Brinkley Unveils the 2026 Model I 280 — Its Most Impressive Travel Trailer Yet

“Cook. Lounge. Entertain.” That’s the essence of Brinkley’s newest creation — a travel trailer that blends upscale design with everyday comfort. The 2026 Brinkley Model I 280 is here, and it’s already being hailed by some as the company’s best travel trailer to date.

For a relatively young RV manufacturer, Brinkley has moved at an impressive pace. Over the past few weeks, the brand has kept the spotlight on itself with a steady stream of announcements — each one bigger than the last.

In short, Brinkley RV continues to grow and refine its lineup. The company keeps adding new floorplans, expanding into new series, and upgrading its existing models — all to enhance the experience for its fast-growing community of owners.

The Model I series represents Brinkley’s premium travel trailer lineup, and for the 2026 model year, it’s getting a new addition. Among the prototypes recently showcased, the Model I 280 has been attracting particular attention from fans and reviewers alike.

Unveiled in prototype form at a dealer event, the 2026 Brinkley Model I 280 immediately impressed attendees. Hunter from The RV Hunter took a tour of the unit and described it as one of the most complete and well-designed RVs he’s seen — possibly the “perfect couple’s trailer.”

Measuring 32.1 feet (9.7 meters) in length, the Model I 280 is the second-largest trailer in the Model I family. Brinkley highlights a few standout features: a spacious rear kitchen, comfortable lounge seating, a king-size bed, clever storage solutions, and the kind of amenities that make you feel right at home, wherever the road takes you.

Built on dual 5,100-lb (2,313-kg) axles, the trailer includes two slide-outs — both expanding the kitchen and living room area. The result is an open, residential-style layout that offers plenty of space for cooking, dining, or hosting guests.

Entry is directly into the living area, which showcases Brinkley’s signature mix of style and practicality. There’s a full entertainment wall with a smart TV and a panoramic fireplace, plus an L-shaped seating area that combines reclining theater chairs with a pull-out sofa.

Opposite sits the company’s patented Dinesk — a flexible piece of furniture that can serve as both a desk and dining table, depending on your needs.

The kitchen occupies the rear of the trailer and feels decidedly residential, with high-end appliances, abundant storage, and a modern aesthetic. A center island with a flip-up extension adds extra prep space. Standard features include a 12V Furrion double-door fridge with freezer drawer, a 3-burner gas cooktop, and a microwave. There’s also an option for a built-in dishwasher if you’re willing to trade a bit of storage. True to Brinkley form, you’ll find thoughtful touches like a dedicated trash drawer, paper towel holder, solid-surface counters, dovetail drawers, and soft-close hinges.

Up front, the bathroom and bedroom make smart use of space. The bathroom features a fiberglass shower with a rainfall tower, an elegant vanity, a porcelain foot-flush toilet, and a linen closet that connects directly to the bedroom — perfect for laundry storage.

In the bedroom, a dropped-frame design allows for a full under-bed wardrobe, complemented by nightstands and a built-in wall closet.

Like other Brinkley models, the 280 includes tinted frameless dual-pane windows, industry-leading pass-through storage, two Solera awnings, a molded fiberglass front cap, and a fully walkable roof.

Standard equipment includes dual air conditioners, a Suburban furnace, a tankless on-demand water heater, a 200W solar panel with Victron electronics (prepped for 600W and lithium batteries), a Rockford Fosgate sound system, heated and enclosed underbelly, and a 4-point stabilizing jack system.

Brinkley lists the Model I 280 with an unloaded weight of 8,411 lbs (3,815 kg) and a GVWR of 10,495 lbs (4,760 kg). It carries 55 gallons of fresh water, 75 gallons of gray water, and 40 gallons of black water.

Pricing for the standard package starts at $86,739. Depending on dealer incentives or added options, you could pay slightly less — or more. It’s not Brinkley’s priciest unit, but it carries the same high-end fit and finish that defines the brand.

Keep in mind, the unit shown is still a prototype, and a few details may change before full production. Still, the 2026 Brinkley Model I 280 already looks ready to claim its place among the finest travel trailers on the road.