Brinkley Model Z Solar Upgrade: A Shocking Example of Why Professional Installation Matters
Brinkley Model Z Solar - Why Professional Installation Matters
When a 2022 Brinkley Model Z2900 rolled into our Go RV Solar shop in Winter Haven, Florida, we already knew something wasn’t right. The owner had purchased the RV used, and the previous owner had a local dealership install a solar and inverter system prior to delivery. The new owner even hired an RV inspector before buying it.
What we discovered during the teardown was not just sloppy work — it was a fire waiting to happen.
As two of only four NRVIA Master Certified RV Inspectors in the country (My RV Inspection is our other business), we know exactly what safe, compliant electrical work should look like. This Brinkley Model Z Solar setup was the complete opposite.
The Customer and the RV: A Little Background
The RV’s new owner was a returning Go RV Solar customer. Their previous installation years ago had gone smoothly, so they brought this Brinkley to us for a proper upgrade and safety check.
The RV arrived with:
- One factory-installed 370W solar panel
- A Go Power 3000W inverter added by the dealership
- “Inverter-ready” wiring
- A Go Power remote screen installed in a lower cabinet
- One 250Ah Go Power lithium battery
On paper, the setup looked simple. In reality, it was anything but.
Immediate Red Flags: Problems Visible in Minutes
Within minutes of backing the RV into our shop, we spotted multiple fire hazards — before we even began disassembly.
I actually had to stop looking so we could focus on planning the new system. That’s how unsafe the installation was.
Major Safety Issues Inside This Brinkley Model Z Solar Setup
1. A 50 lb Inverter Hung on ½” Plywood Meant for a 12 lb Unit
Brinkley typically installs a lightweight 3000W Rich Solar inverter from the factory, which weighs about 12 lbs. The dealership replaced it with a heavy 50 lb Go Power inverter charger — but kept the same flimsy plywood mounting point.
Results:
- Lag bolts were stripped
- One screw had already pulled through
- The entire inverter was shaking loose
- It was moments away from falling directly onto the lithium battery
This alone could have caused catastrophic damage or a fire.
When we install an inverter in a Brinkley, we reinforce the structure so solidly that our installer can literally hang from it to test strength
2. No Chassis Grounding
The inverter was not grounded to the RV chassis.
The manual clearly states that grounding must match the negative battery cable size. This omission creates:
- Shock hazards
- Increased risk of electrical fire
- System instability
A dealership tech should never miss something this fundamental
3. Incorrect Fuse Type, Drilled-Out Fuse, and Improper Battery Protection
The battery was fused only between itself and the inverter — and the fuse setup was a mess.
We found:
- A T-Class fuse holder with a MEGA fuse forced into it
- The installer attempted to drill out the fuse to make it fit
- The fuse could not be tightened properly
- The battery had no disconnect switch, meaning sparks were almost guaranteed during service
Additionally:
- The single 250Ah battery was undersized for loads exceeding 1000W
- The inverter and converter outputs totaled 180A, far above safe charging specs for that battery
Every one of these problems was avoidable by simply reading the equipment manuals.
4. Loose Molex Power Connectors — Another Fire Hazard
The RV had Molex-style self-contained connectors that:
- Were taped with electrical tape
- Showed visible cracks
- Contained wires that were not fully seated
- Were structurally falling apart
Loose connections generate heat — and heat starts fires.
5. Wiring Installed Incorrectly in the Cargo Bay
At Go RV Solar, when we work on a Brinkley Model Z Solar setup, we:
- Drop the underbelly
- Run wiring properly
- Secure it away from cargo
- Seal everything back up
The dealership?
They taped wires to the pass-through ceiling and left others hanging loose.
The owner had to secure them temporarily just to make the RV safe enough to tow to us.
6. Control Panel Installed Incorrectly — and Taped Together
The inverter’s control panel was installed in a lower cabinet, even though an upper cabinet would have been easier and cleaner.
Since a drawer blocked the mounting space:
- The dealership installer taped a wire behind the faceplate
- Forced the panel into the opening
- Left it sticking out instead of sitting flush
A premium RV deserves better than taped-together electronics.
7. Battery Vent – Water & Electricity Don’t Mix
The battery vent for the original lead acid batteries was cut off inside the cargo bay.
Why this is bad:
- This allows wheel spray from the truck to go into the forward cargo bay.
- Most of the electronics installed by the dealership are not waterproof or water resistant.
- Moisture can cause electrolysis to can corrosion on electrical connections.
Go RV Solar installs a our own custom made cover to prevent water from getting into the cargo bay through the vent..
Dealership Solar Installations: Why So Many Problems?
Many buyers assume paying a dealership for installation guarantees quality. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.
Dealers often:
- Use general RV technicians with no solar-specific background
- Lack electrical training
- Do not send techs to solar manufacturer trainings
At Victron’s recent Tampa training, not a single dealership tech attended — only small specialized companies like ours.
At Go RV Solar, solar is all we do.
Our team brings:
- Over 50 years of combined electrical experience
- More than 200 RV solar installations at our shop in Florida
- NRVIA Master Inspection Certification (only 4 in the entire country)
- Rigorous training with solar, inverter, and battery manufacturers
We don’t cut corners.
We don’t tape wires.
We don’t leave you with hidden fire hazards.
We design clean, safe, reliable systems that keep your Brinkley performing as it should — whether you’re off-grid or plugging in at a campground.
Final Thoughts: Your Brinkley Model Z Solar System Deserves Expert Care
This Brinkley Model Z Solar teardown is one example of why RV owners must choose experienced, specialized solar installers instead of relying on dealerships.
If you’re investing thousands into a solar and inverter system, it must be:
- Properly engineered
- Safely installed
- Sized correctly
- Completed by trained electrical professionals
Your RV — and your safety — depend on it.
Ready for a Safe, Professional Brinkley Model Z Solar Upgrade?
Whether you’re correcting a dangerous installation or starting from scratch, our team is here to help.
Contact Go RV Solar
📞 (863) 675-2424
📍 Winter Haven, Florida
💻 GoRVSolar.com
We’ll build the system your Brinkley should have had from the beginning.
