Looking for a way to go on an RV trip and take all your ATVs, UTVs, bikes, and other toys with you? If so, a toy hauler RV is just what you need. A toy hauler RV combines a traditional camper or motorhome with a cargo area and dropdown door that’s comparable in size to a small garage.
As with other RVs, there are several different types of toy haulers to choose from. It’s important to understand these different types. That way, you choose the right toy hauler for your adventures.
What is a Toy Hauler RV?
Defined, a toy hauler is an RV in which the front half is a standard living area, and the rear half is an open garage or cargo area. It combines the best of both worlds—enough living space to be comfortable and more storage space than you could ever hope for in an RV.
The purpose of a toy hauler is to make it possible for RVers to take their toys with them. (By toys, we’re talking about ATVs, golf carts, UTVs, motorcycles, dirt bikes, bicycles, and even smart cars.)
Since the rear cargo area is essentially a blank space, you can also convert it into a custom living area if you need the extra space and don’t own other recreational vehicles. Note: This renovation project is becoming increasingly popular with larger families who need an extra play area or bedroom for their kids.
Another popular option is to use the rear cargo area as an at-home gym or fitness area. Whether you need extra living or sleeping space or to have your toy hauler carry your on or off-road vehicles, you can use it for whatever you please.
But what exactly is the difference between a travel trailer and a toy hauler? Check out this article.
Types of Toy Haulers: Finding Your Perfect Match
As we said before, there are several different types of RV toy haulers to choose from. Each toy hauler has its own advantages and disadvantages (and comes at very different price tags).
Type #1: Motorhome Toy Haulers
Toy hauler motorhomes are a popular option for older couples who are interested in a larger rig like a toy hauler–but want to eliminate the stress of towing a travel trailer or fifth-wheel camper. The downside of a motorhome toy hauler is that they typically have smaller garages to compensate for the driving cab at the front of the vehicle.
Type #2: Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers
Fifth-wheel toy haulers are the most popular type of toy hauler RV. Because they’re bigger in general, fifth-wheel toy haulers have the most living area and the biggest garage. These extra spacious living areas and larger toy hauler garages are a must for people who live in their RV full-time.
The only downside of a fifth-wheel toy hauler is that it’s also the heaviest type of RV. Therefore, you need at least a three-quarter or one-ton truck to tow it. I’ve even seen people towing their toy haulers with semi trucks because they can weigh more than 20,000 pounds.
Type #3: Travel Trailer Toy Haulers
If you’re on a tight budget but still want a toy hauler, consider investing in a travel trailer toy hauler. Travel trailer toy haulers come in all shapes and sizes, but they are always smaller than their motorhome and fifth-wheel alternatives. However, rest assured that the cargo area is still large enough for small ATVs, bikes, motorcycles, and more and will get the job done for one or two people.
The Average Cost of Toy Hauler RVs
One of the only downsides of toy haulers is that they typically cost more than their traditional RV counterparts. For instance, comparing a fifth-wheel toy hauler to a standard fifth-wheel, a fifth-wheel toy hauler costs more than a standard model. Similarly, a toy hauler travel trailer will cost more than a non-toy hauler travel trailer.
Here are some of the cost averages of toy haulers:
- Fifth-wheels: $125,000
- Travel trailers $50,000
- Motorhomes: $200,000
In addition to the type of toy hauler you choose, other factors that affect cost include:
- Living area size
- Total sleeping space
- Number of slideouts
- Size of the cargo area
- Additional features like drop-down beds in the cargo area or washer and dryer hookups
Top Toy Hauler Brands and Models
In addition to there being several different types of toy haulers, there are also some brands and models that are superior to others. Here are some of the most popular toy haulers on the market:
- Alliance RV’s Valor lineup
- Grand Design Momentum MAV 22MAV
- Brinkley Model G 3950
- The Grand Design Momentum fifth-wheel lineup
- Heartland Cyclone lineup
Toy Hauler Camper Pros and Cons
As with any type of RV, there are advantages and disadvantages to owning a toy hauler, including:
Pro: Extra Fun and Excitement
The biggest advantage of toy haulers is that they enable you to bring your favorite toys with you (that includes your bikes, motorcycles, ATVs, golf carts, snowmobiles, and any other motorized toys that can fit in your garage space).
Pro: Flexibility
While most people use the garage area for hauling toys, you can use it for whatever you want to. You can transform the space into a master bedroom, a kid’s room, a gym, or anything else your heart desires.
Pro: Perfect for Full-Timers
In terms of what type of RV full-time RVers prefer, we saw more full-timers in toy haulers than any other type of RV. The flexibility, storage space, and convenience of the garage area are perfect for full-time living, especially for families living the RV lifestyle.
Con: Cost
As we pointed out earlier, toy haulers cost more on average than their non-toy hauler counterparts. Therefore, if you plan to go the toy hauler route, make sure you have room in your budget.
Con: Tow Vehicle Requirements
Because of the components and materials used to build toy haulers, they are substantially heavier than other RVs. Throw in the fact that you might haul toys weighing thousands of pounds, and you need a fairly hefty tow vehicle. Having to buy a more heavy-duty truck to tow your toy hauler will significantly increase your overall costs.
Con: Potentially Less Living Space
If you decide to use your cargo area strictly as a garage, you’ll have less living space than you would with a traditional RV. The garage comprises one-third to half of the total space of most toy haulers, which means less room for you and your family.
Final Thoughts
Regardless of what type of toy hauler you purchase, it’s a sizeable investment–one that’s worth protecting. As a toy hauler owner, it’s important to store your vehicle somewhere that’s safe, secure, and out of the elements.
If you don’t have space on your own property, consider using Neighbor, a peer-to-peer RV storage marketplace. Neighbor has RV storage locations all across the country, and there may even be some in your own neighborhood!
