Top Features to Look for in a Toy Hauler

Now that you've got a good idea of what a toy hauler is and what it can help you do let's think about the key features you need to look out for when you're on the lot buying your next RV. When shopping for a toy hauler, there are several key features to consider to ensure you get the most out of your RV adventures.

These are the top features that will make using a toy hauler a game-changer for you.

Garage size and ramp door

The garage size is the most crucial factor when choosing a toy hauler. The length can range from 10 to 18 feet, accommodating various types of recreational vehicles. The standard width of a toy hauler is 7.5- 8 ft and around 13 feet tall. Small models might be as short as 15 feet and the largest models are 40 feet long. The same questions you would ask with an RV are the same onbes you'd ask about Toy haulers. "Where are we going? who is coming with us?" with one extra question..."What toys are coming, too?"

It's vital to work out the dimensions of your toys and equipment to ensure they fit comfortably and can be tied down securely.

The ramp door is another essential feature, serving multiple purposes. It not only allows easy loading and unloading but can also double as an outdoor patio in some models. Make sure to check the weight capacity of the ramp to ensure it can support your toys and your entertainment ambitions.

Living amenities and floor plans

Grand Design Toy haulers come with a variety of floor plans and living amenities to suit every need and budget.  Our owners tell us that features like chef's kitchens, spacious bathrooms, private bedrooms, and modern entertainment systems  make all the difference and are avilable in our travel trailer and fifth wheel formats. Some models offer unique layouts, such as side patios, outdoor kitchens, a dinette or even multiple bathrooms.

The most important practical consideration is the sleeping capacity and storage options to ensure they meet your family's and your guests' requirements. It is key to ensure you, as the owner, are comfortable and have the privacy you want in sleeping and bathing arrangements. A queen-size bed is a must. After that, most of our floor plans will offer a lot of additional sleeping space for family and guests.

The convertible furniture that is a feature of the toy hauler's garage area, means you can transform the space into additional living, working, or sleeping quarters when the toys are unleashed.

Bear in mind that as versatile as toy haulers are, the extended garage can mean that you have less slides in the main living area. In effect the garage and the ramp door act as one huge slide that opens the whole outside world up to your space. So despite this seeming disadvantage many people feel their toy hauler has more space and not less.

Strong Construction

Toy haulers by definition need to be made of strong stuff, if they are going to get you to the places that where you can play hard. Look for double insulated roofs and floors, Residential quality sidewall insulation, higher rated tires, wider reinforced chassis bodies and heavier weighted axles.

All RVs should be built for the punishment of the open road, and toy haulers particularly are subject to the harshest terrain and weather. When you're buying, make sure your RV is built for the job you have in mind, from the wheels and axles up.

Fuel station and generator options

If you're planning to spend time off-grid or boondocking, a fuel station and generator are valuable features. Many toy haulers come equipped with an onboard fuel station, allowing you to refuel your toys without leaving the campsite.

An onboard generator is also crucial for powering your RV's systems when hookups aren't available. When considering generator options, pay attention to the size and power output to ensure they meet your energy needs. Grand Design toy haulers come with great options to upgrade to solar.

To help you play harder, Grand Design manufactures 20 different travel trailers and fifth-wheel toy haulers, ideal for any adventure, family size, or destination. You can check out America's #1 best-selling toy haulers all in one place here.

Conclusion

Toy haulers offer the perfect blend of adventure and comfort, making them an ideal choice for outdoor enthusiasts who want to play harder in the outdoors. These versatile RVs provide the freedom to explore new destinations while carrying your favorite recreational vehicles, from ATVs to motorcycles.

With features like spacious garages, convertible living areas, and robust construction, toy haulers cater to pretty much every need and preference.

When shopping for a toy hauler, the crucial factors to consider are garage size, sleeping capacity, owner's privacy, kitchen and living space amenities and layout as well as power options to ensure you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.

Whether you're a weekend warrior or a full-time RVer, a Grand Design toy hauler will open up new possibilities for your adventures. By combining the comforts of home with the ability to haul your gear, these RVs provide the ideal solution for those who want to make the most of their time on the road...and off it.

FAQs

What are the disadvantages of owning a toy hauler?

Weight and towing can be a significant challenge. Due to their reinforced structures and built-in garages, toy haulers are typically heavier than traditional RVs. This means you'll need a larger, more powerful towing vehicle, which can add to your overall cost and may limit where you can travel, particularly in areas with weight restrictions. Owners of toy haulers need to be very good at planning their trips. You can find more tips on towing toy haulers. travel trailers and fifth wheels in this article.

Another potential disadvantage is the reduced living space. Since part of the RV is dedicated to the garage area for transporting vehicles, there is less room for living, dining, or sleeping areas compared to similarly sized traditional RVs. Usually, the garage can be repurposed as additional living space, when it is empty, it may not always feel as spacious or comfortable as a traditional RV.

Fuel consumption is often higher because of the toy hauler's weight, making long-distance travel more expensive. Maintenance costs can also be higher due to the need for reinforced flooring, ramp doors, and tie-downs to secure heavy recreational equipment.

Parking a larger and heavier unit can be more challenging, particularly in campgrounds with size restrictions or difficult terrain.

Toy haulers promise a ton of adventure, and your trips will require careful planning.

How do toy hauler campers function?

Toy hauler campers are specialized RVs that include a large rear cargo area designed for transporting 'toys' such as motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, and golf carts. They feature a rear wall that can be lowered to facilitate the loading and unloading of these larger items.

In every other way, they hitch, tow, and park like any other fifth wheel or travel trailer RV, with the added advantage that they keep your toys safe and protected in transit and provide a very flexible living space when you make camp.

Toy haulers are typically built to a stronger specification and often feature solar packages and at the high-end for the heaviest vehicles, ABS brakes. Driving these heavier RVs requires diligent practice and skill. 

Do toy haulers living areas smell of gas?

This is a worry most new owners have. How do we stop gas smells from the garage getting into the main living quarters?

To prevent gas smells getting into the living and sleeping areas most toy haulers have a solid wall (with a door) known as the "vapor wall" which prevents smells passing through from the garage to the main living. Also the garage floor is usually a rubber-coated petroleum-resistant material, that is easy to clean and won't absorb spills that can lead to smells. Finally, toy hauler garages have additional vents located at the top and bottom of the garage to let fumes escape before they build up.

In what ways does a toy hauler differ from a traditional RV?

While traditional RVs or travel trailers prioritize interior living comforts, kitchens, beds and storage, toy haulers focus on providing ample garage space and cargo capacity. This makes toy haulers more versatile for those who need to transport large recreational items.

A toy hauler stands out from a traditional RV primarily due to its built-in garage space, designed for transporting "toys" like ATVs, dirt bikes, motorcycles, or other large equipment. This garage is located at the rear and is accessible via a ramp door, making it easy to load and unload vehicles. Once the toys are removed, the garage can also be repurposed into extra living or storage space, often transforming into an office, bedroom, or even a patio area.

Toy haulers are typically larger and heavier than traditional RVs because of the reinforced structure needed to carry heavy cargo, which may require a more powerful towing vehicle. They are ideal for adventure enthusiasts who want to combine RV living with outdoor activities. Features like built-in tie-downs, fuel stations, and reinforced floors are common in toy haulers, adding to their versatility.

Traditional RVs, by comparison, focus solely on providing living accommodations without the need for a garage. This means all available space in a traditional RV is dedicated to comfort and amenities, making them lighter and generally more affordable. Traditional RVs are better suited for those who prioritize relaxation and full-time living over the need to transport large recreational equipment.

What should I consider before purchasing a toy hauler?

Before buying a toy hauler, it's crucial to consider the destinations you plan to visit to ensure they can accommodate a larger RV. It is also vital to consider your towing vehicle's capacity. Toy haulers are generally heavier due to the reinforced structure and garage, so you’ll need a vehicle that can safely tow the added weight. Make sure to check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of both the hauler and your towing vehicle.

Get clear on the size of the garage and whether it can accommodate your recreational vehicles or equipment. Measure the space to ensure your toys fit properly, and check if the tie-downs and storage options meet your needs.

You should also evaluate how much living space is available once the garage is factored in. Toy haulers tend to have less living area compared to traditional RVs because of the garage. If you plan to use the garage for more than just storage—like converting it into a living space—consider the floor plan carefully.

Finally, consider the amenities you need, such as kitchen layout, sleeping arrangements, and outdoor spaces like the ramp door patio, as these can vary greatly between models.

What are major brands of toy haulers?

The major brands you will have heard of apart from Grand Design are likely Forest River and Keystone. While both Forest River and Keystone undoubtedly make great RVs, Grand Design's Momentum range of toy haulers has consistently been the best-selling toy hauler in the USA.

We believe this is because other brands like Forest River and Keystone RVs can't match our range of 20 distinct floor plans to suit every possible need, our double insulated walls, floors, and roofs, and our commitment to customer care.

Like Forest River and Keystone, we are based in Northern Indiana and have access to the best craftsmen in the industry who build every Grand Design toy hauler with skill, care, and attention. Another reason that we are the USA's number one best selling toy hauler.