Talk to me about toy haulers

[Dogmeat]

Looking for a toy hauler. Something I can pull with a 3/4-ton big block. Not opposed to a 5th wheel setup, but price seems to be a whole lot more for those than a bumper pull.

Must have heated insulated tanks, and preferabl something with flooring carbides won't tear up.

So far I'm looking at a Rubicon R2600 and like the trailer, but the cargo space is only 10' 6" ... need to be able to fit two 162" M's in there, so I realy need 12' on both sides of the cargo area.

Also, when dealing with dealers, how much wiggle room do they typically have? The markup on these things has gotta be huge and the economy sucks so I'm hoping they're willing to deal.

 

[Oregongirl]

We have a 2006 Gearbox 26'. We can get both our 155" in there. One goes in backwards. I'm pretty sure 162" would fit too. We do not load them without putting the dollies on the skis. I don't think that Gearbox makes a 26' model anymore though. We also like that the body of the trailer sits back far enough on the frame that we can run with sleds on the deck too. That means we can take 4 sleds, or 2 sleds and the RZR. It has heated tanks, but we did freeze one night.....when the temps dropped and stayed at or below -10. That doesn't happen very often here in Oregon though.

If memory serves me correctly, our purchase price was 10-12K less than advertised price. Seems to me there is wiggle room, but I know the market has changed significantly from when we bought ours.

 

[Dogmeat]

I went and looked at a 30' tripple axle 2004 Gearbox this morning, and for the price the guy wanted I thought it would have worked out ok ... He said his bottom line was $13,000 ... I think I could have gotten it for $12,000, but that particular trailer didn't have the insulated tanks, which is a must for me.

I like this Rubicon hauler, but I think I'd have to load both sleds in backwards if I wanted to buy it. The way the kitchen sink is laid out, there is 10' 6" ..m . IDK, it might work out ok.

I'll keep looking around and see what I come up with, it'd be great if I could find something with the same flooring that comes on the Mirage trailers without actually having to buy a Mirage toy hauler.

 

[Coldfinger]

We have a 2007 Jayco Octane 24. GVWR or whatever is near 10,000 loaded. Dry weight is 6 something. Supposed to be able to pull it with a 1/2 ton.

Have never hauled sleds or stored sleds in it.

Thoughts - I think the height/width is more detrimental to towing, generally.
I suppose a 1/2 ton would pull short distance but I figure 65 interstate and when hit the mtns it is 25 uphill, like 70 west of Denver. Tuck in behind semis and enjoy scenery. Thats with 3/4 ton GMC crew gas 6.0.

I would worry what all that melting snow will do to the sub-floor. Ck that.
Probably good idea to have 2 propane tanks.
Not sure how other do it but my battery will run down at night trying to keep it warm because batt powers the fan. Not insulated. I'm talking 30's for temps.
Anyone run LED inside to help save battery power?

 

[Dogmeat]

Does anyone have any experience with Forest River products?

There are so many companies who make these things it'd be virtually impossible to know who typically has the best warranty, etc...

But, looking around at this one:

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/de...e=stealth&nav=rec&name=4202&series=WideLiteTT

Looks like it'd be pretty nice and I wouldn't need a bigger truck to pull it with.

Might look around, see what kind of deals I can find on something like that.

 

[Dogmeat]

So does anyone make a 5th wheel toyhauler that is set up something like this:

12,000 or less GVWR

Cargo Bay: 12' minimum, flooring that won't get torn to **** by carbiders, partitioned by a fixed wall from the rest of the living quarters

Tanks: Heated and insulated, good for -20 F ... With heat tape on the tanks so they stay warm on the drive to and from as well as work off shore power so if you dont get it drained on a Sunday night it wont freeze on you

Mainly thats what my major criteria are on this.

I want a true winter-use toyhauler that I can pull with a 3/4 ton truck

 

[roughrider99]

Does anyone have any experience with Forest River products?

QUOTE]

most brands are made under the same company. You can see 5 different trailers but they are all most likely made in the same factory under the same companie example would be Fleetwood they are very large rv company that makes several different brands. so warranty would most likely be the same for most.

Ever consider looking into nashcar trailers? they would be in the higher end of the price range but they can build exactly what your looking for. insulated for cold temps, larger cargo area they can build it to your exact specs and liking.

In northern Canada in the oilfields i've seen lots of rig guys with artic fox trailers cause they are built for the cold and it get down to -40 on a regular basis up here. maybe see if they build a toy hauler. Lastly buy a skirt for your trailer and that will help out alot with keeping tanks from freezing and losing heat though the floor.

 

[skidooboy]

let me disclaim this by saying, i am not an rv hater. the wife and i researched these to no end. and both of us really wanted one for sledding, sport bike touring, and dirt/utv vacationing. but, we looked at the downsides as well. for me, these are like boats... the best two days you own them are, the first day you buy it, and the last day when you sell it. LOL!

one thing to caution you guys about rv's and toyhaulers in general. the roofs, are rubber membrane, they expand, contract, and split from their edge sealing areas regularly. and as you know these have ALOT of edge sealing areas. the perimeter of the roof lines, every vent, antenna, a/c, heater, roof rack area ect.... these require inspection, and maintainence (resealing with the PROPER sealing materials). these inspections should be at least 2 times a season.

these units are nothing more than one by lumber (1x1, 1x2 studs), and luan paneling construction with an aluminm "shell". they WILL condensate, leak, and get water damage in a very short period of time.

for reference.... most insurance companies will not cover leaks, and subsequent damage. they look at it as, a maintainence issue and long term repeated exposure to water and vapor, and will not cover damage such as this, in most cases. just an fyi.

as for toy haulers, the garage is the weakest point. in regular rv's the closets, cabinets, and bedding are the structure stiffening the upper portions of the unit. in a toy hauler, the garage is an open expanse that flexes side to side under normal trailering. this is due to winds, road conditions, and structural sway. this swaying leads to premature sealing failures, starting the leaking process easier, and faster.

sorry to be a debbie downer but, i see these failures weekly at my job as an insurance estimating adjuster.

we wanted one really bad but, after working with an rv insider, and investigator on the good, the bad and the UGLY... i couldnt bring myself to get into a problem like that.

ski

 

[LM.]

All you need to do is google toy haulers. This might help you in your search for a brand and style. All the manufactures have websites that show the floor plans and option.

Arctic Fox is good, I would also check out Raptors they make a great rig.

 

[Tec]

You'd almost be better off with a Sled deck and a bumper pull camper, having the sled in the living area's tough because it gets so wet and humid inside. As for the floor, you'd have to install glides or something to keep the floor from being ripped up.

I have a 24' enclosed and pull it with a Cummins dually, I can't imagine towing a 30' triple axle in the snow with a gasser, especially if the trailer all steel.

 

[Dogmeat]

http://www.forestriverinc.com/nd/default22.asp?nav=rec&page=worknp&choice=brochure

Anyone have any experience with the "Work and Play" brand?

Looks like its getting closer to want I want, but I'm still not sure if the flooring is carbide-safe?

 

[Coldfinger]

I would be very surprised is the OEM floor is carbide safe. I believe most are some grade of linoleum.

I'd plan on buying those plastic thingys that go over the skis and call it good.

 

[Dogmeat]

Does anyone own a Balboa toy hauler? Its basically a Mirage trailer, but it seems to me like this is the only true winter-use toy hauler that they make.

Its no secret I'm not a big fan of Mirage, but these things look like about the only hauler on the market that would really work for true snowmobile hauling in the winter and double as a decent camper.

http://www.miragetrailers.com/towable-rvs/toy-haulers/fifth-wheel-v-nose/fifth-wheel-v-nose.htm

Their 32' 5th wheel hauler looks like just about exactly what I want ...

Anyone have any experience with these? How is the quality? What about price, etc?

 

[Chubbydog]

^^That thing is sweet. What does it cost for a setup like that? I couldn't see the price on there. Looks like the perfect setup for sleds though.

I wish I could fit a couple sleds in mine, but it was meant for a 1/2 ton, and doesn't have the seperate garage. My next one will be a 5th wheel with the garage. I've been looking at some real nice ones for around 30k.

 

[noxis]

build your own

I found a 38 Foot featherlight with 8 foot cealings in it and put a full bathroom, dineate, sink, cabinets, fans microwave in th front. i put fold up bunks in the back and i can still get 4 163 in it and enough extra parts for a week of rideing. It dident cost much more then a bumper pull wolfpack and the weight rateing is a hell of alot higher on this with alot better tires.
Its put away right now i'll get some pics of it next time i'm close

 

[prairie poo]

I would seriously look at Heartland rv's, they seem to be built very well, not sure if they have what you need but well worth a search. If I remeber it is a company made up of ex employees of other manufacturers that wanted a better built rv.

 

[noxis]

 

[noxis]

 

[noxis]

 

[noxis]

sorry for big pics and all the junk in the background but thats the general thing with the stuff