Need input from families living full time in toy haulers

The underbelly and compartments are heated, but I am not sure if they are cooled. I know they are lots cooler than the outdoor temp in the summer, but I honestly have no clue if they are cooled, or if it is a result of the cooler rig above them.

The compartment/underbelly heat is via the gas furnace, which can be an issue. The furnace uses lots of propane when it is set at 72* and it is freezing outside. We actually have a 100gal propane tank that DH used to supplement the on-board tanks.

The garage is heated and cooled, also. It seems that most of that heat rises up since the ceiling is so high, and leaves the floor cold. People have talked about putting reflectix and/or carpet padding under the garage carpet to help make the floor feel "warmer". You'll also need to run some of the electrical heaters off an external extension cord directly from the power pedestal outside. If you try to run them all off the outlets in the camper, you will blow a breaker. DH also lined EVERY window in reflectix, and put it behind the couch to keep the drafts down. We've left them up for the summer, too, only taking them out of windows that we want to see out of. It does seem to help keep things cooler...

There are other forums on here that have lots of fulltiming members. They are a wealth of info on "how-to's". It is a bit harder to find info on fulltiming with kids - there are families out there that do it, though. You might want to do a google search, as I know a few families have very informative blogs. They may help you decide if a bunkhouse or a toyhauler fits your situation better.

And thank you for your response! Little things I would've never realized!!!

Your above reasons are why I'm definitely considering a toy hauler. So its cold in the winter ...that was my biggest fear. Do you have ac/heat in the compartment area? I know the models we were looking at had them.

We have full-timed in a 36' bunkhouse fiver before getting our current Voltage toyhauler. We have 3 children, ages 5,7, and 12, and also travel with 2 dogs.

I'll list what I like/dislike about each model.

BUNKHOUSE FIVER:
(likes)
*separate dedicated, "always there" room for the kids. Just open slides and you're done. No spending time setting up/taking down beds, couches, tables, etc.
*LOTS of clothing storage for all occupants
*LOTS of storage in kitchen/living room area for food, utensils, and all things you don't want in the underbelly
*more models available in lower weight ranges/lengths
*more comfortable furniture
(dislikes)
*hard to find models with on-board gennies, which are awesome for pre-cooling the rig as you roll down the road. Genny is also great for keeping a cool area for dogs to hang out in while you stop along the road (to eat, sightsee, repairs, etc.)
*slides in bunkroom take away floorspace when "in" while going down the road, making room unusable for dogs.

TOYHAULER
(likes)
*garage makes a BIG room for the kids to play on the floor, and not be underfoot, but it does require some "set-up" time if you plan to use the beds/couches/tables.
*garage can be used for dogs
*table design in garage is FAR superior to any other dining set up we've ever had. Room for everyone to fit around the table, and table is big enough for everyone's dishes. Major bonus is the wipe-clean garage floor for the inevitable spills the kids create. The "couch" seats to the table are also super simple to cover with a washable blanket to keep them clean.
*On-board generators are pretty standard
(dislikes)
*very, very limited on clothing storage for all occupants. We're using plastic 3-drawer units in the garage for the kids clothes.
*pretty limited in the kitchen/living room for storage
*damn heavy to pull around
*DH lived in our Voltage from Dec 2011 - May 2012. It was not a lot of fun, according to him. Hard to keep warm in the winter, even with supplemental electric heaters throughout the rig. This was in Washington, DC, so not a really cold climate. It seems to keep cool better than it keeps warm - no complaints there so far.