Toy Hauler vs. Regular Travel Trailer

I'd have to guess my ol' Ragen is built much better than most TTs with heavier frame & axles, 16" E-rated tires, and shocks. It's "stick 'n tin" construction, but after 7 years and tens of thousands of miles . . . zero issues with the coachwork. With additional amenities like built-in gen, bigger tanks, and cargo carrying capacity, there's no comparison.

gutlo wrote:
Are toy haulers built better than regular travel trailers, or are they more pr less the the same build quality? Does their metal skin make them more leak resistant, or is there no difference?

We had two TTs before we bought a Cyclone. The two TTs (2004 Puma, 2010 Sabre) were FAR better and more reliable campers than our Cyclone was.

We now have a Work & Play. Although not as fancy as the normal toy haulers, I love the build quality. Metal roof and tough as nails. Taking it to the tracks every other week has been no worries for this thing so far.

gutlo wrote:
Are toy haulers built better than regular travel trailers, or are they more pr less the the same build quality? Does their metal skin make them more leak resistant, or is there no difference?

Bottom line is that if you plan on hauling horses, then it's a no-brainer: the toy hauler wins, aluminum or not.

Strabo wrote:

N-Trouble wrote:
Only advantage of Aluminum siding is weight savings. All other areas they pretty much suck.

Not true, we dont oxidize or fade our paint, let alone de-lam.....So there. (sticks tounge out ) and yes we are less heavy, so that makes us superior to you..

Haha ;)

Superior LOL... I actually have an aluminum sided hauler right now and will never buy one again. They're horrible in every way except weight. Fading and oxidation are simply cosmetic and can be addressed with a little TLC. Delam is was a big problem 10years ago but pretty rare these days. THese however are what you get with aluminum

Temp insulation - horrible
Sound insulation - horrible
More prone to water leaks
scratch/dent easy

A big disadvantage, if you spend a lot of time inside your trailer, is that the furniture is not as comfortable as a conventional trailer, that's my biggest gripe. Went looking at rigs at the Pomona show this weekend, did not look at a single TH. Our next trailer will be a conventional fifth wheel with slides. Just have to figure out how to access it when in my driveway (driveway is on the right side of the house).

I wouldnt say they suck at all, there are some disadvantages but all in all we have more versatility than a standard travel trailer. If you want one of the larger ones you can use the garage for several things, just use your imagination. I haul a single 3 seater jetski, or I have hauled 3 quads and 2 dirtbikes. We usually have larger fresh water and holding tanks, Mine has 120 gallons of fresh, 45 black and 45 grey.

One disadvantage would be heavier tongue weights especially if you dont have anything in the back to counter the tongue weights.

You have to decide what is important for your situation and look at some floor plans and see what will work for you.

N-Trouble wrote:
Only advantage of Aluminum siding is weight savings. All other areas they pretty much suck.

Not true, we dont oxidize or fade our paint, let alone de-lam.....So there. (sticks tounge out ) and yes we are less heavy, so that makes us superior to you..

Haha ;)

Only advantage of Aluminum siding is weight savings. All other areas they pretty much suck.

IMO, all trailers are engineered for a GVW as far as frames and axles. Travel trailers have more interior amenities, toy haulers lack those but have room for the weight of your toys. The metal siding has no bearing on toughness anymore so than the fiberglass smooth sided. I like the smooth for ease of cleaning and waxing, but my TH has metal siding and seems to get dings easier. The TH does better dry camping because most have more capacity in water and black/gray water storage, and usually a gen set, TT's have more storage compartments for outside stuff, although 5th wheel TH's fare a little better in the storage than pull TH's. Personally, I like the roominess after the toys are unloaded, especially if it gets stormy and you're cooped up inside. The other thing is TH's are designed for the weight of the toys and axle placement is usually set back further, so when empty, your tongue weight is heavier than a TT.

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