When you’re looking into recreational vehicles (RVs), the variety of options can be overwhelming. From compact travel trailers to luxurious motorhomes, there’s something out there for every kind of traveler. But if you’re an adventurer at heart who loves bringing your toys—like ATVs, dirt bikes, or even kayaks—on your journeys, one RV type stands out above the rest: the toy hauler trailer.
What Is a Toy Hauler Trailer?
A toy hauler is a unique type of RV that blends living space with a built-in garage area, allowing you to bring along your recreational equipment. The rear section typically features a large, sturdy door that doubles as a ramp, making it easy to load and unload heavy equipment like motorcycles, dirt bikes, or off-road vehicles. This garage area is what sets the toy hauler apart from other RVs.
But toy haulers aren’t just for hauling gear. Many models also convert the garage space into additional living or sleeping quarters, making them versatile for families, groups, or couples who enjoy both comfort and utility on the road.
The Versatility of a Toy Hauler
Toy haulers are known for their multi-functionality. Beyond providing space for your adventure gear, the rear garage often doubles as a flexible living area. For example, some models feature fold-down seating, tables, or even beds that stow away when not in use. This makes toy haulers ideal for those who want to use their RV for more than just traveling to a destination—they’re perfect for creating a mobile base camp.
When you’re not transporting ATVs or dirt bikes, the garage space in a toy hauler trailer can also serve as a workshop, a game room, or even a patio when the rear ramp door is lowered flat.
Who Benefits Most from a Toy Hauler Trailer?
Toy haulers are a dream for outdoor enthusiasts who don’t want to sacrifice comfort or convenience when bringing their toys along for the ride. If you love off-roading, jet skiing, snowmobiling, or kayaking, a toy hauler allows you to bring all your gear along without needing a separate trailer for towing. This is particularly beneficial for long road trips or camping adventures where you want to be fully self-sufficient.
Families who enjoy adventurous vacations can also benefit from the added flexibility of the garage space, using it for sleeping or additional seating when not hauling gear. The extra storage space means you can bring along bikes, surfboards, or even extra luggage without cramping the living quarters.
Toy Hauler vs. Travel Trailer
One of the most common comparisons when discussing toy haulers is between them and travel trailers. While both are towable RVs that offer a range of comforts from home, there are some key differences that make a toy hauler trailer more appealing for certain travelers.
Garage Space
The primary difference is the garage. Travel trailers focus solely on living spaces, meaning all the floor plans are designed for cooking, sleeping, and lounging. On the other hand, toy haulers feature a sectioned-off garage area, offering the dual purpose of living and storage space.
If you want to bring along outdoor equipment but don’t need an entire garage, a travel trailer might be a better option. However, if you want the flexibility of a spacious garage that can also serve as a living area when your gear is unloaded, the toy hauler shines.
Weight and Towing Requirements
Toy haulers are generally heavier than traditional travel trailers because of their reinforced flooring and larger structure designed to accommodate heavy gear. Depending on the size of the toy hauler trailer, you’ll likely need a larger tow vehicle, such as a truck with a higher towing capacity.
In contrast, many travel trailers are lighter and more easily towed by mid-sized vehicles, which can be a big plus for travelers who don’t need the extra garage space or have a smaller tow vehicle.
Toy Hauler vs. Fifth Wheel RVs
Fifth wheel RVs are another popular choice for travelers looking for space and luxury. Much like toy haulers, fifth wheels are also towed behind a vehicle, but they require a specialized hitch that mounts in the bed of a pickup truck. Fifth wheels are known for their spacious interiors, often featuring two or more separate living areas.
Living Space
While both fifth wheels and toy haulers offer luxurious living spaces, the toy hauler’s layout is unique due to the garage. Fifth wheels typically prioritize living comfort with separate master bedrooms, large kitchens, and expansive living areas. This makes them ideal for those who want the maximum living space for a family or extended road trip.
Toy haulers, in contrast, prioritize versatility. The garage area in a toy hauler may offer less overall living space than a fifth wheel, but the trade-off is worth it for adventurers. You’ll have the option to bring along all your toys, and when you’re not using the garage for storage, it can still serve as a practical living space.
Towing and Maneuverability
Fifth wheel RVs have a unique towing system that provides more stability and allows for sharper turns. This can make towing a fifth wheel feel more secure, especially for drivers new to hauling large RVs. However, the need for a specialized hitch can be a drawback if you don’t have a truck capable of accommodating the fifth wheel connection.
On the other hand, toy haulers use a traditional hitch system, meaning a variety of trucks with sufficient towing capacity can tow them. For those who prefer a simpler hitching setup, toy haulers can be more convenient to hook up and tow.
Toy Hauler vs. Motorhomes
Motorhomes, which include Class A, B, and C RVs, are self-propelled vehicles that combine the driving and living areas into one unit. These are popular for travelers who prefer not to tow a trailer and want the convenience of hopping into the driver’s seat without needing to hitch up a separate vehicle.
Convenience
One of the major perks of a motorhome is convenience. You don’t need a separate vehicle for towing, and transitioning from driving to living space is seamless. This can be especially beneficial for long-distance road trips where you’re constantly on the move. However, motorhomes lack the built-in garage space that makes toy haulers unique.
If you value the ability to bring along recreational vehicles or outdoor gear, a motorhome might not be the best choice unless you’re willing to tow a separate trailer for your equipment. In contrast, a toy hauler gives you the best of both worlds: a towable RV with a built-in garage for all your gear.
Maintenance and Costs
Motorhomes are generally more expensive to purchase and maintain than toy haulers because they include both the RV living area and the motorized driving component. Repairs and maintenance for the engine and driving components can add up over time.
On the other hand, toy haulers are towable, so you only need to maintain your tow vehicle and the RV itself. This can be a more affordable and practical option for those who already own a capable tow vehicle or prefer to keep their RV costs down.
Why Choose a Toy Hauler Trailer?
At the end of the day, choosing the right RV comes down to your lifestyle and needs. If you love adventure and want the flexibility to bring along ATVs, motorcycles, or other outdoor toys, a toy hauler trailer is a fantastic option. It provides all the comforts of home while giving you the space you need to transport and store your gear.
Toy haulers are versatile, offering a balance of living and storage space you won’t find in other RVs. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to the dunes, a week-long camping trip, or a cross-country road trip, a toy hauler ensures you’ll have everything you need along for the ride.
Contact Us Today
If you’re in the market for a toy hauler trailer, look no further than Rowley White RV, your favorite new and used RV dealer in Arizona! We proudly offer new Genesis Supreme and Forest River Stealth and Sandstorm toy haulers, Keystone Raptor Carbon, and Heartland Cyclone and Torque, as well as new travel trailers from Genesis Supreme and Forest River. We also have a large selection of quality used toy haulers and travel trailers to fit every budget and adventure.
Need financing? We work with the top banks and credit unions to get you approved for the best rates and terms available! Plus, we won’t nickel and dime you on fees like other dealerships. We’re RV owners ourselves and often run into our customers at the dunes, races, or Rocky Point. You’ll also find that we sell for less—every time! Make sure you check us out before buying elsewhere—we will save you thousands! Do you have any questions or want to learn more? Contact us today for more information, or stop by one of our locations to check out our incredible selection of toy haulers and travel trailers. Your next adventure awaits!
