Tired of Land Yacht Toy Haulers: Challenge to the Industry

rexlion wrote:
An "affordable, luxury toy hauler"? That's an oxymoron. Mutually exclusive terms.

If you want Affordable, there are some... like the KZ Sportsmen Classic. Probably can pick one up for under $12K brand new.

If you want Luxury, expect a Luxury price tag.

Exactly.

Also, they will build for a market. If there was a huge demand for a smaller, luxery model, they would build it.

You want it, but not many others do.

http://rv-pro.com/news/new-heartland-toy-hauler-uses-hidden-garage-technology from another post right here in this forum

hammer21661 wrote:
...the expensive ones In my opinion, are built like a pile of Junk.

Examples?

hammer21661 wrote:
There are some bumper pulls and Like mine the 2 axle 10' garage toy haulers that are on the lighter side. The 50K I agree they are getting ridiculously expensive and not getting cheaper. You never have to worry about a quality rig under 50 either, the expensive ones In my opinion, are built like a pile of Junk.

We're really in the market for a fiver, but we have also looked at many bumper pulls. It's hard to find something with decent insulation in the bumper pull category. Plus, my fiance is 6' 2" and tends to not fit into those small corner showers, so that is limiting us as well. The tub showers seem to suit him the best.

You are right about RV quality - there seems to be a collective grumble, among even the high end RV buyers, about QC straight from the factory.

azdryheat wrote:
What would you consider to be new or innovative?

Do away with the kitchen/couch combo. Remove that couch across from the kitchen. There's not enough room. Make that space more kitchen as counter top space is really lacking in the smaller RVs. Place the wet side of the kitchen on the driver's side of the rig (where the couch was) or a wet island in the middle, and put some counter top/cabinets and the fridge on the passenger side of the kitchen. Install an outdoor kitchen on the passenger side. It can be hidden inside the cabinets. Place two lightweight chaise lounges in the garage along with the happy-jac table/bench seats/bed setup. The garage space can serve as the living room, dining room and a bedroom as needed.

Alternatively, stay with the couch/kitchen combo, but drop the stove top below the counter top height and install folding counter top over the stove top. I have seen this done already, and it really adds valuable counter top space. Another option would be a rolling island.

Gale Hawkins wrote:
RV'ing may not be a thing for the masses if toys are required going forward. The mid price range may disappear with the middle class Americans. High end makers are the most sure bet to make it going forward I expect.

Based on other industries there may be 70% too many builders to make it in future markets.

The coming cuts in state and federal checks and the feds starting to pre collect income taxes due off of retirement funds of all types that were saved without income tax payment on the funds up front is going to impact all but the financially independent Americans.

Expecting tomorrow to be like yesterday for many of us may be a future definition of insanity.

Before the sky starts falling the US Dollar will have to loose its status in world trading. When that occurs I expect we will be in 'wild card mode' to the max.

Gayle - You may very well be correct. That's us - the middle class. Until that happens, I am going to fight for what I want while we still have time to do it. I hope we have enough time. We are also preppers, so I understand everything you are saying. In fact, having an RV is part of our prepper plan.

To be honest, I don't really want a toy hauler to haul toys - I want it for that multipurpose space in the garage. We have kids, and I really don't want to give up valuable floor space permanently to a bunk room or have to buy a 39' bunkhouse when we can get bunks in a toy hauler. Also, there may be times we want to take inner-tubes and kayaks along, or our metal detectors and other hobby paraphernalia, or maybe even one of our four wheelers if the kids won't be along. And yes, if we need to "get out of Dodge" in a hurry.

Gale Hawkins wrote:

Strabo wrote:

azdryheat wrote:
What would you consider to be new or innovative?

The Price......

It is good to see someone with a sense of humor. :B

Agreed. :B

Prices are just going through the roof, but if people stopped buying in that price range, things would have to change for companies to stay in business. I will say that Heartland is one company that is trying to turn the boat around with their Gateway and Torque lines. I applaud them for taking note and doing something for change.

miboje that is a good plan. At 62 and being in business I have come to understand a person or country can not borrow their way to financial freedom. I did not understand that early enough.

We have the old MH gone through from the ground up full of fuel and have 10" enclosed trailer if needed. Since doing the 8K trip to the Pacific two years ago we have not used it much but do not plan to sell it. The kids go for driving permits next week so we will soon have four drivers so we could be highly mobile but we moved from back from the city 25 years ago and know or know of most people five miles in each direction which could be a good thing.

However I am optimistic about the future. My kids know how to make and fix housing and vehicles and come up with food. There is a new generation coming of age that is ticked about the financial mess we have borrowed them into. They are only a few short years from running things and they are going to cut waste if given a chance.

We are at risk however of making that transition. When the government money flow slows way down or stops before we make progress on cutting real waste that will be a "wild card" era is a concern of mine.

The son is not a hunter by nature and due to my physical limitations I am not. He told me a few weeks ago he is going for a deer this year with a neighbor who has sons a tad younger than him so if he ever needed meat he would know how to get it without running over it in the road like when we hit a deer. :)

Assuming one will have services as today is OK but being prepared if expected services cease is OK too. :B

I do think owning basic RV's that you can manage to keep mobile makes sense especially if you have them parked in sight of where you live.

I do think owning basic RV's that you can manage to keep mobile makes sense especially if you have them parked in sight of where you live.

Besides all the RVing and camping benefits, this makes a lot of sense especially since natural disasters can happen and having an RV allows for the ability to keep on living even if the usual home stick and brick house is not available for a time.

jmtandem wrote:

I do think owning basic RV's that you can manage to keep mobile makes sense especially if you have them parked in sight of where you live.

Besides all the RVing and camping benefits, this makes a lot of sense especially since natural disasters can happen and having an RV allows for the ability to keep on living even if the usual home stick and brick house is not available for a time.

Exactly! :B