cLAYH

So what is the big draw for those of you that have invested in a Toy Hauler, either commercially bought or homemade(GN with a camper on it).

Currently we put a slide in camper on the truck and hook up an 18ft flat deck to carry the Jeep when we go out for a weekend. This is a very tediaous process and because I use the truck/trailer for woek as well the camper cann't stay on the truck and has to be removed promptly at the end of the weekend and the camper cann't go on until JUST before we leave. As well the tractor I haul has to be cleared off the the trailer before we go and tehn put back on.

In order to simplify things I've been thinking about getting a 26"-32" GN and mounting the camper on it permanently. Then remaining deck would be used for the Jeep.

After looking in to it I'm finding I'll need to spend 6-8K on a GN and am wondering about how well this combo will work getting into campgrounds and some of the back country camping I like to do.

The alternative would be a motorhome and trailer. This would give us more living room as well some flexibility. If we want to go on a vacation without the Jeep would could take the motorhome on its own vs hauling a 30ft trailer every where. This would also allow me to sell the dually and downgrade to a smaller more practical truck to use as a second vehicle, like a 3/4ton SB. I know a motorhome would cost more on fuel but we only go out 4-6 times a year and this would be offset on the fuel saved on a regular basis by switching to a 3/4ton.

So what was the big draw on a toy hauler for you? Other than justifying that big stinky diesel?

Medic427

I have been wondering the same thing. I have been tossing back and forth if I want to by a toy hauler or go Motorhome and my existing trailer. I have found through my research and believe that buying a motorhome and towing my trailer behind would be cheaper. There are some very good Class C motorhomes avalible for 14- 20K. All self contained. for the same amount of room to haul my toys I would have to get a toyhauler with 19ft of garage and those sized haulers do not come cheap. Either way its going to cost ya. LOL

Colo_River_Ram

It's a buyer market for RV's I saw a show on how Winnebago is cutting back and bighting the bullet..

The only draw back to an RV vs a trailer is the insurance...Your paying for insurance on something you don't use that much...

torquefan

I believe a pickup can be set up far better for hauling than a van body with a large gas engine crammed in under the dash can. Motorhomes, whether class 'A' or 'C' generally have a class III hitch scabbed onto the rear of the frame extension, and I wouldn't want to attach anything heavier to it than a small ATV trailer.

cLAYH

My dually had class III hitch installed from the factory! Just installed a class V. Pretty simple so I'm not worried about that aspect of it.

Yeah going from a powerful diesel to a thirsty gasser is probably the part that is going to hurt the most. I know you can get diesel motor homes but they are out of my price range($10K), especially anything with a Cummins.

Insurance isn't bad on a motorhome, about $300 a year. I'd probably be paying $100-$200/year for fire/theft coverage on a toyhauler.

I'd just don't know, my heart wants to keep the dually and go with a toy hauler but my brain cann't seem to justify it. The math just doesn't add up. The high price of diesel isn't helping either. A propane powered unit is sounding pretty good!

2003Ram

You have to look at what works for you.....pros and cons.

Motorhome Pros:
comfortable on long trips
no vehicles inside
can use for camping or whatever without a trailer

Motorhome Cons:
generally poor fuel mileage
limited towing capacity
slow, more so when towing
another vehicle to register,insure, and smog
Don't do well off-road
limited fresh water and holding tank capacities

Toyhauler Pros:
Heavy duty - made to haul vehicles
100+ gallons fresh water capacity
4x4 truck can get you to areas the moho can't get to
can unhitch truck for rescue mission or a store run
Campground camping - you can bring your golf cart with you
no extra insurance needed
can use as a second garage and store vehicles inside

Toyhauler Cons:
campground limitations
limited space when loaded with toys



I'm there is more to be added to each. You get the idea.

Jason Foster

I have a class A diesel pusher MH. It is very nice on long trips. Your family can walk around, fix dinner, use the bathroom, fix dinner, watch TV..etc. Driving is more difficult and maint. is a nightmare unless you are a heavy duty diesel mechanic. I would not trade it for a fifth wheel due to quality issues and the above listed luxuries. I wouldn't mind adding a truck bed mounted camper to my arsenal for different types of adventures. It is my recommendation that you keep the camper and buy a very nice MH.

doznfire

I have a toyhauler and love it. I like the fact that I don't have to break down camp to go get some groceries or run around. I see the only plus to a motorhome as being able to keep driving when you need to use the restroom or eat. You are stuck in the campground unless you drag another vehicle with you.

Jason Foster

I haul my truck behind my motorhome. It works for me. However, everything is more expensive with a class A MH.

Jason Foster

I also have several fourwheelers. I can't take them and my truck as well. Toy haulers don't have enough room in the bay for all of my toys so a bed camper with a long trailer behind my truck will do just nicely in this respect.

Jason Foster

Summary:
If you like to haul your toys, but have a lot of them, don't mind the cramped living quarters, keep your camper.
If you don't have any toys and have lots of money buy a motorhome and haul your vehicle behind it.
If you just have a few toys and want more room and don't mind "cheap" then buy a toyhauler.
If you are richer than me, buy them all.

induchman

I once put a 19ft Airstream (sans axles) onto a dropdeck, brought the plumbing down and ran it as my hunting camp for six years.

TAS

Mount the TC on a GN and keep it for your wheeling trips. Buy another trailer for the trator. Just my opinion.

dieselbeef

get a big enuff goosenck for the slidein and the jeep behind it. then yer golden. kee yer current trailer for the tractor ad its all good.
toyhaulers dont need gas or ins to sit in yer yard...motorhomes do. no oil changes and tires are cheaper on a toyhauler too. if ya get a motorhome and gotta pull a trailer yer still towin ..just not w/ yer truck..that you already know the history of also.

btw a toyhauler will not put yer jeep inside it if thats the kind yer nmeaning..wont take the wiehgt....do the gn thing

pronstar

FYI Several people in our group put Jeeps inside their toyhaulers without issue.
And sand cars are quite heavy - many are over 3K lbs. - and lots of people put them in toy haulers, too.