So I've been shopping for a toy hauler (for about 5 years) and I think I'm ready to finally pull the trigger. Before I do, I was curious to hear stories from the people who have them and lessons learned or things you wished you had thought about up front. I've researched truck towing capability, brake controllers, load leveling hitches, RV brand quality and reputation, and many other things. I have a Honda 3000 generator, and it looks like I'll need a bigger one to run A/C and tire warmers at the same time. I'm leaning, I just need that final little push that this really is a good idea.
It's not. Seriously - if your primary purpose for it is racing/track time then get yourself a quality cargo trailer and add the amenities such as roof a/c. Toyhaulers are close to boats in the 'set your money on fire' factor. Sold my Weekend Warrior at a great loss after three years because a hidden leak ended up destroying the floor. Not to mention the wheel bearing that failed on the way to a race, electrical issues, excessive fuel costs, extra fees for hookups, etc etc.
I have a livin lite (aka vrv, atc etc) and love it. All aluminum so no chance of water damage. It's light as hell, tows well, and it's so nice to wake up and shower in your own place. Www.livinlite.com
Did you buy new? I'm looking at a used one so the initial depreciation is already gone. I am using it for the track, but I want to use it for camping also. I sleep in my current cargo trailer on a cot in certain situations. I was looking at buying a 8x20 trailer and building one with a/c and stuff, but I'd have just as much in it as a used toy hauler.
I bought it pre owned. I also had been using a converted cargo trailer that had a/c and adding beds and a bathroom the way I wanted to was just going to push the price too high. I found a 2010 model livin lite 8.5x16 and jumped on it.
I've heard stories like that, but the model I'm looking at is a highly reviewed company that is still in business. I'm more worried about the headache of dealing with it. I've tried to consider the towing mpg, the hookup fees, maintenance, but I'm trying to make sure there isn't something important I haven't considered.
could you give me a hint of a price to expect to pay for a good used one like that, they look very cool
Do you make it to Bham at all? I could walk you through mine (a 5er) and show you what I changed, and the good and bad, +initial things to buy you dont think about.
If I could find one of these in a fifth wheel, I'd be all over it. http://www.trailersforsale.com/Campmaster_Page.htm Unlike an RV, they're built. I've never heard a bad word about 'em. Simple, basic. They're vehicle haulers first, w/ separately installed living quarters that aren't trying to emulate the North Fork Ranch in Dallas while giving you a closet for a garage.
Sure... they are a pain in the ass and are certainly money pits. That said, I absolutely love mine. I bought new in 2012 (newly released 2013 model) to ensure that I was getting exactly what I wanted. A front bedroom was a big deal for me. I did enough research up front so that I knew exactly what I wanted, and this helped with any potential buyer's remorse after the fact. I was happy to pay a premium to get what I wanted versus saving a few thousand dollars and wishing I had X, and Y was different, etc. I cannot overstate how nice it is to have a toyhauler after a day at the track. Most of the rounds I do are double-headers. Add in a trackday, and that's 3 days of riding. I typically get to the track the day before, so most race weekends for me are 4 days. It's awesome to get off the track, hop in the shower, blast the A/C or heater (depends on the season), get my music going, start heating up a frozen pizza in the microwave, crack open a beer(s). At night, I can lay in bed watching TV or reading my book. It's super quiet, and I have a nice-sized bed to lay out on. I can take pre-race nervous dumps all the way up until 2nd call. I always keep it super clean, and I take care of any and all issues immediately. This keeps everything manageable. I had a few issues when I first bought the unit, but everything was covered under warranty and fixed by the dealer. The trailer stays under a cover when it isn't being used, and I swear it looks brand-new even after nearly 3 seasons of pretty regular use. Anyway, I say go for it! I started building an enclosed trailer and even had a deposit on one. After all was said and done, I ended up spending a few thousand dollars more for a brand-new toyhauler, and I haven't looked back.
Greenhound386...That's a nice hauler... And one I looked strongly at... but could not find on the east coast...maybe I didn't look hard enough .
It is a Stealth SK2112. Made by Forest River. Depending on the market, the same trailer is sold as the Shockwave or the Sandstorm.