If you own a Brinkley RV—or are considering purchasing one—this is important information you don’t want to overlook.

Join Dustin in our latest YouTube video as he explains a growing concern we’ve been seeing in the shop: water leaks on newer RV units that use automotive-style sealant systems instead of traditional exterior sealants.

What’s Different About Brinkley’s Construction?

Unlike many traditional RVs that use visible exterior sealants on seams, moldings, windows, and joints, some newer Brinkley units utilize a more automotive-style sealant system.

This system typically includes:

Putty behind moldings and joints
Adhesive-based sealants
Hidden sealing methods rather than exposed sealant lines

While this approach offers a cleaner exterior appearance, it also changes how water intrusion is prevented—and how issues can develop over time.

Why Are We Seeing More Water Leaks?

At California RV Specialists, we’ve had a growing number of Brinkley RV owners come in with exterior water intrusion concerns. We’ve also seen similar reports shared across Facebook groups, online forums, and YouTube communities.

It’s important to understand:

This does not mean the units are defective
No RV manufacturer is trying to build a product that leaks

From our experience, the root cause is usually a combination of real-world use conditions, including:

Road vibration and travel miles
Rough roads and potholes
Entering and exiting driveways
Turning, cornering, and curb transitions
Frame and body flex during normal use

All of these factors create movement and stress on the RV structure, which can cause sealants—especially hidden or adhesive-based systems—to separate, shift, or lose effectiveness over time.

Why We Recommend a Water Deflection Approach

Over the years, many Brinkley RV owners have chosen to have their units professionally resealed externally as a form of water deflection protection.

Instead of relying solely on hidden sealants, this approach adds:

Exterior sealant barriers
Reinforced seams and moldings
Additional protection at vulnerable points

With over 26 years in the RV industry, Dustin has seen similar sealant systems used on high-end motorhomes—and in many cases, they can experience the same types of issues over time.

Adding a secondary layer of protection helps reduce the risk of water intrusion, especially for RVs that are regularly used and traveled.

Will Resealing Affect Your Warranty?

We’ve spoken directly with manufacturers regarding this concern.

✔ A professional exterior reseal service does NOT void your RV warranty

This gives RV owners the option to proactively protect their investment without compromising manufacturer coverage.

What Brinkley Owners Should Do

If you own a Brinkley RV, we recommend:

Performing regular exterior inspections
Monitoring for early signs of water intrusion
Considering a preventative reseal service
Addressing small issues before they become major repairs

Water intrusion is one of the most expensive and damaging problems an RV owner can face—early prevention is key.

Watch the Full Video

Be sure to check out Dustin’s full video where he walks through:

How these sealant systems work
What we’re seeing in the shop
Real-world examples
Recommendations for RV owners

Brinkley RV Owner? Here’s What You NEED to Know About Water Leaks