When we decided to embrace the RV lifestyle, the Brinkley Model Z3610 stood out as the perfect choice for our family of three. After extensively researching various RV types and brands, the Z3610’s craftsmanship and thoughtful design made it the clear winner.
Having lived in it full-time for the past 60 days, we still believe it’s a fantastic option for anyone looking to hit the road in style and comfort. However, as with anything, there are always areas for improvement.
This article isn’t about discouraging potential buyers but about giving honest feedback on some things we’d like to see improved or upgraded in the future. Here are the aspects of the Brinkley Z3610 that we think could make it even better.
Table of Contents
1. Bedroom Integrated Storage Shelves
The integrated storage shelves in the bedroom are a nice touch, but their size limits their usability. If the shelves were deeper, they would be much more functional for storing essentials like books, devices, or other bedside items.
As they stand, the limited depth makes it challenging to make full use of them, especially when traveling full-time.
2. Appliance Reliability
While we haven’t personally experienced any issues with our appliances, it’s worth noting that discussions in Brinkley owner groups frequently highlight appliance failures. This seems to be a common pain point for many RVers.
While the craftsmanship of the Z3610 is top-notch, better appliance quality or warranties could provide more peace of mind for owners.
3. Preference for a 4-burner Stove
The Z3610 comes equipped with a 3-burner stove, which works fine for most cooking needs. However, a 4-burner stove would offer more flexibility, especially for families or those who enjoy cooking more elaborate meals. It’s a small change, but one that could elevate the kitchen’s functionality.
4. Overly Sensitive Smoke Detectors
One of the more frustrating issues we’ve encountered is the sensitivity of the smoke detectors. Anytime we use the stove or oven, the smoke alarm goes off, even when there’s no visible smoke. This makes cooking unnecessarily stressful and inconvenient. We plan to upgrade the smoke detectors to ones better suited for RV use so we can fully enjoy the appliances without constant interruptions.
Also See: New vs Used RV buying guide!
5. Disk Brakes vs. Drum Brakes
Our Z3610’s drum brakes haven’t caused any issues, but many owners upgrade to disk brakes for better performance and safety. It’s a common upgrade among RV enthusiasts, and previous model years had known issues with drum brakes. Offering disk brakes as a standard feature could be a great improvement for future models.
6. Integrated Water Filtration System
RVing often means dealing with campsite water that’s less than ideal. While we’ve set up our own water filtration system, having an integrated water filtration system as a standard feature would be a huge convenience. It would save setup time and ensure clean, safe water no matter where you’re parked.
7. Outdoor Kitchen Improvements
The outdoor kitchen is a fantastic feature, but it could be even better with a pull-out table to hold a grill. Currently, we have to place the grill on the ground or a picnic table, which isn’t always convenient. Adding a designated space for grilling would enhance the outdoor cooking experience significantly.
8. Bigger Rear Outdoor Storage
The rear storage compartment is adequate, but having a larger space to store a couple of totes would make organizing outdoor gear much easier. Many RVers bring a lot of equipment, and more storage would make the Z3610 even more family-friendly.
9. Bluetooth Control System Improvements
The One Control Bluetooth system is a great feature for managing slides, but it doesn’t allow the mid-bunk slide to be controlled remotely. Additionally, the mid-bunk slide isn’t accessible from the main control board, requiring you to physically go into the mid-bunk room to operate it. Adding full control for all slides via the Bluetooth system would improve convenience.
10. Less Firm Mattress
The 10” mattress included with the Z3610 is high-quality, but it’s extremely firm. If you’re not a fan of firm mattresses, you’ll likely find it uncomfortable. A slightly softer option or a choice of mattress firmness when purchasing the RV would be a welcome improvement.
11. More Space Around the Mattress
We opted for the king-size bed, which offers plenty of sleeping space but leaves very little room on the sides. This makes it tricky to put on sheets or get in and out of bed comfortably. Adjusting the layout to allow for more clearance around the mattress would be a small but impactful change.
12. Standard Gen Y Gooseneck Hitch
The Gen Y gooseneck hitch is a popular upgrade among Brinkley owners, and for good reason. It provides a smoother towing experience and better handling. While it’s now offered as an option from the factory, making it a standard feature would save owners the hassle and expense of upgrading later.
Final Thoughts
We understand that an RV is a moving home on wheels, and things are bound to wear and break over time. We chose the Brinkley Z3610 for its superior craftsmanship, and that decision has proven to be a great one. Appliances and smaller features can be upgraded or adjusted as needed, but the build quality of the RV itself is what truly matters.
These suggestions are not meant to discourage potential buyers but to provide a realistic perspective on what living in the Brinkley Z3610 is like. Overall, our experience has been overwhelmingly positive. For us, the few areas of improvement we’ve noted are minor compared to the comfort, convenience, and quality this RV provides.
If you’re considering the Brinkley Z3610, we hope this article helps you make an informed decision. The RV lifestyle is about finding what works best for you, and for us, the Z3610 has been an excellent choice—even with a few tweaks we’d love to see in the future.
