple of hundred miles he had an accident. They had to change the front cap. He could not wait that long, so he traded it in and bought another one. They sold his bus and the next buyer was going to be able to get some free concert tickets and back stage passes. Now to find out if this is indeed the bus contact Motor Home Specialist and have them check the vin number.

I knew the Brett Michaels part (that signature will be coming off), but hadn't heard the part about the accident. I'll reach out to MHSRV tomorrow to find out. Thanks for letting me know that! Also, can you point me to where you found that information?

 

[tstavros]

Also, I contacted Randy Houser at Forest River regarding the front axle issue in this vintage. He looked up the VIN# and sent this information. Is this good or bad?

"We weigh every unit here prior to it leaving, the left front 5042, the right front 4518 total on the front axle 9560, the axle rated at 10,410. The left rear 7744, the right rear 8480 total 16,224, rear axle rated at 17,500. This will leave you with 2126 lbs for carrying capacity. Hope this helps!"

But I also asked him why there was a sticker in the RV that states the maximum capacity with passengers and cargo is only 1584lbs. He hasn't responded yet. See pic below:

 

[shepardmike]

Tire age is important as referenced in previous posts. Check with you insurance to see about whether they would cover them. So if I had a blow out and it caused residual damage they would not cover it. My RV tire age clause is 7 years so in your case you would have to replace them if your insurance had the same limits.

 

[tstavros]

Tire age is important as referenced in previous posts. Check with you insurance to see about whether they would cover them. So if I had a blow out and it caused residual damage they would not cover it. My RV tire age clause is 7 years so in your case you would have to replace them if your insurance had the same limits.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Blazer-FRF]

had 013 berk got new from crazy days FLA had it 7 years only problem
with coach was AC compressor seized up at about 30 k miles belt broke did a lot of damage broke fan and fan clutch an sensor
had 360 HP engine and 300 trans
the 340HP engine is not that its under powered but when you get the 360 you get the 300 trans instead of the 250 also you get the aluminum wheels not wheel covers another thing to look for that year they made some with the residential fridge and some with the propane electric fridge one other thing i had problem with the seats and the furniture just deteriorated
all in all was a good coach would still have it now But went to P.A> RV show
seen the new Dash in the 2020 45A XLT and the rest is history

 

[ceedog]

TS,


x2 on the items noted above. Keep in mind that no two RVs are exactly the same.



When Randy responds, get him to check if the previous owner ever requested seat cover replacements (they're sent by the VIN #). If they were never sent for the vehicle, get him to send you a set, they're free.


I've had my 2011 390bh since 3/11 & have had very minor issues with it (I keep it at home & am always climbing thru/over it).


Hey Blazer,


I'm looking at the XLT-45ca, just waiting until the price gets down to where I can convince the DW to let me get it.

 

[tstavros]

I'm still waiting to hear back from MHSRV who originally sold the RV to Bret Michaels and then sold it again for him supposedly after an accident (thanks to Fkaske for the heads up on that!) My first call didn't get very far with the folks I spoke with but waiting on a call back from the service manager. You would think they'd have some record of the accident and having to do the repair.

My own sleuthing found this article which tells me the RV was in an accident with a group of deer. How would you feel about this if you were buying an RV? It's a tough call not knowing exactly how much damage was done, especially knowing that hitting one deer at high speed can do some pretty significant damage, let alone a herd of them

https://www.tvguide.com/news/bret-michaels-accident-1067030/

 

[ceedog]

ts


Slide the generator out & look inside. Make sure the generator slides smoothly. There's not much else behind the cap.

 

[RKNOLA]

TS,


x2 on the items noted above. Keep in mind that no two RVs are exactly the same.



When Randy responds, get him to check if the previous owner ever requested seat cover replacements (they're sent by the VIN #). If they were never sent for the vehicle, get him to send you a set, they're free.


I've had my 2011 390bh since 3/11 & have had very minor issues with it (I keep it at home & am always climbing thru/over it).


Hey Blazer,


I'm looking at the XLT-45ca, just waiting until the price gets down to where I can convince the DW to let me get it.

A local dealer has a 2021 XLT 45CA on their lot..... I saw my husband looking at their ad............... I said "don't even look at that! The one we have is fine...!" I bet your wife knows exactly what I mean!!

 

[ernest917]

Not all 340’s have the 2500 tranny.....Mine has an Allison 3000 tranny and I love it....