Community Forums

slate · 01-22-2016, 12:54 PM

We are looking now at three different 390bh units, all low mileage 2012's. Is the engine/trans upgrade substantially better, and what is the difference in price when purchased new? One is a 360hp and the other 2 are 340's.

CapuTech · 01-22-2016, 01:04 PM

They are both ISBs - effectively the same engine. I believe Cummins can even reprogram the 340 to get 360HP. The main difference is the transmission. The 340 comes with the 2500, while the 360 comes with the 3000. The 3000 is much heavier duty and a definite asset if you plan to tow. The 340's will have a much lower GCWR than the 360s due to the transmission. You likely would not be able to tow a vehicle over 3000-4000 pounds with the 2500 transmission.

Both engines get outstanding fuel mileage. Easily over 10mpg.

The new price difference was $10,000 when I had my Berk. I opted for the 340 and found it capable. However, if I had to do it again, I'd get the 360 just for the 3000 series transmission as I began towing a few months after ownership and basically was on the limit.

Also, the Berk's from that year had issues with front axle loading. Forest River replaced all six tires and airbags on mine at no charge. Without that, it was overloaded on the front axle.

Steve Ownby · 01-22-2016, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slate

We are looking now at three different 390bh units, all low mileage 2012's. Is the engine/trans upgrade substantially better, and what is the difference in price when purchased new? One is a 360hp and the other 2 are 340's.

Need specifics. HP ratings don't mean much.
Cummins ISB
Cummins ISC
Allison 1000/2000/2500
Allison 3000

A Cummins ISC/Allison 3000 will be a better performance package than the ISB and one of the other transmissions.

slate · 01-22-2016, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CapuTech

They are both ISBs - effectively the same engine. I believe Cummins can even reprogram the 340 to get 360HP. The main difference is the transmission. The 340 comes with the 2500, while the 360 comes with the 3000. The 3000 is much heavier duty and a definite asset if you plan to tow. The 340's will have a much lower GCWR than the 360s due to the transmission. You likely would not be able to tow a vehicle over 3000-4000 pounds with the 2500 transmission.

Both engines get outstanding fuel mileage. Easily over 10mpg.

The new price difference was $10,000 when I had my Berk. I opted for the 340 and found it capable. However, if I had to do it again, I'd get the 360 just for the 3000 series transmission as I began towing a few months after ownership and basically was on the limit.

Also, the Berk's from that year had issues with front axle loading. Forest River replaced all six tires and airbags on mine at no charge. Without that, it was overloaded on the front axle.

Thx.Yes I'm aware that it is a performance upgrade. More than anything I wanted to know the extra cost new. Not towing anything bigger than a 21' aluminum boat/motor/trailer @ approximately 3500lbs. How can you tell if the axle upgrade has been done? Is there a sticker or decal somewhere on the unit saying if it was done? Tires and rims were upgraded so I can't tell by tire size.

CapuTech · 01-22-2016, 01:52 PM

If the upgrade was done, they issue a new yellow sticker for inside the coach. The original front axle was rated at 10,500 pounds, while the upgrade took it to 12,000.

Also the original tires were 255s, while the upgrade went to 275s.

It was not something Forest River did proactively, but only in response to specific owner requests. At the time there was a large discussion on the Forest River Forums. Mine was actually a 2013, but the issues were identical for the 2012's.

The factory rep at Forest River was Randy Houser. His email is RHouser@forestriverinc.com. He has the record of all coaches and could tell you if the upgrade was performed if you provided the VIN. I found him to be very reasonable and accommodating in dealing with mine.

Freightliner also has a record by VIN.

Hope that helps.

ChallengerRN · 01-22-2016, 02:45 PM

Just make sure you get the 3000 transmission. Just a bigger tougher transmission. I know the 360 has the 3000 not sure on the 340's

Russell

slate · 01-22-2016, 06:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChallengerRN

Just make sure you get the 3000 transmission. Just a bigger tougher transmission. I know the 360 has the 3000 not sure on the 340's

Russell

The 340 comes with the 2500 allison. From what I read you'll be alright if you don't tow any more than the 5000lb hitch rating.

Steve Ownby · 01-22-2016, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChallengerRN

Just make sure you get the 3000 transmission. Just a bigger tougher transmission. I know the 360 has the 3000 not sure on the 340's

Russell

I have to agree with Russell. The Allison 3000 is the "gold standard" for motorhome transmissions.

slate · 01-24-2016, 08:47 PM

Yes thanks. I read the specs on both transmissions and the 3000 is much heavier duty. I think there would be no worries pulling a heavy load behind the 360hp unit. I think you'd be limited by torque to well under the 10000lb rated capacity. I'm looking at 3 different 390bh units used and all 2012's. The fellow with the 360hp engine and 3000 transmission wants $30000.00 more for his coach. The rest of the options are identical down to the optional alcoa rims. Can't justify paying 30000.00 for a 10000.00 dollar option. Could buy a new allison transmission for that kind of money! The more expensive unit has higher mileage as well. So I agree, I'd rather have the extra power and payload capacity, but not at that price.

jponyboyace · 01-31-2016, 02:15 AM

I had a 2012...i believe the 360 is chipped ...same 6.7 motor...trans 2500 allison i believe?..i now have the 15. 8.9....mechanics have told me the 2012 has less aggravation attachd to it......best of luck!!!