Thor Aria vs Forest River Berkshire

[Dippytwo]

Are there really much difference in the quality between the Aria and the Berkshire/Berkshire XL?

We were planning on getting a 5er but may still be interested in a DP if we can find a good deal on a new one (DW not really interested in used).

[Dippytwo]

I should of mention that we do plan on going full time, traveling all over the country. It’s hard to pass up on the 5er for this. Better insulation and a lot easier on the bank account, but we do like the convenience of of a DP.

[tbos1958]

A friend has a Berkshire and it is a beautiful rig. Hasn’t had many issues with it.

[av8tor2]

Originally Posted by Dippytwo

Are there really much difference in the quality between the Aria and the Berkshire/Berkshire XL?

We were planning on getting a 5er but may still be interested in a DP if we can find a good deal on a new one (DW not really interested in used).

Don't own either one, so my input is questionable, however.......

There have been more than a few debates on this forum, over build quality on Class A units. Thor usually doesn't get very high marks, Berkshire most often gets more favorable reviews.

You might want to do a search on here, and on RVforum, perhaps other forums also, for build issues for anything you are seriously considering buying, I wish I had done so.

[scbwr]

Compare both very carefully and determine which you think the better one. Also, consider where you have to go for factory warranty work as well as the reputation of your local dealer for service. They may be close enough in quality that other factors could be more important. And, the biggest factor is the floor plan and whether the DW likes it!

[Scotty14]

Originally Posted by Dippytwo

Are there really much difference in the quality between the Aria and the Berkshire/Berkshire XL?

We were planning on getting a 5er but may still be interested in a DP if we can find a good deal on a new one (DW not really interested in used).

What 5er manufacture or name brand are you looking for? Full timers usually want a 38-40' trailers for the comfort. Some of those run as much as a DP. Myself I like the idea of my Fifth Wheel in the 30-35' range so I can get into the National and state Parks. Where the roads are a lot narrower to Navigate. It really depends and what size DP you are looking for. It might be easier if you get a smaller in length to Navigate the Parks, if you go the DP Route.

Looks like you already have a Thor how dose that been for working for you?

Best of luck in your search,
Scott

Best of luck in your search.

[Dippytwo]

Originally Posted by Scotty14

What 5er manufacture or name brand are you looking for? Full timers usually want a 38-40' trailers for the comfort.

The front runner on our 5er list is the Riverstone, Bighorn and the Vilano. They are around 41’ and the DPs we have looked at are around 39’. We know we won’t be able to stay in the National Parks, but that’s ok, we will stay close to them and the use our tv or toad to tour the parks.

[Dippytwo]

Originally Posted by Scotty14

Looks like you already have a Thor how dose that been for working for you?.

We like our Thor. It had a few issues early on like all brands have, but has been pretty much problem free the past couple years (as long as you don’t take it to CW for maintenance ). Just to small to full time in. We need a king bed, washer/dryer and two bathroom sinks.

[JpalmerCass]

I’ve noticed that the Berkshires have <very> nice looking paint.