Toy Hauler Shopping: We're 100% New

[LifeMadePortabl]

We're newbies. Plain and simple. New ... Bees.

... and we're going from never to full time right out of the gates!

My wife and I are motorcycle journalists who just started a new website, hence the screen name.

We need help selecting a toy hauler for full time RV living!

After a lot of research, here's what we know we want:

- 5th wheel for a long bed, 1/2 - 3/4 ton pickup
- less than 35' long (at the box, 31' preferred)
- under 13' high (closer to 12' preferred)
- separate garage
- can easily carry two sport bikes + tools, roughly 1500 lbs
- pop outs for live/work-space

We're looking at this from home buyer perspectives which lacks the familiarity everyone here has.

Our concerns come down to BRAND. We just looked at the "KZ Sportster" and were inspired but further review suggests they are known to have serious problems.

We originally were considering Keystone and their reviews seem more solid.

So, without any pride in tow (get it?) ...

Which brands have what it takes to keep us feeling safe and secure, a sound investment that isn't prone to failure?

[tinner12002]

I'd watch going too cheap, like the wolf pack toy haulers if your wanting to full time in one. I also think your going to end up with one more in the 38-39ft range to get what your looking for. The separate garage models usually end up being in that range. We plan on full timing in ours here in another year but its heavier and longer than you want but we needed the room to haul 2 full sized Harleys. The internet can be your best friend when looking at different floorplans and makes. As for your truck, as others have mentioned you really need the 1 ton minimum for a decent toy hauler. I'm thinking anything you get in the toy hauler category to full time in is going to be in the 17K GVWR range.
I'd maybe look at the Keystone Impact for the minimum quality or Fuzion line of 5th wheels. Most all haulers with separate garage are going to be 13ft tall or more.

[randy328]

LifeMadePortable.com wrote:
@LowRyter - First off, I added you to our buddy list. I too own a Bandit 1200 (2nd gen) and your Guzzi collection will get my wife smilin' (she rides too, a Triumph Street Triple R). This is our moto website: https://www.TheRidingObsession.com/

@OH48Lt - I've read horror stories about the KZ line. Most notably: http://mythreecents.com/reviews/kz-rv

I have a KZ, actually on my second. They are certainly no worse than any other comparable cost brand, and I have had no real issues and have found KZ to be very responsive with the small issues I did have.

I haul 3 sportbikes and a pit bike in mine. 29'. Around 10,000 miles per year on it.

Reading your link, it looks like the writer tried to use stabilizers as levelers and did not position the awning for rain. Personally, I'd blame the dealer for failing to teach the newbie how to operate their new trailer, not KZ.

[OH48Lt]

Had a KZ 5ver toyhauler, a 33P. You're not going to haul that very far with a 1/2 ton. We used a F250 diesel, that worked just fine.

Don't know what you mean by KZ being cheap and having problems, that wasn't our experience. The only real problem we had was the gear on the end of the slide out motor being designed wrong, and had us pushing the slide back in by hand a couple of times. KZ wouldn't help. Luckily our local KZ dealer redesigned it and had a local machine shop cut a new gear. Worked great then.

[LowRyter]

I have a lightweight 5th wheel Toy Hauler that I pull with 3/4 ton Duramax. It's great for vacations, I don't think I could live in it. Usually no more than 3 weeks at a time. And then, a night or two in the motel when I overnighting it and still traveling.

To be honest, none have great quality and require constant maintenance. So long as you're handy and have a fallback repair shop, it's a fun way to travel and enjoy motorcycles. I like to go to rallies and races, head to scenic places to ride around.

[LifeMadePortabl]

I'm a "beastly 5'8" 😉

We're liking the Keystone lines and it's cousins. Also the Cherokee Wolf Pack prospects.

I supposed I could shift gears a little and ask: Which makes/models are definitely worth sidestepping, meaning "avoid this"?

... especially without newbness in mind.

[VictoryXC]

You're just going to have to do some weekend road trips to RV dealers (we did alot of web searches) to look at the vast selection of different TH's out there. My wife and I are also newbies to this, but that's what we did. Ended up buying our TH about 6 hours away from where we live. I don't know how tall you are, but at 6'2" my head brushed the ceiling in the Keystone's. We made our decision on a 2018 Road Warrior 362, pulled by a one ton with DRW.

[LifeMadePortabl]

I'm fine on going 1-ton, for sure. It's all about having "at least slightly more" truck than is base-spec and I'm happy to do exactly that.

... but KZ trailers are renowned for being made of CHEAP metals and configurations. We're looking to purchase something that is reliable.

Again, the truck we buy is an afterthought. First we need to know precisely what we're towing.

"You're going to want more space" is an individual perspective. We've lived compact before. Quite compact, actually and are hoping for 31' with pop outs, though willing to go to 35' (max).

Our concern, currently, is which brands are most RELIABLE and BUILT TO LAST.

Have at it.

[azdryheat]

I dunno, if you did a lot of research, as you say, you wouldn't be considering a 1/2 ton truck for a toy hauler. Toy haulers are big with huge pin weights compared to a 5th wheel. If it were me, I'd get a short Class A gasser like a Winnebago Vista or similar and get a trailer for the bikes. Same money as a truck and trailer.

[DutchmenSport]

Agree, bigger truck, you're looking at 3500 / F350.

Start by visiting RV dealerships and do some window shopping to get a good feel what you are dealing with. Internet searches are OK, and photos on-line are nice. But, until you actually step inside these units, you can only imagine.

The first thing you'll notice is how "glitzy" they are. And at first, may appear to be huge. But hang out in them a while and they begin to feel smaller and smaller. Add all your belongings, clothing, personal items, and all they can get very claustrophobic real fast.

Without previous camping or RV experience, you may be in for a real shock also until you figure things out. The logistics of just traveling from point A to point B, and setting up at your next campsite can be a bit daunting (at first). Not to mention the actual towing, driving in traffic, and parking the rig to include backing up. It's an experience awaiting you ... for sure!

So, really, the best thing you can do is visit RV dealerships and really study out those trailer... upfront and personal. Full timing RV may sound like a wonderful dream, you don't want it to turn into a horrible nightmare. Visit the dealerships, get inside, under, and around as many campers as you can! That will be your best initial introduction.

And get the bigger truck first, so when you take delivery of the camper, you have the right equipment to tow it with!

[The_Owl]

X2 on the “one ton” truck for any 5th wheel toy hauler. I think you might be a bit unrealistic on overall expectations unless you want to spend a lot of money. Like SDcamp said none are flawless. Good luck with your search.

[SDcampowneroper]

SDcampowneroperator wrote:
Cant speak to TH brand, weve seen them all. None are flawless, unless you think of a New Horizon. I can suggest for whatever TH you get, get more truck, at least a SRW 3500. A TH with enough living space to full time is longer than you are looking at.

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[SDcampowneroper]

Cant speak to TH brand, weve seen them all. None are flawless, unless you think of a New Horizon. I can suggest for whatever TH you get, get more truck, at least a SRW 3500. A TH with enough living space to full time is longer than you are looking at.