Forum Discussion

kar41287's avatar
kar41287
Explorer
Jun 24, 2013

Toy Hauler vs. Bunk House

Ok. My husband and I can't seem to agree on upgrading to a toy hauler or bunk house. We are planning to have children (next year) but want to get our new 5th wheel first (we travel for work and live fulltime in it).
Our top two choices are the XLR Thunderbolt 35x12 (toy hauler) and the Open Range 413RLL (BH).
I love the Open Range since it has a great kitchen, with an island on wheels, allowing for open room. I also love the idea of the bunk house with desk, loft, closet, and bathroom all being in a separate room for our future kid(s).
With the toy hauler, yes we can carry whatever "toys" with us (we own a four wheeler), but because of the design I'm afraid it would be used by building stationary bunks, a closet, and a desk back there (We are going to homeschool and I work from home and have a lot of books). I also don't like how confined the living area and kitchen are.
We are planning to cosleep, while the baby is little, and the bunk house has a floor bed that would be a great transition for their toddler years, I'm not sure how that would work in the toy hauler. I'm afraid of them walking up and down the stairs to get to the loft and I've heard the "garage" area is difficult to regulate the temperature. My husband likes the bunk house, but says he won't buy anything except a toy hauler, despite me being the one staying in it all day. Any suggestions would be great.
  • nremtp143's avatar
    nremtp143
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    I've had two BHs and they fit in with children very nicely. That being said, our son is now 13 and the TH is much more appealing. But as for just starting out, my opinion is that I would like a BH for the younger years(for all the reasons you pointed out) and the TH for the ages of 7/8 and up.
  • Sewsyq's avatar
    Sewsyq
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    DH & I have had a toy hauler for many years...we do not full time it and I could not imagine FT with kids in it. The garage area is nearly impossible to to regulate for temperature well and ours has a beaver tail....it slants down near the door to allow easy loading and unloading of our Harley. Not a good set up for kids - especially young ones. We are now upgrading to a conventional 5er (no garage) so we can stay for more extended time comfortably. The other thing is that toy haulers are built to haul heavy things (the Harley weighs 800#'s)and so that translates into a heavier frame and heavier to tow for what you get. Just my humble opinion, but I see your concerns as valid.
  • TakingThe5th's avatar
    TakingThe5th
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    kar41287 wrote:
    With the toy hauler, yes we can carry whatever "toys" with us, but because of the design I'm afraid it would be used by building stationary bunks, a closet, and a desk back there.


    I've seen toy haulers that have bed systems in the garage. The beds disappear in various ways. My favorite was the system in the Voltage. It had two queen-size beds. The lower bed could be lowered onto a standard folding table to form a nice picnic table.

    Could "strap in" a wardrobe closet and standard desk and remove it/them as needed. Crude...yes.
  • JohnBoyToo's avatar
    JohnBoyToo
    Explorer
    Jun 24, 2013
    Sounds like an impasse between you two and our vote should not be an influence either way :-)

    Now if u want pros and cons. You are planning for kids in how many months ... Or years ... Or decades ? Give us enough info to guess :-)

    Do u have the toys yet? Or are u still formulating your plan ?

    Things change so allow for your needs now and no more than 5 yes down the road because YOU will probably change your mind !!! Good luck ...:-)

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