For people who love their recreational, sometimes motorized toys, toy haulers are an absolute must.
The ideal toy hauler includes a suitable living area and a garage space so, if you wanted to live in it full-time, you could! That said, there’s no one size fits all when it comes to toy haulers. You’ve got to know what to look for when you’re searching for one that’s perfect for you.
Types of Toy Haulers
The first thing to keep in mind when searching for toy haulers is the type that fits your needs. This essential first step will help ensure you purchase the toy hauler that matches your needs.
Normal Toy Hauler
Also called the hauler travel trailer, this is the most common type of toy hauler. They come in a variety of sizes, and they’re usually equipped with a living space that’s on the smaller size. Though it’s still big enough to accommodate a family. If you need more living space than what this type of toy hauler provides, consider finding one with slide-outs.
Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler
Fifth wheels come equipped with spacious living areas and an attached garage space. Given the fact that walls separate the living area and the garage, this type is great for those who need to sequester fumes from motorized toys they’re hauling.
Motorhome Toy Hauler
Motorhome toy haulers are classified as both Class A and Class C. They come with a living space, a hauler, and an attached vehicle, so everything you need is under one roof.
Off-Road Toy Hauler
You need an off-road toy hauler if you plan on traversing rough terrains. They come with sturdy frames, suspensions, and axles that are meant for such travel. This type of hauler can be towed by any type of truck!
Choosing the Right Toy Hauler
You’ve got the types of toy haulers under your belt. Now, let’s discuss what factors to consider when choosing what model is best for you.
Your Lifestyle
If you plan on using your toy hauler every day to haul heavy items, you’ll need a sturdy one with a high Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). If you only plan on using it once in a while to haul recreational toys (not motorized ones), you won’t have to worry about GVWR as much.
Your Tow Vehicle
Keep in mind that your toy hauler can’t be heavier than the vehicle you use to tow it, otherwise you’ll void your warranty and potentially get into legal hot water. Toy haulers come in all different sizes, so find one that suits your tow vehicle properly.
Use our RV Tow Guide to make the process super easy!
Your Budget
As always, your budget plays a major role in the toy hauler you choose. Luckily, there are toy haulers available for every budget: new and pre-owned.
Cost of Insurance
Your insurance cost will vary depending on the model, amenities, configuration, and size of your toy hauler. Compare costs easily by talking to your insurance agent and finding a vehicle that falls within your preferred range.
New Vs Pre-Owned
We’ll never fault you if you want to buy a new vehicle. But, since that’s not the reality for everyone, pre-owned is a good option. As long as the pre-owned toy hauler is in good condition, it’s of the same caliber as a new one. Some would argue that buying a pre-owned toy hauler is actually a better decision, thanks to the lower depreciation rate.
The Floor Plan
All RVers have their own preferences when it comes to floor plans, as the floorplan of a toy hauler determines its functionality and layout. Some models are roomier than others, so go in with a good idea of what you’re looking for in terms of space.
Weatherproofing and Insulation
The point of a toy hauler is that it keeps your toys safe, and it can’t do that without proper insulation and weatherproofing — especially if you plan on going on winter excursions. If snowy adventures are your priority, make sure you’re set with good insulation.
Weight Capacity
Toy haulers are designed to carry a lot of weight, but not all of them have the same weight capacity. If you plan on carrying a few toys at once, especially if they’re all motorized, you’ll need a toy hauler that’s capable of handling that.
GVWR
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating is the maximum weight that your RV can carry, including passengers. If the weight you travel with exceeds your toy hauler’s GVWR and you have to leave some toys at home, there’s no fun in that. To make sure you can travel with your entire family and all your toys, make sure your GVWR is where you need it to be.
Quality
Some RVs are nicer than others, and if you plan on using your toy hauler as a full-time home, you definitely don’t want to compromise on its quality. If you just plan on using your toy hauler for camping trips, you don’t have to worry about quality to the same degree, but you should still make sure that you have corrosion-resistant materials and reinforced frames.
Garage Space
If you’re interested in a toy hauler, you probably need the garage space that they’re known for. If you didn’t, you’d be shopping for a travel trailer. So, don’t skimp when it comes to garage size! Make sure to get something where all the toys you want to travel with fit comfortably and safely.
Amenities
Are you the type who likes to live in the lap of luxury, or do you prefer the simpler things in life? Keep your answer in mind when you shop for a toy hauler. Some are decked out with everything you could possibly want, including things like full-size bathrooms, refrigerators, and ACs, while others are just set up with the essentials.
Which Toy Hauler Will It Be?
At RV Dynasty, we’ll make sure that you invest in exactly the toy hauler that you’re looking for. If you’re still not sure what model that could be, feel free to get in touch with us to learn more about our diverse inventory.
We sell new and pre-owned toy haulers, and we’ll help you find the one that’s perfect for you. Stop by and see us soon at 10001 U.S. 31 in Bunker Hill, Ind.
