2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS vs 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S
Two noteworthy RVs face off: the 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS and the 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S. From dimensions to amenities, here's the full breakdown.
Specifications Comparison
| Specification | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS | 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Class C | Class C | — |
| Year | 2025 | 2025 | Tie |
| Length | 24 ft | 27.5 ft | — |
| Width | 7.5 ft | 8.5 ft | — |
| Height | 11 ft | 11 ft | — |
| Dry Weight | 8,900 lbs | 14,300 lbs | — |
| GVWR | 11,700 lbs | 18,300 lbs | — |
| Sleeping Capacity | 5 | 7 | 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S |
| Fresh Water | 65 gal | 64 gal | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS |
| Gray Water | 38 gal | 48 gal | 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S |
| Black Water | 26 gal | 39 gal | 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S |
| Fuel Capacity | 53 gal | 46 gal | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS |
| Horsepower | 319 hp | 190 hp | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS |
| Engine | Chevrolet 6.0L V8 | Mercedes-Benz 3.0L V6 Turbo Diesel | — |
| Slide-Outs | 1 | 0 | — |
| Solar | 350 W | 300 W | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS |
| Battery | 150 Ah | 150 Ah | Tie |
| Inverter | 1,500 W | 1,500 W | Tie |
| MSRP | $199,000 | $204,000 | 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS |
Detailed Comparison
Two noteworthy RVs face off: the 2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS and the 2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S. From dimensions to amenities, here's the full breakdown.
Starting with size, the Forest River Forester 2861DS measures 24.0 ft long and tips the scales at 8,900 lbs dry weight. The Forest River Forester MBS 2401S comes in at 27.5 ft with a dry weight of 14,300 lbs. That gives the Forest River Forester MBS 2401S roughly 3.5 extra feet of length.
Capacity-wise, expect to sleep 5 in the Forest River Forester 2861DS versus 7 in the Forest River Forester MBS 2401S. With 1 and 0 slide-outs respectively, the parked floor plans differ significantly.
Tank capacities are a key off-grid consideration. The Forest River Forester 2861DS carries 65 gal of fresh water, 38 gal gray, and 26 gal black. The Forest River Forester MBS 2401S offers 64 gal fresh, 48 gal gray, and 39 gal black. The Forest River Forester 2861DS has the edge for extended dry camping.
Budget-wise, the Forest River Forester 2861DS is listed at $199,000 compared to $204,000 for the Forest River Forester MBS 2401S.
For family camping trips, the larger floor plan and additional berths make a real difference. For boondocking, the model with superior solar and battery setup will keep you comfortable off the grid longer. For occasional getaways, the more affordable and nimble option usually makes the most sense.
Ultimately, both rigs have their merits — test drive each one and see which floor plan speaks to your lifestyle.
Individual Overviews
2025 Forest River Forester 2861DS
- Category: Class C
- Length: 24 ft
- Weight: 8,900 lbs
- Sleeps: 5
- MSRP: $199,000
2025 Forest River Forester MBS 2401S
- Category: Class C
- Length: 27.5 ft
- Weight: 14,300 lbs
- Sleeps: 7
- MSRP: $204,000