Looking for good/bad buying experiences regarding dealers or toy haulers. (so nevada area or az or ca. I would prefer a private party sale if I can find a decent deal on a decent unit.

I d like the largest, but don t want to afford it since my mother will be using it more than me, plus I have a large cargo trailer. A 5vr.....preferabbly with a non seperated garage....and a slide for under 20k....

Im not particular at this point on new or used , even older lke 96-2000 but that does depend on what you guys have to say. If you say stay away from an older unit, I will lean that way. A 4 season unit or better insulation would be nice.

weight is not an issue.

 

Those things can loose half their new price in just a few years, whether it has been used much or not, so I would find a GOOD used one if you can (unless money is not an issue).

Weekend Warrior makes some pretty nice open floorplan units.

I really like my Patio Hauler, but I am less impressed with the newer units that have an open floor plan. The garage area has 3 huge tip-up windows with velcro screens, and slats on the floor allow air flow to prevent fumes and also allow mud to be hosed out and sluce through.

K-Z makes some very impressive units, but in bigger ones they are mostly seperate garage.

In my opinion Komfort Karry All is one of the most impressive units I have seen when it comes to build quality (plywood inside cabinets and so on) and floorplan. I really like their Skybox, stairs that drop down in the garage area and railings up on the roof (that fold down). They really have lots of storage. The only thing I didn't like: The last time I looked at them a sleeper sofa and twin beds were options only on the 36' one and not on the 38. Also, they are quite heavy (will likely overload a Dodge 3500 w/4.10's) but on the other hand I would take extra weight if it means extra strength and insulation.

If you go used, look closely for signs of leak repair or water damage from the roof, underbelly, plumbing, or any exterior seam. Don't buy anything with signs of a leak, at any price. Refrigerator is also a high $$$ item to repair/replace.

 

I have a Forest River toyhauler.The 39sp model.I haven't had any problems.Couple others in the group I camp with have Forest Rivers too.No complaints,There are a couple Weekend Warriors in the group,I know both have had water heater problems.One had some electrical problems.The WW are pricier than most.I paid $34 OTD for mine.Kyle

 

I like this one...

http://www.carriageinc.com/cforce.htm

As said here and FiverBob has aligned my thinking...buy used if you can. I think it might be hard to get a used cforce though.
I was told by Carriage they have some new floorplans coming in July.
Time to go buy another lotto ticket...when I win, I will buy new...if not, used it is.

In Canada an open floor plan is illegal...figures. Living quarters have to have a divider wall to the garage part UP HERE eh.

Scotty

 

The older Toyhaulers did not have much in the way of slides, a newer concept with these trailers. IMHO Weekend Warrior can't be beat when you consider the overall purchase. I don't think you'll find a slide toyhauler in good shape for less than 20K. If you do, look close.

 

Saw a 99 playmore sport.....looks nice but not inspected....37 ft, seperate 16x8 cargo, smooth side, one slide.....

 

I made a mistake, and bought a Thor Wanderer Wagon. I have had too many problems to count. They suck at warantee work and only fixed a siding delamination after leagal action.. They also stated that the empty weight( per their fact sheet on registration) was 8800 lbs. (actual weight empty was 10678.lbs max gross 13k.
I'm still useing it but only cause no one will take it in on trade. It's a 2003, and max that I was offered on a trade in was $4000. ( I still owe 12k) But as they say "SH-- happens"

 

Ive heard and read to shy away from laminated sides (lamination issues) and stay with aluminum. Something to do some research on before you buy. I'm glad I did after reading some RV forums.

Mooseman

 

check out Rage'n RVT !nice ,built solid .I really like mine ,but there a heavy trailer to pull you need a good truck.fit and finish and real large tanks

 

mooseman;
My trailer has aluminum sideing, It popped off in sheets, due to the way it was installed. It's like vinal sideing or aluminum sideing on a house, It can't be nailed tight,because it must have the ability to expand and contract due to heating and cooling. When they installed the sideing on my trailer they had the air press ure too high and the staples literally went thru the aluminum and due to this the sideing poped off the staples. They did repair it, but it took legal action to get it done.

 

Check this out http://www.toyhaulermagazine.com/ thy have a forum also. I have 2004 28' Tahoe Trans port toy hauler by Thor and not had any problems yet knock on wood.

 

This just popped up on e-bay.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...ayphotohosting

It meets most of your requirements: Large, slide out, under 20k.

I think insulated underbelly was a standard feature on Patio Haulers, and I really like that even the dump valves are inside the enclosed underbelly, with no sewer pipe hanging down to get broken or freeze.

I know you were thinking you would like non-seperated garage, but unless you need to fit more than 2 big quads, I think you might actually find the seperate garage units are handy. The big velcro screens make the garage a nice place to hang out w/folding lounge chairs or whatever.

Also, many of the open floorplan units have flat benches that fold down, which to me are a poor substitute for a real sofa when it comes time to relax after a long day riding.

In this particular unit, I would prefer a booth-dinette instead of the table and chairs- for more storage and an additional bed, but that's a personal preference and also something that can be changed.

Be ware though, that I have found that what some people consider "excellent condition" is what I would consider trashed, and it is sometimes hard to see damage, dirt, and wear in low-res photos posted on the internet...

Anyhow, sorry about the long post. This just popped up on a saved search, and I realized it was close to the reqirements you listed.