Why We Moved Out of Our Brinkley G 3950

Why We Moved Out of Our Brinkley G 3950 and Into the New 2026 G 3970

After nearly five years on the road, we’ve learned that no RV is truly “perfect” — but some come pretty close. The 2025 Brinkley Model G 3950 was an incredible rig that carried us through some unforgettable miles… but after living in it full-time with three growing daughters, we realized a few things just weren’t working for our family long-term.

That’s when we made the move to the brand-new 2026 Brinkley Model G 3970, and we’re honestly so glad we did. Check out this reel on Instagram and YouTube video with Josh the RV Nerd.

Here’s a full breakdown of why we made the switch, what’s new in the 3970, and which upgrades have made the biggest difference for full-time RV life with kids.

🚿 1. Full Second Bathroom = Morning Peace

The number one reason we upgraded? Our daughters needed their own bathroom.

In the 3950, the half-bath included a pull-down sink, which sounds clever in theory… but it wasn’t practical. The girls were constantly using our bathroom just to brush teeth, wash up, or do their hair. Morning routines became crowded and chaotic.

The 3970 solved that instantly with a full second bathroom — proper sink, mirror, storage — and it’s made our mornings (and sanity) much smoother. No more waiting in line or seeing our kids clothing all over the floor!

🛋 2. More Comfortable Layout with the “L” Couch

The other big change? The U-shaped couch in the 3950 is gone — replaced with a much more open and functional L-shaped couch in the 3970.

We love this change. The L-shape:

Makes the entryway feel more spacious and less blocked
Provides comfortable lounging for all five of us
Just feels better in day-to-day living

The space feels brighter, cleaner, and easier to move around in — which is priceless when you’re living tiny.

🔧 3. Upgrades That Made a Big Difference

The 2026 G 3970 came with some upgrades that we are really loving.

🎨 Full Body Paint

Not only does it elevate the look (hello, head-turner!), but it also protects the rig and is easier to clean and maintain.

🛑 Disc Brakes

This was a huge upgrade in terms of safety. The braking is so much faster. WE used to have them on our Fuzion, and it is something we missed when we were in the 3950.

🪝 Gen-Y Gooseneck Hitch

This upgrade has been one of our favorite changes so far. We’ve got a full reel showing what this hitch looks like and how it performs watch it here.

Highlights:

Smoother ride with better shock absorption
Gained back full access to our truck bed 🙌
And surprisingly… we noticed an increase of 1–1.5 MPG in fuel efficiency! That was not something we expected, but it’s made a real difference on long hauls.

🪟 Dual Pane Windows

These have dramatically reduced our interior moisture. Our dehumidifier used to run nonstop. Now, it kicks off for long stretches — a big win for comfort and power use.

🌧 Slide Toppers

No more sweeping leaves off the roof or hearing pounding rain. Slide toppers keep the rig cleaner and quieter.

🔒 4. Small Details That Add Up

It’s the little things that make a rig livable, and the 3970 added several thoughtful touches:

Wider MorRyde entry steps = easier access
Cabinet & drawer locks = less shifting while traveling
Lips on shelves behind mirrors = no more spilled toiletries
Upgraded cabinetry and interior finishes = a step up in quality and comfort

🔋 5. Battery Upgrade for More Power + Freedom

The 3970 came with 2 lithium batteries, but we upgraded to 4 Lion Energy 3500 BT-H batteries, giving us a total of 280 amp hours.This upgrade will allowed us to stay off-grid longer.

🤔 So Why the Switch?

The 3950 was a fantastic RV. But over time, the layout and functionality just weren’t lining up with our full-time lifestyle as a family of five. Between the limited bathroom space, tighter layout, and growing kids, we knew it was time for a change.

The 3970 gave us what we didn’t realize we were missing:
More space. More comfort. More ease. And it still gave us the quality and craftsmanship we’ve come to love from Brinkley.

🛠 Curious About the 3970?

If you’re shopping for a fifth wheel and considering Brinkley, the 3970 is definitely worth a closer look.

Rob is a Brinkley RV Specialist and the first-ever nomadic outfitter with Bish’s RV — which means he can walk you through the process with real-life, full-time experience behind every recommendation.

🎯 Want help deciding which model is right for your family?
👉 Schedule a free consult with Rob here

Download our FREE E-Book: 30 things to Consider Before Buying an RV

And yes — we do have exclusive Peeples and Places pricing available on Brinkley RVs. Just say the word. 😉

Thanks for following our family’s journey — and if you have questions about the 3950, the 3970, or anything RV life, shoot us a message or follow us on Instagram @peeples.and.places for real-time updates and honest reviews.

See you down the road!
—Ashley & Rob
🚐💛