Why we kept our old 303 from what we did for our GD threaad

[Captcolour]

How would I know if my 2022 378 MBS has more floor space as well. Just curious about the difference in the slide depth that gets the extra 14" not that I could do anything about it anyway but just nice to know and satisfy my curiousity.

Thanks,
Rob

My 2021 (build date 7/20) has a bedroom slide depth of about 23". The new 380FL has a bedroom slide depth of about 37". Windows are wider in the slide as well. I think the change happened in calendar year 2021.

 

[Calbar]

My 2021 (build date 7/20) has a bedroom slide depth of about 23". The new 380FL has a bedroom slide depth of about 37". Windows are wider in the slide as well. I think the change happened in calendar year 2021.

Thanks for the information. I will have to check to satisfy my curiousity.

Rob

 

[JKellerJr]

How would I know if my 2022 378 MBS has more floor space as well. Just curious about the difference in the slide depth that gets the extra 14" not that I could do anything about it anyway but just nice to know and satisfy my curiousity.

Thanks,
Rob

I imagine you do have it being a 2022. Its a pretty noticeable difference. Here's are two pics showing the difference:

 

[Calbar]

I imagine you do have it being a 2022. Its a pretty noticeable difference. Here's are two pics showing the difference:

View attachment 49462View attachment 49463

Thanks. I just checked a picture that I have and I definetly have the 14" extension. Thanks for the picture for comparison.

Rob

 

[ajg617]

Back to the original discussion - does Brinkley have a Lippert Chassis, Dexter suspension, Furrion appliances?

 

[WhittleBurner]

Back to the original discussion - does Brinkley have a Lippert Chassis, Dexter suspension, Furrion appliances?

Yes, They use Lots of Lippert (one of the Fenech bros is on the Lippert Board) so you will see many of the same components as in GD. We did not go into any Brinkleys at the show because they were to crowded. Not 100% sure what appliances are used but the frame and furniture are Lippert. They only add extra support to the axle hangers, their web site shown only one model in the non toy hauler that has extra spring hanger support. That was a dissapointment to read. I believe they use MoreRyde CRE suspension.

There has only been 1 recall - the toy hauler had undersized wire 10gauge...recalled to be fitted with 6g . Copied from the recall - Dealers will replace the power control system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 16, 2023. Also a bulletin about replacing the vent cap being incompatable with the sealant they use.

So much of Brinkley mimics GD , they have done some innovative stuff on the interior (great new dining table configuration ) but not so much that they break away from Lippert. All furniture is Lippert as well.

IF we ever do decide to get a new trailer (not likely) it's really a toss up of which we'd choose as they are both the same mentality in CS.

In the end the Fenech bros will sell out and walk away with fatter wallets like they did with GD and Montana .

 

[Captcolour]

I went into the Brinkleys on Sunday. Very utilitarian looking. Was not impressed. The plan with the front office at the cap was interesting if you needed a dedicated office (I think that was them). Thought the Montana's were not as nice looking as Solitudes. The ones that made you say Wow! were New Horizons and DRV for +$200K and +$100K over a Solitude. Redwoods seemed nice for +$50K. Didn't find if any Landmarks were there.

It was interesting that East to West copied the Solitude 380FL floor plan exactly and was so blatant that their model was also called 380FL. You could tell it was cheaper construction.

 

[traveldawg]

I went into the Brinkleys on Sunday. Very utilitarian looking. Was not impressed. The plan with the front office at the cap was interesting if you needed a dedicated office (I think that was them). Thought the Montana's were not as nice looking as Solitudes. The ones that made you say Wow! were New Horizons and DRV for +$200K and +$100K over a Solitude. Redwoods seemed nice for +$50K. Didn't find if any Landmarks were there.

It was interesting that East to West copied the Solitude 380FL floor plan exactly and was so blatant that their model was also called 380FL. You could tell it was cheaper construction.

Utilitarian! Thanks! That is the word I've been looking for to describe about how I feel about soooo many new models.... A lot of white, barn-like doors, ;lamps that are nothing more than bare bulb holders behind glass..... You nailed it.... I think it's a younger generation than mine that finds those things attractive. I prefer a more subtle, home-like look.

 

[Captcolour]

This table design by Brinkley at first glance looks like a good idea, but boy are the chairs tight when in the bar table position as shown. Plus it is really long so chews up floor space.

 

[WhittleBurner]

This table design by Brinkley at first glance looks like a good idea, but boy are the chairs tight when in the bar table position as shown. Plus it is really long so chews up floor space.

View attachment 49485

WOW that is tight...amazing what wide angle lens shots can do in promo shoots. Less than useful in that poition, the table would have to be slid to one end if facing the window . We also aren't wild about the cold colors on interior but that can be easily remedied but was one of the reasons we did not get one at the 2023 show. But they sure tried, Bill Fenech recognized us from being at the GD rallies so really pushed the dealer to get us. They offered us good money for the 303 even threw in a token grand discount for being a disabled vet, then and we still walked. They are definately marketing and designing to gain a younger crowd. Those who bought are adding pops of color and curtains all over their trailers. They are doing alot right but have thrown in alot that we don't want.

 

[wannabervin]

good morning to all!
changning rigs? not for us, yet. We look, we want, etc. but the reality is: mainly for me I like alll that my 2019 337RLS has and have had it from new, The truck and trailer, paid for and do everything we want. Tralier loaded is about 500lbs less than capacity of 14,000 so within specs for truck and trailer. fold down steps, she likes, i don't. center island she doesn't like, but oh well, sleeping is fine, she likes we have w/d and only spent about $500 for both, about another year or so and they paid for themselves, overall we both are very comfortable with all. all the bells and whistles we need are included and i can always change out things if needed. new brakes last week, and yeah, should have waited until after this trip and did disc, but have been doing well with regular breaks for over twenty years, so it is what it is, on demand water heater and fold down steps major NO for me, again, all paid for and have plenty more years of doing and going and with retirement income(s) we are able to go and do, so will just keep on keeping on.
A great day to all.

My sentiments exactly! The more we see (admittedly not much) the more committed we are to keeping our 2018 384 GK-R. The 370 is essentially the same floor plan except for the bath and bedroom area. We saw a friend’s 370, and the way GD tucked the bed way back into the slide makes it very awkward (especially for us older folk) to get in and out of bed. Our friends were not happy about that. And no night stand for a cpap! Why can’t GD and others realize that their main customers’ demographic is likely to require this? DW is very happy with the night stand in our 384.

 

[Beachcamper]

We fulltime since 2018 in a 2018 303rls. The floor plan has been more than comfortable for both of us. But after this summer’s trip, we are done with the goal of visiting every state and major Canadian provinces. So want to go smaller than 33’ and have the ability to do some more off pavement exploring in places we want to further explore.

Most of the floor plans under 29’ we saw that interested us did not have travel access to the bathroom or bedroom. That’s a deal breaker for us along with very low cargo carrying capacity. Which BTW I was amazed to look at huge fifthwheels at all manufacturers exhibits that has less than 1500lbs of ccc. No wonder these frames are flexing and suspensions failing on some.

GD now has a 22rk under 27’ in the new Reflection 100 line that has a ccc of 3,000lbs! full travel access as well. We are thinking of this model as possible contender but our 2018 Reflection feels and probably is better built than the 100 line. The new slim rack system I am still looking into. Most techs I speak with like it and looks easier to service than schwintek.

 

[JFF&KRN]

We fulltime since 2018 in a 2018 303rls. The floor plan has been more than comfortable for both of us. But after this summer’s trip, we are done with the goal of visiting every state and major Canadian provinces. So want to go smaller than 33’ and have the ability to do some more off pavement exploring in places we want to further explore.

Most of the floor plans under 29’ we saw that interested us did not have travel access to the bathroom or bedroom. That’s a deal breaker for us along with very low cargo carrying capacity. Which BTW I was amazed to look at huge fifthwheels at all manufacturers exhibits that has less than 1500lbs of ccc. No wonder these frames are flexing and suspensions failing on some.

GD now has a 22rk under 27’ in the new Reflection 100 line that has a ccc of 3,000lbs! full travel access as well. We are thinking of this model as possible contender but our 2018 Reflection feels and probably is better built than the 100 line. The new slim rack system I am still looking into. Most techs I speak with like it and looks easier to service than schwintek.

Just wanted to comment on your commment; "ability to do some more off pavement exploring in places we want to further explore". We were concerned about this too when we were upgrading from a 22 foot bumber pull as we went all over the place. But now with our 337, up from the 303, we are still able to go to the "off the beaten path" places. We still do off pavement boondocking and weird places. Just a little more careful and cautious with a bigger rig. If there is a place we watn to go but cant park, camp, boondock etc., no biggie, we just set up off site and still do exploring and siteseeing from our truck. We havent' missed anything we want to see or do and still have the comforts of home and a good living unit!

 

[WhittleBurner]

Just wanted to comment on your commment; "ability to do some more off pavement exploring in places we want to further explore". We were concerned about this too when we were upgrading from a 22 foot bumber pull as we went all over the place. But now with our 337, up from the 303, we are still able to go to the "off the beaten path" places. We still do off pavement boondocking and weird places. Just a little more careful and cautious with a bigger rig. If there is a place we watn to go but cant park, camp, boondock etc., no biggie, we just set up off site and still do exploring and siteseeing from our truck. We havent' missed anything we want to see or do and still have the comforts of home and a good living unit!

We do miss those out of the way places that we used to camp prior to our 303. Several areas we liked that are tucked away and there is no way to get the 303 in there due to sand, low hanging trees and no place to turn around comfortably. I have entertaind the idea of another small bumper pull for those out of the way places we like in Northern MI if we aren't on an extended road trip. Having to store it is a stopper for sure... There are days I sure miss the versatility of our old 98 Aliner LXE. It had all the amenities the 303 does (on a smaller scale) except space and storage ! But we still are very happy and comfortable in the 303 and see us in it for a while longer. But it's fun looking all the same

 

[robmcqueen]

We fulltime since 2018 in a 2018 303rls. The floor plan has been more than comfortable for both of us. But after this summer’s trip, we are done with the goal of visiting every state and major Canadian provinces. So want to go smaller than 33’ and have the ability to do some more off pavement exploring in places we want to further explore.

Most of the floor plans under 29’ we saw that interested us did not have travel access to the bathroom or bedroom. That’s a deal breaker for us along with very low cargo carrying capacity. Which BTW I was amazed to look at huge fifthwheels at all manufacturers exhibits that has less than 1500lbs of ccc. No wonder these frames are flexing and suspensions failing on some.

GD now has a 22rk under 27’ in the new Reflection 100 line that has a ccc of 3,000lbs! full travel access as well. We are thinking of this model as possible contender but our 2018 Reflection feels and probably is better built than the 100 line. The new slim rack system I am still looking into. Most techs I speak with like it and looks easier to service than schwintek.

Have you looked at the 270BN ? Great travel access and is under 30 feet.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/reflection-150-series/270bn

 

[Beachcamper]

Have you looked at the 270BN ? Great travel access and is under 30 feet.
https://www.granddesignrv.com/fifth-wheels/reflection-150-series/270bn

We looked at it but ccc is about 2,000 lbs it’s not much shorter than our 303. I also did not like how the door hit the awning arm, how hard it is to get to the gray water outlet under the slide.