Since recreational vehicles became a popular way to vacation on wheels, people have longed to carry to gear without towing a second trailer. Enter the toy hauler, a hybrid RV that blends living space with a built-in garage. If you’ve ever wondered what a toy hauler has to offer, you can find out all you need to know below!
So, What Is a Toy Hauler RV?
A toy hauler is an RV that can haul your “toys.” The hauler’s back wall drops down into a ramp, so you can load your machines straight in and out. It’s built for cargo first, camping second.
Toy haulers come in all shapes. Some are compact off-road trailers. Others are massive fifth wheels with a full garage and living quarters. Some keep the garage area separate, while others let you fold the couches down for storage and turn the space into a living quarters once you unload your gear. Most have a small kitchen, sleeping areas, and a few additional creature comforts. But the big draw is that everything is in one unit. You’re not loading toys into a second trailer or strapping stuff to your tow rig. You pack once, roll out, and you’re set.
Toy Hauler Types and Differences
There are different toy haulers for different needs:
- Travel Trailer Toy Hauler: The most affordable and smallest, you can tow a travel trailer toy hauler with a properly equipped SUV or truck. Most have a decent blend of garage space and living quarters.
- Fifth Wheel Toy Haulers: Connecting directly into the bed of a pickup, fifth-wheels can have legit kitchens, separate sleeping areas, and larger cargo areas with workbenches or fold-up sofas. These are great for longer trips or full-time RV life.
- Motorcoach Toy Haulers: Here you have a living space, garage, and vehicle in one big unit. You’re paying for that convenience, though—prices for these can get well up into the six figures.
- Cargo Trailer Toy Haulers: As the most stripped-down option, there’s no kitchen or bed, just a rolling garage with a side door and a ramp. They’re often used by people who don’t need a full RV setup.
How Much Do Toy Haulers Cost?
Toy haulers can run anywhere from $20,000 to over $100,000 (in comparison, new travel trailers average between $15,000 and $30,000.) Of course, those prices swing wildly depending on the brand, size, and features you pick. Weight, floor plan, and even where or when you’re buying also influence the cost.
Cons of Toy Haulers
Two-axle toy haulers have limited space and weight capacity. This means large toys either won’t fit in the hauler or put too much stress on the trailer frame. This can limit your options for adventures where you need to transport heavier outdoor gear.
Three-axle models can handle big loads but come with their own set of headaches. As they are heavier and bulkier, they’re fuel-guzzlers that can be difficult to maneuver. Their wider frame often requires some serious towing experience to handle safely. And regardless of the size, you have to deal with the “garage” factor: if you don’t let your bikes cool down or wash off the mud before loading, you’ll be stuck living with the smell of gasoline and a mess inside your living space.
Ready to Check Out Some Toy Haulers?
Whether you’re hitting the dunes, trails, or the water, a toy hauler can be the perfect adventure partner. Come by Travers RV to find your ideal match!
