The Ultimate Toy Hauler Guide & A Few of Our Favorites

Last Updated on March 18, 2024 by Christina

RVs allow you to travel without worrying about finding a place to stay. You carry the comforts of home wherever you go. A toy hauler is a type of RV or camping trailer that is designed to haul recreational and sporting toys, such as snowmobiles, ATVs, dirt bikes and more. Whether you want to pack up kayaks for an intense paddle down the river or you want to bring a golf cart to your campsite, a toy hauler is perfect for you.

A toy hauler combines the best qualities of an equipment hauler and a mobile living space into one package. There are many types of toy haulers including motorhome and travel trailer options. These RVs are perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enjoy everything Mother Nature has to offer.

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What is a toy hauler?

Toy haulers are RVs that have dedicated storage space for large recreational toys. Fifth wheels and travel trailers are the most common types of RV toy haulers on the market, but there are a couple motorhome options available. Toy hauler motorhomes are usually Class A or Class C RVs with built-in garages.

Regardless of the RV class, a toy hauler RV features a living area and a garage space that allows you to load and unload your toys. Typically, these RVs are set up like a traditional fifth wheel or travel trailer, but the back is open and ready to welcome large items like a four-wheeler, motorcycles, kayaks and whatever other outdoor equipment you might want. The rear wall of the trailer opens up and folds down into a ramp for easy loading. The cargo space usually comes with D-rings to strap in your gear, along with furniture that is attached to the walls and folds up to increase storage space.

Toy haulers come in all shapes and sizes. Some have small living areas with large cargo space, while others have huge living areas and a smaller cargo capacity. These types of RVs are heavier than others.

What are the primary differences between fifth wheels, travel trailers and toy haulers?

Toy haulers can come in both fifth wheel and travel trailer options. The biggest difference between toy haulers and other RVs is the dedicated garage space, but there are other amenities that may influence your RV experience.

Fifth Wheel

Fifth wheels are split-level RVs that must be towed by a truck with a special hitch. A fifth wheel will usually have a living space or bunk area on the lower level and a private bedroom that hangs over the truck bed. They are some of the largest travel trailers available. They’re often used by full-time RVers because of the luxurious living space. Fifth wheels can have multiple slide-outs, outdoor kitchens, interior kitchens, bathrooms and a dedicated entertaining area. Most can sleep up to eight people.

Fifth wheels connect with a U-shaped coupling mounted in a truck bed, which makes them easier to tow. Due to their size, you will need a large tow vehicle. Half-ton trucks like the Ford F-150 or the Toyota Tundra with large towing capacities are great options. Remember to double-check your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity before you tow.

If toy haulers are the king of storage, then the fifth wheel is the prince. Compared to travel trailers, a fifth wheel has a massive amount of storage. Fifth wheels have huge, pass-through storage bays that are able to accommodate long items like kayaks, surfboards and paddles.

Travel Trailer

Travel trailers come in many different shapes and sizes, from tiny models that are capable of being towed by small trucks and SUVs to massive luxury living spaces on wheels. They can come in a wide range of lengths – from 12 to 35 feet, but are typically smaller than your average toy hauler. Travel trailers are significantly lighter than toy haulers. Travel trailers tend to weigh between 2,500 and 7,000 pounds while the average toy hauler weighs 7,600 pounds. Depending on the size, you can tow a travel trailer with a small SUV or a light pickup. The dry weight for the average toy hauler is around 10,000 pounds.

Travel trailers are some of the most popular options for young families and first-time RV owners because they are often a more affordable choice. Prices often range from $10,000 to $200,000, but the average cost sits between $20,000 and $50,000. In comparison, toy haulers are more expensive, but they also offer more amenities compared to most travel trailers.

How big are toy haulers?

Toy haulers can vary in size; it all depends on how much storage and space you need. The standard width of a toy hauler is between 7.5 to 8 feet wide and around 13 feet tall, in order to stay within federal and various state guidelines for travel vehicles. The biggest difference with toy haulers is the length of the vehicle. There are small models that sit at less than 15 feet long and large models that can be over 48 feet long. The majority of toy haulers sit in a medium range at around 30 to 40 feet.

Toy haulers are built on a sturdier frame and are therefore much heavier than other RVs on the market. Toy hauler weight ranges from 3,600 to 11,400 pounds when empty. These are RVs designed to carry heavy cargo. On average, they can carry upwards of 10,000 pounds of cargo.

Is a toy hauler easy to tow?

When properly set up, towing a toy hauler is as easy as towing any other RV. In order to properly tow a toy hauler, you need a few essentials. The first is a vehicle and a hitch that can support the full weight of your toy hauler. Make sure you know how much your toy hauler weighs while fully loaded, including all your toys, liquids and gear (also known as the gross weight). Because toy haulers tend to be larger and heavier RVs, you’ll need a truck with a high tow capacity. Before purchasing an RV, check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) for the toy hauler and compare it to your truck’s towing capacity. If the GVWR is heavier than the towing capacity, you will either need a bigger truck or a smaller RV.

Practice driving, turning, parking and backing up before you go on your first trip if you are new to RVing. If you plan to bring toys, load them up into your RV before you start practicing so you can get a better feel for the total weight of your RV while driving.

Where can you go camping in a toy hauler?

Due to their on-board features and amenities, toy haulers are especially great for anyone interested in boondocking. When figuring out which toy hauler is best for your unique boondocking needs, be sure and ask yourself these two questions: How many days do I ideally want to boondock for? What types of places do I want to boondock in? Answering these questions will help you figure out things like the overall size, ground clearance and tank capacity.

Who are typical toy hauler owners?

Toy haulers are the best option for adventure seekers. Their built-in garage areas allow outdoor enthusiasts the ability to take their favorite toys to camp, while still enjoying a comfortable living space. From professionals to hobbyists, travelers of all kinds are finding toy haulers to be the ideal mix of form and function.

Toy haulers are perfect for people who like to adventure with a lot of gear. They are spacious enough to hold motorized toys like ATVs, dirt bikes, side-by-sides, snowmobiles and jet skis. They are also perfect for kayaks, surfboards, paddleboards, bicycles, snowboards, hunting equipment and more.

Many people choose to purchase a toy hauler for full-time RV living. Modern models are often suited to living year-round. Full-timers who don’t travel with toys often turn their garage into an office so they can work remotely.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of owning a toy hauler?

Popular among outdoor enthusiasts, toy haulers make it easy to take the whole family camping in comfort. Outfitted with numerous amenities and features, these RVs quickly become your home away from home.

Advantages of owning a toy hauler

Easily Transport Cargo

A toy hauler is much more secure for hauling your power sports vehicle or other valuables than an open-bed trailer. When you travel with a toy hauler, your gear is protected from rain, snow and mud. Garages are typically between 10 to 14 feet long which means you have plenty of space for most toys.

Versatile Vehicle

People use toy haulers for all kinds of purposes. In addition to hauling your off-road toys, you can use it as a mobile workshop, art studio, office and more. The garage can be transformed into whatever you need it to be. Your imagination is the only limit.

Less Vehicle Maintenance

When you purchase a motorhome, such as a Class A, B or C, you commit to upkeep on a second motorized vehicle. This means double the oil changes, fluid flushes and general vehicle upkeep. With a toy hauler, you only need to perform maintenance on your truck towing the RV. While there are still some maintenance tasks associated with owning a toy hauler, such as replacing tires as needed and keeping moving parts lubricated, there is far less maintenance than a traditional motorhome.

Durable and Easy-to-Clean Garage

The garage of a toy hauler will have a reinforced floor to carry the additional load. It will also have a rubber covering or other easy-to-clean surface. The garage can operate as a mud room for kids or pets so they can clean up before heading into the primary living space.

Disadvantages of owning a toy hauler

Requires a Capable Vehicle

Normally, it doesn’t matter what size your personal vehicle is. For example, you can drive a small Toyota Corolla as your daily commuter. However, when you choose a toy hauler, you will need to ensure you have a truck capable of towing the RV. Toy haulers require a heavy-duty truck that can not only handle the weight of the RV but can also safely stop it. If you don’t already own the right vehicle, this can require a second investment.

Limited Passenger Space During Travel

When you are towing a toy hauler, you will be separated from your living space. It is legal to ride in the back of a motorhome, but the rules are different for towed RVs. Currently, 23 states allow passengers to ride inside a toy hauler while driving, but each state has its own safety requirements and conditions. Even if it is legal in some states, this does not mean it is always safe. Additionally, if you cross into a state that does not allow passengers to remain in toy haulers, all passengers must ride in the main vehicle.

Less Interior Living Space

Compared to fifth wheels and travel trailers, toy haulers have less livable interior space, unless you plan to convert the cargo area. While you can enjoy the bountiful storage, you’re living space is smaller compared to other large RVs on the market.

Needs Ample Storage Space

When you aren’t using your toy hauler, you will need to find a place to store it. Unlike a small camper van or pop-up trailer, toy haulers take up a decent amount of room. If you don’t have the space at home, this might require renting a storage unit or RV storage space during the off-season.

How much do toy haulers cost?

A toy hauler can cost between $20,000 to upwards of $100,000. Some luxury models can cost as much as $250,000. Prices vary depending on amenities, size, brand and even the time of year it was purchased. There are many models that are basic and designed to appeal to tradesmen and construction workers who want the comforts of home, but don’t necessarily care to pay extra for leather furniture and hot tubs.

A toy hauler typically sits on the more expensive side because it is built on a sturdier frame and often provides more amenities. Luxury models are worth the investment if you plan to live in your toy hauler full-time.

Another factor to consider is storing your RV when it’s not in use. If you do not have the space to store your RV on your property, you’ll likely need to rent space from a storage facility. On average, it costs between $50 to $200 per month to store an RV, with the actual cost influenced by various factors. The average cost to store an RV indoors is roughly $135 a month, according to Sparefoot, a self-storage marketplace. Naturally, the size of an RV can greatly influence the cost to store it.

Financial options for purchasing a toy hauler

A number of financial options are available when it comes to purchasing your toy hauler. While some may pay in cash, most will finance their RV over the course of many months. Monthly payments can be reduced by providing a large down payment at purchase. This could also help secure a lower interest rate, leading to even more savings in the long-term. Many RV dealers and banks offer great financing options.

Creating an RV budget will help you stay within your financial boundaries and help narrow your toy hauler RV search. Be sure to also include parts or accessory upgrades, regular preventative maintenance and RV insurance in your budget. You will also need to account for storage costs if you are unable to store your toy hauler on your property when not in use. RVing is growing in popularity at an exponential rate because it can be enjoyed on nearly any budget. Read about some ways to save money while RVing and stretch your dollars so you can enjoy more adventures.

What’s the best toy hauler for me?

With superior storage, amenities and durability compared to other RVs, toy haulers are popular choice for travelers who prioritize the outdoors. The dedicated garage space is perfect for adventurers and thrill seekers who need extra gear while camping. If you’re looking for a true home-on-wheels, a toy hauler is probably your best choice.

Next to your home, an RV is most likely the second-most expensive item you’ll ever purchase. If you’re looking for an RV that’s spacious enough for the entire family, you’ll definitely want to check out the best toy haulers General RV has to offer.

Before you buy: 7 Best Toy Haulers at General RV

Alliance RV Valor toy hauler

The Alliance RV Valor toy hauler is the benchmark for luxury toy haulers. The Valor line is packed with adventure-ready equipment for the extreme journey and all the proven quality you can expect from an Alliance RV. With multiple floor plans, there is something for everyone. Whether you want a 10-foot garage space or a 20-foot garage space, Alliance has you covered. Travel trailer and fifth wheel options are available.

Valor is made to be adventure ready. The garages are built with a weather-resistant ramp, many floorplans are equipped with air compressors and outdoor hoses to keep your equipment clean. Stay cool all summer long, thanks to the efficient and effective A/C system that produces great cooling power with the least amount of ductwork.

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Best Toy Haulers of 2024

Grand Design Momentum MAV 22MAV fifth wheel

The Momentum MAV toy hauler travel trailers by Grand Design are designed to provide exactly what you need. The spacious garage provides tons of cargo space, with no wheel wells to get in the way. Motion sensor lights and USB outlets will make your life easier, and you will be comfortable in all seasons with the 35K BTU furnace plus 15K BTU ducted air conditioning. Relax on the rollover sofa with a table, and the top bed will be perfect for your guests to sleep on. The front queen Murphy bed includes drawers to store clothes, plus overhead storage for personal belongings. This model also includes a patio with a pull down screen to let fresh air in without letting the bugs in!

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Brinkley Model G 3950 fifth wheel

Introducing the Brinkley Model G, developed & tested by RVers to create a toy hauler without compromise. The first fifth wheel toy hauler from Brinkley is the culmination of decades of experience, countless hours of research and development, and feedback from customers and fellow RVers.

With one virtual prototype and three physical prototypes, the Model G has been put through its paces, traveling thousands of miles and undergoing dozens of tests. The result is a high-quality RV that is both luxurious and functional, and perfect for any adventure. The 2024 Brinkley Model G line is a true luxury fifth-wheel toy hauler. The G line is packed with intelligently designed features, an automotive exterior and a true residential interior that’s unmatched.

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Keystone Fuzion toy hauler

Keystone’s Fuzion brings heart-pumping styling, pioneering floorplans and the best RV garages for power sports enthusiasts. Whether you’re hauling dirt bikes, ATVs, motorcycles or golf carts, Fuzion’s frame-welded, Adjust-A-Track tie-downs feature 38 points to fully secure the widest range of vehicles. Models offer open-concept floorplans with cross-conversational seating, six-point hydraulic leveling, iN-Command smart RV control system, zero-gravity ramp doors and three air conditioners to keep things cool.

The interior is sleek and stylish with topstitched leather seating. The seamless interior features light countertops, subway tile backsplash and Fuzion’s durable stained cabinets. In addition to the luxurious interior, this toy hauler comes with an easy-to-set-up patio system with lightweight railing and ramps expanding your entertainment experience.

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Keystone Outback toy hauler

The Outback toy hauler travel trailer offers a versatile front cargo area with a side loading ramp. These models are perfect for carrying motorcycles, quads, golf carts and much more. The main living and kitchen area offers two slides for more interior space, a kitchen island with skylight above, plus a pantry, a booth dinette and sofa sleeper.

With any Outback travel trailer and toy hauler by Keystone, the Norco BAL frame is lightweight and corrosion-resistant and the huck-bolt assembly provides an extra measure of rugged durability. Also included is the BAL Norco 5.1 stabilizing system, leaf spring suspension system, color-coded unified wiring, Tru-fit slide construction and the Elements climate control allowing you to extend your camping season and combat humidity.

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Forest River Wildwood FSX toy hauler

Forest River’s Wildwood FSX is filled with all the comforts of home to give you a pleasant camping experience. All models are 7 feet, 6 inches feet wide with a full interior stand up height. They are designed with a seamless one-piece roof and an aerodynamic radius front profile for fuel efficiency. The combined features create a quality, lightweight RV perfect for adventure. The Forest River Wildwood FSX travel trailer and toy haulers are easy to tow and easy to love.

The main living area will feel more like home with a fireplace. The full kitchen will allow you to prepare meals for your whole group. If you enjoy cooking outdoors then you will love the outdoor griddle and refrigerator, plus there is a power awning here for shade. After unloading the garage, the space can easily be converted to a patio, garage or guest bedroom.

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Coachmen Adrenaline toy hauler

Backed by more than 50 years of RV manufacturing, Coachmen’s all-new Adrenaline toy hauler lineup is designed for today’s outdoor enthusiast. These lightweight, half-ton towable toy haulers are constructed utilizing the most advanced manufacturing methods. They are designed and constructed to be affordable and functional.

Adrenaline is a versatile toy hauler RV that offers it all – a relaxing home base for weekend getaways or family trips cross country. With a massive garage, you can store all of your essentials. The rear ramp door makes it easy to load everything from dirt bikes to golf carts. The garage space also includes plenty of seating and even a TV. After you’re done with an adventure, kick back and relax in the cozy living space.

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Is a toy hauler worth it?

If you already own a truck that is capable of towing a heavy load, a toy hauler could be an affordable entry into RV ownership. Additionally, if you like to vacation with a lot of toys, it is a safer and easier travel option. Another advantage of towable RVs is that you only have one vehicle engine to maintain, compared to a Class A or Class C motorhome with a tow car.

Owning an RV can lead to significant savings compared to the costs of a typical vacation with flights, rental cars, accommodations and meals. However, toy haulers, like any RV, also come with long-term maintenance costs, storage fees and other expenses to consider.

Finally, choosing the right RV comes down to meeting all of your needs, including price points. General RV’s experts can answer all your questions and provide recommendations based on your unique needs. Visit your local General RV Dealer to explore our huge selection of toy haulers for yourself. We have thousands of toy haulers in stock, including all the best brands from top manufacturers. After you’ve found the perfect RV, we’ll provide a personalized orientation to get you on the road with confidence.