Setting new standards in residential luxury, Forest River debuted its new high-end diesel bunkhouse model, the Berkshire 390 BH.
The Elkhart, Ind.-based manufacturer rolled out four new quad-slide floorplans this year that take aim at the median sector of the luxury motorhome market. One, the 360 QL, is offered at 37 feet 9 inches in length, while a remaining trio that includes the 390 BH is 39 feet 9 inches.
Our walk-through subject possessed a lavishly outfitted bunkhouse layout with an eye-catching full-body paint job, along with an expansive front lounge with a 7-foot ceiling, sleeper sofa, convertible dinette and galley area framed by opposing dual slideouts.
A private streetside bathroom with shower and a curbside bunk bed alcove are located amidships, while a bedroom suite with 60-by-80-inch queen bed and spacious wardrobe closet with mirrored doors take up the rear of the coach. As in the forward lounge, the bedroom is likewise generously graced with curbside and streetside slides.
All Berkshire models are built on a Freightliner XC raised rail chassis. Powertrains include a standard Cummins ISB 6.7-liter 340-hp turbodiesel engine and Allison 2500MH six-speed automatic transmission as on the review coach, or an optional Cummins ISB-XT 6.7-liter variant rated at 360 hp, and backed by an Allison 3000MH six-speed transmission. Other noteworthy standards on all chassis include a 100-gallon fuel tank, air brakes with ABS, an engine exhaust brake and a full Neway air suspension.
Luxury comes at a cost, and the suggested base retail price on this model is listed at $258,214. Though that number may seem relatively high, the coach includes many standard accessories and décor treatments often considered options on less expensive motorhomes. With only an exterior entertainment center ($2,021) and basement storage slideout tray ($1,087) listed as options, the asking price for our sumptuous and completely furnished motorhome is $264,623, including all related transportation fees.
The cockpit puts everything at the driver’s fingertips.
Climbing aboard the Berkshire via its bus-style forward entry, you are treated to an attention-grabbing, ergonomically designed cockpit with wraparound dash that places controls and nine analog gauges at the driver’s fingertips. Views out the one-piece panoramic windshield are expansive, with separate sun and blackout shades here, as well as throughout the rest of the motorhome.
Large exterior rearview mirrors, plus a dash-mounted monitor screen, provide adequate views behind and to the side of the coach. The only quibble we found here is that vision through the oddly placed exterior mirrors is sometimes obscured during turning maneuvers.
Flexsteel Ultraleather captain’s chairs hold drivers and their passengers in soft comfort, while the copilot enjoys the added benefits of a power step well and footrest. When set up in a campsite, both captain’s chairs can be swiveled rearward to supplement existing seating arrangements.
The elegant living room has plenty of room for guests.
Sophisticated d̩cor in the Berkshire 390 BH, which sleeps up to eight people, is no less than splendid. Three separate fabric treatments are available, along with two tones of hardwood cabinetry Рeither golden or vintage cherry. In the case of our walk-through model, it featured a warm and welcoming Carmel d̩cor ensemble along with highly polished vintage cherry cabinetry, and stunning white porcelain tile flooring with decorative diamond inserts forward of the carpeted bedroom.
Hanging out in the motorhome’s front lounge promises to be a pleasant experience, enhanced by a 40-inch Toshiba LCD TV on the forward facing dinette wall. Plenty of seating is also available on the streetside, 6-foot convertible sofa or 32-inch curbside love seat.
The master bedroom feels spacious with a mirrored closet door.
The 390 BH boasts a well-equipped, residential style galley, which makes meal preparation and service an efficient and enjoyable experience. Above a recessed curbside three-burner gas range is a multifunction convection oven/microwave, and counter surfaces throughout the motorhome are decked in high-gloss, solid surface materials. Plenty of cabinet storage is also afforded throughout this zone, and is supplemented by drawers that glide open and shut on ball bearing rollers.
Curbside bunk beds are enclosed by hardwood, bi-fold doors that provide excellent privacy. Each bunk also has a fold-down LCD monitor with built-in DVD player and wireless headphones to keep younger campers engaged for hours with games or movies. The bottom bunk lifts to reveal a large storage area underneath.
A full bathroom with porcelain toilet is conveniently situated between the galley and bedroom. The shower, a 30-by-30-inch corner facility, has a radiused, textured glass door and more than 6 feet of headroom. A modest washstand with medicine cabinet above is also included in this area.
Besides its walk-around queen bed, the rear bedroom is fitted with abundant drawer, cabinet and closet storage plus a standard 24-inch LCD TV. A lighted rear wardrobe with mirrored doors is also capable of hosting a stackable washer-dryer option.
Built for a group or just a lucky couple, Forest River’s Berkshire 390 BH is generously appointed with almost every accessory imaginable. Luxurious camping and efficient, long-range travel are all possibilities in this plush, beautifully crafted motorhome.
Quick Information
Click for Full Size Floorplan.
Chassis: Freightliner XC
Engine: Cummins ISB
6.7-liter 340 HP
Fuel: Diesel, 100 Gal
GVWR: 27,910 lbs
Length: 39′ 9″
Width: 8′ 4″
Height with A/C: 12′ 2″
Interior Height: 7′ 0″
Wheelbase: 252″
Freshwater Cap: 86 gal
Gray-water Cap: 60 gal
Black-water Cap: 44 gal
LP-Gas Cap: 24.5 gal
Base MSRP: $258,214
MSRP as reviewed: $264,623
Forest River Inc., 574-522-3693
www.forestriverinc.com
