Hello all, I am curious to know and learn any knowledge on the differences in these 2 models and the reasoning behind why one was purchased over the other. I did find a similar thread in another forum but it was a bit dated. Admins feel free to move if this is the wrong forum.
For a long time we had the 376 at the top of the list for a retirement RV but we have shifted our attention to a conventional TH floor plan to accommodate 2 bigger bikes and the availability of a rear sleeping area for the occasional guests. I assume the 3.5 feet additional length of the 397 will not make much difference in towing or finding places to stay other than State parks. We will want to do some boondocking but since we have never done any we are not sure how much we will do. Does the longer RV make this more difficult?
Pin weight is considerably heavier on the 3 axle 397. I do assume my 450 will be ok? Is it recommended to also upgrade axles on the 397? I anticipate 1000lbs of bikes and some water for travel. For the 351 it seems like the axle upgrade is a must.
Looking at 1000 videos, it appears the bathrooms and bedrooms of both 2023 models are the same. Although I do prefer the bathroom of the 2021 397 with the 1 door. The garage of the 397 is 2.5 feet longer. Where is the rest of the additional length, in the living area?
I do like the access to half the frig with the 397 when the slides are closed.
What am I missing for other differences? I like the dinette in the 397 and if we decide on a 351 it will most certainly be changed to a smaller seating area and a table. The rest of that area seems identical. The shower of the 397 is nice but not a must for us.
Appreciate any input, and also grateful for the folks who have answered my private messages.
Oldcow
For a long time we had the 376 at the top of the list for a retirement RV but we have shifted our attention to a conventional TH floor plan to accommodate 2 bigger bikes and the availability of a rear sleeping area for the occasional guests. I assume the 3.5 feet additional length of the 397 will not make much difference in towing or finding places to stay other than State parks. We will want to do some boondocking but since we have never done any we are not sure how much we will do. Does the longer RV make this more difficult?
Pin weight is considerably heavier on the 3 axle 397. I do assume my 450 will be ok? Is it recommended to also upgrade axles on the 397? I anticipate 1000lbs of bikes and some water for travel. For the 351 it seems like the axle upgrade is a must.
Looking at 1000 videos, it appears the bathrooms and bedrooms of both 2023 models are the same. Although I do prefer the bathroom of the 2021 397 with the 1 door. The garage of the 397 is 2.5 feet longer. Where is the rest of the additional length, in the living area?
I do like the access to half the frig with the 397 when the slides are closed.
What am I missing for other differences? I like the dinette in the 397 and if we decide on a 351 it will most certainly be changed to a smaller seating area and a table. The rest of that area seems identical. The shower of the 397 is nice but not a must for us.
Appreciate any input, and also grateful for the folks who have answered my private messages.
Oldcow
