Choosing a Toy Hauler
Many people have experienced the joys of the RV lifestyle, but have you ever experienced the joys of a toy hauler? Toy haulers open up a whole world of new camping possibilities. Whether you like snowmobiling, ATV riding, dirt bike riding or any other type of powersport riding, a toy hauler gives you the ability to go where you want and ride when you get there.
If you’re considering investing in a toy hauler, it’s worth understanding the different features, styles, and price points that are available. Below, we’ve outlined the basic things you should consider before buying your first toy hauler.
If you want to look at some toy hauler models in person, stop by Golden Gait Trailers & RVs. We’re located in Concord, North Carolina, and we proudly serve the areas of Charlotte, Columbia, Raleigh, Hickory, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, and Greensboro, North Carolina.
Budget
For the majority of consumers, their budget is the main determining factor for what types of RV they choose. Smart buyers know to include more than just the sticker price of the RV when deciding on their budget. A realistic budget will take into account the cost of operation and ownership. This can include things like insurance, maintenance, and storage. The good news is that while there are costs associated with buying an RV, with financing and a down payment, many customers find an RV that fits within their budget.
Bay Capacity
The most unique feature about toy haulers is the cargo bay that holds the “toys,” which here refers to things like dirt bikes, ATVs, snowmobiles, and other powersports vehicles. Of course, you don’t have to put a toy in your toy hauler. That space could instead be used as a mobile workspace, a storage facility, or in some cases, a flexible indoor/outdoor patio space. (Some toy haulers feature gates that can be propped up to create a deck.) A toy hauler also makes for a great mobile hunting cabin. You can pack an ATV in it, and then when it’s time to butcher your kill, you’ll have an easy-to-clean area that’s kept at a more comfortable temperature than the outdoors.
What you use your toy hauler for will dictate how large the bay needs to be. If you have multiple snowmobiles or other toys, you’ll obviously want to invest in a toy hauler with a much larger bay area. If you’re involved in competitive motocross, you’ll want enough space for tools, extra parts, and dirt bikes.
Trim Package
The trim package you choose can make a big impact on the price of your toy hauler, as well as the lifestyle you choose to live in it. More expensive trim packages tend to come with things like hardwood cabinetry, luxurious carpets, and residential appliances. Many toy hauler models use lightweight construction material, which helps to offset the extra weight of the toys.
Towing Types
One of the more important differences in RV design is the method of towing. The two main designs are bumper pull trailers and fifth wheel trailers. Bumper pull trailers use a hitch that’s built into the chassis and which sits approximately at bumper height. Fifth wheel trailers use a gooseneck design that connects to a fifth wheel hitch in the bed of a truck. These designs affect how the trailer is towed, but they also dictate what type of tow vehicle needs to be used. A fifth wheel can only be towed by a pickup truck with a fifth wheel hitch, and those can be somewhat expensive to install. Many types of vehicles can tow a bumper pull travel trailer, including SUVs, vans, and trucks. If you already have a tow vehicle in mind, you’ll need to choose a corresponding toy hauler.
Hopefully, this short guide clarified the process of buying a new RV. When you’re ready to step inside a few RVs, stop by Golden Gait Trailers & RVs. We’re located near Charlotte, North Carolina in Concord. We proudly serve the areas of Columbia, Raleigh, Hickory, Asheville, Myrtle Beach, and Greensboro, North Carolina.