Rear Deck System Worth It?

[ndanecker]

Looking at a GD 353g or 395m toy hauler and questioning if the rear deck system is worth the cost along with the sliding 3 season doors. Don't plan much boondocking so concerned about overall length in campsites and having enough space to keep the ramp door/patio open when parked. Considering it shouldn't be kept open during rain I'd probably keep the ramp door closed most of the time also so questioning if the 3 season doors are worth it also. Curious how others use this space and what their thoughts are. In theory I'm sure its a great place to hang but do people really use it, or is it more of a novelty that wears off after time? Space isn't that large either and we're family of 4 (not couples).

[Tommyp228]

We just bought an new Grand Design 21G toy hauler. It’s small toy hauler that has the rear deck option with the sliding glass doors. This is what sold us on it. With the deck down it just seems so much larger and has more room for our dogs. Would also help with kids.

[arhayes]

We have full-timed in a TH for the past 7 years carrying a Goldwing in the garage. We have enjoyed the deck in areas where we could back up to a lake or good overlook and enjoyed the 3 season doors. But, in 7 years that’s happened about a dozen times. It’s something you can add later if you decide you’d use it, but for us it was a waste. We typically get pull through sites since we ride a lot, and those are not conducive to using the deck. Good luck.

[3TV]

I just bought a Grand Design Momentum 350G that has a separate 14.5' garage. I thought about ordering the RV from the factory, and would have ordered it without the deck system, because I didn't think I would use it. Our dealer got a Momentum 350G in stock with the exact options I would have ordered one with, but it also had the deck system. I have been looking a long time for this RV, so when he got one in stock I bought it within a week of it arriving at his dealership. After having the chance to use the deck system I must say I really like it. The ramp functions as a deck, with enclosed gates around it, and a rear awning extends the length of the deck to provide shade if you want. I'm glad I have it now.

There are obvious limitations to its use. It will work better in spring and fall when temperatures are more moderate. It will work better if there are fewer bugs. And it will work better on days when there isn't a lot of wind and dust.

[msmith1_wa]

Like a lot of things this comes down to personal preference.
We do not have the patio setup because we would not use it. There are times that we open the ramp with the screen in the opening. If we are going to be outside we want more space than the door provides.

[Y-Guy]

We used ours a few times on our 2005 Raptor, backed up to a stream once and another time overlooking a meadow. Beyond that we didn't use it much, if we left camp it was a bit of a pain to close back up and the garage itself was our mud room when we came back from riding most times. I made the cables myself so I wasn't out much money. But doing it again would just come down to where I camped and if I was going to use it enough. I'd rather sit around the campfire.

[opnspaces]

My only experience is with the off-road desert crowd. I don't think I have ever seen a door deployed as a patio. Usually people drop the door to unload gear and then put the door back up to keep the elements out.

On a TH larger enough to have a separate garage I've see people sitting in the garage. But the door is just down as a ramp and not out as a deck.

If you think about it, the ramp as a deck is at trailer floor height with no steps to get to the ground. So it can be a big cumbersome step to get down.

I suppose if you screen the door to use as a patio room and keep the bugs out it might be nice. I have no experience there as there really aren't too many pestering bugs where I live.

If you're not going to screen in the door then you might as well just put your chair on the ground in your campsite.