Trackday Rig

[carotte]

Hi team,

So I'm just getting back into the regular trackday shenanigans after a few years off (used to race, no plans on getting back into it). This past weekend up at ORP, Joe @4theRiders was super amazing and let me stay with him in his RV and that got me thinking...why don't I get a Toy Hauler?!

After touring the paddock and thinking about it more and more, I'm kind of convinced that this is the route to go for me. I don't think I want a separate RV as a vehicle, but a toy hauler I can attach to a truck (truck would be a DD) - now that could work out.

Problem is, I have a 2008 Ridgeline that can't really tow for shit and I have almost next to zero knowledge on the toy hauler/trailer world. After digging around it looks like the recommendation is to go with a heavy duty truck.

Regular occupants of the trailer would be me, the lady, and our 70lb dog + probably a friend, maybe 2. So I don't plan on sleeping a family of 10.

Would have 2-3 bikes to bring to the track - so obviously a garage for the bikes + tools + gear + spare tires is a must.

Questions are:
1) Between a 2015 or 2016 F250, GMC 2500, RAM 2500 - what's the way to go?
2) Is Diesel a must for these more modern trucks? 2015+ --- it seems like gas engines are getting pretty good these days and diesel upkeep costs are quite high.
3) Are there any particular brands of haulers to get? Keystone seems to be the one popping up the most in the "toy hauler" category.
4) Are there any protips regarding ownership of these things? I've only ever had a 15 foot enclosed trailer, that was bare bones, no bells and whistles. Toy haulers seem far more complicated.

I apologize for my abundant ignorance in this domain. Any help would be appreciated, thank you! Also share pics and your rig's setup if you've got them! Would love some inspiration.

 

[wstick1]

I'm running a 2017 Keystone Raptor 355TS behind a 2015 F-250. It's a 39 foot overall length, 2 axle, 5th wheel Toy Hauler which is much better for towing than a bumper pull. The 6.7 Powerstroke Diesel pulls it easily. I wouldn't trade the engine for gas. Only thing I would do different is get the F-350 for the beefier rear suspension, but I installed air bags which take care of that.
The trailer has a bedroom up front for the wife and I, and the garage is separated, which she really likes. No gas/manly smells in the living area. Garage has 2 drop down queen beds and a half bath for your moochers friends. :laughing
The Momentums are nice also.
There is a learning curve to ownership, but not crazy. Biggest thing is that, like a house, there is always little things that need maintaining/repairing.
Good Luck!

 

[kcfcycle]

I'll answer a few of your questions.

I got a baby toy hauler last year. It's a 19ft (23ft tongue to tail) Catalina Trailblazer. Weighs 4,300 lbs dry, and is easily towable using a 1/4 ton pick-up.

I tow it with a 2008 Nissan Titan that is rated to pull ~9000 lbs. It does a great job. I can easily pass on the highway. It is a bit slow up the Grapevine here in CA, or the steeper passes in southern Oregon...but otherwise can easily do 80+ mph if you want it to.

Two bikes fit in the back with no problem, three would be tight. I regularly sleep in it while loaded up during multi-day drives to far off tracks.

The big thing you miss with these smaller toy haulers is less storage space, and no onboard generator. However you still have the bed of the truck for storage, so I'm still able to bring plenty of wheels/tires/parts/supplies.

The pluses are that you don't need a big truck, and it's small enough to pull into pretty much any gas station/restaurant/ residential area without having to worry about getting stuck.

It's usually my wife, son, and me. Has plenty of space for the three of us. I absolutely love this thing. I have to give tours of it every trackday because people are always interested in these smaller ones.

https://coachmenrv.com/toy-haulers/catalina-trail-blazer/19TH/3867

 

[cheez]

I'm doing the same kind of looking right now. My selections are a Ram 3500 with the AISIN transmission for towing a 5th wheel trailer like the Keystone Raptor mentioned above. I've looked at Raptors, Genesis Vortex, Forest River XLR, etc. but the requirements for us are straightforward- walk-around queen bed or larger, separate living quarters and garage, and 12' garage length.

 

[Biga]

My setup cost me $14000 5 years ago and I'm ready to step-up.
2000 F250 Diesel $4000
2012 Work and Play toy hauler $9000
It fits 3 bikes with all the tools generators and gear, and sleeps 4 people.
It has central heat and AC with full bathroom and kitchen.
The fresh water tank holds 40 gallons and the grey and black tanks 20 each.
It's been great! I could not have asked for more with the budget I had, but at the end of the season it will be up for sale.

 

[kcfcycle]

I was going to ask how the hell you got an F-250 that is in any kind of usable condition for $4k....then I saw you were in TX.

 

[self_moto]

It's been great! I could not have asked for more with the budget I had, but at the end of the season it will be up for sale.

calling dibs on toy hauler!