Your outdoor adventure involves more than a backpack and the proper foot gear. Depending on the season, you may be hauling four-wheelers, snowmobiles, jet skis, or kayaks. But you also need to get into some tight spaces.
You need a toy hauler that’s big enough to haul your toys, but small and nimble enough to get to your adventures.
Let’s look at why you would choose a small toy hauler over a Class A toy hauler. From there, we’ll show you six of the best smallest toy haulers to help you find which one fits your needs the best.
What Qualifies as a Small Toy Hauler?
Courtesy of InTech RVs
If your toy hauler can haul a Porsche, it’s not a small toy hauler.
Small toy haulers are typically around 30 feet long. They’re usually lighter with an overall lesser GVWR. And they can be toy hauler travel trailers or fifth wheel toy haulers. But just because they’re shorter doesn’t mean they can’t haul your side by side and ATVs. These small toy haulers include versatile floor plans that use every inch of space. Let’s take a look.
Top 6 Small Toy Haulers
Now that you have an idea of what to look for, here are six of the best small toy haulers.
1. Forest River Stealth SA2816G¹
From a trusted RV brand, The Forest River Stealth SA2816G is a compact fifth-wheel toy hauler that offers a private front bedroom with a king-sized bed, along with dual entrances to a spacious bathroom and hallway.
The 335-watt solar panel provides extra power for off-the-grid boondocking. Plus, the heated and enclosed underbelly keeps you and your amenities warm even in the coldest climates.
Useful Specs:
- 14,210 lbs GVWR
- 4,570 lbs CCC
- 40 gal. fuel station
- 33’5” long
- 16’4” cargo space
2. KZ Sportster 280TH²
A small yet functional 5th wheel toy hauler, the KZ Sportster 280TH is on the lighter side weighing 11,500 lbs. IF you fully load it. So it’s a good choice if your tow vehicle has a lower weight rating.
The private bedroom, featuring a queen bed, ensures a comfortable resting space. For those bigger families, there are two other optional sleep spaces: one over the garage space and the other on the jiffy couch. So this little camper could sleep five comfortably.
Useful Specs:
- 11,500 lbs. GVWR
- 3,190 lbs. CCC
- Optional 30 gal. fuel station
- 32’6” long
- 12’3” cargo space
3. Heartland Fuel 323³
The Heartland Fuel 323 is another fantastic option for those in need of a comfortable, small toy hauler. Measuring 34 feet in length, the Heartland Fuel separates the garage from the living area.
Its comfortable living quarters can sleep 6-7 and its dual axles are rated for 7,000 lbs.
Useful Specs:
- 16,340 lbs. GVWR
- 4,474 lbs. CCC
- Optional 30 gal. fuel station
- 34 feet long
- 11’ separate garage
4. Jayco Talon 313T⁴
For a durable, small toy hauler RV with more interior space, consider the Jayco Talon 313T. Boasting LED lighting, and a 13-foot garage, it can also accommodate 6-7 sleepers.
From the anti-skid rubber ramp to the full dry bath, the Talon 313T is designed with quality and durability in mind, ensuring it can withstand the demands of your RV lifestyle for years to come.
Useful Specs:
- 16,000 lbs. GVWR
- 5,185 lbs. CCC
- 39’11” long
- 13’ separate garage space
5. Heartland Fuel F-250
Just under 30 feet the Fuel F-250 has the space for a full kitchen and bathroom with a separate garage space. Having the garage space separate from your living space means you can store your toys inside and live in your camper at the same time without having to smell fuel and motor oil. And the frame welded ties mean you won’t have to worry about your toys coming loose.
Useful Specs:
- 11,220 lbs. GVWR
- Optional garage door patio
- 27’ 6” long
- 13’4” garage
6. inTech Flyer Explore
By far the shortest toy hauler on this list, the inTech Flyer Explore is only 13 feet 9 inches. With the option of having a small kitchenette and pull down bed, this RV is best for hauling small toys like eBikes, dirt bikes, or kayaks. Its limited amenities also make it ideal for short trips when you’re by yourself or with one other person who doesn’t require all the comforts of home.
Useful Specs:
- 2,990 lbs. GVWR
- 13’ 7” long
- Optional 8 gal freshwater tank
- ~9’ garage
Essentials to Look for in a Small Toy Hauler
To make sure you find the right 5th wheel for your purposes, you’ll need to know:
- What cargo space do you need?
- How much weight will be on the rear axle?
- What cargo-carrying capacity do you need?
- How many people does it need to accommodate?
Now there are also some things that are nice to have in a toy hauler if it’s applicable to your hobby. Things like…
- Built-in fuel station to carry gas for your toys
- Heavy-duty tie-downs for extra security
- Durable flooring
Cargo Space
What you’re hauling determines what size cargo space you need. You’ll want to ensure that your toy hauler can accommodate all your gear. So, what are you hauling?
- ATVs
- Kayaks
- Bicycles
- Motorcycles
Measure your toys before you go shopping, so you know how much space you need. Then, make sure to walk around inside the RV when you’re buying, so you can visualize where your gear will fit.
There’s nothing worse than making a big purchase only to find out you’re two inches short. So bring on the measuring tape!
Cargo Carrying Capacity
Once you’ve learned the dimensions you need from your toy hauler. You need to learn how much weight you plan on putting on that rear axle. Most toy haulers have augmented rear axles to handle the weight. But if you’re hauling particularly heavier toys, you’ll want to see what your rear axle is rated to carry.
You also need to know the cargo-carrying capacity of your toy hauler. That’s the max amount of weight you can add to the fifth wheel.
Floor Plan Layout
The floorplan layout of a fifth-wheel toy hauler provides a comfortable living space while maximizing garage space and functionality. Most floor plans include a queen-size bed in the front with a garage in the back. The living room configurations vary, but most provide for additional sleeping arrangements in the living room or in a loft over the garage.
Tips for Maintaining Your Short 5th Wheel Toy Hauler
Now that you’ve got a better idea of what you’re looking for, here are some tips to help you maintain your toy hauler in top condition.
Regular Inspections
This includes checking the roof for any signs of damage, inspecting the frame for wear and tear, and assessing the hitch and towing components for any issues.
Proper Storage
Shield your fifth wheel from weather damage by storing your toy hauler in a covered area or by using a high-quality cover to shield it from the elements. Ensure all access points are sealed to prevent pests or moisture from entering the toy hauler during storage.
Cleaning and Upkeep
Regular cleaning and maintenance preserve both the appearance and functionality of your toy hauler. Cleaning of the exterior prevents mildew and cleaning the interior prevents mold and rodents from getting comfortable.
Summary
You’ve officially bought a brand-new (or new-to-you) toy hauler. Once the confetti settles, you’ll need to find a place to store it.
Sorry to break it to you, but even the small toy haulers won’t fit in your garage easily. The width of your toy hauler is about 8’ 6” wide. If your two-car garage measures around 18 feet wide, your RV will take up close to half of your available garage space – leaving you with little room to store your vehicle, yard equipment, and/or power tools, etc.
You need a place to store it. But you don’t want to leave it in the elements either. And you definitely don’t want to spend hundreds of dollars on RV storage every month?
Not to worry. Neighbor’s got you covered.
Neighbor, a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace, offers RV storage that’s up to 50% cheaper than traditional storage options. Neighbor has storage options in all 50 states. You’ll even find storage spaces in your very own neighborhood.
