Will This Be a Bad Move for a New RVer?

Mooredb wrote:
I am totally new to owning an RVing and I have decided I need to get a toy hauler. I need it for events that I will be traveling around to throughout the year.

I found a beautiful 39ft Highlander https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zOZDSnCr8pc&t that I am interested in. I plan to buy a 1 ton dully to tow the trailer but here's my questions.

1) I don't have a problem driving and pulling trailers but man this is HUGE, and I am a bit worried that it might be too much for a beginner to take on. There are so many things I don't know what I don't know. I would be interested in hearing people's feedback on this size of trailer, pulling and trying to find a place to park. Is this a mistake for a beginner to start out with?

2) There are SO many different brands out there but they all seem to somewhat have the same look and feel to them. But not sure about the quality and the company. The one I am looking at is 2017 Highlander HF39RGL, does anyone have any experience with this brand? What other brands should I consider? I'll be on the road 4 months out of the year traveling and I want something that will hold up and be comfortable.

Thanks for any advice!

1) There are RV driving schools - you can look for one in your area. Your local RV dealer may even be able to refer you to one. Most of the instructors I've run into are former or retired commercial truck drivers. Your profile doesn't say what state you live in, but 13 or 14 states out of the 50 require a special drivers license to drive the weight of rig you are contemplating. (One state even requires a commercial drivers license or CDL!). Here's a list of states and requirements:

ChangingGears state list

2) A good way to find out about people's experience with and customer service for a particular brand of RV is to join the owners' group for that particular brand or company. Search their forums and read, read, read before you start posting questions - you'll have a better idea of what to ask.

Keep in mind that most toy haulers give up a lot of living space to the garage and, as a result, the living area is not laid out as well as a non-toyhauler floorplan. What are you needing to haul in the garage space?

One brand I'm very familiar with that has a very good reputation for customer service is Grand Design. You might want to look at their Momentum line of toy haulers (and even their Solitude 376TH which has a more standard floorplan and a smaller garage underneath the bedroom). Again, join the Grand Design Owners Forum to read and ask questions.

Rob