More and more Americans are hitting the road in RVs. The RV lifestyle, which used to be primarily for retirees, is now bringing in travelers of all ages. There are more millennials on the road than ever before. The diversity in age has also created a diversity in RV styles. Massive bus conversions, vintage fifth wheels, camper vans – you’ll see all kinds of rigs on the road these days. That being said, there’s nothing quite as versatile as our personal favorite: the toy hauler.
Toy Haulers – The Most Adventurous RV
You’ve probably heard motorhomes referred to as “homes on wheels.” Toy haulers take this a step further; they’re homes on wheels, complete with garages! Essentially, they’re large travel trailers with a spot for a garage in the back. They’ve got your typical living set up in the front, usually with a full bathroom, bedroom, and kitchen. The back section of the trailer is the designated cargo area, which you can use for storing motorbikes, ATVs, or anything else you can think of. People get pretty creative with this space; we’ve seen it used for:
- Boats
- Horses
- Pull-out decks
- Separate bedrooms
- Offices
- Workshops
- The list goes on…
The possibilities are nearly endless. Whether you’re looking to buy a toy hauler for long-term use or are renting one from a site like RVshare, you’ll enjoy the extra space.
Benefits of a Toy Hauler
Toy haulers offer an array of benefits that most RVs don’t:
- The back cargo space has a ramp, which makes it easy for loading motorbikes…or whatever cargo you have. Many toy haulers have oil and gas resistant flooring, diamond plating, and other features to keep your garage clean.
- Some owners retrofit their toy haulers to have a pull-out deck as part of the garage. When not using it for toys, simply pull out the deck and enjoy the outdoor space. You can add seating, a grill, and even an entertainment center.
- Most modern toy haulers are outfitted for camping in less populated areas. Many have extra freshwater tanks in the back for long-term dry camping. Many of them also have fueling stations so you can refuel your toys right off of your rig! Some have larger generators than your typical motorhome.
- They’re usually taller and a bit wider than regular trailers to accommodate cargo. That equates to more headroom and a more open feel than you’d get with a typical fifth wheel.
- Larger toy haulers may have furniture that folds away to make room for cargo. Some even have beds that come down from the ceiling! When you take your cargo out, you get an extra hangout room.
- Since most toy haulers are built for off-road adventures, they come with sturdier suspensions and heavy-duty chassis, making them easier to tow. They’re made to withstand the bumps and ruts of off-roading, so get out there and explore!
- Toy haulers are one of the easiest RVs to find with a winterization option. With other types of motorhomes, you usually have to do the winterizing yourself. Many brands of toy haulers offer heated tanks, insulated ducts, and dual gas tanks to help you stay warm on winter adventures.
Drawbacks of Toy Haulers
Unfortunately, no RV is perfect. What you look for in an RV is a personal choice, but there are a few things about toy haulers that may not appeal to everyone:
- Since they’re equipped to carry large cargo, they can be heavier to tow.
- Toy haulers are usually taller and wider than regular towables, so you might need a little extra experience towing.
- Those taller ceilings also mean they’re harder to keep heated. Better go with that winterization package!
- Many campgrounds don’t let you use ATVs within the park, so you’ll have to tow them out before you can use it. There’s an easy solution to this – don’t stay at campgrounds often! We encourage off-road adventures anyways.
- Occasionally, you might smell the gas from your bikes or ATVs. Most toy hauler owners wait until their “toys” are cooled off before loading them. Likewise, you might want to keep a bucket of water in the back to wash off mud and dirt before you load up your bikes.
- Some people complain that the cabinets are too high because of the tall ceilings. Again, that’s personal preference. You can always keep a step-stool nearby.
A Special Kind of Toy Hauler – The Toterhome
Toterhomes are pretty rare, but they’re also pretty rad. With a motorhome built on a semi-truck chassis, you can pull just about anything. In fact, toterhomes were designed to tow race cars! They’re easily the biggest motorhomes out there; often the “garage” section alone is 40 feet. Many times, they’re completely customized, and some are even two stories! Of course, if you’re renting an RV from a site like RVshare, you may have trouble finding a toterhome for rent. You’ll likely only find one of these for sale from a manufacturer. If you have the money and driving experience and want the extra capacity, a toterhome is by far the most luxurious toy hauler there is.
Closing Thoughts
Whether you’re towing bikes, ATVs, or nothing at all, the toy hauler offers a ton of versatility and space. Who wouldn’t want to have a home and a garage on wheels? If you’re an adventurer and like exploring new places, whether on two wheels or more, a toy hauler may be the right choice for you. What do you think – Have we convinced you? Share your thoughts below!
