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Picture this: You’re sitting in Michigan, dreaming about the perfect RV that will take you on adventures across America. But here’s the catch—the best dealer for your dream rig is 1,200 miles away in Louisiana. Would you make the trip?
Helen and Ed did exactly that, and their journey teaches us everything about buying an RV the right way. After 35 years of hauling big rigs and seeing America only through a truck windshield, Ed was ready to actually experience the places he’d driven past for decades. Together with Helen, who had always dreamed of traveling the United States, they embarked on an RV-buying adventure that would change their lives.
Their story isn’t just about buying a Brinkley fifth wheel—it’s about trust, value, and doing your homework. In a world where 55% of RV buyers admit they made mistakes during their purchase, according to an RV Travel poll, Helen and Ed’s approach offers a masterclass in smart RV buying. Whether you’re a first-timer or upgrading your rig, these seven lessons could save you thousands of dollars and years of headaches.
1. Research Beats Impulse Every Single Time
Helen and Ed didn’t wake up one morning and decide to buy an RV on a whim. They spent two years researching, visiting dealerships, taking factory tours, and comparing brands. Their dedication paid off when they discovered Brinkley RVs—a manufacturer that earned the RV Dealers Association Quality Circle Award for 2024 for the second consecutive year.
According to the RVIA’s 2025 demographic profile, 36% of all RV owners are first-time buyers, and many rush into decisions they later regret. The couple visited multiple dealers and quickly realized they knew more about the products than some salespeople did—a major red flag that saved them from making a costly mistake.
Here’s the thing: When you walk into a dealership knowing exactly what you want, salespeople can’t take advantage of you. You’re not just another customer—you’re an educated buyer who commands respect.
Key Research Statistics:
| Research Factor | Impact |
|---|---|
| Time spent researching | 2+ years recommended |
| Factory tours attended | 2 tours (Brinkley + others) |
| Dealerships visited | “Handful” for comparison |
| First-time buyers | 36% of all RV owners |
2. Factory Tours Are Your Secret Weapon
Before committing to their Brinkley, Helen and Ed toured the factory. This wasn’t just a fun field trip—it was a strategic move that gave them insights into build quality, construction methods, and company values.
Brinkley RVs stands out in an industry where quality can be hit-or-miss. With 11.2 million RV-owning households in the United States as of 2024, according to Emergency Assistance Plus, the market is flooded with options. But not all RVs are created equal.
During their factory visit, the couple saw firsthand how Brinkley prioritizes four-season construction, upgraded insulation, and superior craftsmanship. This transparency built confidence that their investment wouldn’t turn into a money pit six months down the road.
Let’s be real: If you’re about to drop the equivalent of a house down payment on wheels, you deserve to see how it’s made. Factory tours separate manufacturers who have something to hide from those who are proud of their work.
3. Trust Your Dealer More Than the Price Tag
Here’s where Helen and Ed’s story gets interesting. They paid a little more than quotes they received from other dealers, but they gained something priceless: peace of mind.
Helen described visiting other dealerships as uncomfortable experiences filled with high-pressure sales tactics, changing prices, and hidden fees. You know the drill—you sit down, they ask how much you want to spend, escort you to a few models, then hit you with the “act now or lose this deal forever” routine.
The NRVIA reports that ignoring dealer reputation is one of the top 10 mistakes RV buyers make. Barryland RV in Ponchatoula, Louisiana, changed the game for this couple by offering straight answers, transparent pricing, and zero pressure.
Think about it this way: Would you rather save $2,000 upfront but spend $10,000 fixing problems later? Or invest a bit more with a dealer who actually cares about your experience? The couple’s dealer went above and beyond—calling them with updates, fixing minor issues before delivery, and offering a campground stay to test everything.
Value vs. Price Comparison:
| Price-Focused Dealer | Value-Focused Dealer |
|---|---|
| Lowest initial cost | Slightly higher cost |
| High-pressure tactics | Patient, no-pressure approach |
| Prices change during negotiation | Fixed, transparent pricing |
| Rush to sign paperwork | Walkthrough BEFORE signing |
| Limited post-sale support | Ongoing support and care |
4. The PDI (Pre-Delivery Inspection) Is NON-Negotiable
Most dealers perform a basic PDI and call it a day. Barryland RV took it to another level. They contacted Helen and Ed before the couple even left Michigan, explaining every issue they found and how they fixed it.
When the couple arrived, they spent half a day with a staff member named Alec, who walked them through every feature, every system, and every button. Only after this comprehensive walkthrough did they sign paperwork—not before.
According to industry experts at Wanderlust RV Repair, a thorough PDI can identify issues before they become major problems, potentially saving owners thousands in repairs. Jayco, one of the largest RV manufacturers, now performs 100% PDI on all units as of 2022, calling it a “fundamental change” in quality assurance.
Reality check: If your dealer rushes you through a five-minute walkthrough and shoves paperwork in your face, run. A proper PDI should take hours, not minutes. Your rig is likely the second-biggest purchase of your life after your home—treat it that way.
5. Stay Overnight at the Dealership (Yes, Really!)
Here’s something most RV buyers never think about: testing your rig before you leave the lot. Barryland RV has an on-site campground where buyers can spend a night or two making sure everything works perfectly.
Helen and Ed took full advantage of this, staying in their new Brinkley to test the air conditioning, heating, water systems, appliances, and electronics. When they had questions about even “the littlest thing,” staff came out immediately to help.
According to RV Reviews, not testing an RV before taking delivery is one of the 11 most common mistakes buyers make. Issues like faulty AC units, plumbing leaks, or electrical problems often don’t reveal themselves until you actually use the RV.
Here’s the deal: You wouldn’t buy a car without a test drive, right? So why would you tow a 35-foot fifth wheel across the country without making sure the toilet flushes and the fridge keeps your food cold? This overnight test run is genius-level thinking that every buyer should demand.
6. Long-Distance Buying Isn’t Crazy—It’s Smart
Driving 1,200 miles one way to buy an RV sounds insane, doesn’t it? But Helen and Ed prove it’s actually brilliant when you find the right dealer.
According to RV Life, long-distance RV purchases are becoming increasingly common as buyers prioritize dealer reputation over proximity. With the median age of RV owners dropping from 53 in 2021 to 49 in 2025, and 46% of owners now between ages 35-54 (per RVIA data), younger, tech-savvy buyers are willing to travel for quality.
The couple’s decision was based on RV Wingman’s trusted dealer recommendations. They connected with Barryland via phone, got direct, upfront answers, and felt confident enough to make the 2,400-mile round trip.
Let’s get real: Local might be convenient, but if your local dealer treats you like a walking ATM, why not go where you’ll be treated like family? Gas money and hotel stays for the trip? That’s nothing compared to the cost of buying from the wrong dealer and dealing with problems for years.
Long-Distance Buying Considerations:
| Factor | Helen & Ed’s Experience |
|---|---|
| Distance traveled | 1,200 miles one way |
| Initial contact | Phone call with direct answers |
| Trust building | Multiple conversations before trip |
| Test period | Overnight stay at dealer campground |
| Post-purchase support | Ongoing communication and help |
7. Don’t Settle—Wait for the Right Rig
Helen and Ed originally wanted the Brinkley Model Z 3300, but the manufacturer discontinued it right as they were ready to order. Instead of panicking or settling for something else, their dealer worked with Brinkley to get them the brand-new 3420 model.
The result? They ended up happier than they would have been with their original choice.
This flexibility and problem-solving approach is rare in the RV industry. According to RV Odd Couple, rushing into a purchase because you’re afraid of missing out is a recipe for regret. With RV sales potentially reaching $35.94 billion in 2025 (per Emergency Assistance Plus), there’s no shortage of inventory—just a shortage of patience.
Bottom line: Your perfect RV exists. If plan A falls through, trust your dealer to help you find plan B. Ed spent 35 years driving past America’s beauty—waiting a few extra weeks for the right rig was nothing compared to finally living the dream.
Final Thoughts: What Helen and Ed Want You to Know
When asked what advice they’d give to aspiring RV owners, Helen’s answer was simple: “Don’t rush. Make an educated decision. Make sure you’ll be taken care of.”
Ed added that visiting those high-pressure dealerships first was actually beneficial—it taught them what to avoid and helped them recognize the real deal when they found it.
Their journey from research to ownership took two years, but now they’re planning to full-time RV after Ed’s retirement at the end of the year. They’ll visit family in Florida and Colorado, explore Montana, and finally experience the places Ed only saw from his truck cab.
Your turn: Whether you’re dreaming of weekend getaways or full-time travel, take a page from Helen and Ed’s playbook. Research thoroughly, visit factories, prioritize trust over price, demand a proper PDI, test your rig before leaving, don’t be afraid to travel for quality, and never settle.
The RV lifestyle is calling—answer it the smart way.
SOURCES
- RV Wingman YouTube Channel – “Brinkley or Bust: 1,200 Miles to buy an RV?”
- RV Travel – “Learn from others’ RV buying mistakes”
- RVIA – “Go RVing RV Owner Demographic Profile”
- Emergency Assistance Plus – “RV Statistics for 2025”
- Brinkley RV – “Best RV Manufacturer Award 2024”
- NRVIA – “Top 10 Mistakes RV Buyers Make”
- Wanderlust RV Repair – “Why a Pre-Delivery Inspection Is Important”
- RV Business – “Jayco’s 100% PDI Initiative”
- RV Reviews – “11 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an RV”
- RV Life – “Is a Long Distance RV Purchase Worth It?”
- Wild RV Life – “Honest Brinkley RV Review”
- Brinkley Owners Forum – “Z owner regrets / buyer’s remorse?”
