Forum Discussion

coolmom42's avatar
coolmom42
Explorer II
Feb 10, 2017

Toy hauler, but not for hauling toys?

I've done a lot of looking at floor plans, and am not thrilled with the options---tanks too small, cramped bunks, etc.

Accidentally clicked on the Jayco toy hauler section and discovered the 222 Octane super Lite. It checks all the boxes for me--sturdy construction, bath with a sink, small cooktop, no oven, decent size fridge, and essentially 2 separate sleeping areas that would work for up to 4 adult size people.

I would be towing with either a Sequoia or F-150, have not decided. Dry weight on this trailer is 5270 and I wouldn't add over 1000 lb to it max. No need to tow with a freshwater tank that size full, but would be good to have it, plus the gray/black capacity.

I want my sister to go with me, she won't share a bed with me. :D Also doubt she would like a bunk. When my grandkids go, the sofa area would be big enough (they are tall kids) for at least 2, and another would fit in the floor if needed.

Is the ramp/back end a source of air leaks, or water leaks, or does it seal tight?

If I wanted to remove the rear sofas and put in some other type of seating, how difficult would that be?

7 Replies

  • KD4UPL wrote:
    I would guess you could easily add 1,000 pounds or more to the dry weight. Propane, battery(s), water in the water heater, clothes, food, dishes, additional furniture, etc. It all adds up. Some times dry weight doesn't include some options like AC, generator, awning, etc.
    I don't see any problem with your use. If you're going to have 4 adults in the tow vehicle with this trailer then your choice of tow vehicle will be marginal I think. Depends on if you're in the flat lands or the mountains.


    Good points. I will double-check the numbers.

    Of course if I added extra furniture, I would be removing some as well.
  • naturist wrote:
    Toy haulers I have looked at all had tie-downs all over the place in the "cargo bay." Should be no big deal to bring in and strap down just about any furniture you'd like. And you would want it strapped down, rather than sliding around while on the road.

    As for it being easier to get fresh water than to find a place to dump, not sure I'd agree with that. It depends, I suppose, but my experience has been that dump stations are pretty easy to find. My guess is just that you haven't been looking for them. Almost every campground has at least one, plus some truck stops, like Flying J, Pilot, and Loves.


    I was thinking in terms of moving the trailer. It's easy to get water in the FW tank in various ways, without moving. Harder to dump without moving.

    But good points.
  • I would guess you could easily add 1,000 pounds or more to the dry weight. Propane, battery(s), water in the water heater, clothes, food, dishes, additional furniture, etc. It all adds up. Some times dry weight doesn't include some options like AC, generator, awning, etc.
    I don't see any problem with your use. If you're going to have 4 adults in the tow vehicle with this trailer then your choice of tow vehicle will be marginal I think. Depends on if you're in the flat lands or the mountains.
  • Toy haulers I have looked at all had tie-downs all over the place in the "cargo bay." Should be no big deal to bring in and strap down just about any furniture you'd like. And you would want it strapped down, rather than sliding around while on the road.

    As for it being easier to get fresh water than to find a place to dump, not sure I'd agree with that. It depends, I suppose, but my experience has been that dump stations are pretty easy to find. My guess is just that you haven't been looking for them. Almost every campground has at least one, plus some truck stops, like Flying J, Pilot, and Loves.
  • Thanks for the info on the couches.

    Will investigate the water sloshing issue. My nearest Jayco dealer has a good reputation, I'll ask when I go to look. The 222 has a 53 gallon FW tank. I'm really most interested in the gray and black tank capacities---it's generally easier to bring in fresh water than to find a place to dump.
  • Mine is made by Pacific Coachworks but can say the ramp doors seal very tight. All toy haulers use the same general locking mechanism which really presses the door into the seal when shut.

    My drop down couches remove easily by just removing the two pivot screws per side. Can't imagine others would be different.

    Also look into warnings about traveling with partially full tanks, especially the fresh tank as it's bigger. The theory I've read here and there is without baffles inside it may damage the tank and mounting straps if it's not full when driving. Having say 70 gallons of water sloshing all over the place is a lot of weight and can rip mounts free but if the tank was full it would basically be a solid mass and no sloshing.