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In this weeks RV type we will talk about possibly the most popular type of RV, the toy hauler. Every summer people across the United States love to go out and find their adventure in ways that only a true adventure lover can. With all the toys at our disposal like, Dirt bikes, Side by sides, ATVs, and Kayaks, the question comes up, “how do you get you and your toys to those great places, and still have room to enjoy your stay?”
Toy haulers combine the room to not only store and transport your toys to the destination, but the comfort you want during your stay in a convenient all-in-one package. If you want to bring your toys with you on the road, typically you would have to purchase an additional trailer, not any more. Toy haulers help reduce the time spent loading and unloading as well as provides places to sleep, cook, and entertain. Travelers can save time and beat the weekend traffic to their favorite sites.
What is a toy hauler?
In its most basic sense, a toy hauler is a trailer or Motorhome that has a large opening in the rear of the RV much like a cargo trailer. The rear space of a toy hauler is designed to haul your toys like Dirt bikes, ATVs, Motorcycles, and can even be produced to carry horses.
Toy haulers come in just about all shapes and sizes including Class A,B and C motorhomes, and are more commonly seen in traditional bumper pull trailers, up to the large roomy 5th wheel models.
Typically they will have a living quarter in the front of the RV with kitchens, sleeping space and couches for people to relax. The rear of the RV is where this type of RV shines, there is a large opening that can be converted into an additional sleeping area, can be changed into dining rooms, or even general entertaining space.
Traditionally the rear of the toy hauler can be folded down to allow a ramp to load gear and equipment, in some cases the rear ramp can be raised to allow for a deck space to enjoy the outdoors.
Who are they for?
Toy haulers have wide array of uses and has is a great option for multiple different uses and types of people. They are often used for:
- Outdoor Recreation Lovers
- Tailgaters
- Motorcyclists
- UTV / ATV Enthusiasts
Outdoor Recreation Lovers
If you have the need for serenity and want to find that great fishing spot, or have the need for extreme trail riding in your blood, then getting your gear from the garage to site conveniently is a must. If you want to have the ability to carry all of your fishing gear (and even a kayak or two) to that perfect spot on the lake, or haul your ATVs and Dirt-Bikes out for a weekend trail ride, then a toy hauler is a great option for you.
Tailgaters
Create the ultimate tailgate with a toy hauler that has a convertible rear gate, and an open air patio. With a garage in the rear of the RV, you can essentially bring your man cave with you to the big game. You can also bring your giant smoker / grill combo to the party. With an open air patio you have extra room to enjoy the game outside of the stadium.
Motorcyclists
As we all know people love their bikes, but traveling hundreds, often thousands of miles to that great destination can be difficult on the bike alone. Whether you want to go to:
A toy hauler will make your trip much easier and and comfortable on your way to one of these legendary rides.
UTV / ATV Enthusiasts
In America we love to hear the sound of gasoline exploding while pressing hard on the accelerator on our outdoor toys. Getting your ATV, Dirtbike or side-by-side to those sites has never been easier. In the past you would have to haul a separate trailer just to transport your gear, but with a travel trailer you can load your off road vehicles directly into the garage section, and secure your load to the trailer making load in, and load out much easier.
Things to consider
“Can I safely transport my gear?”
A great question to ask when making any major purchase, but this is especially important when deciding whether or not you are going to bring your other expensive toys on the road with you.
When you speak with your dealer, or previous owner, make sure the trailer can handle the weight of the toys you want to haul, also make sure there are enough tie downs so you can properly secure your equipment.
Staying clean
Most toy haulers have a wall between the garage space and the living quarters, but remember your toys will get muddy and dusty causing excessive wear and tear on the living areas, having a great cleaning plan is a must to maintain your rig.
Towing your RV
As in any trailer having a vehicle that can safely tow is a must. Toy haulers typically have a heavier frame to the handle the excess weight of the toys that is being loaded into the trailer.
Note: make sure you can not only tow the trailer, but remember to add the excess weight of the toys you want to haul.
Five reasons you should make a toy hauler your first choice
- You want more chances to play with your toys!
Kayaks, All terrain vehicles, bikes, motorcycles. Whatever toys you have you want to take it with you. If you have a thirst for adventure, a toy hauler may be ideal for you. - You work on the road.
If you take advantage of the increasingly connected world we live in, and have an online presence, you sell your creations, or you’re a performer, organizing and transporting your items is much easier in a travel trailer while traveling in comfort. - You’re a collector or antique lover.
If you love finding lost gems, adding to your collection of sports memorabilia or love a good flea market, the best pathway to discovery is broadening your hunt. A toy hauler could be the most valuable addition to your collection, you’ll be able to easily store and organize your newly found treasures. - Toy Haulers are seriously cool.
Bold graphics, creative interiors and multiple uses are just a few reasons why thees are totally cool. Few other RVs boast features like walkout patios, indoor/outdoor speakers and all weather interior. - Traveling with a big group.
When I say the garage area is versatile, I mean it. Most toy hauler garages are not only built strong with features like ramp doors, non-skid flooring and D-rings mounted to the frame and side walls, but also versatile seating that can be folded down for lounging or sleeping. Some garages even include rear decks, TVs and even a separate bathroom.is
What’s the Difference Between a Toy Hauler and A Travel Trailer?
The biggest and most obvious difference is size and load-ability. Essentially you have a single car garage in the rear of your RV so you can haul just about anything you want. Toy Haulers are built on a sturdier frame and therefore can be much heavier than travel trailers, but new aluminum framed models are starting to become more and more popular. Aluminium framed trailers are much lighter than their steel framed counterparts making it easier to tow.
The down side to having a garage just next to living quarters
Fuel smells can easily make its way into the main cabin if the doors are left open. Most toy haulers have a wall and a door to help with this but, this is something to consider when looking to purchase.
Toy haulers have an advantage when traveling off road.
Like mentioned before, toy haulers have a much stronger frame to be able to withstand the added stress of the extra weight. A benefit of the stronger frames and suspension is that they can withstand much harsher terrain than an average Travel Trailer. The only limit to where you can go is the strength and off-road capability of your tow vehicle.
Tongue weight
Since toy haulers are heavier they will require your tow vehicle to be able to have a heavier tongue load. In some cases it may be recommended to purchase a load leveler, or even an air ride system for your tow vehicle, to properly level both the trailer and the tow vehicle.
Storage
Travel trailers usually have more storage space due to the fact that the floor plan uses the entire size of the trailer. Toy haulers are slightly limited on closet and drawer space because a large portion of the trailer is used as a garage. On the other hand there is much more room for large items in a toy hauler. Make sure you know how you want to use your RV before purchasing.
Cost
Typically Toy haulers do cost 15-20% more than a travel trailer of the same size.Toy haulers can cost $20,000 to $80,000 more, depending on size and amenities. Although they are more expensive than a travel trailer, they are much less than their big brother 5th wheel trailers.
Summary
With the amazing flexibility of a toy hauler you can see why this is arguably the most popular type or RV on the market. No matter what you want to do, or how you want to do it, having the ability to bring all your big toys with you is a major plus. There is no clear cut answer to saying you need a toy hauler over any other type of RV, what you want is totally up to you. Now you know that travel trailers have a much wider range of benefits than what first meets the eye. Remember one major factor besides the benefits is the weight, always make sure your tow vehicle is properly equipped to handle the extra weight of a heavy duty toy hauler.
Now that you know more about toy haulers, get out there, find your adventure!
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