Forum Discussion

Dayle1's avatar
Dayle1
Explorer II
May 15, 2017

Searching for a toy hauler

I need to replace my fifth wheel with a toy hauler floorplan. Recently my DW was diagnosed with ALS and for us to continue traveling I need the flexibility of a toy hauler. Don't really want to go with a TT version, but may be forced to.

Anyway my plan is to use the ramp for wheel chair access and put a single bed and handicapped bath in the garage. Will buy used and make the modification as time/health dictates. With limited searching I have found one floor plan that shows some promise, only the bedroom is upstairs, the bath is next to the garage, so for some period of time she could use that bathroom w/o stairs. The specific unit is a Palomino Puma 351-THSS. While it could work, it has limited closet space and some other limitations (I know any unit will be a compromise).

Anyway I would appreciate inputs on other possible brands and models. I would like to stay under 38' and absolute maximum that will fit in my RV garage is 42'. Also need to stay within the limits of my 3500 SRW tow vehicle. Fortunately our son works for a handicapped vehicle converter and can handle the modifications to the truck.

I have ruled out using a MH due to initial cost, conversion costs and uncertainty with length of use.

TIA
  • I've got a Complete List of Toy Haulers over in the Toy Hauler forum, it's pretty complete but the list does keep changing. *click here*

    Do check out the Arizona Dune Sport, one of the forum members had one custom built for wheelchair accessibility. Click on Custom Toy Hauler and their Wheelchair Accessible link is on the right, their website is rather strange so a phone call might be better.
  • You're doing the right thing by studying floor plans, but you're going to have to go kick the tires in person to really get an idea. That's because there's such a variety in ramp geometries. Some of the ramps are shorter and steeper. You'll definitely want a unit with a "beaver tail", which is where the last few feet of the garage begin to slope down and the hinge of the ramp is lower than the rest of the floor. This makes a big difference in the slope of the ramp.

    You'll also find a wide variety of lips around the ramps, some of which will be really tough with a wheelchair. Ditto for the hinges that connect the ramp to the frame.

    Good luck with your search.