Brinkley RV May Be Making the Best Fifth Wheel on the Market

After RVing for more than a decade, I’m pretty well known in my circle as someone who geeks out over new RVs. My wife always jokes about me getting whiplash when I pass a motorhome because I’m checking it out. I love a beautiful new RV, and we all know how hard those can be to find. So when my friend Joel sent me photos of his new Brinkley RV with a rave review, I knew I had to check it out.

Joel Holland is the CEO of Harvest Hosts, the popular free overnight camping membership, and a close friend of mine. Over the past few years, we’ve taken a handful of camping trips together. Almost all of our nights are spent camping at some new winery or orchard, enjoying a beautiful Harvest Hosts location. 

One thing we never tire of is riffing on RV business-related ideas, startups, and interesting companies in the industry.

Last month, I visited him and his family out in Palisade and he told me their plans to upgrade from their Grand Design fifth wheel to a new Brinkley RV. 

“What is a Brinkley RV?” I asked.

“It’s from some of the former crew at Grand Design. They’re taking some of their key learnings and leveling up again in a newer and nicer fifth wheel,” Joel explained. 

While Brinkley launched in 2022, they are one of the newer manufacturers to emerge in the industry, and the early feedback has been very positive. 

Joel’s reasoning for upgrading from their Grand Design was simple: they’d outgrown it. Adding a second kid to the mix made sleeping arrangements more challenging.

Plus, Joel’s family will spend more than 30 days traveling at a time and he needed a place to take business calls without annoying everyone else (JK Joel, I’m sure your calls are very interesting). 

Why The Brinkley Fifth Wheel Makes Sense for a Family of Four

Brinkley RV currently has a lineup of travel trailers, fifth wheels and toy haulers available. The specific model Joel purchased is the Model Z 3610. In addition to the living room and bedroom, it comes with a “flex space,” which could either be for an office and/or extra sleeping for kids.

This floorplan is loaded with amenities like an outdoor kitchen, laundry, and solar and includes high-end finishes like a real tile backsplash and a large pantry in the kitchen.

Brinkley RV Review from a New Owner

Joel spent the last month road-tripping from Colorado to the East Coast and back. I texted him this past week to see how the inaugural experience was in his Brinkley RV. 

Over the years, my wife and I have road-tripped in our fair share of new RVs (three Winnebago’s and a Leisure Travel Van). One thing I’ve learned is that in a new rig, something inevitably goes wrong. Depending on the number of things that break, buyer’s remorse can feel very real. 

Joel did not have any.

“[It’s] absolutely awesome! This was our stay yesterday at Whiskey Thief distillery in Kentucky.”

Further, he shared:

“​​[The RV] is awesome. The third room makes this trip possible—my son is currently in there napping while we are in the main room watching movies and working. Truly perfect.”

The Best 3 Features in a Brinkley Fifth Wheel

Looking at the specs and experiencing life in an RV are two different things. Here is what Joel and his family agreed are the top features in this fifth wheel.

#1 The Shower

“The shower is insane. It’s a full rain shower with 4 shower heads that hit full body.”

What is clear from looking at the interior of the Brinkley is how many residential components they’ve integrated into their fifth wheel. The residential showerhead in the Brinkley 3610 is just one of many residential features.

In addition to the shower head, they have a very residential feeling interior with a Brinkley Trademarked Wood Trim construction and a large island. Even the smaller details, like dual slide-out trash bins, make it clear how much thought went into making this RV feel like a true home on wheels. 

#2 Pre-installed Solar

This Brinkley comes with a 370 Watt Solar Panel (740 Watt Ready) upon purchase. This means for a family who wants to visit Harvest Hosts locations immediately, it’s a no brainer. No additional service visits to install solar when it comes equipped from day one. 

#3 Electric Waste Valves and Auto Retracting Hose

Setting up your RV at campsites and dump are inarguably the most annoying parts of RVing, but Brinkley has made these steps a little easier.

The Brinkley Model Z 3610 has an auto-retracting hose. This means no annoying wrapping up hoses while setting up and tearing down your campsite. You have 65 feet of hose to pull out and connect to your water pedestal, which will auto-drain on the way back. 

In addition to the auto hose retract, you have electric waste valves. This means instead of having to pull open your grey and black tanks manually, you press a button, and your tanks automatically dump. This way, when your RV neighbor inevitably comes outside as you dump your tanks, you can guilt-free shake their hand.

Read Next: How to find RV dumping stations & fresh water to fill up

Is Brinkley RV a Good Option?

If you take Joel’s word for it, then it is an emphatic yes.

“It is so inspiring and rewarding! I am in heaven,” said Joel during his travels.

Even if you don’t take his word for it, the answer is still yes.

With 60 reviews on their Google listing, many owners have expressed a great experience with their Brinkley purchase.

One of the more recent reviews says, “Brinkley is definitely setting the bar for other companies to meet as the quality and customer care is unmatched. As a 9-month owner of a Z3100, my Brinkley offers more than a luxurious glamping experience. It’s integrated with solar power for off-grid capabilities, outfitted with smart technology and high-end tires and suspension, as well as other advanced safety features. We ❤️ Brinkley! Before you buy, take the Brinkley factory tour!”

In hearing Joel’s experience along with watching a video of the co-founders and their approach to building Brinkley, one thing is clear: the company has taken a very customer-centric approach in building out their RVs. 

The interiors feel modern and luxurious, and the thoughtfulness of the features shows how well they are actively listening to RVers. Their experience shines through in these new RVs. It will be fun to continue watching their story unfold.

In the comments: If you own a Brinkley and are currently reading this, how has your experience been so far?

FAQs About Brinkley RV

1. How much is a Brinkley RV?

The MRSP on a Brinkley Travel Trailer starts as low as $85,252, and their most expensive toy hauler starts at $210,468. Their fifth wheel Model Z 3610 has an MSRP of $125,543. 

2. How long has Brinkley RV been in business?

Brinkley RV was formed in 2022 by five experienced RV industry leaders, with a focus on customer-centric design and experience.

3. Does Brinkley make a travel trailer?

Brinkley RV currently makes two different travel trailer floorplans, one at 33 ft and another at 34ft.

Learn more about Brinkley RV and find a dealer near you on their website.