Can you share your trailer vs toy hauler experience?

[Mario]

Hey all,

I have been trailering for 8 years. I have a 6x10 aluminum trailer, I probably have 40k miles on this trailer, it has towed my bikes across country many times, I love the damn thing. But I'm not getting any younger and sometimes I wish I slept on a nice bed and have a nice shower (Hotels are an option and that's what I am doing when I don't want to rough it at the track-off-road park)

I am torn between two possible options:

- Get a bigger enclosed trailer (7x14) and build it: happijac bed, genny/solar, basic shower, porta potty, A/C unit and done.
Pros: build on aluminum frame all around, I can build as simple as I can, probably zero maintenance, will last forever.
Cons: it is quite more expensive if similarly equipped. With basic stuff, I expect to break even with a toy hauler. Lots of work to build.

- Get a toy hauler: everything is done and ready to go
Pros: fill it up with water, propane and go!
Cons: I understand build is not as sturdy as a cargo trailer, things will require more maintenance, will probably not last as long (?)

Do you have any experience to share? Anyone that owned a trailer and wished a toy hauler, or vice versa?

 

[SpeedyCorky]

or you could convert a bus :teeth

https://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=469002&highlight=bus

 

[motomania2007]

I have a motorhome and a box trailer.
If I had it to do over, I would get a toy hauler and a bigger pickup truck. Having a second drive line to maintain in the motorhome is a pain in the ass and it's expensive.

 

[wannabe]

When I used to drag race my motorcycle at the NHRA division level, I drove around the country pulling my 6'x10' enclosed trailer. And, like you, I was young enough that I was more than happy just moving stuff over at night and sleeping in the trailer next to the bike at the track. But, I was always jealous of the guys that had RVs and showers.

But, I never wanted a toy hauler. All the ones that I saw were too high. It looked like a pain to push stuff up the ramp. In my head, a toy hauler was kinda like getting a an amphibious car. With that, you get a shitty boat and a shitty car. I'd rather keep the 6'x10' trailer for my bikes and tools and upgrade the vehicle that was pulling it with something that had the amenities that I wanted.

Before I stopped racing, I was really close to buying a truck conversion RV. You could pick up a used one for about $65K at the time. But, I realized that was kinda overkill for one person and just a 6'x10' trailer.

 

[JesasaurusRex]

I just got this one. Not much use yet but did a little write up. If you get e track on the walls you can make shift a bed pretty easy using these. Not as cool as a happijack bed but it's only a fraction of the cost and you can take it out all together without much fuss. Keep us posted!

Edit, also just depends on what you're looking to get out of it. If $ and space are no concern then obviously the toy hauler is the way to go imo. Having lived in a travel trailer full time i assure you they're all built like sh*t though.

 

[CDONA]

I have been rolling since '04, full time starting with a 40' 5th wheel/Freightliner.
Now a 28' Airstream Eddie Bauer/ Ram

With a 6 x 12 enclosed trailer for winter storage.

I would look into Arctic Fox they have a good winter insulation package, in some form of a 16 to 25' toy hauler for the minimum of livability

 

[cheez]

I have a box trailer now, we want a 5th wheel toyhauler pretty bad. I think it'd be less of an issue if both of us could ride motorcycles all the time, but she wants to be able to drive into town to go to dinner and shopping, so that means we need a 4 wheeled vehicle of some kind, and that won't also fit into the trailer if we're towing it behind an RV.

My plan is a 5th wheel toyhauler and 1 ton pickup, where I can park the toyhauler, drop the jacks, and then take the pickup into town as desired. Dedicated 12'+ garage in back with either a ramp or lift to fit at least 3-5 bikes depending on which.

Key features I need:
1. Walk-around Queen or King Bed (we're both old and have frequent nighttime restroom needs)
2. Dedicated garage area (no sharing with living spaces) as the fuel/oil smell permeates and never really goes away.
3. Auto-leveling 6 jack system
4. External lights and power hookups
5. Large pass-through style storage
6. Hard-walled shower (no shower curtains)
7. Recliners, not sofa (again, 2 adults, no children)
8. Dual A/C units (one for the bedroom too)

 

[Mario]

or you could convert a bus :teeth

There was a time that it crossed my mind and asked friends to go half and half with me. They did not agree at all with this idea :laughing

Having a second drive line to maintain in the motorhome is a pain in the ass and it's expensive.

All the ones that I saw were too high. It looked like a pain to push stuff up the ramp. In my head, a toy hauler was kinda like getting a an amphibious car. With that, you get a shitty boat and a shitty car. I'd rather keep the 6'x10' trailer for my bikes and tools and upgrade the vehicle that was pulling it with something that had the amenities that I wanted.

This crossed my mind too, with the same shortcomings too. One vehicle solution is not in my list.

I just got this one ... Having lived in a travel trailer full time i assure you they're all built like sh*t though.

I was following your build when you got your trailer! That's my concern with toy haulers that are built as travel trailers with a garage, I feel like if I drop a bike on the wall inside the trailer, it might poke through! I watched a few videos on the construction, it looks like styrofoam enclosure on a flat trailer.

For a long time I was looking at Livin' Lite, they are enclosed trailers converted to toy haulers. They looked basic inside but they were built to carry weight and last long. They don't exist anymore

I have been rolling since '04, full time starting with a 40' 5th wheel/Freightliner... I would look into Arctic Fox they have a good winter insulation package, in some form of a 16 to 25' toy hauler for the minimum of livability

And I complain about getting in trouble in tight spaces with my 6x10... I haven't looked at Arctic Fox, thanks for the suggestion

My plan is a 5th wheel toyhauler and 1 ton pickup, where I can park the toyhauler, drop the jacks, and then take the pickup into town as desired...

Key features I need: ....

This is why I still stick to two part solution (vehicle+trailer/toy hauler). Drop it and drive around town without worrying about anything.

I also need the same key features, in my house first... then I'd be happy with 1/10th of that on a trailer :laughing

---

Seems I am not off with my reasoning, thanks for the feedback. I'll see if I pull the trigger on an upgrade this year. :thumbup

 

[bikeama]

I have a Four Wheel pop up camper on my 2005 Tundra. Set up for me and the wife. Thinking about getting a small trailer. Maybe inclosed not sure, I like the lightweight of a single rail. But have a daughter in Texas and we may be there January and February next year. Having a bike would be nice on that trip.

 

[Mario]

I have a Four Wheel pop up camper on my 2005 Tundra. Set up for me and the wife. Thinking about getting a small trailer. Maybe inclosed not sure, I like the lightweight of a single rail. But have a daughter in Texas and we may be there January and February next year. Having a bike would be nice on that trip.

This is very good alternative. Where do you store it when not in use? My truck is my daily commuter and something like this will need to come off.

 

[bikeama]

This is very good alternative. Where do you store it when not in use? My truck is my daily commuter and something like this will need to come off.

Retired so I leave on full time. Used to take it off when I worked. Takes about 20 minutes to take off or put on. I have an RV spot on the side of the house so It stays there. Camper info here.

 

[Mario]

Very nice, thank you!

 

[dtrides]

We went from open trailer with a drop gate to 21.5' Toy Hauler.
Never thought I would have one but really enjoy it.
I just ride the bikes in and use Pit bull trailer restraints for a drama free experience.
I did have to upgrade my truck to a 3/4 ton to handle it ( glad I did!).
We roll in to the pits the night before, set up and relax.
This is great during race and track weekend to wake up and only minimal to do to get ready.
Our unit can carry 100 gal water so plenty for showers and cooking ( no stinky TH water for me!).
It also has a fuel tank I fill on the way to the track so no more paying track prices because my gas can ran out.
Ours is very comfy inside and having ac is heaven to step into between track sessions when it is 90+ out.
Also, now just relax after a longday with our friends instead of heading to town to stay in hotel.
Not a cheap experience but I highly recomend it.

 

[Mario]

Did you have to do any significant maintenance to it? I can imagine it is nice to have this rig at TH.

 

[dtrides]

we bought .new
However, just like a house , or a car, their will be maintenance.
I have made some upgrades, like adding a second battery, made a new larger table top, built additional shelves in some of the cabinets, replaced the stock materes with memory foam,etc.
There is always something...

 

[scratchpad]

Hey all,

I have been trailering for 8 years. I have a 6x10 aluminum trailer, I probably have 40k miles on this trailer, it has towed my bikes across country many times, I love the damn thing. But I'm not getting any younger and sometimes I wish I slept on a nice bed and have a nice shower (Hotels are an option and that's what I am doing when I don't want to rough it at the track-off-road park)

I am torn between two possible options:

- Get a bigger enclosed trailer (7x14) and build it: happijac bed, genny/solar, basic shower, porta potty, A/C unit and done.
Pros: build on aluminum frame all around, I can build as simple as I can, probably zero maintenance, will last forever.
Cons: it is quite more expensive if similarly equipped. With basic stuff, I expect to break even with a toy hauler. Lots of work to build.

- Get a toy hauler: everything is done and ready to go
Pros: fill it up with water, propane and go!
Cons: I understand build is not as sturdy as a cargo trailer, things will require more maintenance, will probably not last as long (?)

Do you have any experience to share? Anyone that owned a trailer and wished a toy hauler, or vice versa?

We did the 6x10 for 12 years at the races etc. Convenient and compact. It worked for us as we had all the camping gear. It was time to upgrade though.

2018 we finally went the New toyhauler route after looking at every other option as well. Class A, C, B, A with a garage, camper, all Aluminum ATC, you name it. I already had the truck so i decided i didnt need another fuel guzzler. Toy haulers are built with 0 craftsmanship. Its also an earthquake on wheels. It bends rattles and shakes down the road and couple that with poor quality and itll require something within time.

Mine was in the shop under warranty 6 or 7 times in the first year. I would drop it off after every use. Now its been pretty much good since then. It was worth it. :teeth

If you could find a clean used one about a year or two old id say thats the best way to go.

 

[dtrides]

ok if toy hauler, by quality.
Do your research. No trailer will be perfect but some are definitely better .
Get one with upgraded suspension. Or upgrade it your self ( not that expensive).
The trailer and contents will thank you.
Get the upgraded powered vent fans.
If you plan on using it in winter, look for dual pane acrylic windows ( such as Lance comes with).
Use a dehumidifier to help keep unit mold free.
I like that a lot now come with at least solar prep.
If you plan on boon-docking, having some solar to recharge your batteries is helpful.
A quite portable generator will be cheaper and lighter than a built in gen.
If you upgrade the ac with a easy start kit you can run it on 2k unit...double that if you want to also run tire warmers( or buy 2 small units).

 

[jt2]

I have been rolling since '04, full time starting with a 40' 5th wheel/Freightliner.
Now a 28' Airstream Eddie Bauer/ Ram

With a 6 x 12 enclosed trailer for winter storage.

I would look into Arctic Fox they have a good winter insulation package, in some form of a 16 to 25' toy hauler for the minimum of livability

I'm curious how the adjustment was for you downsizing to the Airstream. Love the build quality and style of the Airstream, but because of the curved walls and no popouts, it seems like they'd feel a bit cramped.

 

[CDONA]

Well yea,

My aha moment,
Watching Destination Tokyo, if I added some external piping and cables inside my rig, instant submarine.

No room for wall hanging stuff, or counterspace for lamps, vases, trophies, in any RV.
The one big plus over the 5er, no steps up to the bedroom.
I got real tired of the up/down when my back went out, glad they are gone.
Slide outs, I always worry about them not closing when I need to roll.
Smaller rig, easier to maneuver, can get too small when sick.

 

[Mario]

Mine was in the shop under warranty 6 or 7 times in the first year. I would drop it off after every use. Now its been pretty much good since then. It was worth it.

This is my fear with toy haulers!

I was looking at this one:

https://www.rvtrader.com/listing/2020-Forest-River-Flagstaff-E-Pro-E16TH-5010372802
https://forestriverinc.com/rvs/travel-trailers/flagstaff-e-pro/E16TH/4363

Bike garage size is decent, bath w/ shower, really short, 18ft overall, I can park in driveway. Ideal size for me and quite well equipped. But then I watched a video on how these things are made, they really look flimsy. Having no experience on this, I am very hesitant to go this route.


youtu.be/Bc4TQ2J-IGs

I am comparing this toy hauler to another ATC trailer I am considering:

http://www.aluminumtrailer.com/aluminum-motorcycle-trailer

This thing is a solid aluminum frame box with skin around. Obviously this needs a bunch of stuff built inside, no different than what I have done on my 6x10: insulation, solar power, batteries, porta potty.

Cost of fully furnished toy hauler: $20k
Cost of empty smaller ATC trailer: $13k