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).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Rear Deck System Worth It? | Good Sam Community

3TV
Explorer
Mar 02, 2021
ndanecker wrote:
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).

After reading this post it is apparent that the different RV manufacturers build their deck systems differently. Many of the comments in this thread do not apply to the Grand Design toy haulers you are looking at. Some people have reported that the deck system mounts to the ramp door and it makes opening and closing the door difficult because of the added weight, or because of the deck system sticking against the edges of the door opening, and they had to go inside and push the door open that way, instead of opening it from the outside. I don't know if you have looked at the Grand Design deck system, or opened one at a dealership yet, but it mounts to the door opening, and not the ramp door itself. It is a simple system to use, and only add another 30 seconds or so to the time needed to load a toy in the back of the toy hauler. With its design I can't see how it could get stuck.

Anyway, we are happy with the deck system on our Grand design, and are glad the trailer came with it. We don't need to use it every trip to be happy we have it on the trips we do use it. The only negative is that it subtracts about 6" of garage space. That isn't a problem with our 350G, which has plenty of garage space for our UTV.

I tried to find a picture of the Grand Design deck system. This is the best I could do. I hope you can see what I am talking about.
Dirtclods
Explorer
Feb 23, 2021
Sometimes when I've camped at the beach I'll drag over a picnic bench and open the door on to the seat of the bench for a little patio it's not really level but it works and didn't cost a dime.
Hap_Hazard
Explorer
Feb 23, 2021
Wow!

Back to the personal attacks. I recall when this site had a lot of users and the information exchange was fun and helpful. Then for a period of time it seemed like every other post was some kind of argument. I noticed a significant drop in active posters. Today it seems like we're a shadow of our former group.

I post and comment rarely anymore because of the negative feedback. I still follow the site but don't feel the pride and sense of sharing that was once here.

To the original post, I built my own cable system for my 2006 WW and have never regretted it. When the time is right we use it. When its not appropriate we don't. Doesn't seem like rocket science to me.

When I want it I'm glade its there.

Decide for yourself and don't worry about others. You've gotten a lot of feed back from both sides so I hope it has helped your decision making.

Hap
Tinbangertom
Explorer
Feb 21, 2021
We purchased a 29G momentum, we added the 3season door can't wait to try it,Tom
dsrace
Explorer
Feb 20, 2021
wow that went south in a hurry :B

letting bugs in, to long for some campsites, getting vd out on the deck, hopefully after dark :B (not exactly what was said but i find it funny) lol, all valid points to consider. plus the extra work of setting it up and putting it away, may be a hassle for some. i'll have an east west couch that will be down and in the way, which is why i opted for a side deck, with a 30" rv door rather than a sliding door. they installed a dog door in wall beside the door for one customer, which was a nice option. i will install a screen room for mine that i know i will use atleast 3 of our trips per year.

the railings eat up apprx 6" of garage space so for some with toys that only fit by a few inches that may not be usable.

i do like the tent/screen room option that atc offers for there rear ramp door. people with shorter toyhaulers and kids or pets may get use out of that option. does appear to be easier with 2 people. moryde has an inflatable room that i personally wouldn't buy as i would be afraid of puncturing it.
https://youtu.be/GpmQ9gyj6c0
MikeDupont
Explorer
Feb 20, 2021
What you folks are missing is that Everyone must agree with Everyone else or then you are Wrong and/or a Drooling Idiot. I think this is some kind of rule in the terms of service for the Inturweb or something.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 19, 2021
dedmiston wrote:
VD? What year is this?

And according to the ship's log. This marks the first argument over ramp patios on this forum.
VD, the gift that keeps on giving. :) Although to be fair, I guess it's STD now.

Woo hoo, a new record.
dedmiston
Moderator
Feb 19, 2021
VD? What year is this?

And according to the ship's log. This marks the first argument over ramp patios on this forum.
Huntindog
Explorer
Feb 19, 2021
fj12ryder wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
For a long time I had the same opinion about Smart phones as you do about Ramp patios. Then about 2 years ago, I finally got one. It is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

You don't know, what you don't know.

Happy camping.
Well, I've never had VD, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it, and have no intention of getting it just to confirm that opinion. :)

Sometimes you know what you know.
I don't think anyone wants a disease.

Some minds are just closed longer than others.
So someone who doesn't agree with you has a closed mind? We'll just have to agree to disagree. I'm glad you like what you like and you aren't the final arbiter of what everyone likes.
Never said I was the final arbiter..... Your disease anaolgy was totally not applicable though. Just stating the obvious.
fj12ryder
Explorer III
Feb 19, 2021
Huntindog wrote:
fj12ryder wrote:
Huntindog wrote:
For a long time I had the same opinion about Smart phones as you do about Ramp patios. Then about 2 years ago, I finally got one. It is the greatest thing since sliced bread.

You don't know, what you don't know.

Happy camping.
Well, I've never had VD, but I'm pretty sure I wouldn't like it, and have no intention of getting it just to confirm that opinion. :)

Sometimes you know what you know.
I don't think anyone wants a disease.

Some minds are just closed longer than others.
So someone who doesn't agree with you has a closed mind? We'll just have to agree to disagree. I'm glad you like what you like and you aren't the final arbiter of what everyone likes.

Forum Discussion

Rear Deck System Worth It?

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Washer/Dryer worth it?

Rear differential covers

Is side awning worth it?

Rear Camera

Fiberglass front cap worth it?