RV Tech reviews Brinkley vs East to West Blackthorn UNDERCOVER

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

Without your channel, I would have never known about the bad plumbing in RVs (I have not seen it mentioned anywhere else). We own a 2019 Flagstaff (Owned by Forest River) E-Pro 19BH which based on my research was a very good quality travel trailer with lots of features for the money. After watching your videos, I discovered that it also had bad plumbing. I had to replace the toilet last year and it had bad plumbing connections. I literally just touched the bad connection and it started to leak. When I replaced the toilet, I also replaced it with the proper plumbing. Thank you for bringing this problem to light!

[@s.d.g.global4582]

Anybody who owns and actually uses their rv knows how terribly built they are

[@jerrytalley802]

The new Rockwood campers have gone to all Pex plumbing

[@jerrytalley802]

Jacob,since seeing you, Liz Amazing, and RV wingman, I’d never buy another new rv.

[@Road_Trip_Warriors]

@@jerrytalley802 That's good to know.

[@forestertjl]

We have a Brinkley 3110 and love it. We looked at a lot of RVs and did research such as listen to your channel before we purchased. So far it has been the best RV we have owned and wouldn’t think about buying anything else right now.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@dennisg.7498]

We saw several RV's with the 12V refrigerator display flickering. This was always caused by the RV sitting on the lot without a battery installed. The solar controller does not provide enough power to properly run the fridge by itself. Once a battery jump box was hooked up to the RV, the display works fine. Manufacturers need to install disconnect switches inline on the solar power controllers.

[@TheRdwyer]

Because they put a very inadequate solar panel array on the top, but charge top dollar. It's worse than a County Carnival.

[@smore7633]

We have a Brinkley 3110 and love it. We went on a 5000 mile trip out West one of our stops was in Vegas 110 degrees and the air conditioning kept the RV at 75 degrees. The only problem was the shower doors came loose but it was an easy fix. Great review.

[@lm6341]

I have a 2024 Blackthorn 3100RL. I added the Morryde shackles to the already installed CRE3000, replumbed with pex and brass (thank you for your course) and put a few staples in trim. Then I admired my BAL frame, Azdel, Encore shower and laughed all the way to the bank.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video and course are helpful!

[@gebertg]

Great video. I own a Z3110 (#2584) and it's my 3rd RV, 3rd because of terrible quality with other brands on the last 2. Other Brinkley benefits for your consideration: 1). The roof sealant is 100% solids so it will not shrink like traditional RV roof sealant. 2). Brinkley has a 25-year sealant warranty. 3). The low profile Furrion AC is also a heat pump which is nice. It is a loud unit though and has been known to short cycle due to the temp probe being in the return plenum. 4). Brinkley frames don't need an extra tube, they are as I understand it the heaviest Lippert makes. I'm an architect and I have never designed a building that needs supplemental steel on the main framing...🤷. I'm not referring to gussets which make a lot of sense, I'm referring to actual supplemental members. When I see supplemental steel members welded to the bottom of the primary beams I question why they didn't just design the primary beams to handle the expected loads and my first thought is this frame wasn't designed for this RV it was a copy and paste. Looks like a mistake to me. 5). Yes, TPMS is awesome but those tires are insane. 6). That table is terrible and we use lap trays....😂 Finally, I can't believe there is a $70k delta in price. My Z3110 was $110k MSRP (not cheap) so I don't believe the East to West was only $40k. Now I paid much less than MSRP too, almost 25% off MSRP so deals can be had.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching and commenting! Glad the video was helpful!

[@charlesklaus6290]

Thanks Jacob for another informative video! Keep up the good work!

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@MikeStJohn-du5ue]

Thank you, I was interested in a Brinkley and now you have confirmed my thinking.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@robertcrosser5946]

When you said Forest River that explains a lot it's totally in character for them to argue instead of just fixing the problem. In other words they're saying it leaks after warranty so not their problem.

[@joelkrapf]

Yes Brinkley....Thank you

[@wheresbrent]

Other structural items to review - wall construction and the laminating process used. High pressure roller vs vacume sealed. Wall material - luanne vs azdel. Ceiling construction - arched vs flat, wood vs aluminum, and is insulated enough? Axle brands, and frame thickness. In particular wall construction should be focused on, it's the one element that cannot be parted out or replaced.

[@wiliamowens]

Not sure where you get the $70k price difference, for my Z3100, I paid about $10-15k more than I could have bought Blackthorne, Reflection, Cougar etc. Brinkley only lets dealers advertise msrp, not the selling price. I wouldn’t have paid 70k more for my Brinkley, but for what I paid, I’m thrilled with it.

[@gebertg]

Z3110 #2584 here. Agree, not "buying" the $70k difference. ...

[@axiomproductions]

Although your work here is very important and the fact you let us lay people know what to look for to protect our interests is so valuable, I think in addition to construction, the key concern should be customer service and comparing the service given by each manufacturer. Which manufacturer stands behind their customers and how well they treat their customers, speed of response, speed of service, tools available to guide and assist and programs that are provided where a customer can get guidance and assistance when needed. Not just during warranty but after. A quality build is one thing but good customer service is everything. I would gladly pay $70000.00 more for a trailer like Brinkley just because of the customer focused customer service.

[@jameswestfall2278]

Luckily, you don't have to pay 70k more for a Brinkley. I don't know where he came up with that number, but he's way off on comparing these units.

[@Outlaws28]

​@@jameswestfall2278 he uses the MSRP.

[@Outlaws28]

Good points, but there's only so much someone can, or is willing to, cover in a 12 minute KZbin video. If you want all that extra stuff, Jacob is more than willing to provide it via his RV purchasing consultant business. On the other hand, a lot of this information is already out there, you just have to dig a little. I've been following the industry for a couple of years. Forest River gets an "ok" when it comes to warranty and support. We had some minor issues on our Rockwood Travel Trailer and it was fixed immediately, without question. However, the warranty is only a year. I don't know how long the Brinkley warranty is, but I've heard good things about their support.

[@roberth341]

Jacob, you mentioned on an old video that maybe you should do a video related to proper towing weights and ratios. That would be great. I am just starting to look into trailers.

[@TheRVHunter]

You do a phenomenal job on these videos

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for watching! Glad the video was helpful!

[@Kickerman101]

I know a while back you said to mention if anyone’s GE air conditioner has made it past 2 year mark. We currently have a 21 model Jayco we bought brand new and has a GE 15k on the roof. This June will be our 4th year with it no problems yet knock on wood! Just thought I would let you know.

[@70ss8]

That is like saying "Look, no traffic". LOL😳

[@mikenessler5951]

I would choose Brinkley all day.

[@duanelappe9767]

Great to have people like you . Thank you!

[@BrandonW23]

Brinkley's service is superior as well. Nearly unheard of in the industry.

[@tfnfan13ify]

Jacob, thank you for your videos. Have you done an Outdoors or Northwood recently? How about a Peak Outdoors Camp? I'd bet they would welcome your scrutiny.

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for the request! I don’t have a review of Outdoors RV, but here is a review video from the Northwood brand - studio.kzbin.infoutJsuKdJKlY/edit

[@undercoverrvtech]

There are currently 5 grades of that RV brand in my database from myself and other undercover shoppers. If you want to view the database and learn to assess the quality of any RV like I do in my reviews, you can take my RV shopping course and use my app to grade it yourself - undercoverrvshopper.com/rv-shopping-course/

[@undercoverrvtech]

I also offer consulting where I get on a call with you and we can talk through your budget, camping goals and I can review any RV listings you’re considering - undercoverrvshopper.com/book-a-consultation/

[@waltfriedrich7631]

The AHARA is the competitor to Brinkley not Blackthorn.

[@alfie2744]

I agree BUT same builder and QC as the blackthorne. We toured the Brinkley factory - it is done better and better than our well built Vanleigh when Tiffin was a Tiffin. We have had a a few issues but no buyers remorse.

[@moosc]

I'm hearing problems with QC popping up on Brinkley's recently. Like for one your favorite plumbing. The lines going to shower head are leaking. Folks say the lines to short not tightened down enough.

[@alfie2744]

We too bought a new 3100. It was leaking at one of the outdoor shower. It was the fitting you hand tighten (not a line clamp). An easy fix once I found the source. I went behind the water bay and hand tightened several more that seemed less than tight but not leaking yet. We have owned several RVs in our lifetime and the Brinkley while pricey is the best built one we have had so far.

[@gebertg]

There have been some things, no brand is immune, but it's a far stretch from many other brands and the customer care is out of this world good. They are so focused on solutions and getting you back on the road. I had a leaf spring issue and was waiting on my dealer to get their rear end in gear because we had a trip coming fast. Got frustrate, called Brinkley, they sent the spring overnight to the dealer, gave me the tracking #. I called my dealer, gave them the tracking # and told them I'd pick it up in 3 days. We made our camping trip.

[@alfie2744]

So as I said earlier I think they are a good brand. I DID have problems however. I bought new 11/1/24. Left the Florida dealership after the inspection and noticed brakes were very weak even with gain turned up to 10. I thought they just needed breaking in. Drove about 200 miles. Stopped at campground for two nights before heading up to my storage facility 60!miles North and the brakes stopped working and I got a signal in my truck brakes disconnected. Did all the usual checking and limped into storage lot. Verified my truck was not problem. Called Brinkley and told to take it to local dealer that I did not buy it from because my seller was 5 hours south (and no brakes). Took it there - they were nice - overwhelmed with repairs and one main RV service tech who had been out sick. After several days there and calling Brinkley (my tech was out and I did not know that so I kept leaving voice mails and emails …..) I had paid for a trip to Nashville and more than a few shows so the local dealer told me he did not know when it would be assessed much less repaired. Took back possession and did all the repairs myself as Rv techs that were suggested didn’t do that work. Took hours and tracked a short in the RV wiring that cooked both driver side brakes and also found an inner seal failed that ruined shoes on curbside brakes. I went to a local heavy trailer shop bought all new brake assemblies - one new grease seal - and appropriate gaged wire from the main supply down to both axles and $450.00 and 8-10 hours labor of mine the brakes were functioning just as they should. Then I had to send many emails- and I detailed the entire process with pics and receipts. Yet I kept being sent for more pics of the Rv before they would “approve” my reimbursement. AND I was told I had no more warranty since I did it myself! This was a very different experience from when I bought a Vanleigh 5th wheel new. Any time I had an issue they immediately sent me the part and wanted to send a tech they would pay for. I always did the work myself AND they were appreciative. Not so in this case. At least I now know I have good brakes on my new over $100k msrp unit - lol!!!

[@patrickmckowen2999]

Good vid 👍 Why does any one skimp,,, profit! Cheers

[@scottveinott6327]

So it would be nice if you did a review on the east to west Alta’s I’m very interested on how those are in your book as I own one of the products mines a 2021 2600krb love your show and great videos Ty much hope to see

[@undercoverrvtech]

Thanks for the request! I don’t have a review of that RV, but here is a different review video from that brand -studio.kzbin.infoqcnkr_d_GRg/edit

[@undercoverrvtech]

There are currently 13 grades of that RV brand in my database from myself and other undercover shoppers. If you want to view the database and learn to assess the quality of any RV like I do in my reviews, you can take my RV shopping course and use my app to grade it yourself - undercoverrvshopper.com/rv-shopping-course/

[@undercoverrvtech]

I also offer consulting where I get on a call with you and we can talk through your budget, camping goals and I can review any RV listings you’re considering - undercoverrvshopper.com/book-a-consultation/

[@time2rv364]

The Blackthorn is going for the look (and the market) I suppose, but the Ahara is the more direct competitor.

[@Hunterlewis675]

By the way, the RIVA emblem, that you get charged for, states plumbing to code. Uniform building code does not allow for those types of connections. The guys at HD advise against it as well. So fleetwoods answer is bogus

[@michaelmantey6433]

Thanks for what you do! I've been watching a LOT of your videos. Getting ready to head to the Tampa RV Show this week. Is the Ahara from East to West a higher model than the Blackthorn? Thoughts on that model?

[@JohnnyMesic]

The Ahara is a significantly higher model than the Blackthorn! I have been asking for a review of the Ahara vs. Solitude vs. Brinkley as well…have not seen that yet.

[@genehart261]

Would I buy a Genesis (Hyundai) or a Lexus? How long do I plan to keep it?

[@roypoe1865]

I have always suspected that the RV manufacturers are all the same, another word, different brands are manufactured at the same facility! The reason behind this thought is when you go to an RV show. They line up RVs that have the exact same floor plan made with the exact same materials! But when you look at the outside, they have different brand names! Your thoughts?

[@gnic_opa]

I’m currently waiting on repair of a failed Lippert hydraulic slide shaft on my Brinkley. What a mess.

[@gebertg]

Call them direct if you haven't. Seems like they move faster than any dealer.

[@gnewtomorrow3014]

Did you compare the frames? Is that part of your course?

[@TheRealBiggerAl]

What roofing membrane and lap sealant is Brinkley using? That doesn’t look like Dicor.

[@txelmore]

Anything Forest River is out of the question. I’d rather a pup tent

[@JohnDoe-s3m2i]

i keep asking whats the best rv for full time living for a family of 4 or just a family

[@undercoverrvtech]

Great question! I actually offer consulting where I get on a call with you and we can talk through your budget, camping goals and I can review any RV listings you’re considering - undercoverrvshopper.com/book-a-consultation/

[@Lendon68]

And just because you spend 65,000 less it doesn’t mean you should not exspect the same attention to detail. Material yes. Quality of install a big hell na

[@brianm1916]

It would take almost no cost to place a bucket of correct connectors at the plumbing station on the assembly line. The fact that they don't tells you not to buy their product.

[@johnfeaster9472]

Whats your thoughts on a montana plumbing

[@robertschneider2122]

You get what you pay for

[@jenniferbartlett8464]

Neither one..Thank you for doing these videos! We recently got a 2024 Alliance paradigm 370fb plumbing is great,i don't like that there's only one ac vent in master bathroom and not one in the walk in closet nor a heat vent...it gets extremely hot up in the bedroom/bathroom/closet in summer in West Texas...like climbing up to 84° yes the 3 units are colman mach with 3 thermostats...would there be an issues in changing at least the bedroom out to something you would recommend before summer gets here,that also would be safe to run with the other 2 colman's without any issues with wiring to cause fire/failure of any kind?? We will eventually change the other 2 out but at a later date,we live full time and summer thus past year was horrible in the master bedroom/bath/closet area...thank you for your expertise..

[@misterphuzz]

Legit question... Why do you need to go undercover? Would they kick you off the lot when they recognized you? Not being a smart ass... genuine question.

[@catherinethecarnivorern8333]

I wish Brinkley would make an RV.

[@TonyBenton0728]

They are !

[@Itsa_Mea]

They do. You just saw a video on one.

[@TonyBenton0728]

@@catherinethecarnivorern8333 So are you a meat eater ?

[@axiomproductions]

@@catherinethecarnivorern8333 i think this person means an RV as one that drives not a travel trailer or fifth wheel.

[@Hunterlewis675]

E/w showed plastic dust no vacuum up debris, NO attention to detail, junky

[@rvnut1133]

I wouldn't buy either one.

[@axiomproductions]

Why? Which will you buy and why.

[@TonyBenton0728]

I ‘m with you. They both have a generic look. We have a Riverstone 42fskg.

[@johnpravato3042]

If you can afford a brinkly, spend another thirty or forty thousand dollars and get a luxe.. . No comparison, the lux blows away the brinkly. In every way, but you're gonna pay for it

[@rvnut1133]

I had a 38ft fifth wheel for almost four years and I am no longer in need of all that space but most importantly the quality. It has gone downhill in the last couple of years. I am not looking for a smaller fiberglass camper and have my eyes in one build in Canada. Much better quality and craftsmanship.

[@TonyBenton0728]

@@johnpravato3042 We have a Riverstone 42fskg and our next one will most likely be a Luxe. We toured the factory and saw them at the Hershey show this past year.

[@phamwin3296]

Do you own an rv? Have you used either of these rvs for more than a year? Not really sure how you can compare quality. Even as a tech, you’re only working on what people bought in your area. It’s not even close to a large enough sample size. We get it, you’re a tech. You say it in all your videos. But how often are you actually living in them. Big difference.

[@rachelanderson3952]

Agreed. Living in one for 2-3 years is the test. All these manufacturers use the same companies for appliances and materials. Assembly is the key, and that’s now something you can determine on a walk through.

[@BenoitBauwens]

Keep in mind that suppliers and products for rv "industry" are all the same, beside brinkley uggly and very pooooor quality theatre seats 😅 Would i buy one one or the other, for sure not !!! For the same price of a brinkley you can buy a DRV (depending on your negotiating skills) with a little more money you can buy a Luxe !