The Brinkley Z Fifth Wheel - Just How Good Is It?

[@pennee365]

We are full time in a Z3100 and happy overall. There was a recall recently issued for some electrical components. The letter stated - ‘After learning of several electronic component failures, we conducted extensive testing to try to recreate the component failures. Although we were not successful in recreating the issue, we believe there is still a possibility that a failure could cause a fire. That is not a risk we are willing to take.’ Their customer care has been exceptional and continues to be.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks so much for sharing your experience with the Brinkley brand and their customer service. Have safe and happy travels in your Brinkley!

[@davidmelendrez1308]

Outstanding review Duane! We’ve had our eye on Brinkley for a while now. These guys really look like they know what they’re doing. Thanks!,

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I'm glad you enjoyed the video David. I would say that Brinkley would be a great choice if you're in the market for a high quality fifth wheel. Have safe and happy RV travels!

[@mikewadams1]

I as well look at the drawers first thing. That for me tells the story. When I stepped inside the Brinkley and saw dove tailed wood drawers I was sold. I do plan on buying a Z model later this year. Great video and thank you!

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Mike. I think you'll be very happy when you get your Brinkley. Safe and happy travels to you!

[@smore7633]

We have a Z3110 and love it Just returned home after 5000 miles trip. We had only one issue with the shower doors vibrating lose. They are very well built.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome Steve. Enjoy your new Brinkley and have safe and happy travels in it!

[@jimcurry5458]

We are retired and were camping for 6 weeks in Florida in our travel trailer. A nice couple we met showed me their new Brinkley fifth wheel. It looked nice and it had a good quality feel. By the end of those 6 weeks I realized if we were going to continue to take months long trips we needed a fifth wheel. The travel trailer with its low ceilings and small bedroom just wasn’t cutting it. When we got home we started looking at fifth wheels. We looked at Brinkley and found a big problem. It was $40,000 MORE than the Dutchmen and East to West we were also looking at. I was a construction project manager for over 30 years. I appreciate good quality and attention to detail. But I am also really handy with tools and at building/fixing things. The bottom line was while we appreciate the fit and finish we just couldn’t justify spending $40,000 more to get it. The East to West fifth wheel we bought has Azdel walls, Dexter axles, two 15,000 BTU Coleman/Mach air conditioners, Suburban water heater and furnace, GE microwave, MorRyde CRE 3000 suspension upgrade and every one of the windows open for ventilation. Yes, I’ve had to fix loose trim, adjust drawers and doors, fix the shade valances, etc. But to 2 retirees, saving $40,000 cash was well worth it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Jim. You make a very good point that RV buyers should appreciate. And that is that quality construction costs more to buy. If you want a quality built RV, you're going to have to spend more to get it. So you can either pay more for knowing that it was built very well from the ground up, or you can pay less for an RV that is not quite up to that standard. And if you have good construction skills and don't mind working to fix things regularly on a lower quality RV, you can save a lot of money. It all depends on your situation and what you have to spend. The insanity begins when people buy a lower quality RV for much less than a quality unit would cost, and then complain loud and long that it wasn't built well. In the RV industry as well as many other areas in life, you simply get what you pay for. I'm glad that you made a decision that seems to work very well for you and your situation. Have safe and happy travels in your new RV!

[@jimcurry5458]

@@RVInspectionAndCare Duane, I agree. Another point I was making is that it seems many of the components in a budget friendly RV are the same or similar parts from the same manufacturers. Of course, the steel frame and structural wall/roof framing is also a big part of the equation. My calculation was with the Lippert trailer frame and aluminum framed walls I was giving up the higher end cabinetry, doors and overall fit and finish. The added costs were just too steep for my budget. Best, Jim

[@ericoswald2279]

We knew when we first walked in the Brinkley that it was different. The fit and finish and the feel was outstanding. We bought a Brinkley Z3100 after walking through hundreds of other campers.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Congratulations of getting one of the finest 5th wheels on the market today. Have safe and happy travels in it!

[@KU9L]

We are seeking to purchase our Z2900 in October as it matches our '23 Chevy 2500HD Gas 6.6L capabilities fairly well, plus we are going with the Gen-Y G.N. pin box as that saves a bit more weight. In 2008-9 we owned a couple of Excel 5W's & welcome Brinkley as a quality equivalent to what was a quality trend setter back in the day. Thanks for the recommendation. Now to find an RV inspector near the Huntley, IL area. David & Sheila Knapp

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us here. And I hope you find the perfect Brinkley 5er that will fit your needs like the Excel's did. Thanks for watching!

[@burlingtonbill4687]

Dovetail joints on the drawers! Rosie and I have had our Z3100 to Alaska for last summer and Arizona for the winter. We are soon heading across country on another venture. Best fifth wheel we have had, and we have had eight in our over 50 years of travel. The backing by the owners is light years ahead of others we have dealt with. Burlington Bill busking on the road and on you tube..

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Thanks for sharing your experience with Brinkley with us Burlington Bill. Have safe and happy RV travels in your Brinkley !

[@kathym6603]

It is good to see that high quality is possible. It didn't happen by accident.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

So true Kathy. I'm hoping Brinkley will have a significant positive impact on other RV manufacturers. It's a monkey see and monkey do industry. So hopefully their good practices will affect other RV builders. In fact, I already see some other brands copying them in various areas.

[@respect_baggzz8700]

Have you heard anything about the plumbing I heard it was a real deal breaker I’m looking to buy one in 6 months z3100

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

There is a lot of negativity and drama circulating online from certain content creators that take a kernel of truth and blow it out of proportion to get more viewers. And in my opinion, the plumbing issues with Brinkley are way overblown. I would not hesitate to buy a Brinkley any day of the week.

[@Ex.Nihilo]

@@respect_baggzz8700 Brinkley has Changed the fittings in question in production. They do listen a fair amount. I can’t tell you what build date. I can tell you I have changed out the same fittings in a competing company coach and it was not difficult. The key is they did change it and you can change it proactively if you know it’s there. I thought it was a bunch of smoke from a few channels until one fitting popped fortunately while I was in the coach eating dinner. Thank god I was there to witness it.

[@brianbrooks1025]

5th wheel buyers guide link isn’t working.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi Brian. Try this link - payhip.com/b/82KPO

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

We just bought a 2021 Newmar Kountry Star 3709 from National Indoor RV Center in Vegas

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

That's awesome guys! Newmar makes a great product. But I hope you also had it inspected beforehand to make sure that it doesn't have hidden problems. I hope you have lots of fun adventures in your new rig!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

@@RVInspectionAndCare we had it inspected and there was a lot less problems with this motorhome than a 2023 Fleetwood that they still considered new.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@RickandDarcirvadventures Wow! That's great. It sounds like you made a great choice. Have lots of fun with it!

[@RickandDarcirvadventures]

@@RVInspectionAndCare thanks

[@ronaigner7708]

Hi, would it be possible to compile a list of reputable dealers?

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

I suppose it would be possible. But there are so many RV dealers that it could become difficult. I usually recommend just looking at their Google reviews. Very often you can get a good idea of what kind of company you're dealing with as you go through the reviews. Especially if there is a lot of them.

[@billbillinger2491]

Just like car dealerships go thru sales personnel & mechanics, so do RV dealerships. Some years they have great people working, other years they don't.

[@wiliamowens]

Three Way Campers in ATL is a great Brinkley dealer! Family owned for like 75 years, the grandson of the founder was one of the salesmen I worked with. They are good people that shoot straight, and take care of the customer.

[@johnsanford4569]

Therea a recall affecting a lot of Brinkley z models. Bad refrigerator wiring can cause a fire.

[@dougwilliams3276]

Forest River has 33 recalls so far this year and its only July LOL. I will take my one since I owned it. Due to all the wiring being cut and sent in bundle. All by robot and each labeled. It will be easy to add the insuluator to the specific wire for the refrigerator. The recall was for an under insulated wire for it.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Hi John. All RV brands have recalls. Some have a steady stream of them. Brinkley is not in that category though. Thanks for watching!

[@kathym6603]

Did you watch Dwayne's whole video?

[@Charlie12874]

@@RVInspectionAndCare I did a search and found many Recalls from RV mfg's including Brinkley. I think all MFG's have problems and for the prices they charge it's better and sometimes cheaper to stay in a Hotel or Air B&B etc. Thanks for the Video but RV's quality these days, we'll it's just not a headache I want to deal with when traveling.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

@@Charlie12874 That's your choice Charlie. It just leaves more RVs to choose from for the rest of us.

[@johnmalone544]

This may be where Brinkley going, but not everybody has deep pockets to afford a six digit R.V. Bless you if you are able.

[@RVInspectionAndCare]

Not everyone can afford a Brinkley. But the building methods they are using can raise the quality bar on even more affordable brands in the future.