You like hitting the open road with your family. You pack up the kids, the pets, and your ATVs when you go camping. You’ve worked hard for it. Now it’s time to play hard.
This year, you’re looking at upgrading to a camper that can haul your toys too. But what’s the smart choice? Are toy haulers really worth the extra money? Can’t you find a travel trailer that could serve the same purpose and cost less?
Choosing the right RV for your needs makes all the difference when it comes to stress-free camping. So let’s look at travel trailers vs. toy haulers.
We’ll answer your toughest questions, for example: When do you need the added strength from a toy hauler and could you get by with a simple travel trailer?
Toy Haulers vs. Travel Trailers
What’s the main difference between a toy hauler and a travel trailer?
If you’re just walking around in them at an RV show, then the truth is you won’t see much of a difference.
They’re both comfortable with a home-like atmosphere, complete with amenities such as:
- a kitchen
- a bathroom
- a living room
- sleeping quarters
- entertainment centers
They come in similar sizes and similar setups, but you notice toy haulers are more expensive on the whole.
But why is that?
The answer is toy haulers are built differently. They serve a different purpose. Depending on what you’re hauling, investing in a toy hauler may be the smart thing to do. (See image of a toy hauler below: Image courtesy of RV.com )
While a travel trailer’s specialty is comfortable living while you’re on the road, toy haulers are designed to transport recreational toys (motorbikes, ATVs, UTVs, etc.). So they have essential extras like…
- Reinforced internal frame
- Interior tie downs
- Separate garage spaces
- Add on porches for storage
- Durable flooring options
- Larger storage compartments for gear
- Have a higher Cargo Carrying Capacity (CCC)
What you have to decide is whether or not those extras are necessary to haul your toys.
Compare the image above to the interior of a travel trailer (see image below, courtesy of Heartland RVs)
How the Differences between a Travel Trailer and a Toy Hauler RV Affect You
They’re simple differences, but they can affect how you travel and what towing vehicle you’ll need to be able to travel.
Differences in Weight and Towing Requirements
Naturally, since toy haulers use sturdier construction methods, they weigh more. They also have a higher CCC. That means you can carry more. So you need to consider the towing capacity of your vehicle. The weight of your chosen RV not only affects its towing requirements but also impacts fuel efficiency.
Now not all toy haulers are fifth wheels, but because of their higher carrying capacity toy haulers tend to be fifth wheels. That means you may need a tow vehicle with a gooseneck hitch to pull it, and the hitch weight needs to be able to handle 6,000-10,000 lbs.
Differences in Living Space and Amenities
Travel trailers focus on comfort and convenience in the interior living space. They have more interior storage space that makes everyday RV life easier.
Toy haulers prioritize garage storage space, cargo capacity, and versatility. They have a separate garage space and exterior features like a fuel station to carry gas for your toys.
But even with dedicated garage space, most toy haulers have an added sleeping area or bunk above where the toys are stored, all to maximize your usable living space.
Differences in Storage Space and Cargo Capabilities
As we already mentioned, you sacrifice interior storage space for cargo space when you opt for a toy hauler. But the question to ask yourself is what are you hauling? Dirt bikes, ATVs, kayaks, paddle boards, bicycles, snowmobiles…
If you’re hauling heavy equipment that requires gas to run it, then having a garage where you can store them safely–and keep all the gear associated with them separate from your living space–is a huge plus. Add the convenience of interior tie-downs and a fueling station, along with the assurance of a reinforced frame, and a toy hauler is (overall) a smarter choice that makes your trip more enjoyable.
But if you’re hauling climbing gear, mountain bikes, skiing equipment, kayaks, etc., then you don’t need to keep those things separate. The items are light enough for you to pick up and carry. You can store them under your camper during the night, and they take minimal tying down during travel. So it’s not a huge benefit to have the toy hauler.
Cost and Value Considerations
When choosing between a travel trailer and a toy hauler, the cost and value are important factors to consider.
Travel Trailer Pricing
Travel trailers are generally more affordable, with prices ranging from $6,000 to $30,000, depending on the size and features. The cost of travel trailers can vary among different brands, ranging from budget-friendly options to higher-end luxury models.
Note: Choosing a travel trailer can be a budget-friendly option for those seeking a comfortable and convenient RV.
Toy Hauler Pricing
Even smaller toy haulers are more expensive, with prices ranging from $20,000 to $80,000 or more because of the quality of construction and additional amenities included. Toy haulers offer additional versatility and cargo capacity that is worth the investment, especially for those RVers who prioritize functionality for their recreational toys.
Now, while a toy hauler costs more, but it also holds its value better. Because they’re better built they last longer and can be resold or traded in.
Making Your Decision: Factors to Consider
Ultimately, the choice between toy haulers and travel trailers depends on your personal needs, your camping style, and what kind of toys you’re hauling.
Evaluate your specific needs by considering a) the toys you want to haul, b) the size of your family, c) what activities you’ll be doing, and d) your preferred camping style. If you have bulkier items, a toy hauler is smart as it offers extra space for storage and can carry the extra weight easily.
But if you have smaller recreational equipment that doesn’t require the extra storage space, a travel trailer could be a more cost-effective option.
Additionally, consider your family size and preferred camping style when choosing between toy haulers and travel trailers. If more living space, convenience, and a homier atmosphere are crucial for successful camping trips, then a travel trailer may be the perfect solution.
But if you treat your camper more like a basecamp, then having a garage area to stow your gear at the end of the day is an ideal choice.
Summary
What you choose is up to you. You certainly don’t have to have a toy hauler to bring your toys along. Larger RVs can still carry a good amount of gear. You just have to travel with it in your living area and get creative with the tie-downs.
A garage simply makes it easier to carry large toys and gives additional space for off-road gear so you can enjoy camping.
If you’ve made up your mind to look at more travel trailers, then check out 5 of the best travel trailer brands out there.
If you’re leaning toward the toy hauler, then take a look at some of the shortest fifth-wheel toy haulers.
Once you choose your adventure rig, you’ll need to find a safe place to store it. That’s where Neighbor can help.
Neighbor.com is a peer-to-peer storage marketplace where you can find safe affordable storage solutions close to home.
