Any toy hauler owners out there????

Posts: 705

What do you have and what do you pull it with? What do you recommend or do you have any advice for someone in the market for same?

Posts: 896

Stu has one, don't get your tires where he does. Smile

Posts: 1889

I have a Weekend Warrior toy hauler. Although I have had very good experience with mine. I would not recomend buying from this manufacturer until they finish reorganizing.

My unit is a tow-behind trailer weighing abut 7500 lbs dry and empty. Once you add gear, 2 buggies, 15 gallons of propane, 40 gallons of gasoline and 150 gallons of fresh water, you are at 10,000 lbs. The gross rating on the trailer is 11,200 lbs and on my truck is 12,500 lbs, so I comfortably below my maximum capacities.

I tow many low land hills in the 0-2000 ft elevation and 2-3 times a year tow over 3000 & 4000 ft mountain passes without additional aftermarket help. Total tow mileage each year is over 5000 miles averaging 12 mpg on diesel.

The trailer is 8.5' wide body chassis with tandem axles totaling 26' from tongue to ramp. Interior space is 22' with 16' of that convertable to garage. This trailer has a foward bath, mid kitchen and street side slide living area. Standard equipment included range, microwave, 8 cu ft refridgerator, 10 gallon hot water heater, 15,000 btu air conditioner, 20' canopy and powered antenna. We ordered the trailer with these additional options: 4 stabilizer jacks, insulated holding tanks, 40 gallon fuel dispensing station, 5.5 Kw generator, spare tire with carrier, diamond plate front, fiberglass siding, street side slide out, booth dinette with picture windows and electric full size queen bed.

The tow vehicle is a 3/4 ton Ford 4x4 diesel with skid plates, tow and camper packages, integrated brake controller, cruise control, automatic transmission with manual transfer case and hubs, engine block heater, dual alternators, air conditioning and electric windows and trailer mirrors. The body is a short bed with extended cab resulting in a 19' bumper to bumper length. Nerf bars, contractor full door canopy, bed liner and 7" GPS were added afterwards.

Posts: 323

Ron, why do you what a toy hauler?

Posts: 705

Well, I like camping and I love riding my buggy or 4 wheeler. I really like doing both and if the family would make a long term commitment to it, I'd consider getting one. My bro-in-law is big into camping and 4 wheelin, so we could have family vacations and go to different off-road parks and whatnot. I'd like to check out Wisconsin, I'll definately go back to St. Joe's, Iowa has some good spots I hear, too.

I was getting ready to trade in the Dakota and was going to go up in size, to something that can pull a trailer, so I figured I better start getting some opinions.

That's my story. OR, I figure if my wife divorces me, I'll have a place to live AND keep my toys.

Posts: 1889

I was in the same position with vehicles. I had the same mini truck for 16 years and was going to get a 1/2 ton Ford or Toyota. After looking at what these weighed, I knew I needed a diesel. The Chevy had the most refined engine and suspension, but did not rate as well as Chrysler and Ford for towing. Since that time, they are much better and should be considered.

Remember that the trailer is not limited to hauling motor sports. We have used it to move furniture and to carry bicycles and a boat with us. People that have handicapped family also buy toy haulers due to the built in ramp and open floor plan that is wheelchair friendly.

Posts: 648

I use a 24 ft United car hauler. duel axle with electric brakes full 8ft x 24 ft usable interior space It's wired it for power, lights and stereo. plumbed for air and water, shore power hook up, a generator and 12 volt. The forward part is a mobile shop with a spare parts inventory so we can handle any repair needed while on the road. The trailer hold 3 buggy's plus all the assorted tools and equipment, air compressor, welder drill press. bench grinder, etc that goes along. One large cabinet hold all the living necessities, stove, cooking supplies, canopies, chairs, table, and all the other comforts of home. At night we roll out the buggys and pump up the air mattresses. The nice part of having a good size hauler is that every thing stays packed or is contained. Preparing for a trip takes as long as rolling the buggys in, packing a change of drawers and stopping for some groceries on the way out of town. I have put close to 10,00 miles on it around the eastern seaboard states so far this year. Down side to this trailer: it sits low, close ground clearance! I have dragged it several time getting around in some ATV parks and tracks. It's not the easiest trailer to back ether. very sluggish response
We pull it with an 07 dodge ram 2500 4wd 5.9 turbo diesel short bed , 4 door crew cab. Pulls like a dream. The truck doesn't know it's back there. I run all day at 80mph on the interstate with an average of 14mpg

Posts: 1889

Here's a guide to towing:

Posts: 323

Well I'm not as rich as all you players,all I have is 16 ft enclosed sled trailer and 4ft of it is v-nose drive on drive off.I love this trailer its 8.5 wide and all alumium.I put 3 150 karts in,have shelves,power,lights,and is insulated for snowmobiling.I have an awning and a grill that attaches to it.Most of the time I bring a tent because alot of atv parks u have to trailer your kart to the park this way u Don't have to break camp.Its all on your preference.Just get me out riding!!!!!!!!!!!

Posts: 1889