Are you shopping for a toy hauler and wondering how their construction and build quality compare to more traditional travel trailers and 5th wheels?
If so, you’re in the right place, because in this blog post, we’re doing a deep dive into toy hauler durability and longevity.
Two things that are important no matter what type of RV you’re shopping for.
I’ve reviewed hundreds of RVs over the years in every RV class, and I can tell you one thing for sure, not all RVs are created equal.
Toy haulers, in particular, have a unique set of features and construction components that set them apart from other towable RVs.
From their frame strength and suspension to their overall build quality.
So, let’s take a closer look at what goes into making a toy hauler, how it compares to other RV classes, and what you should be looking for when shopping for one.
Key Takeaways
- Toy haulers use very similar construction techniques compared to traditional RVs.
- Toy haulers typically offer a more heavy-duty frame, reinforced chassis, and robust suspension.
- Some of the highest quality toy haulers are made by Northwood Manufacturing, Keystone RV, Outdoors RV, and Jayco.
Toy Hauler Overview
Toy haulers are one of the fastest-growing segments in the RV industry, thanks to their added versatility and functionality.
As they combine the utility of a garage with the living space of an RV.
Popular with power sports owners and outdoor enthusiasts, they allow you to transport all types of recreational vehicles, such as ATVs, dirt bikes, and even side-by-sides.
Available in various configurations or bases, including travel trailers, fifth wheels, Class A, Class C, and Super C, the two most common configurations are travel trailers and fifth-wheel toy haulers.
Towable toy haulers usually have dry weights ranging from 3,000 to 10,000 pounds.
Equipped with a rear ramp or occasionally a side ramp, they make loading and unloading recreational vehicles and other heavy equipment fast and easy.
The garage space in these models typically ranges from 10 to 14 feet and offers a variety of utility features.
Including everything from D-ring tie-downs and rubberized floors to diamond plate side walls and flip-up workstations.
Large luxury toy haulers even offer upgrades like air compressors and onboard fuel stations.
Beyond the garage space, the living area in a toy hauler is generally as well-equipped as traditional RVs, offering everything from basic amenities like a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping quarters, to more advanced features like entertainment centers, fireplaces, and power theatre seating.
Plus, as a bonus, most toy hauler ramp doors double as patio space while in camp mode, which allows you to extend the living space of the trailer.
Toy Hauler Design & General Construction
Toy haulers use very similar materials and building techniques compared to traditional RVs.
Primarily because toy haulers are made by the same RV manufacturers that produce travel trailers and 5th wheels, including brands such as Forest River, Jayco, and Keystone.
5th-wheel toy haulers are constructed using either wood or aluminum for the stick frame, combined with a wood-based or composite-based panel, such as Azdel.
This structure is then covered with exterior sheeting, often aluminum siding or fiberglass.
Construction Differences Between a Toy Hauler and Other Towable RVs
Even though toy haulers use many of the same building materials and techniques as travel trailers and 5th wheels, there are some differences, mainly centered around their foundation.
Toy haulers require more robust foundations, due to their design and intended use.
As they must accommodate not only the weight of the RV but also the additional weight of any ‘toys’, like motorcycles, ATVs, or other heavy equipment.
To achieve this, toy haulers often feature a more reinforced chassis and heavy-duty frame than traditional RVs.
Which allows them to withstand greater stress and pressure, ensuring stability and durability even under heavy loads.
In addition, toy hauler suspensions are typically upgraded to provide better support and shock absorption, accommodating the additional weight and unique demands of transporting recreational vehicles or other large items.
Also, the floor of a toy hauler is typically thicker and more reinforced, which helps to prevent damage from heavy items.
Because it’s not just about carrying the weight; it’s also about withstanding the wear and tear.
Plus, as mentioned above, the garage area in a toy hauler often has tie-down points anchored directly to the frame.
Which provides a more secure and stable method for transporting your toys.
Minimizing their movement and potential damage during travel.
10 Things to Consider When Shopping for a Quality Well-Built Toy Hauler
Shopping for a quality, well-built toy hauler can be more complicated compared to traditional RVs because of their dual-purpose design.
So we’ve broken down some of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a quality toy hauler.
1. Sturdy Frame and Construction
One of the most important features to look for on a toy hauler is a heavy-duty frame, preferably made from either steel or heavy-duty aluminum.
The construction should be solid to support the added weight of your ‘toys’. Check for heavy bead welds and reinforcements in areas bearing the most weight.
2. Robust Suspension
A good suspension is critical for a toy hauler because of the extra load. So look for toy haulers with a heavy-duty suspension that can handle heavier loads.
Some of the best shock brands for RVs include MORryde, Roadmaster, Bilstein, and KONI.
3. Upgraded Floor Strength
The garage area should have a reinforced floor to withstand the weight and movement of your cargo. Ensure the flooring material is durable and securely attached to the base.
Look for upgrades like rubberized stain-resistant flooring for improved traction and durability.
4. Heavy-Duty Tie-Downs
Inspect the quality and number of tie-down points in the cargo area. They should be well-anchored, ideally to the frame, and have load limits of at least 1,500 pounds.
5. Quality Walls & Insulation
The garage walls should be well-constructed with quality materials. Durability is key here, so look for materials like diamond plating or fiberglass.
Good insulation is also important, especially if you plan to use the toy hauler in various climates and cold weather.
6. High Cargo-Carrying Capacity
Check the cargo carrying capacity, which indicates how much weight you can safely add to the trailer.
This number can vary greatly depending on the size and class of the toy hauler, however, you want a minimum of 1,500 pounds for small lightweight toy haulers, 3,000 pounds for mid-size toy haulers, and 4,000 pounds for large toy haulers.
7. Premium Finishes & Seals
Examine the overall finish, including the quality of seals around windows, doors, and slide-outs. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent leaks and to maintain insulation R-value.
8. Comfortable Feature-Rich Living Space
Just because it’s a toy hauler doesn’t mean the living space isn’t important, as this is where you’ll spend most of your time in the RV.
Check the quality of built-in furniture, appliances, and the layout. Make sure it offers the sleeping capacity and comfort you’re looking for.
9. Enhanced Off-Grid Capability
Because of the intended use of toy haulers, which typically revolves around power sports, off-grid capability is very important.
As toy haulers generally spend more time in the back-country than in campgrounds.
So look for features like solar panels, larger water tanks, RV generators, enhanced batteries, and fuel stations, as these features can significantly extend your off-grid capability and time.
10. Class-Leading Reputation & Warranty
There can be a big difference in build quality from one RV manufacturer to the next, so do your research and look for RV brands with the best customer reviews.
Also, don’t forget about the RV’s warranty, extended industry-leading warranties say a lot about how confident the manufacturer is in their product and its longevity. RV brands that offer the best warranties include Jayco, Airstream, and Winnebago.
Top RV Manufacturers that Produce High-Quality Toy Haulers
There are more than 800 different RV brands produced by more than 280 RV manufacturers, which can be overwhelming when shopping for a new or used toy hauler.
As it can be challenging to sift through hundreds of different RV brands and manufacturers to find the best.
So to help narrow down your search, we created the below list, highlighting some of the best RV manufacturers with the highest quality toy haulers.
Forest River
Forest River is one of the largest RV manufacturers in the industry, with well over 30 different brands.
They offer a variety of well-built toy haulers, including the Shockwave, the XLR Nitro, and the Work and Play.
Known for their innovative designs, quality construction, and value for money, their toy haulers often feature spacious layouts, modern amenities, and robust construction.
Keystone RV
Keystone RV is a leading name in the RV industry, and its toy hauler lineups are some of their most popular. In fact, their models are so popular they claim to be the number one RV manufacturer for toy haulers.
Offering multiple brands, including the Impact and the Raptor, they offer a variety of floor plans and sizes, catering to a range of needs.
Jayco
Jayco has a reputation for offering class-leading construction and craftsmanship. And their toy haulers are no exception, known for their luxurious interiors and sturdy build.
Jayco’s commitment to quality and customer service has made their models a favorite among RV enthusiasts for decades.
Northwood Manufacturing
Northwood Manufacturing is celebrated for its Arctic Fox and Desert Fox toy haulers, which are built to withstand extreme weather conditions.
They focus on quality construction with features like heavy-duty chassis and off-road capabilities, making them ideal for adventurers who enjoy more rugged excursions.
KZ RV
KZ RV offers a range of toy haulers that are both versatile and affordable.
They are known for their functional designs and user-friendly features. KZ RV balances comfort with durability, providing solid construction and well-thought-out living spaces that appeal to a broad range of RVers.
Alliance RV
A newer player in the industry, Alliance RV has quickly made a name for itself with its focus on customer feedback and innovative designs.
Their toy haulers are known for spacious living areas, high-quality finishes, and robust construction, making them a strong choice for those seeking luxury and reliability.
Grand Design
Grand Design stands out for its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. Their toy haulers like the Momentum and the Momentum G-Class are known for their luxurious interiors, high-end finishes, and solid construction.
Grand Design is a top choice for those who don’t want to compromise on comfort or build quality.
Outdoors RV
Outdoors RV specializes in building RVs for the rugged outdoors and the back-country. Their toy haulers are designed with off-road and off-grid capabilities in mind, featuring robust construction and amenities that support remote camping.
They’re a great choice for those who love to get off the beaten path.
Heartland RV
Heartland RV is known for its innovative designs and quality construction. Their toy haulers feature unique layouts, large cargo areas, and luxurious amenities.
Heartland RV combines durability with comfort, making its toy haulers a popular option for both short trips and long-term living.
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