View Full Version : Toy Hauler/RV - does size limit where you can go?
jeeperaz
02/07/06, 4:39 PM
We are looking at buying a toy hauler. Initially we were looking at something in the 24' total length range. I dont want to make the mistake of wishing I had bought something bigger to begin with.
We have a 2006 GMC2500 Diesel truck, so we have the power to pull most any size TH we want. It's just my wife and I, so toy storage should not be a problem with whatever size we go with.
What does concern me is getting back in to primitive camping areas. I know we would be fine with a trailer in the 24' range but I'd like to go a bit bigger. We usually go up on the rim and avoid developed campgrounds.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences on being limited to less desirable camping spots because of their toy hauler or trailer size?
Thanks!
A buddy of mine is in about the same situation as you are- just the two of them, and two quads. He's a fairly avid hunter, and they go out about twice/month probably 9 months out of the year, and NEVER to campgrounds, etc. He's running a Weekend Warrior FS2600, which is a 26' front sleeper model. He thought about longer, but like you, needs to be able to get back in the boonies, to some extent. It sounds like you're in a good size range if that matters to you. My only advice would be to go long enough that you can have a front bed and still room for the two quads- climbing in and out of bed on a ladder SUCKS, IMHO.
Good luck whatever you decide.[8D]
quote:Originally posted by az350x
climbing in and out of bed on a ladder SUCKS, IMHO.
I agree, I would rather sleep on the couch or on the floor in my toyhauler rather than climbing a ladder in the dark.
WildBill
02/07/06, 6:08 PM
On the front sleep models isn't the generator right under the head of the bed?
How is sleeping when you need A/C...and have to run the generator?
quote:Originally posted by WildBill
On the front sleep models isn't the generator right under the head of the bed?
How is sleeping when you need A/C...and have to run the generator?
Kinda like a Quarter operated "Massage" bed in the cheap <s>Hotel</s> Motel[:p]
duneflyer
02/07/06, 6:54 PM
quote:Originally posted by K.T.G
quote:Originally posted by WildBill
On the front sleep models isn't the generator right under the head of the bed?
How is sleeping when you need A/C...and have to run the generator?
Kinda like a Quarter operated "Massage" bed in the cheap <s>Hotel</s> Motel[:p]
RFOL!!!
quote:Originally posted by duneflyer
quote:Originally posted by K.T.G
quote:Originally posted by WildBill
On the front sleep models isn't the generator right under the head of the bed?
How is sleeping when you need A/C...and have to run the generator?
Kinda like a Quarter operated "Massage" bed in the cheap <s>Hotel</s> Motel[:p]
RFOL!!!
Roll Floor On Laughing.......Are you feeling OK Darren?
quote:Originally posted by WildBill
On the front sleep models isn't the generator right under the head of the bed?
How is sleeping when you need A/C...and have to run the generator?
I think usually it's a little farther aft, like near the kitchen. A lot of the ones I've been in, you can't hardly hear the gen over the noise the A/C makes, so it's really not that bad.
azquadrider
02/08/06, 11:01 AM
I agree with the front bed set up. We have a 26' Attitude and love it. Big enough for our 2 UTE quads and when we go on a long trip this summer we can get into the front bedroom, bathroom or kitchen without having to unload the quads. We had an 11&1/2 ft cabover camper and pulled a 14' trailer behind it B/4 and that was easier to get into our dry camp spots, but so far we have not had a problem . Just have to go slower and watch the plumbing. The Attitude has quite high plumbing. Better than most. Make sure you check that on which ever one you like. We camp about twice a month all year around and never in campgrounds.
Good Luck
I was at the same point while shoping for a trailer. I hunt more than I dune so I wanted something I could get "off road". I was looking at the 26' trailers, but ended up with a 30' Thor Vortex. With the 3rd axle the over hang is less and it sits higher. You will be amazed how far off the highway you can get. I hear in sand and mud the 3rd axle gives the trailer more flotation so it helps keep the trailer from acting like a boat anchor.
S c o t t
husky390
02/20/06, 6:03 PM
I was going to buy my buddies 30' trailer that was not a toy hauler but decided against it, partly because it's too long to get it into the boonies. Plus I would have to flip the suspension on the trailer for to raise it up higher so it wouldn't smash my tailgate.
goathead
08/26/08, 10:40 PM
We are looking at buying a toy hauler. Initially we were looking at something in the 24' total length range. I dont want to make the mistake of wishing I had bought something bigger to begin with.
We have a 2006 GMC2500 Diesel truck, so we have the power to pull most any size TH we want. It's just my wife and I, so toy storage should not be a problem with whatever size we go with.
What does concern me is getting back in to primitive camping areas. I know we would be fine with a trailer in the 24' range but I'd like to go a bit bigger. We usually go up on the rim and avoid developed campgrounds.
Does anyone have any thoughts or experiences on being limited to less desirable camping spots because of their toy hauler or trailer size?
Thanks!
The most important thing is to make sure you and your stuff fit.
Front beds are nice and start with the 23ft box on up.
as for the gen and air running I personally sleep better with the humming noise.
Going off road I dont feel there is much different from 22-28ft
We have just purchsed another dealers inventory and have a great selection of toy haulers
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Arizona Griz
08/27/08, 2:20 PM
I took a different approach. From the kitchen back most toyhaulers are basically the same, some just have more space behind the axle. I have a 22' with a tent trailer type popout in the front. It's basically a 26' trailer with no storage under the front end when extended.
I personally just wanted a shorter trailer to get around in.
I have a 30' Attitude that i take back in the boonies quite often. Like mentioned earlier, you just need to take it slow. As far as the Gen under the bed, it almost luls you to sleep listening to the quite Hummm. Ours is a front sleeper as well. It is great for the times when you pull into camp late, just park and sleep, and unload in the morning. We have the dual bunks in the back so it makes for three queen beds total and then the couches fold out too. Attitudes come with Futon mattresses and are pretty comfy. Size will only restrict you in camp grounds or parks were they have a size limt. As far as the primitive areas I think if you can get a trailer in there, it won't matter what size. Good luck on your search for a trailer.
IMHO! I would not limit yourself to a smaller size Toyhauler. Get the biggest you can afford. We have a Keystone Raptor 3612DS which is 53' long when attached to our Ram. We have pulled it all over the West and as far South as Guadalajara, Mexico. This winter we will pull South of Mexico City. Size is limited to only your driving ability and pocket book. Yes the generator is under the Queen Bed in the Front. We installed an inverter and do not use the gen in the evening, thu the night or in the morning. We can run everything on the batteries and inverter except AC. Running the gen during the day recharges the batteries but we can last approx 3 days on a single charge. Good luck in your hunt.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Arizona Griz
08/28/08, 12:49 PM
IMHO! I would not limit yourself to a smaller size Toyhauler. Get the biggest you can afford.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
That might be. :eek:
I could have afforded a 43' fifth-wheel but I sure would not want to pull it down a dirt road many miles to that all important secluded camp site. ;)
Chris, dirt road doesn't make a difference. We have pulled small & large trailers, dirt roads are not difficult with either. You have to go as slow no matter the size. We have pulled over 30 miles on dirt roads to a single location. We have been on black top roads rougher than dirt roads. The last time we were on I5 in the Central Valley of California, the paved road was so rough all the hanging clothes came off the rack. We have been thu town streets so narrow in Mexico we had to go over curbs & sidewalks to make a turn. We have gone thu dips so deep we have a small dent on the bed rail from the nose of the Toyhauler. If there is some place that remote and difficult to get to, I have a utility trailer and a sleeping bag for the backseat of the truck. You miss the point, don't let someone scare you off from a larger trailer. Buy what you want, depending on you driving ability and pocket book! It is always easier to trade down than trade up. After 3 years of owning our Toyhauler, watched one sale on EBay in Phoenix a little over a week ago for just a little less than what we paid . No matter the size you have to do maintenance or it will fall apart just setting in the yard. IMHO!
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Arizona Griz
08/28/08, 2:05 PM
You miss the point, don't let someone scare you off from a larger trailer. Buy what you want, depending on you driving ability and pocket book!
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
I knew what you were refering to. ;)
I really don't think most drivers would feel comfortable pulling a very long trailer. Obviously the buyer needs to get what he REALLY wants and not settle for less. :) That's what I did. :cool:
We have rented 2 ww toy haulers a 26ft and a 30ft, the 30 ft had the front sleeper and storage under the front(which I thought was great) we did not go too far into the boonies with either but as long as you go slow and have the top clearance(under the tree's) you should be able to get to a pretty remote site. JMHO
they both had the gen under the kitchen area.
Most people don't understand that pulling the longer trailer is much easier and much more stable. As for going to remote camp sites you best know the area you are going to so you don't get down there and can't turn the big beast around. I have had this happen with a 30' trailer I rented once. I had to back up almost a half mile to get to where I could turn it around. Plus you don't want to buy something your truck wont pull and wont put you and your family in harms way.
1FSTRYD, agree. That is why we always carry a bike in the garage area. More than once I have ridden down a cobble street, that is tough in its self, in Mexico to make sure we can pull thu the streets. Our 53' Toyhauler rig pulls/handles much better than our 52' Motorhome/Trailer combo and the trailer was only 20'.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Arizona Griz
08/31/08, 2:14 PM
Most people don't understand that pulling the longer trailer is much easier and much more stable.
Not quite sure if I agree with this one ;) especially when pulling with a short wheel base vehicle.
It seems the rage is to buy short bed pickups these days but I was adament about getting a long bed. :grin:
Griz, I also am not sure if it is easier to pull a longer trailer. One thing I am sure of is a fifth wheel is easier to pull than a bumper hitch trailer. Much, much less sway.
I agree a longer wheelbase pickup is better. But today a shortbed can be a long wheelbase pickup with the new 4 door cabs. My Ram is the longest pickup I have ever owned but a shortbed with the quad cab. The thing would be a pain to use as a daily driver if it was a long bed on top of the quad cab.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Arizona Griz
08/31/08, 5:03 PM
The thing would be a pain to use as a daily driver if it was a long bed on top of the quad cab.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
That's what mine is and to have some more fun it is a 6 speed manual. :grin:
Our 53' Toyhauler rig pulls/handles much better than our 52' Motorhome/Trailer combo and the trailer was only 20'.
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Huh????? Something was wrong with the suspension on your MH.....or, more likely, you had the trailer loaded improperly.
Cletus. I used to haul heavy equipment for a living, I know how to load a trailer. Have you ever pulled both? There is much less sway with a fifth wheel especially when your are passed by a semi. Now I am talking triple axle vs tandem. Have never pulled tandem fifth wheel so maybe different. Watch a double semi. The first trailer is setup like a fifth wheel but the second like a bumper hitch. Which one is swaying?
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Cletus. I used to haul heavy equipment for a living, I know how to load a trailer. Have you ever pulled both? There is much less sway with a fifth wheel especially when your are passed by a semi. Now I am talking triple axle vs tandem. Have never pulled tandem fifth wheel so maybe different. Watch a double semi. The first trailer is setup like a fifth wheel but the second like a bumper hitch. Which one is swaying?
rocmoc n AZ/Mexico
Hey Rocmoc......read your own post. You stated your 53' fifth wheel toyhauler rig pulled better than a 52' MH trailer rig when the trailer was only 20'. Your talking about a 36' toyhauler pulled by a pickup truck versus a 20' trailer pulled by a 32' motorhome. I've got 'em....think about what you're saying and have another beer.