Beginner to RVing, would like an RV with a work shop.

DrewE wrote:
5th wheels are not always the most handicapped accessible of RVs because they have two levels separated by a (frequently steep and narrow) stairway. Few RVs are really usable by wheelchair bound persons; there's usually not much maneuvering room, entry doors are narrow, etc. At least with a toy hauler you'd have a nice big entry door with a ramp, which solves that problem.

Since the person I'm considering hauling around would be my soon-to-be ex-wife (wheelchair bound, can't walk at all), I would only need to take her to long distance appointments. I may have to stay away from 5th wheelers in this case. I certainly wouldn't want to have her in the master bedroom.

Besides, I make large robots, and I need to get them in somehow. We're talking a few hundred pounds and around 4-5 foot tall for my current bot.

This is one of the reasons I was thinking about a class a toyhauler, but those seem to be scarce as hens teeth and probably more expensive. :(

JayNewman wrote:

The only time I ever drove a large pickup was when I was a kid working as a lineman for the railroad. All I remember of it now was that it was huge.

Unfortunately that 5th wheel is more logical.

In which order is it best to search for these things (used): truck first or 5W first?

Another question: I may have to drive somebody in a wheelchair. I'm pretty sure a 5th wheel can be made handicapped accessible, but can somebody legally be in the 5th wheel while I'm driving?

It's probably generally a little more logical to at least look over the 5th wheel trailers first, and then have some idea of how much towing and pin capacity you'll need from the truck. There's few things worse than buying a truck that's too small for what you want to do with it.

State laws vary with regards to passengers in trailers, but the majority do not permit it. It's not a very safe idea regardless.

5th wheels are not always the most handicapped accessible of RVs because they have two levels separated by a (frequently steep and narrow) stairway. Few RVs are really usable by wheelchair bound persons; there's usually not much maneuvering room, entry doors are narrow, etc. At least with a toy hauler you'd have a nice big entry door with a ramp, which solves that problem.

Something else you might look at is a horse trailer with living quarters. Not sure how much humidity control you would have but it probably could tote a lot of weight.

coolmom42 wrote:
I agree a class B + cargo trailer would be your best setup. It should be pretty easy to add some wiring, lighting, & ventilation to a cargo trailer.

Another option is a good-size truck + toy hauler trailer. You may have to beef up the wiring to suit your needs in the toy hauler.

Coolmom42, I like the name.

What would be the better Class B's for hauling perhaps a 12' cargo trailer with a light shop in it? I do need the ability to cut a sheet of plywood 8'x4', but I dought I'd do anything larger than that.

And thank you very much for the response.

John Wayne wrote:
I think you will find more room in a 5th wheel toy hauler then a Class A toy hauler. And you can use the TV for the 5th wheel as a daily driver. Or you will need a toad if you go the class A route.

Thank you, I will look around. I was thinking a Class B originally because I have driven vans. I was hoping that one could tow something that could be a shop (for example the cargo trailer suggested earlier). I was hoping for a converted TT so that I would have more living space if needed.

The only time I ever drove a large pickup was when I was a kid working as a lineman for the railroad. All I remember of it now was that it was huge.

Unfortunately that 5th wheel is more logical.

In which order is it best to search for these things (used): truck first or 5W first?

Another question: I may have to drive somebody in a wheelchair. I'm pretty sure a 5th wheel can be made handicapped accessible, but can somebody legally be in the 5th wheel while I'm driving?

I think you will find more room in a 5th wheel toy hauler then a Class A toy hauler. And you can use the TV for the 5th wheel as a daily driver. Or you will need a toad if you go the class A route.

In the shooting world it is fairly common to see guys with trailers with reloading benches and small gun smithing areas set up which would be pretty much what you are looking for. There are 4 basic styles you will see. Pick up with camper pulling a 6x12 or 7x14 cargo trailer converted to workshop with lights, heat and A/C. Small motor home pulling the workshop trailer. A long 22-28 ft cargo trailer with front living quarters and rear workshop or sales area. Or a large converted TT or 5th wheel with 2 doors. Front living area access via the front door and shop through the rear door. The down side to all these designs is that they require serious horsepower to move. 3/4 or 1 ton trucks that are mostly diesel powered are the norm.

I would like to thank everybody for ther quick replies. It looks like I will be looking for a used class a toyhauler. My tools are fairly small. I'll get a micro mill for metal working. I'll need a long work bench for assenbling the electronics. I'll also need a table for the table saw and another for the drill press.

Much of what I need can be stored until needed. Most of this I'll build myself (well, the furniture and storage parts).

Now I have to do a lot more research!

Again, that's all.

D. Jay Newman

I agree a class B + cargo trailer would be your best setup. It should be pretty easy to add some wiring, lighting, & ventilation to a cargo trailer.

Another option is a good-size truck + toy hauler trailer. You may have to beef up the wiring to suit your needs in the toy hauler.

there aren't many toyhaulers that a Class B could tow. maybe the smallest toyhauler made. Class B's don't have much hitch capacity, due to all the weight already on the chassis. probably doesn't have much towing capacity either.