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Brinkley Model G 3500 toy hauler reveal

Tony Barthel

Today we get a sneak peek at a another brand new RV from a brand new RV company - Brinkley. The model we’re looking at is the Brinkley G 3500, a large toy hauler fifth wheel. Recently I wrote some articles about the Quartzsite Sports, Vacation and RV show where there is a dealership on hand to sell RVs. What was selling the most? Fifth wheel toy haulers.

While some of these retain the austere and sometimes lousy feel to the living spaces inside, Brinkley has created a space that has warmth and a nice air to it. They’ve also made the best RV kitchen I have seen in a toy hauler. Period.

The kitchen

There is so much going on in this kitchen that is absolutely game changing. Like in many large fifth wheels, there’s an island here. That island features a counter-height area where there are two backless stools so you can eat here.

The island is covered in a nice solid surface material which extends down along the front wall. That front wall can also flip up and meet the counter top at the front of the fifth wheel so that you now have a U-shaped kitchen with a large amount of counter space.

That extension is held up by a surface that comes out of the front counter which could also be a cutting board if you choose not to flip up the counter extension.

The sink is in the front counter which extends most of the width of the front of this space except across the steps to the upper deck. Above the counter is a good amount of cabinet space but there are two big surprises here, too. On the right is a flip-down knife drawer with magnetic knife holders. On the left, above the sink, is a segmented drawer that could be used for spices or utensils.

The creative use of spaces doesn’t stop here. There’s also a huge, and I mean huge, pull-out pantry at the back of the kitchen. It’s so big it has a foot latch so it doesn’t come shooting out in transport. But the flexibility and design of this item is incredible.

There’s also a can pantry right next to the stove which features the larger 17” oven, of course.

The island features a number of drawers and cabinets too including a cabinet with a pull-out drawer for two trash cans. The unique use of space and storage plus the potential for lots and lots of counter space just make this kitchen a huge winner.

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Thoughtful features

There is so much going on here and so many places where I said to myself, “finally someone did that.”

If you hate dumping tanks because of the tank valve contortion, your problem is solved. The prototype G 3500 incorporates electric gate valves so you just connect up one hose and push a button. There are a lot of fifth wheels that have remote tank pulls but these fail so often they could be political promises.

There’s also a fresh water hose built into this rig on a reel. All the exterior baggage doors feature magnetic hold-backs, but these magnets are color coordinated with the exterior. It’s like the Force - you can’t see it but you can feel it. There’s also a rear storage compartment on this model that is the perfect size for things like camping chairs and that sort of stuff.

MorRyde also supplies the Safe-T-Rail entry handle that I have on my own RV and I absolutely love that thing. I wouldn’t have an RV without it after experiencing it.

First of all the build quality on this is precise enough that there isn’t a crown molding to hide rushed wall builds.

The windows are something I’ve never seen before - they’re square frameless windows but they swing upward significantly and incorporate both night shades and retractable screens. Very different and just better. Much better.

I also like that there are no floor vents for the furnace. Instead the furnace vents through the cabinets at their base so you’re not kicking dust in them all year long until you bake that dust and get “that smell.”

Top floor second floor

Getting to the second floor you’ll see floating steps which are the perfect spot for shoes. Once upstairs you’ll likely appreciate the 6’ 7.5” ceiling height.

If you’re in the bathroom you’ll notice a lot of storage there, too, and the bathroom door locks. That’s not very common.

The shower features a ludicrous shower head that has a body spray function but no worries about hot water, it’s a tankless system so you can drain the 90 gallon holding tank if you’re willing to bear the complaints from the rest of your crew.

In the bedroom there’s a cabinet on the camp side which isn’t unusual, but the sliding top is. I’ve seen lots of these tops hinged at the back so that means you have to take all your stuff off if you want to get in there.

There are also plenty of drawers here, too, and all the drawers and cabinets in this rig not only feature soft-close mechanisms, but magnetic catches as well.

A choice of either queen- or king-size beds is available. Iv’e also noticed that, where it makes sense to use these, there are household outlets that also feature both traditional and USB C plugs all in one enclosure.

There’s also space for a stacking washer and dryer.

Toy hauler

Of course we can’t ignore the big garage at the back of this unit as well. This one features a Happijack bed lift with a large bed at the top and then opposing couches below that. Those couches can be lifted up out of the way to bring toys in for the ride.

Securing those toys is also easy with three e-track rails along the floor.

Like many larger toy haulers there’s an upstairs loft but, instead of accessing this from the main living space, it’s completely enclosed in the toy hauler area. There is also a second bathroom back here and, again, the company is paying attention. While there are multiple gray tanks they are plumbed together to create 104 gallons of gray water storage.

Also typical of toy haulers there’s a fuel tank for storing gasoline for your toys. This tank feeds the included 5,500 watt generator but that generator can also operate from the propane. The standard propane capacity is two 30 pound tanks but the enclosure is large enough to hold 40 pound tanks if you prefer.

There is also an on-board air compressor which is great for inflating tires on the trailer or on the toys you bring. Nice.

Finally, the ramp door to load toys also can serve as a deck, of course, but the fence around the deck is one of the easiest I’ve seen to deploy.

But wait, you ask, who is Brinkley?

Who is Brinkley RV?

Brinkley is a new RV company put together by veterans in the industry. This is a story that has been repeated several times recently, most notably with Alliance RV and then Ember RV.

From an article in the Goshen News, Ron Fenech is the former RV senior group president for THOR and a co-founder of Grand Design RV. Fenech will serve in an advisory role while the day-to-day will be handled by the other three co-owners of Brinkley: Ryan Thwaits, formerly of Red Rock Supply and Indiana Transport, and Nate Goldenberg and Micah Staley, both formerly of Grand Design.

“What drew me most to this opportunity with Brinkley was the chance to work with Micah, Nate, and Ryan,” Fenech said. “I’ve worked with all of them and know how talented they are. Micah and Nate are two of the best product guys in our industry. And Ryan is a very successful businessman who knows how to get things done. I trust each of them and I know our dealers do as well. Our goal is simple: to be the best. This is going to be fun.”

Apparently the initial prototype was taken out and used and abused by the team in actual real-world camping situations. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve asked decision makers in the RV space how something came about and they fully admit they do not go camping, so don’t have an answer. The Brinkley folks went camping.

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More details

The unit I saw is a prototype so not everything is settled just yet. What they showed is truly impressive indeed. It’s not just the specs, per se, but just the attention to detail in things people will come to appreciate over time.

A few things I saw that I didn’t like include the residential refrigerator. I wish they had gone with a 12 volt fridge instead and there are companies making larger 12 volt units now.

I do know that this decor is going to be very polarizing and while I love it, I know that’s not going to be a universal sentiment. But I would be all over this interior.

As more details and models come into place we will keep on top of things just as we have with Alliance RV and Ember.

I do have to say the exterior of this trailer is absolutely tasteful and modern. It’s not at all carnival float styling and I, for one, sincerely appreciate that.

I’m curious what your take is on the styling and features of this rig.

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