In our quest to find the ‘right’ RV for our needs, we’ve been considering the latest fad, the toy hauler RV. This travel trailer and 5th wheel style gets it’s name from the fact that you can tout your ‘toys’ such as quads, motorcycles, snowmobiles and the such in it’s back ‘garage’.
This is an interesting type of RV because you can find them in the longer length’s such as 35′ to 40+’. The last 10-15 feet are reserved for the ‘garage’. And there is normally a drop down tailgate on the back that also seconds as the rear wall.
I personally don’t have any toys to haul, but the flexibility of the back is certainly interesting. Also, in many of the toy hauler rv types, there is normally a bed loft over top the back part. This is great for a bit of a private bed area for one or two adults. We felt that this could fit our eldest teenage boy.
Now, in the back, many of the models comes with the option to have two queen sized beds that are on a motorized track. This allows the beds to be moved to the ceiling when not in use. Very nice. My only frustration is the fact that I wish that these beds were only ‘single’ and not ‘queen sized’ beds. This automatically causes you to loose about 2 feet of storage in the back when the beds are down.
So, I’ve also considered this unit because of the fact that it can come with nothing in the back, allowing me to install a custom bunk unit. Just today, we were looking at a Jayco model (not a toy hauler RV), that had a metal bunk unit that allowed you to collapse it up into the wall when not in use! Now, if I could find that unit by itself and install it in a toy hauler RV – I’d have my nirvana.
Some things I didn’t like about the toy hauler RV style is it really seems to be oriented to the younger ‘party’ crowd. So seating is more party oriented and not family oriented. Boy, never thought that that would be an issue! But it does seem to be in many models.
The other thing that turns me off with the toy hauler rv’s is the price. Since they are somewhat of a novelty, they can be many $1,000’s more expensive then their comparable length cousins.
But I’d like to hear your comments about this unique type of unit, so I would welcome your comments regading toy hauler rv’s.
Thanks!
I renovate the “garage” area of these RV’s into usable rooms for those that donot have the “toys” . Tv rooms , dens. additrional bedrooms are only some of the ideas that can be done.
That’s a great idea Doug. To be honest, when we looked at these toy haulers, we asked the dealers the same question – do you or do you know someone who does reno work for the toy section?
The answer? Don’t know.
So cheers to you! I’m sure you’ll do well in this niche profession.
Thanks for your comment in the Toy Hauler RV article.
Frank
Interesting concept guys! I love the fact that I can customize a Toy Hauler to fit my specs. I have a question for all of you “in the know,” what brands of 5th wheels are the best bang for the buck? I have heard great things about Teton and Carri Lite. I am not a name brand girl, so lead me in the right direction.
Until we meet again…
Angie
We have been fulltimers now for 3yr’s now and love the freedom,We have in a motorhome & pull a 16’box tr.with a motor cycle.The toyhauler idea was our 1st thought,but we wanted living quarters for older folks not party or week enders.I just love the escalade
sporster by kz,It is quality built & I would use the garage for a summer room it comes with a pull down screen.Be sure to look before
you deside.I’m a retired carpenter & I’m not in sales.Be creative
if you go fulltime, We save a little by being caretakers of proptery we live on,be careful to check out local restrictions before you invest time & money.Hope this is helpful to someone.