2014 Forest River Berkshire 400QL Review
If you’re looking for class, you don’t have to be in Berkshire, England to find it. Forest River has brought the beauty and sophistication of the old English county to its Class A Berkshire Motorhome. With classy décor and sumptuous hardwoods, you will look posh while exploring new cities, national parks and maybe, even the Royal County of Berkshire.
Fourteen Berkshire floorplans are available to choose from – seven under the Cummins ISB 340HP engine and seven under the Cummins ISB-XT 360HP engine. We’ll be exploring the 400QL, which has the Cummins ISB 340 HP engine. It has a gross vehicle weight rating of 29,500 lbs and a gross combined weight rating of 33,000 lbs. The Berkshire has a fuel capacity of 100 gallons, fresh water capacity of 86 gallons, gray water capacity of 60 gallons, and black water capacity of 44 gallons. It has an exterior length of 41’1”, exterior height of 12’4”, and exterior width of 100”.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Newmar Essex 4553
With a freightliner XC raised rail chassis, the Berkshire’s power matches its royal name. It features Alison 2500MH six-speed automatic transmission and electric button shift. With power steering, heated air dryer, and automatic, heated moisture ejectors, the 2014 Forest River Berkshire is prepared to take on any obstacle in any climate. To ensure the well being of your passengers, the Berkshire is equipped with a Farr Eco-air cleaner and an air filter restriction indicator. For brakes, it features ABS and an exhaust brake. The four-spoke VIP black steering wheel has telescopic/tilt, which means maximum comfort for the driver.
Built with steel basement construction, the Berkshire is sturdy and reliable. It features automotive and foam seal undercoating. Its half-inch structure wood flooring is vacuum bonded and it has a tubular aluminum frame. Sidewalls are also vacuum-bonded, along with the crowned and layered fiberglass roof. Both front and rear caps are made of fiberglass.
Since the driver’s comfort is most important, let’s start our Berkshire tour in the cockpit. The one-piece windshield is equipped with power sun and blackout shades so you will always have excellent vision of the road ahead. To add a soundtrack to your freeway adventures, a dash radio with an AM/FM/CD Player comes standard and features an integrated back-up and color side camera package. For ultimate comfort, the six-way power driver’s seat comes with a 360-degree swivel and recliner. The passenger’s seat also features the swivel and recliner, but it also comes with a power footrest and a side laptop console. To prevent boredom during long drives, the cockpit is also Sirius satellite capable and features satellite TV prep. Two stereo speakers are found in the coach.
After a long day of driving, it’s nice to get home and relax. Luckily for the driver, home is a five-second walk from the driver’s seat. Located behind the cockpit is the living room, equipped with LED lighting, carpets, and a Soft Touch padded ceiling. You can choose from three interior décor choices: Topaz, Sapphire and Onyx. Entertainment junkies will be thankful for the 39” LED color TV and the high definition (CAT6) distribution control box for entertainment electronics. The Berkshire is also equipped with a sound bar that features a bass woofer and a mid range tweeter. Those who prefer the simpler things in life – like singing camp songs by a warm fire – might want to request an electronic fireplace. The freestanding dinette and the Soft Touch hide-a-bed sofa both have contoured overhead cabinets.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2014 Entegra Coach Aspire 42DEQ
A spacious and functional kitchen will serve the family cook well. The first thing that catches your eye will be the residential hardwoods throughout the space, which are designed by Native Hardwoods. Although modest in size, the kitchen’s pullout countertop and efficient use of space, make cooking a comfortable task. LG HI-MACS solid surface countertops are easy to clean and feature a flush-mount stainless sink and stove covers. Both sink basins are equipped with covers, while the single lever faucet has a pullout sprayer. For added safety, the three-burner recessed cooktop is sealed. Full extension metal drawer guides feature ball bearings throughout. Leftovers can be stored in the 12 cu. ft. side-by-side refrigerator, equipped with an icemaker, and reheated in the 30” convection/microwave oven.
Long trips require bathroom breaks. Although usually this means small toilets and cramped spaces, the 2014 Forest River Berkshire 400QL offers a comfortable space. Features include a porcelain toilet, roomy one-piece fiberglass shower equipped with a glass door, towel bar, extra large lavatory sink equipped with double lever faucets, mirrored medicine cabinets, and exhaust fan.
COMPARISON: Read our review of the 2012 Winnebago Via
Last but not least, let’s explore the bedroom. When you’re ready to call it a day, head to your carpeted and beautifully decorated room. Throw yourself onto the king-size Serta mattress and turn on your 32” LED TV. There are two flip down LCD monitors with DVD and AV input. If you prefer a good read before bed, then reach for your nightstand and turn on your reading light. The bedroom features a bedside wardrobe, equipped with a shoe rack and dresser drawers. More storage comes courtesy of overhead cabinets and wardrobe cabinets. If you need more storage, then request a closet.
The 2014 Forest River Berkshire 400QL sells for around $200,000. For more information visit: http://www.forestriverinc.com/.
