Why is it when I look at 2 comperable trailers ones a toy hauler and ones a TT, the toy hauler is so much more money? Are they built stronger to haul the dirtbikes and stuff? It almost seems worth buying a TT and adding a door to the back. Am I missing something?

 

I think the biggest reason is the Toyhaulers popularity right now. In Washington,the dealers can't keep them on the lots.

The THs usually have a higher payload than a similar trailer,that leads me to believe they are built stouter.

Unless you know how to return the trailers structural integrity to what it was,I don't think I'd be cutting a door in a TT.

 

Do be aware that TO MUCH weight in the rear of the trailer can make a trailer SQUIRLY

 

I was just curious, cant really swing 20k for something im guna use 4 times a year anyway. Guess I'll just stick with my 7x12.......LOL

 

Where the difference in price is huge is when you jump up to larger 5th wheels. The 35'+ 5th wheel toyhaulers can easily cost more than $50k with $70k common with nicer 40' models.

 

The TH frames are MUCH more beefy, but the downside is a TH of comparable length will more than a TT. Just check the empty weights on the NADA website, you'll be amazed.

Also, the master bedrooms in the older THs usually aren't as nice/big as those in TTs (figure in the wife factor). That said, we have sure enjoyed the two we've owned. The versatility is amazing and having ATVs and dirt bikes along really enhances the camping experience. I won't be going back to a TT anytime soon. Better re-sale value too.

 

TH's are definately built stronger than standard TT's. They need to handle the added weight of your toys and accessories (tools, fuel/fuel station), are made to be taken off road (within reason of course) and have much better capacities for dry camping(IE: water and holding.) and most have a genset. They cost more but IMO are worth the extra $$$

 

My brother sells both and this is how I see it.The travel trailer is a bit nicer for living in and is cheaper but the toy hauler has a lot beefier frame and brakes and axles.They usualy have a generator,100 gal water,a gas station,electric crank down beds in the rear,a well built ramp,a sturdier structure,are much taller in the rear and I am sure there is a few other things.
Seems like they are around close to $10,000 more for a simular lenght but are built a lot stronger.Travel trailers are built with 2x2s and opening up the rear would cause the thing to fold.Travel trailer are built real cheap where as toy hauler are purposely built to haul weight.
I am in the same boat.$15,000 doesn't seem too bad but $27,000 is a bit steep for a toyhaulerand the're not as nice as a travel trailer as far as living accomadations.

 

I agree with most of the comments already made. The TH is built much stronger to handle the extra weight of the toys. I love my TH. 120 gallon freshwater holding tanks, 40 black, 40 gray....and a 28 gallon fueling station for ATVs, Dirtbikes or whatever. Not bad for a 30ft travel trailer TH, imo.


My suggestion... Buy a good clean USED toyhauler and save money, over new. I believe they will hold their value very well over time. If you don't need it to haul "Toys" now.....you never know when you might in the future.

..

 

We have full sized motorcycles, so when we started looking into toyhaulers we started looking at small ones, 15'. But as I thought about how I was going to use my trailer, I couldn't see unloading the bikes, pulling down the bed or squeezing around my bikes and making up the kitchen table if we just stopped over for the night. So the trailers we looked at got bigger and bigger. Finally at 29' we found one that had a sealed off garage area in the back. I'm we glad we bought that one because all it takes is a drop or 2 of gas to make your whole trailer smell! But with the sealed off area, the gas fumes stay in the back and the rest of the trailer is usable without unloaded or airing out. Once we get to our destination, the bikes get unloaded and we turn the back area into a living room Now I'm thinking about looking into a custom screenroom for the back that uses the ramp as the floor.

Oh ya, bought the trailer first, then I was able to justify the diesel

 

I've seen some pretty decent looking toy-haulers that are made out of cargo trailers, not as expensive as the camper-toy-haulers but still very functional. Try a RVTraderOnline search for toy haulers and look for 'work and play' trailers, believe they are made by Forest River. One thing to remember is that Toy-Haulers tend to be tounge heavy if not loaded in the rear.

DuaneW.

 

CamperDave is spot on with regards to the separate garage. Unless you are hauling a sand rail or something else that is very long, the separate garage is the only way to go. I've got a 36' Raptor with a 12' garage. And love it. In addition to his comments about fumes etc, should you pull in to a camp area late you don't need to unload your toys to still use your living area.

 

What did you settle on? Brand wise?

 

LOL......im sure you do love it. im not looking a spend 60k though.

 

We happened upon a Salem LE 29 FBSRV (mfg by Forest River). It was at the last dealer we were going to look. It had been used once, and brought back to buy a 5th wheel. The Work and Play's were nice, but out of my price range.

Duane is right, without a load in the back they are tongue heavy. We figured for our first trip we wouldn't take the bikes, just go for a weekend run. We could really feel it. After thinking about it, we moved all the gear that was in the front storage to the back for the trip home and it made quite a differance. With the 2 bikes in back it rides the best!