After many years in my funmover 40 ft, recently bought a van conversion, sort of supplement the large rv for short trips. The van had 30k on the clock, $10k and a 5.7L engine.I like the van better for most trips. Lately the funmover isn't getting used. The van is so much handier if a short trip or no family. Recently met some buddies riding the south Sierras. Van I have handled things so much better. Carried my XR 600 like it wasn't there. Only me sleeping in my rig this trip, they have theirs. Am thinking about getting a stronger van like a 6.0 Chevrolet or 6.8 ford..towing on occasion a 23-26 ft toyhauler for longer trips. We would use the van for day use.Can anyone tell me who makes or made front bedroom short toyhaulers? Looks like weight needs to be 10k or less. I've seen the Shockwave 21. Would be nearly perfect. Used is better,..because. .I will use it. Doesn't seem toyhaulers have changed much in the 12 yes since I bought one other than that aggressive new names. Liked the work and play as well. Any reviews would be helpful. It's got to carry a streetbike, an XR, and an old rzr.Thanks,Chuck

Wow, Hundred hits, no advice? Maybe I need to be more specific... looking for hauler about say 2006 to present, front bedroom, about 26 ft in length or less, any reviews would be great. Got to pull it with a gas engine van, either 6.0 or 6.8. Horsepower should be above 340, torque 373+ Thanks,Chuck

Desert Fox AS24 has a front bedroom and is very well built.May be too heavy though.Check out Northwoods manufacturing for specs

The TH we have is a front bedroom but the lentgh is total of 31 feet. Our weight is around 9K pounds when fully loaded with 2 baggers and stuff for a week.

Eclipse Attitude. Mine is the 23LFS model, front sleeper 23 feet box length 9K GVW

Thanks,eclipse is forest river? Any frame issues?

interested in front bed short toyhauler..slimming down

Spleenstomper
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
It's the front bedroom that threw me off. We have the two drop down queens and the sofas come together to make a bed.
shockwave21
Explorer
Apr 24, 2014
I have a 2010 Shockwave 21FS. I love the front bedroom, but sometimes wish I had the rear drop down bed and more storage to cabinet. No big issues in the 4 years I've owned it.
Eyetattoo
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
My Attitude by Eclispe has a front sleeper and two drop down queens in the back.
Idahoan
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
I am not aware of any frame issues with eclipse. Prior to purchase I did some internet searches and saw a couple people who had issues with I believe 2006 models. So far no issues with mine, I would not reccomend a 2009 model because of the enclosed nose area, it is a pain and I guess Eclipse realized it and only had that design for one year.
cbigham
Explorer III
Apr 22, 2014
That's good information to know about the vans. Ideally I'd like to convert it so I guess the stuff inside, stove, cabinets, toilet, tanks, etc probably close to 2000 lbs inside the van. Looks like tongue weight is about 700-930 lbs depending on the model.

This is a big project, will take some doing. Seems the key is finding the van, also unloading the funmover.

I've seen some front bed haulers used from 8-13 so will probably go that route. May get new if I see a demonstrable quality change. I had a 5th wheel hauler I bought in 2002. A tahoe. Walls started to sag, and the way they supported the walls was with small pieces of metal welded to the zieman chassis main channel. Hope things are stronger now.
carringb
Explorer
Apr 22, 2014
FWIW - if you are considering a Ford V10 van, you can go a little heavier than 10k. That is a limitation of the factory receiver. You can get close to 12k with stock gearing and still maintain GCWR. The E350s have about 3,500 pounds of payload (in wagon form) so they can take the tongue weight provided you use a proper weight distribution hitch.

I opted to upgrade to 4.56 gears which have a 22,000# GCWR in E450 form. Tows 15,000 pounds great, and I've even pulled 18,000 pounds a few thousand miles. It handles that OK but at that point drops below the speed limit on the steeper freeway climbs.
coolbreeze01
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014
I don't have any advice, but interested in what you come up with. We like the concept.
Y-Guy
Moderator
Apr 21, 2014
cbigham wrote:
Thanks,
eclipse is forest river? Any frame issues?

Eclipse is not part of the Forest River, Thor or any other RV empire. They are still an independent manufacture located in Riverside, California. At the top of the Toy Hauler forum you'll find The Complete List of Toy Haulers, and links to manufactures you can check out to find what looks best for you.
cbigham
Explorer III
Apr 21, 2014
Thanks,
eclipse is forest river? Any frame issues?
Idahoan
Explorer
Apr 21, 2014
Eclipse Attitude. Mine is the 23LFS model, front sleeper 23 feet box length 9K GVW