berkshire inquiry

eheading wrote:
While the wheelbase/overall length ratio is certainly valid, we went from a 41'Revolution LE to a 34' Ventana LE two years ago. I was concerned about the effect of crosswinds and passing trucks with the shorter motorhome. After 2 years and 17,000 miles including traveling across the country and back, I am extremely pleased with the way the Ventana handles under these conditions.

While it certainly is not quite as stable as the longer motorhomes, I have not found it objectionable at all. And this is said by a man who drove 40-41' motorhomes for over 14 years, and 180,000 miles.

My advice is if you find a shorter diesel pusher that you like, drive it and decide for yourself. That is the only true test.

Ed Headington

Going by past RV Forum experience, plus my own knowledge overall, what I suggest is that the ratio in question (wheelbase-to-overall body length) should be considered by itself. In other words, if everything else is held constant, the longer the wheelbase the more directional stability the vehicle will have. It's a science.

Thanks for the info. Good to know

Bought a used Berkshire 2014 390 bh last year and love it. Upgraded from a 32' fleetwood storm gasser. With 3 kids and two dogs we really needed more room than the 32''. Apposing slides and extra length makes a hude difference. The berkshire forum website has been a huge help in addressing any issues.

When we were shopping about 12 years ago we came across a 32' DP, which I think was a Bounder, about a 92 model year. The KBB value was around $27K at the time, but the dealer had it priced at $45K and wouldn't consider any lower offers. It was still on his lot when the dealership went bankrupt two years later.

By then, I'd been driving 30' Gillig transit coaches for a short while, bouncing all over the road. I was kinda glad we hadn't bought that RV.

eheading wrote:
While the wheelbase/overall length ratio is certainly valid, we went from a 41'Revolution LE to a 34' Ventana LE two years ago. I was concerned about the effect of crosswinds and passing trucks with the shorter motorhome. After 2 years and 17,000 miles including traveling across the country and back, I am extremely pleased with the way the Ventana handles under these conditions.

While it certainly is not quite as stable as the longer motorhomes, I have not found it objectionable at all. And this is said by a man who drove 40-41' motorhomes for over 14 years, and 180,000 miles.

My advice is if you find a shorter diesel pusher that you like, drive it and decide for yourself. That is the only true test.

Ed Headington

This rv has the same wheel base as the bershire 34. Thanks for the post

Ed,thanks for sharing your experience. Do you know the weight distribution from front to back axle? WB to overall length?

While the wheelbase/overall length ratio is certainly valid, we went from a 41'Revolution LE to a 34' Ventana LE two years ago. I was concerned about the effect of crosswinds and passing trucks with the shorter motorhome. After 2 years and 17,000 miles including traveling across the country and back, I am extremely pleased with the way the Ventana handles under these conditions.

While it certainly is not quite as stable as the longer motorhomes, I have not found it objectionable at all. And this is said by a man who drove 40-41' motorhomes for over 14 years, and 180,000 miles.

My advice is if you find a shorter diesel pusher that you like, drive it and decide for yourself. That is the only true test.

Ed Headington

Gjac wrote:
The wheel base is a little short to it overall length. I would try to find out how it handles and would also look at the CCC. Do you know what the CCC is? Also how is the actual weight distributed from the front axle to the rear?

I agree with Gjac. You need to familiarize yourself with wheel base to overall length ratios. The larger the number the safer and more stable to drive. We considered the 34QS as well, but the ratio is less than 50% which is considered less stable than MH's with a longer wheelbase.

You are quite welcome. I have been looking at short DP's myself 30-34 ft and the biggest problem seems to be handling. People with a 32-34 ft CC Allure or Intrigue say they handle well but are hard to find. It is hard to find people that have owned a 36-40 ft DP and a 32-34 ft DP that can describe the handling of both.

Thanks for the help Gjac