Toy Hauler

BIGWOODY

BIGWOODY

Well-Known Member
Joined
Mar 21, 2005
Location
Thomasville
Looking at buying one to carry dirt bikes/4 wheelers and family. We considered the full on Coach but seems like once you get where you're going you're stuck unless you want to tow something else with you, so the 5th wheel set up seems like the best solution.I can also justify keeping my dually, that I really never drive anymore. I'd like to get opinions on what I want and don't want in one. I'll be buying one used, what do I need to be careful about and look for when shopping?..thanks.
 
Unless you're really wanting a shower and a sleep area think about an enclosed race car trailer. They can be had for cheaper than a toy hauler and they have a ton of room. We used to load my buddy's with four large atvs, coolers, camping gear, you name it. It was a gooseneck so you could drop it and still have your truck. Easy clean up and it had built in storage for gas cans and tools. I forget how long it was but it hauled his 69 Camaro drag car and all track necessities with plenty of room to spare.
 
We considered several options before we settled on the toyhauler we bought - enclosed trailers, light-weight, trailer w/truck camper, & even custom built. Opted for a new Work & Play due to cargo capacity (original plan was to haul jeep for ECORS races but after cutting out 12" of brand new cabinet we realized that it wasn't happening). Now cargo area is usually for bikes, golf cart, or great danes (hoping for a Sammi or sxs one day). After having it 2 yrs., I definitely want a 5th wheel with separate cargo area & a slide out or 2 would be amazing for normal camping trips. I love that our bedroom is separate so we at least have some privacy when we have guests.
 
I looked into one a few years ago. I was leaning towards the work and play also because they are an enclosed car hauler with living quarters instead of a camper with a garage door like most others on the market. For dirt bikes and Atvs either would be fine but I was looking for something that could haul my Samurai. Most of the camper based toy haulers (Raptors for example) only have a 2,000 lb cargo capacity and the door/ramp can only hold 1,000 lb.

As far as what to look for, get under it and check the frame for cracking or repairs. I read a lot about cracking around the axles because of overloading the camper frames.
 
Greg, pay attention around the rear door and its attachment points. Travis will attest that having a door fall off your trailer is not a very fun thing to have happen. This ofcoarse depends on how the previous owner treated the trailer. Besides that, i would make sure it has a large fresh water tank and black water holding tank.
 
Ive had two toy haulers a tag a now a fifth wheel. I did a lot of research before my last purchase and ended up choosing a grand designs. I got a Momentum 350 m class. While not cheap we use ours as toy hauler when we ride our rzrs and regular camper. Ours has a rear 1/2 bath, 2 queens, tv, its own ac unit and entry so another couple can camp with us and still have privacy.

Momentum Fifth-Wheel Toy Hauler Floor Plans | Grand Design RV
 
I had an enclosed new bumper pull, an older toyhauler (camper), a new toyhauler (camper), and a gooseneck enclosed.

New bumper pull had a flat roof which made incredible amount of noise in the wind. Most flat roof trailers are like this. Also tail wagging the dog on some long mountain roads. I tow with a 2007 diesel F350 SRW

Older toyhauler was ok. Finding one big enough is almost impossible. Roof started leaking and it started rotting quickly. It's designed for light duty use only. Bumper pull with weight distribution was ok.

New toyhauler was custom ordered. Toy weight was limiting and floor started getting soft spots where the tires sat quickly. Way too much money and still light duty with very limited room. Gooseneck - much better towing.

Current is a Haulmark enclosed gooseneck trailer with domed roof. I enjoy it most of all. It has 8 lug axles and is heavy, but I have no worries about it. It hauls anything I put in there and has plenty of room. Since it's a gooseneck it hauls good too.
 
Check out the puma unleashed models. Very affordable compared to most. They aren't as fancy as some of the others but I like them. Country roads rv in Lexington sells them.
 
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