The Toy Hauler Travel Trailer

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Okay, I went to Mt. Rushmore and absolutely loved the Riding and camping in South Dakota; well in that area.

Never had gone, and was able to ride some historic areas as well as peek in on the Sturgis Rally.

The largest regret was that my wife is no way gonna ride 1400 miles in 2 days as I did, well in any

days for that matter.

We just did the full 3 sisters in Texas Hill Country over Labor day weekend 782 miles in all over 3 days

and she enjoyed it...back to point.

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride and it inspired me to start to planning on seeing many of the other areas around the U.S.

I also want her to go with me. So, plan is to pull the two bikes just so we can experience the riding and camping

together. We were thinking getting a truck and separate trailer, but I like my SUV; it's my second mode of transportation

behind the FJR. However, that would mean a greater expense of a new truck which I would not drive much.

Doing some searching I stumbled upon these trailers called Toy Haulers...they look really neat.

Was wondering if anyone has any experience with them? I am guessing 8ft wide is plenty of room for my FJR

and her M90 Boulevard. Is it the best way to travel if you want to carry bikes and camp in a nice trailer

opposed to sleeping in a pitch tent?

Plan on using it for traveling when we take the boys as well. At least 4-6 times a year.

They say that they can be pulled by a v6 SUV, so my RX300 should qualify I think. Never used it for that.

Thanks in advance for your helpful comments.

W.L.

 

[rockmurf]

I am in the same boat as you. Usually my wife ends of flying to point of destination and then riding on the back, ruining it for both of us since she won't ride the distances to get where we are going. I also have researched getting a van, a pickup, a trailer for the bikes, a toy hauler, a motorhome etc. My honey won't camp so it would be a matter of going to motels and using that as a base. I also looked into just renting any of the above(you should also before purchasing) but I don't have a vehicle capable of towing and if I upgrade then I have a vehicle that is not as cost efficient to use the other 95% of the time. What I see happening is getting a slightly larger vehicle(when the time comes that I need a new vehicle) capable of towing a couple bikes, pick up a harbor freight trailor and have a go at it. I will be watching the post with interest. The toy haulers look like a lot of fun but don't forget about storing them when not in use. good luck in your search.

 

[vasteve]

I have a 06 FK2100 Weekend Warrior Toyhauler that I use. I pull it with a 1/2 ton GMC 2wd pick-up. With 2 bikes and luggage it's about all it wants. I had to put air bags on the rear axle to keep it level. About 10-12 mpg is about all you are going to get. I've taken trips to AR WV TN and rode loops every day. It's a great way to vacation. I'm taken it to the EOM this year in KY. If you can split the gas and camp-site it's not to bad. I'm not sure by the time you pay the up keep on the truck and camper plus the insurance and taxes you come out very well. But it is nice to haul butt down the interstate to where ever, get you camp set up and ride loops. Another nice thing is if it rains you still have you truck to do something fun. All in all I enjoy mine and don't reget buying it "much" I hope this helps.

 

[cota95]

I had a 31 foot Class B toy hauler. It's a great way to travel. Mine had a lift gate which made loading easy. My wife really enjoyed traveling this way.

 

[Ken45]

Do NOT trust any dealer that tells you that what you have is capable of towing what they are selling :-(

Yes, it might be able to pull it, but will it be overloaded? able to stop it? able to handle an emergency maneuver? BTDT. Got the tee shirt (and an upgraded truck!)

Toyhauler trailers tend to be heavier than most campers since they are beefed up for hauling the cargo. When you get into the 5th wheel toyhaulers, many of them overload even 1 ton dually pickup trucks! (Yes, I know that's not what you are looking at, but I'm pointing out the weight issue.) For a bumper pull TH, you will have a careful balancing act with the bikes: The bikes in the rear will lighten the tongue weight. Too little tongue weight causes instability. Too much tongue weight causes problems too.

Do you and you wife enjoy camping? If not, I would go with a trailer just to haul the bikes. You can do a lot of Holiday Inn or Motel 6 for the cost of a TH camper.

Ken

 

[BwanaDik]

I am in the same boat as you. Usually my wife ends of flying to point of destination and then riding on the back, ruining it for both of us since she won't ride the distances to get where we are going. I also have researched getting a van, a pickup, a trailer for the bikes, a toy hauler, a motorhome etc. My honey won't camp so it would be a matter of going to motels and using that as a base. I also looked into just renting any of the above(you should also before purchasing) but I don't have a vehicle capable of towing and if I upgrade then I have a vehicle that is not as cost efficient to use the other 95% of the time. What I see happening is getting a slightly larger vehicle(when the time comes that I need a new vehicle) capable of towing a couple bikes, pick up a harbor freight trailor and have a go at it. I will be watching the post with interest. The toy haulers look like a lot of fun but don't forget about storing them when not in use. good luck in your search.

+1

Those trailers look like you'll really be pushing your tow SUV. I considered a number of trailers in the past but have finally ended up with U-Haul. They're relatively cheap, always work, and I don't have to store them when I'm not using it. The payout of renting vs. buying is about 6-8 trips per year minimum plus any maintenance and storage. Not very glamourous but highly functional.

 

[stevet]

I'm not familiar with the trailer you mentioned, I'm guessing a modest cargo trailer with living facilities? Probably 12-16' long? I dunno... A mid-sized, V-6 powered SUV would probably work for short haul, "couple times a year" sort of thing, but it's the overall package of your SUV that concerns me more than just whether the engine has enough ponies. Unibody construction, springs and shocks, trailer hitch system mounting, tires capable of the task (light truck tires vs. the "aggressive tread" passenger car style "truck wannabee" tires sometimes found on these SUV's), complete drivetrain capability including the transmission and any all-wheel drive components. And the braking system. And engine and transmission cooling systems. You're asking a lot of all these systems, not just the engine. I just don't think these urban assault vehicles were designed for such things. And I own one, too, Hyundai's version with a 3.5L V-6. It'll tow my heavy duty 4'x8' open-bed utility trailer just fine with my single motorcycle strapped inside, but trailer and bike combined pushes 1400 pounds or more, and I know it's back there. It hauled an old-school, all heavy steel and cast iron yard tractor over 100 miles of high speed highway. But it sucked gas like nobody's business to do so, and I used the auto tranny in manual mode for better power use, often staying out of top gear (5th gear). I've hauled a Bobcat scoop of landscape mulch, same size scoop of topsoil (ohhhh, won't do that again), and even a haul of landscape rock (half Bobcat scoop). These trips were about 3 miles, and the load got hauled just fine, but I knew everything was pushed to its limit, I could feel it and hear it. Mine is rated to pull 3000 pounds. What's yours rated to pull? What's the weight of the trailer? Add in your stored gear. Then add in two nearly 700 pound motorcycles. Now tow it to our nation's various great scenic destinations, likely through anything but flat terrain. And it's 8' wide? Add in air resistance pulling this trailer, and east slope winds off the Rockies add a lot of load all by itself. I really think you're asking too much of your vehicle, I'd see your transmission being the first victim, followed by brakes (rapid wear) and suspension. Lots of strain on your engine, too. This just isn't a "working vehicle", it's a slightly toughened looking passenger car. RX300- a Lexus, right. I think that's the same platform as a Toyota Camary, just s different upper body style.

"They say is can be pulled by a V-6 SUV..." Very short distance, very occasional, flat terrain, maybe. For your needs, I wouldn't do it with your RX300.

Sorry to sound like a negative Nancy, but you say you really like your SUV, and I'd hate to see you cause it undue wear and damage. For long hauling like this (1000-3000 mile trips), I'd be looking at a full size pickup truck, 1/2-ton, minimum. A 3/4-ton with a "next size up" engine would be even better. (Yeah, I'm ignoring the idea of money entirely, I know.) Don't discount a nice 4-door, full size pick-up. Most are quite posh inside and make for great long-haul travel working vehicles (roomy for the kids, too), and with the weight placed upon it, it's heavy suspension mellows to give a good ride. I came from a 1/2-ton Chevy 4-door before the Hyundai.

Side note- in 1995, I attempted moving from MN to Idaho, pulling a 4x6 Uhaul box trailer behind a new Isuzu pickup with a 2.6L 4-cylinder and 5-speed manual tranny. Handled our flatlands just fine. Half way across South Dakota, I encountered the Missouri River Valley. Down hill into the valley- great. I almost didn't make it back up the other side. Hazard lights flashing, gas pedal to the floor in 3rd gear, almost holding 30mph back up the other side. I knew there'd be no way I'd make it across I-90 and the Montana Rockies. Stopped at the next town to swap the trailer for a 1-ton Ford Uhaul van and auto trailer to haul the Isuzu. The Isuzu was only a couple months brand new and ran like a champ otherwise. The Uhaul was almost brand new and got me over the Rockies (pretty gentle interstate driving, relatively speaking), but that truck worked hard to get us to where we were going.

How about some of the RV rental companies out there? They'd likely have the motorhomes that would haul a couple bikes. Food for thought.

 

[huron52]

Ok I'll chime in here. I'm thinking that the size of vasteve's trailer is about as large as you want to go.

Yes there are built stronger therfore they tend to be heavier.

I went out and bought the trailer first and then the truck. The truck was bought only to haul the trailer. I would never have bought this truck as a daily driver otherwise.

I have owned serveral 1/2 and 3/4 ton pick ups that never saw what they were capable of what they could haul pull.

But my plan is to head south when it gets cold up here ,live in it and ride my motorcycles.

The manufacturer claims it is Gross dry 8500lbs with a GVWR of 14,000lbs.

With toy haulers as compared to travel trailers, toy haulers can carry a lot more fluids.

The fresh water tank is 120 gallons, black 40 gallons and grey 55 gallons,all of which adds weight that can do without!

As for dealers saying stuff to make a sale... yes I have seen it happen!

Here's a picture of it.

 

[raitchison]

The RX isn't really a beefy machine to tow with, as I recall it shares a platform with the Sienna, it's FWD (or FW biased AWD) with a relatively light duty transmission.

I'm guessing Toyota rates the RX for towing 3500lbs, I wouldn't exceed that and honestly I wouldn't even approach that for long distances or for any kind of hilly terrain.

When they say that a "V6" can tow the trailer, they could well be talking about a full sized RWD pickup truck, which are (or at least used to be) available with V6 engines in the base models. Even a "compact" Ford Ranger can tow up to 5800lbs, really it's more about what the chassis can take and how tough the transmission is.

 

[ynotride]

You have alot of good advice already. You will not want to tow any toy hauler with a SUV. The short wheelbase on them will not do you any favors. You may be able to pull it but stopping is a different animal. Toy haulers are over built and very heavy compared to normal travel trailer.

I have a 29ft toy hauler that has a claimed dry weight of 8500 pounds. Unfortunatley that is only a bare minimum unit not including extras. Once you add the AC, Fridge, Batteries, Propane, water, bikes I am closer to 12,000 pounds and 1250 tongue weight. I bet your suv has a max of 500-750 tongue weight. I tow mine with a F250 Diesel and I wouldnt want any less truck than that.

You can check out rv.net and research until your eyes fall out. That is what I used to learn everything I could before I bought my hauler.

My trailer

Loaded up - this picture is old and brought back memories. We dont have any of these bikes anymore

Camping

 

[Richouse]

A friend of mine has a toy hauler, I don't know what model but it is not very big. 2 axle, may be 14'. It does not even have a sleeping quarters. The eating table folds down and doubles as a bed, full size at best. Very small kitchen and bathroom. Even at this size it is very heavy. He pulls it with a 1/2 ton surburban and it is all it wants. He really needs to be pulling it with a 3/4ton and he agrees. There is no way I would pull that thing anywhere with a v6 light duty SUV.

 

[Auburn]

We bought a 29 foot Weekend Warrior 5th wheel toy hauler in 2002. We used it one season before we lived in it a year while we built our house. It is a great trailer. Like any trailer it has maintenance that needs to be done. I do not have a place to park it under cover, so that leads to issues too. It has had a couple of leaks that were easily fixed. We still own it, use it all the time. It is a great trailer.

It is a heavy trailer. IIRC it has a empty weight of about 7500 lbs. and a gross wieght of 11000 lbs. I can easily sleep 8 inside, can haul 8 dirt bikes inside. I would limit the street bikes to 2 or 3 because you cannot put them in the same way as the dirtbikes. I had to add tie down points and removeable wheel chocks. I put the dirt bikes in across the width of the trailer, alternating direction so there is about 1 foot between each bike and the handle bars don't hit each other.

When I am loaded out for camping and dirtbiking, I am usually pushing about 10000 lbs. I tow with a 1 ton Dodge diesel truck. It is not a dually. It does jsut fine. Before this truck I towed it with a 3/4 ton Dodge diesel. One thing I did with the 3/4 ton was add an exhaust brake which I think is a must for towing heavy trailers. Saves a lot of wear and tear on the truck and trailer brake systems. The 1 ton doesn't have an exhaust brake yet because I just got it a few months ago and have not had time to add one yet.

Diesel vs. gas truck. I get 13-14 mpg towing with the diesel vs. others that have gas engines getting 5-6 mpg. This is as highway speeds. Then you add the fact that diesel have so much more torque for pulling that it is the obvious choice. Also the drive trains are heavey duty for deisels so they are built to take the added workload.

There are many toy haulers out there, I prefer the 5th wheel because it places the tongue wieght directly over the rear axle which distributes the load more evenly to the truck.

If I were looking for another trailer today, I would probably go the route of a gooseneck cargo trailer with living quarters (featherlite or similar brands). Threre are many of those out there also. I want a trailer the is a little lower for loading the street bikes and that is a little more cargo oriented.

You can find many used toy haulers out there in very good shape for less then $20K. You can even find used goosneck cargo trailers with living quarters for $15K or less. There are some by silverlite (and others) that are supposed to be lower wieght and might be compatable with what you currently have to tow with. The web is your friend to do research on these types of trailers.

 

[Niehart]

Your SUV will pull this. My Ford Flex pulls this with ease. Aluma MC210 Motorcycle Trailer

https://www.alumaklm.com/motorcycle-trailers/item/47-mc210-motorcycle-trailer.html

I thought that I would use it with the wife on long trips but it seems like I use it more to pickup friends stranded bikes.

 

[weekend rider]

: For the general rule if your are going to tow a trailer and want be able to go up those hills and stop going down or just stopping you need cubic inches and horse power. Diesel is your best bet and like said the old jake brake help a whole lot. You here the eighteen wheelers when they use them and ewveryone complains to loud. That Dodge diesel sounds good or the Ford diesel or that new chevy diesel. toy haulers are great for wht you want just how much you want to spend...

Happy trails :bike: and this sales man will gladly help you :big_boss:

 

[FJR-RemingtonRider]

Awesome responses, thanks. Read each one closely and some very excellent points. Pics were a great help. Will go and do some footwork. Do some cost analysis to make sure we get what we need. Buying a new truck is not what I want to do, it would sit more than the toyhauler. I do like the set up you had cots, will check on rental prices as well....since I don't want to commit to a truck, it may be the best way. Good stuff.

 

[DeweyIsgod]

Awesome responses, thanks. Read each one closely and some very excellent points. Pics were a great help. Will go and do some footwork. Do some cost analysis to make sure we get what we need. Buying a new truck is not what I want to do, it would sit more than the toyhauler. I do like the set up you had cots, will check on rental prices as well....since I don't want to commit to a truck, it may be the best way. Good stuff.

I did a trip a few years back in a rented C-class with two street bikes. We got a great deal as it was off-season and RVs sitting on a dealer lot make the dealer no money. When you run your rental cost estimate trim a little off the quote if you: 1) are flexible as to when you go, 2) have some negotiation skills to pit dealers against each other and 3) have either an auto policy or umbrella policy that will cover the RV.

 

[Bugnatr]

Awesome responses, thanks. Read each one closely and some very excellent points. Pics were a great help. Will go and do some footwork. Do some cost analysis to make sure we get what we need. Buying a new truck is not what I want to do, it would sit more than the toyhauler. I do like the set up you had cots, will check on rental prices as well....since I don't want to commit to a truck, it may be the best way. Good stuff.

Consider buying a used Expedition, or better yet a Excursion or chevy subdivision to pull a big toy hauler. They do not hold their value so used may be affordable and you can use it to haul the kids etc as they grow and have friends.

Agree the small suv won't cut it no matter what the mfg says.

 

[dcarver]

I took a different route - 1 ton diesel dualie dodge, 10.5 foot camper, 18 ft enclosed trailer. Not as good as a motorhome for extended trips, but the flexibility is great - naked truck, truck + trailer, or full ensemble. Two full sized street bikes in the trailer is about all though..

oh, dualie truck for big camper is mandatory.

 

[rmcobb]

We've got a 30 foot Class A motorhome and pull a 7X10 enclosed trailer that fits both bikes. We've done Arizona (Grand Canyon), Southern Utah (Bryce and Zion), and next year hopefully will do southern Colorado.

You can't really consider this camping, as RV parks have all the amenities and your own RV is a home away from home. We pick a nice RV park to use a Base Camp, and do day rides, or sometimes an overnighter, returning to the RV. We love it. Of course, you have to be committed to using the RV more than once or twice a year, even without the bikes.

Right now the prices for all RV's (Trailers, 5th Wheels, Class A or C) are incredibly low, especially used. Its a buyers market in the RV world right now.