A 5th wheel toy hauler, also known as an SURV (Sports Utility Recreational Vehicle) or SUT (Sports Utility Trailer) has all the features of an RV, with the added bonus of a built-in garage. It's designed for those that just can't camp without bringing their big toys along. Those "toys" can include ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, jet skis, or whatever else takes your camping experience to the next level.
Fifth wheel toy haulers feature a built-in loading ramp and cargo tie downs, making it easy to load up and secure your motorized toys. A doorway between the garage and living area allows access to the garage from the inside. Many models include movable beds, sofas, and tables that transform the garage into additional living space once the toys have been unloaded.
Toy haulers have become increasingly popular within the last few years, and it's easy to see why. Having a garage is like having a blank canvas. It's a space for whatever you need space for...office, workshop, kids play room, gym, art studio, or heck, even a garage! The possibilities are endless.
Now lets explore this exciting new RV in more detail. Topics I'll cover include:
The 5th wheel toy hauler provides a well protected room for your motorized toys. That's one way to use this space. However, there are several other reasons why you might choose this type of RV. Here are some ideas of what you can haul, and other ways you can utilize this space.
RVing is all about getting outdoors, right? Now getting around on your own two feet is good...but when you want more variety or speed, it's time to bring along a different mode of transportation. As long as it fits, and you don't exceed the loading capacity on your 5th wheel toy hauler, it's fair game. Here are just a few toy hauling possibilities:
Hauling a motorcycle? You may find it difficult to keep the bike upright while bouncing down the road. If so, it's a good idea to get a motorcycle chock like the Condor Motorcycle Pit Stop/Trailer Stop to keep the bike upright while towing. Some fifth wheel toy hauler manufacturers can install a motorcycle chock such as this at the factory.
You don't have to be an adrenaline junkie to enjoy the benefits of having a built-in garage. This space can easily be transformed into whatever your heart desires. Here are some ideas.
There are many innovative features found on today's toy hauler RVs. Manufacturers have come up with gadgets perfectly suited for camping with motorized toys such as onboard fuel tanks, loading ramps, and toy locking devices.
5th wheel toy haulers stand out among lesser types of toy haulers by taking camping comfort to the max. These toy haulers certainly don't scrimp on features.
Most 5th wheel toy haulers include features like these either as standard or optional equipment.
Now here's a garage you can live with, or live in! Many fifth wheel toy hauler garages have bunk beds or sofa seating that can be lowered into place once the toys are unloaded. Most units feature the garage as a separate room, sealed off from the main living area. Other features can include:
With an RV decked out like this, you'll have to step out every once in awhile just to verify that you're still in an RV! Most apartments would be put to shame when compared to these rolling palaces. Large luxury models come standard with some of these features, and on others you'll find they are optional.
If there ever was an RV built for boondocking, this is it. When playtime comes, toy hauler enthusiasts head for the deserts, mountains, and forests...and they need an RV that's up for the task. Tackling rugged dirt roads is part of the job, and that's why these RVs are built tougher than the rest.
This rig also needs to carry plenty of supplies for self-sufficient camping, as hookups are rare in these wild lands. That's where 5th wheel toy haulers really shine...they have the space to store the goods. They also feature large holdings tanks, large propane tanks, and large battery compartments.
If you plan on RV boondocking, consider a 5th wheel toy hauler. Here are more reasons why...
There are many key differences between 5th wheel travel trailers and conventional travel trailers. Since toy haulers come in both varieties you'll want to do your research before deciding on a type. Reasons to go with a 5th wheel toy hauler include:
The major downside, if you're looking for a smaller unit, is that there aren't really any small fifth wheel toy haulers. Almost all on the market today are 30 feet or longer. Hopefully manufacturers will be coming out with smaller units in the future. Right now you'll have to go with a conventional travel trailer toy hauler if you want to go small. It's unfortunate, because when it comes to safety and handing, a 5th wheel cannot be beat.
Toy haulers can be dangerous if poorly designed and constructed, or if used improperly. Thankfully 5th wheel toy haulers are more forgiving than conventional travel trailer toy haulers. However, they aren't immune to problems, so take the following into consideration:
It's a good idea to get the loaded and unloaded hitch weight figures before making a purchase. You want to know what the maximum (when the cargo area is empty) and minimum (when the cargo area is loaded to capacity) hitch weight is.
Of course the hitch weight will vary depending on how much "stuff" you load the RV with and whether the freshwater and wastewater tanks are full or empty - therefore, finding out what the absolute maximum and absolute minimum hitch weights are is useful.
The optimum hitch weight is 20% of the 5th wheel's total weight. This will provide the best handling. If the manufacturer has designed the 5th wheel toy hauler correctly, the maximum and minimum hitch weights should not stray too far from this figure.
Several manufacturers have jumped on the 5th wheel toy hauler band wagon, and competition is stiff. That's good news for you, if you like being knee deep in choices like I do - and quality tends to go up too, which isn't bad either. Happy searching, and I'll see ya on the trail!
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