View Full Version : What Toyhauler should I look at
b12jared
10/26/06, 11:03 PM
We are kicking around the idea of getting a toyhauler, and I am curious what brand and type people would recomend. What are their good points, and who makes the best trailer for the money. I can pull anything at any weight, and will need room for at least 4 quads and possibly 5 once in a while.
Any suggestions?[?]
Depends on your budget dude.
I just got a Fleetwood Redline and it's VERY nice.
Weekend Warrior is always a good choice.
If you wanna save some Coin, check out Carson Trailers. You can build it EXACTLY like you want it and they are great bang for the buck.
Check this RV section and see what people have picked up. Everyone does their own homework and picks the one that they personally like and works best for them.
I think they are ALL pretty good.
Sometimes they all start looking the same, but something will catch your eye that sets that trailer above the other one's..........Could be a really simple thing like a fabric for cabinets.
We had a 20' Carson Toyhauler and thought it was the shizzy...........but our new one is leaps and bounds above it. After owning the first one, we knew what we really wanted. And we Got it on our new one.
They are all priced pretty competitive, so you need to go to an RV show or a BIG dealer that carries different models and poke around.
Good luck.
duneflyer
10/27/06, 6:50 AM
something to remember is if you ever get a sidexside... you need to check ceiling load height
Take your time and look at all of them.
Mark
NEVERENOUGH
10/27/06, 6:19 PM
This could become a ford vs chevy debate. LIke everyone has said look at them all and then look again. I have a Gearbox 30FS and fit 5 quads in it and not having wheel wells help with that otherwise they wouldn't fit. Do yourself a favor and give them all the bathroom check. Go into the toilet area sit down shut the door and see how it fits trust me this becomes a pain. Good luck and do your research.
For sure check the bathrooom. Gotta have room to do your business. Also stand in the shower if you're a tall guy. Head room is a plus
I have the 23' Attitude like Oldtime Racer's.
I haul it wih a 6.0 and haave no troubles until the hills but I take it slow anyways to save on the tranny.
I also bought mine at Family Van. Very nice people........
It took me 2 years of looking before making the decision. I'm not disappointed.
jsfitter
10/28/06, 3:48 PM
I would go to the website www.rvtraderonline.com. They have specs and pictures of all brands. ANother website that has a ton of informaiton about RV's is www.rv.net.
You will get many opionions on which one to buy. Take your time. There are many brands that are good. It all depends on what fits your lifestyle.
Longhair
10/29/06, 12:23 PM
I just recently bought the Weekend Warrior FS2500. it has all the nice stuff.. IE:
100 gal fresh water
High pressure sprayer
20 gal fuel tank and filling station
Full queen size bed in front
Full queen size pull down bed in back (plus both bed areas are long enough that my long feet can hang off the end.)
Plenty of hauling space.
2 couches fold down to full size beds.
Room under the pull down rear bed. for lots of extras and another bed or 2
Plus it has the nice Onan 4000 generator.
So check out TravelonRV, they have one in mesa and glendale
Arizona Griz
10/29/06, 5:55 PM
Check out this site:
http://www.rv.net/forum/
b12jared
10/29/06, 11:16 PM
I went to a couple of local dealers, and poked around in them a bit. One brand was called Play-mor. I havn't seen too many of these, but they looked like decent trailers. I will have to get a fifth wheel, because I want the big queen up in the front. I tried the bathroom test, and can see why it is imperative. I looked at a 30ft, and it had a descent 9ft garage, micorwave, stove, and fridge. It did not have an onboard fuel station, nor generator, nor much storage. It did have a small popout for the dining area. They had a list of $33,000 which I thought a bit steep. They carried a brand called Gulf Stream, but did not have any on hand. Is it just me, or is the Play-mor just a little steep? Here is their website http://www.playmorrvs.com/
Thanks for everyone's input.
jsfitter
10/30/06, 6:36 AM
A basic rule of thumb is you should be able to get 20% - 25% off of MSRP. Other models that I know about that have the garage (5th wheel)is the Raptor(they have a 38 foot with a 14 foot garage, 3814ss), KZ, forest river, rampage. There are more, but these are the ones that I looked at when buying.
NEVERENOUGH
10/30/06, 5:20 PM
If at all possible stay away from a garage. People will tell you about smell yada yada yada. I am on my 2nd toybox have owned them for about 6 years now and have no compaints about smell. Fifth wheels are nice and we are looking at upgrading but you can find several nice bumper pulls with front queen beds. Sandpiper makes a nice one for a decent price and then there are more.Weekend Warrior, Fleetwood both make a very nice front sleeper. You are on the right track look at them all and I mean all of them. We bought used the first time around because we knew things would change. WE bought new the second time around and guess what more changes lol. Good luck and keep us posted.
Like others have said.........Check the particulars.
They are all pretty nice, but some little things will make you want THAT one.
Bathroom you know about, that's good. Alot of little things are missed when looking at trailers. Look at the details.
Make a list of things you NEED and WANT. Make sure the trailer meets you NEED list and have as many WANTS as you can get.
That's strange that the 30' Play-mor didn't have a Gene.
Gargage vs. No Garage is a big decision.
I can Definately see the benefits in a garage, but I would rather have the livable space to be the WHOLE trailer. Plus, if you get a toy later that will not fit in the little garage, what's the point? You could have a 38' 5th wheel, but not be able to take all the toys.
Gas Smell, even IF you get a gas smell, once you open the back to get the toys out, it'll be gone by the time you're done.;)
Look at ALL of them. Also take into consideration a Warranty work location. You don't want to have something major or even minor where you gotta drag it ALONG ways to get it fixed.
Onboard Gene is a must for me after having a toyhauler without before.
Big Bathroom, with separate toily/shower
I like the Ducted A/C in my new hauler, more efficient, cools alot faster.
I don't have outside storage.........Small trailer. More storage with a 5th wheel.
Good place to put your chairs, ice chests, tables, little BBQ.........Tons of uses and no matter how much storage you've got, it WILL be full.
I think the trailers out nowadays are all very nice, just do the NEEDS/wants list........That might thin the list by a couple. Find an RV show in your area and spend alot of time comparing options/standards.
Some trailers might have a low base price, but when equipped the way you want, may be more money than 1 that comes with everything right off the bat.
I think i'll stop here. Babbling to much.
Good luck, do your homework.
drtrider145
11/01/06, 3:11 PM
I have just bought a 2007 Extreme "Megalite" 25ft ST model, that was very well in my price range and has the "Megadinnete" which lowers the bottom queen bed down to the level of the couches and the that queen bunk folds in to a couch and connects to the couches that come from the sides of the walls to make a large restaraunt style "booth" so if you have a large family is will work out good, onan 4.0 jenny 106 gallon fresh water , 25ft with front Queen bedroom and a dry weight at 5005 lbs, my old toyhauler was 6800lbs dry(no bedroom) and was also 25ft and no jenny, this trailer came with LCD TV DVD and I thought is was very inexpensive, and the same owner that owns WW also owns extreme RV's so there is lots of simialar floor plans and other items that are the same , the most important for me was the front bedroom and the weight I wanted under 5000lbs and extra storage they call a basement under the front bedroom
the dont's that I dont like
small awning 15 ft (saving weight)
smaller than my old TH holding tanks 35 gallon vs 45 gallon on the old trailer not a problem (yet)
Samll Bathroom same size as my old TH (do your duty and get out)
no ducted A/C option so I I upgraded the A/C from a 13,500BTU to a 15,000 BTU unit
they all have their + and -'s it depends on the items that you "must" have
ck out http://www.extremervs.com/content.asp?id=34&uid=
and if need a dealer pm and I'll hook you up, I got my from California saved over $4000 for the same exact trailer here and it was not Earnharts that I saved it was like $5500 less than Earnharts and I had to pay $500 to have it delivered from LA and still saved that much
Mega Dinnette
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/drtrider145/200611122829_L-screen-room-interior 1.jpg
http://www.ridingarizona.com/forum/uploaded/drtrider145/200611122953_day camp1.jpg
duneflyer
11/01/06, 3:37 PM
casket not included :D:D
IS that what they told you about the short awning, Joe? "weight saving"??
drtrider145
11/01/06, 4:46 PM
weight and no place else to mount the bottom mount too close to the water heater, but the top mount is still pulling away from the trailer, kinda like it is not supported there
I like the looks of that inside Joe. That's different.:)
NEVERENOUGH
11/01/06, 5:09 PM
I like that dinette. We looked at Extremes when we bought our Gearbox and all I remember was that they were heavy but that was a lot bigger trailer. Looks like they have come a long ways.
drtrider145
11/01/06, 5:52 PM
I call it the "Champagne "(sp) Room perfect booth and a few holes in the floor for Stripper poles
quote:Originally posted by drtrider145
I call it the "Champagne "(sp) Room perfect booth and a few holes in the floor for Stripper poles
Now that's funny - but where are you going to find the strippers?
drtrider145
11/02/06, 10:31 AM
That seems to be the problem
ahsumtoy
11/03/06, 4:48 PM
As Casey says (Neverenough), I am on my 3rd toyhauler and I have never had a problem with smell. Anyway, you mention you want to put 4 to 5 quads in there. I just bought a Gearbox 38 1/2' toyhauler. It's a 5th wheel and my last two were boxes. I love the way this 5th wheel feels behind my truck. Note, that even if you put your quads sideways in a hauler, if they are like mine, they each take about 4 feet. Add that up and you need between 16 and 20 feet of cargo space unless you are tilting them. My new hauler has a little over 18 feet to the first area and another usable 3 feet beyond that. I still can't take a Rhino, a quad and a sand rail all at the same time. I looked at every make of Hauler and like Neverenough says, it's the same as the debate of Ford vs Chevy. You have to know what you need and what are your requirements. For me, I don't want wheel wells due to my buggy. Also, I know many will differ from me, but I will NEVER buy another hauler with 15" tires on it, no matter if it is a triple axle. I can't tell you how many blow outs I used to have with 15's, along with many many people I know.
notsympathetic
11/03/06, 6:53 PM
Currently have a 21' Sierra Sport and looking to go larger. Bought the Ranger and have to flatten the tires and ratchet the suspension to get it in. Checked out the Wolf Packs (made by Forest River - same maker as Sierra and Sandpipers). 30' has a great floor plan with a walk around queen up front (not a 5th either), a big bath and room enough for Ranger and two quads plus all the extras. They are coming out with a back end dinette that is supposed to flatted to 6" so you can put a bed and a dinette and still get the toys up the ramp. Not too expensive either. The only drawback on this unit is that its a 30' trailer instead of a 5th wheel. Oh yeah, the storage is more than adequate!
campinginaz
11/09/06, 2:23 PM
Was that a fricken casket out there with you? Holly s**t. Guess you leave nothing to rest.
quote:Originally posted by campinginaz
Was that a fricken casket out there with you? Holly s**t. Guess you leave nothing to rest.
We had to put the Beer somewhere!!! [:p][:p][:p]
Duneflyer brought it from "work" ;)
I have a Rampage model 327 - it's a 32-foot 5th wheel with a little over 14' of toy space, and all the usual upgrades/options. Rampages are built by Skyline.
I spent about 3 months going to all of the lots around the metro area. It took me a lot of that time to get a handle on all of the things I might be wanting in a hauler. Once I narrowed my choices down to two, I still went to the dealers every weekend and obsessed on what I liked and disliked about each one - even went through folding everything up and rolling carpet up, etc. In the end, we got the best one for our needs. Good luck!
quote:Originally posted by kml
I have a Rampage model 327 - it's a 32-foot 5th wheel with a little over 14' of toy space, and all the usual upgrades/options. Rampages are built by Skyline.
I spent about 3 months going to all of the lots around the metro area. It took me a lot of that time to get a handle on all of the things I might be wanting in a hauler. Once I narrowed my choices down to two, I still went to the dealers every weekend and obsessed on what I liked and disliked about each one - even went through folding everything up and rolling carpet up, etc. In the end, we got the best one for our needs. Good luck!
These things are an Investment of money, Need to invest some time and you WILL be happy with your choice.
Nice write-up kml.............That's what it takes. :)
duneflyer
11/10/06, 4:12 PM
Geez, I guess I am an impulse buyer... I looked mostly at the internet and narrowed it down, then looked at 3 different models, and thats what I got. But it works for me;)
quote:Originally posted by duneflyer
Geez, I guess I am an impulse buyer... I looked mostly at the internet and narrowed it down, then looked at 3 different models, and thats what I got. But it works for me;)
Impulse buy, I'll show you impulse buy, I went to a dealer just to see if they had any used one's in the back.
Sorry, we do not at this time......
The Wife says, look at that new one over there, it's small and cute.
We'll take it. [:I] [:p]
b12jared
11/10/06, 9:55 PM
I am definately looking for an investment, and found a nice little '05 21' Sandpiper for sale locally for $15k. It has the 4kw gen, fuel station, and all the other little features I have found I like. I am curious now on financing. Who, or where do most people go for financing. I am still looking at other haulers, but I did like this one quite a bit. [}:)] Almost an impulse buy.
quote:Originally posted by b12jared
I am definately looking for an investment, and found a nice little '05 21' Sandpiper for sale locally for $15k. It has the 4kw gen, fuel station, and all the other little features I have found I like. I am curious now on financing. Who, or where do most people go for financing. I am still looking at other haulers, but I did like this one quite a bit. [}:)] Almost an impulse buy.
Hey Jared,
That sounds pretty good. Once you find a couple that you like, then you can weigh the likes dislikes and narrow the choices down. So that makes the decision a little easier.
As far as Financing, I just use my Credit Union.
I call them up and tell them what i'm looking at and they let me know if they'll do it............Unfortunately for my bank account, they ALWAYS say, SURE!!![^] :( [:p]
The Toyhauler we just bought was not going to happen through the dealership even though we hold accounts "in good standing" with their top 2 banks they use.................Called the Credit Union and it was a done deal.
Good luck buddy.
Bear Racing
11/13/06, 8:18 AM
quote:Originally posted by b12jared
I am definately looking for an investment, and found a nice little '05 21' Sandpiper for sale locally for $15k. It has the 4kw gen, fuel station, and all the other little features I have found I like. I am curious now on financing. Who, or where do most people go for financing. I am still looking at other haulers, but I did like this one quite a bit. [}:)] Almost an impulse buy.
Definetly check as many out as you can before buying. There is just so many that your bound to find "The One". Go to www.rv.net for more feedback. As for financing get it where you can "qualify" I used the dealer even though I had a pre-qualify from my credit union as the dealer beat my CU's rate by half a point interest.
Now the plug. I love our Fleetwood Redline and for the money I do not think you can find a better trailer. Fully loaded $24.5K. Made on the same design as the Gearbox just a the lower cost/weight brand. It's heavy definetly 3/4 ton truck material but a great unit. Generator (onan) / electric bunks (2 not 1) / fuel station / ducted a-c / storage / all there.
Good luck and happy hunting. [8D]
quote:Originally posted by K.T.G
quote:Originally posted by duneflyer
Geez, I guess I am an impulse buyer... I looked mostly at the internet and narrowed it down, then looked at 3 different models, and thats what I got. But it works for me;)
Impulse buy, I'll show you impulse buy, I went to a dealer just to see if they had any used one's in the back.
Sorry, we do not at this time......
The Wife says, look at that new one over there, it's small and cute.
We'll take it. [:I] [:p]
It was a good choice - it is cute!!:D
Vernadette
11/15/06, 11:23 AM
Hey all...
I don't want to stomp on the thread here (not to mention I'm from SoCal, and not AZ), but this thread fits, and this forum has offered some of the best toy hauler info I've seen to date... Anyway, the wife and I are kind of on a budget and we really want to buy a hauler. After about a month of Internet research, and three separate, day-long trips to the multiple dealers in San Diego, we've narrowed our search down to a 18' - 19' Skyline Freestyle.
We've got no kids -- other than our Pug, Jake -- and we're only hauling two Honda TRX 450R's (and maybe eventually a little Kawasaki 110, that I can use to ride from camp to camp). We love the Freestyle... it has all of the features that we need for the two of us, and it's comparable to all of the other names -- Weekend Warrior, Gear Box, Red Line, etc... The thing is, this little guy is $9,000 less than those other models. Has anybody heard anything negative about either Skyline (manufacturer) or the Freestyle model? Anybody give me any positives on the Freestyle?
Thanks to all you "Zonies" for letting a Cali-guy ask a question (not to mention thanks to b12jared for letting me jump in on his thread)
:D
Keep Riding...
- Vern
duneflyer
11/15/06, 12:04 PM
I've not heard of that model before. RV.net should be able to help you though. Also, try GiantRV in Murrietta for pricing. Thats where I got my hauler from. They beat all the AZ prices by over 4G. Something to look at.
Toybreaker
11/16/06, 10:59 AM
Welcome to RA we'll have to caravan out to the dunes some time!
You just might want to check out Carson trailers too. they have a smaller dealership in santee/lakeside. Any trailers they have on the lot they can wiggle a good amount on the price.
went in there to get another couch installed in my baja, almost bought another trailer. those things are gorgeous.
Vernadette
11/17/06, 7:55 AM
Hey all... thanks a lot for the welcome and the advice. I'll definitely look into those dealerships!
Hope to see you all in the dunes out at Glamis some time!
quote:Originally posted by Vernadette
Hey all...
We love the Freestyle... it has all of the features that we need for the two of us, and it's comparable to all of the other names -- Weekend Warrior, Gear Box, Red Line, etc... The thing is, this little guy is $9,000 less than those other models. Has anybody heard anything negative about either Skyline (manufacturer) or the Freestyle model? Anybody give me any positives on the Freestyle?
As far as I know, that was the predecessor to the Rampage line (also made by Skyline). I have a Rampage and am happy with it. The lower price is likely due to it being a leftover.