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  • What Is A Toy Hauler? All You Need To Know About RV Toy Haulers

What Is A Toy Hauler? All You Need To Know About RV Toy Haulers

You're someone who loves having a lot of grown-up big toys. Then if you want to camp with them, you need a toy hauler.

They are also good for people who just need extra open space in their RV. Maybe you need an elaborate office or a kid's play room. Either way, a toy hauler can fit the bill.

Let's dive into what makes a toy hauler a toy hauler.

What Is A Toy Hauler?

An RV toy hauler is the class of RV that allows you to store your adult toys inside the rig itself.

(Now get your head out of the gutter LOL.)

In other words, there is a dedicated compartment where you can stash your fun things.

Toy Hauler RV

Also called an RV with garage, styles from a small bumper pull trailer with a space to store a bike or small watercraft, up to a monster 5th wheel with room to store one or more off-road vehicles (talk about a true garage!).

The most popular ones come as trailers.

While you can get a toy hauler motorhome, as of publishing this post, only two manufacturers make them.

That said, they don't exactly offer a huge variety of floor plans.

Enough of the basics of a toy hauler camper, let's get onto the details. First up - the toy hauler motorhome.

Who Makes Toy Haulers? Which One Is The Best?

Toy Hauler Motorhomes

There are two types of motorhomes with a garage - the Class A toy hauler and the Class C toy hauler (also called a Super C toy hauler).

Both these types of RVs share similarities with their 'normal' counterparts. The main difference is that you will find a rear garage for toys in the toy hauler version.

With a Class A toy hauler, garages tend to be in the 10-foot-long range.

A Class C toy hauler is going to have a slightly shorter garage, around 8 feet long.

Because these garages take the space that otherwise would be for the living quarters, expect to find a compact version of the living quarters you'd normally find.

Motorhome Toy Hauler exterior

Class A Motorhome Toy Hauler

Consider this though - a typical Class A toy hauler is around 40 feet long. 

If the garage takes up 10 feet of this, you are left with the living quarters equivalent of a 30-foot motorhome.

Still plenty of living space.

Motorhome Toy Hauler Interiors

The chassis and living quarters of a motorhome with a garage is the same as the non-toy hauler versions.

So a Class A will be built similarly to a regular Class A motorhome (except the garage), and a Class C toy hauler will be built similarly to a regular Class C motorhome (again, except for the garage). 

See the 'normal' versions for details on the construction, layout, etc.

The garage area of a toy hauler motorhome will have a reinforced floor to carry the additional load expected to be in this area.

This floor will have a rubber covering, or other easy to clean surface.

Otherwise, the construction of the living 'box' is essentially the same as a 'regular' motorhome.

Motorhome Toy Hauler Garage

Motorhome Toy Hauler Garage

When it comes to variety, there are very few toy hauler motorhome models to choose from.

Currently, there are only three models in production - Newmar offers a single floor plan of their Canyon Star gas Class A motorhome, while Thor Motor Coach offers a couple of floor plans in their Outlaw Class C toy hauler, and a few floor plans in their Outlaw Class A toy hauler.

That's it!

Stand-Out Features Of Toy Hauler Motorhomes

While a toy hauler motorhome shares most of the features of their non-toy hauler versions, there are a few features that you will only find on the toy hauler version.

A remote fueling station is standard equipment on a motorhome with a garage.

This allows you to bring along a supply of fuel for your off-road vehicle and not have to worry about dealing with messy gas cans.

The fueling station includes a fuel tank, fuel pump, and a fuel filling nozzle.

There is either a rear or side ramp (in the rear of the coach) that allows you to load/unload your toys. 

This ramp will be rated to accept smaller off-road vehicles.

Motorhome Toy Hauler patio

Motorhome Toy Hauler Patios

The rear ramp of a toy hauler motorhome doubles as an outdoor patio. 

The ramp is held in a horizontal position, level with the interior of the RV, via cables and often supplemental ground supports.

There is a  railing system (optional or standard equipment) that you can set out to make a nice deck area.

Some toy haulers have a drop-down bed in the garage area that provides an additional sleeping area. 

When not in use, this bed electrically lifts to be against the ceiling, allowing you full use of the garage space.

How Much Does a Toy Hauler Motorhome Cost?

The retail price of a new one ranges from about $130,000 to $230,000 dollars.

Toy Hauler Motorhome Quick Stats:
  • Length: 30 to 40 feet
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6 people
  • Slide: 1 to 2
  • Gas Mileage: 6 to 10 (will vary depending on size and driving style)
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 14,500 to 26,000 pounds
  • Towing Capacity: 5,000 to 8,000 pounds
  • Retail Price: $130,000 to $230,000

*Above stats are approximate ranges just to give you a general idea

Toy Hauler Motorhome Pros and Cons:
  • Allows you to bring your toys along with you without towing a trailer
  • Garage offers a place to securely store (and keep out of weather) your toys when not in use
  • Access to the garage is available (via a door) from the main living area
  • Integrated fuel station to keep your toys gassed up
  • Garage takes away from available living space

Ultimate Guide To RV Types

Confused about the different types of RVs? Read our guide that explains the differences between the various RV styles.

RV Types

Toy Hauler Trailers

Like their conventional counterparts, a toy hauler trailer comes in two versions - the bumper pull toy hauler and the 5th wheel toy hauler.

The main difference (besides the way they attach to the tow vehicle) between these types is the garage size and cargo-carrying capacity.

A travel trailer toy hauler (bumper pull) will normally have a smaller garage area and lower weight carrying capability.

If you want the largest possible garage area, with the most possible load-carrying ability, then a 5th wheel toy hauler is what you are looking at.

The overall interior feel of a toy hauler trailer is a bit different than a conventional RV.

It has more of a man cave feel, often with 'flashy' decor that may not suit every buyer.

Plus, for some reason, it's hard to find a toy hauler manufacturer that doesn't like to put in larger, louder stereo systems in this type of RV.

Yeah, one could say they have a certain target market they are going after.

Unless you get a small trailer camper, the maximum weight limits of this style of RV means that you are more than likely going to need a heavy duty truck to tow them.

A 1/2 ton pickup just isn't going to have the tow or payload capacity for most toy hauler trailers.

Travel Trailer Toy Haulers

Travel trailer toy haulers (aka, bumper pull) come in the widest variety of sizes.

They range from a short trailer with little more than a storage area for light/small toys with a place to sleep and basic kitchen facilities (no toilet) to extravagant 38-foot rigs with all the bells and whistles. 

(Though it is our strong opinion that if you are looking at a 38-foot long toy hauler trailer, you would be MUCH better served looking at a fifth wheel toy hauler.)

Travel Trailer toy hauler

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler

The smaller trailers that have a space to put light toys are also called a sport utility trailer.

That's a more accurate representation as to what they are capable of doing. They are simply small, no-frill trailers that have a bit of space to carry around some toys. 

You'll have to unload the toys once you reach your campsite to be able to use the inside of the trailer. 

Yes, they are that small.

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Interiors

The living area will be constructed (and the same types of materials, appliances, etc) the same way as a traditional bumper pull travel trailer is.

The garage area will be the main differentiator, having a reinforced floor to carry additional weight.

The garage of a bumper pul is in the same space as your living quarters.

There is no separating wall.

Often the garage area will extend into your actual living area, allowing you to carry longer toys in a shorter amount of space.

However, you must store said toys outside when it comes time to live in your toy hauler camper.

Travel Trailer toy hauler interior no separation

No Separation Between Garage And Interior

Because there is no separation of the garage area from the living area, any smells (gas, oil, etc) that come in with your toys will be 'enjoyed' inside your living area.

On these trailers with a rear garage area, you will often find an electrically actuated bed that drops down from the ceiling.

Most times this is an additional sleeping area.

Though to save space, this can be the primary sleeping area.

The garage bed will store up out of the way against the ceiling so that you have full use of the garage area.

Toy Hauler garage bed and sofas

Garage Bed And Couches In 'Usable' Position

The garage area may come with additional seating areas in the form of jack-knife sofas (one on either side of the garage is a typical arrangement) that fold up against the wall out of the way. 

This is to allow use of the garage while giving you a place to lounge when the garage is unloaded at your campsite.

These sofas might also electrically lift up against the ceiling, freeing up space.

The smaller sport utility trailers will have a single axle (two tires) since they are lightweight and not designed to carry much cargo.

Larger toy hauler trailers that are designed to carry more weight will have dual axles (four tires).

Stand-Out Features Of Travel Trailer Toy Haulers

There are a few things that separate these RVs from 'normal' RVs.

All toy hauler trailers will have some way to get your toys inside the rig.

AKA something more than just the standard entry door.

Typically, this is a ramp at the rear of the trailer (on larger rigs) that folds down giving you easy access to the garage area.

Smaller rigs might supply a larger entry style door, giving you access to the rear of the rig (a straight shot to load items into the available area).

Rear ramp models' ramps double as an exterior patio area.

The ramp is held in a horizontal position via cables, at the same level as the interior of the trailer.

Optional (sometimes standard equipment) railings ensure you don't fall off this platform.

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler ramp open

Ramp Down

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler ramp closed

Ramp Up

There often is a screen (optional or standard equipment) that fits in the rear opening when the ramp is down.

This helps keep the bugs out while letting the breeze in.

On larger ones that have the rear opening ramp, you will find a remote fuel station that allows you to carry a supply of gas for your motorized toys.

This fuel station is composed of the fuel tank, a fuel pump, and a fuel nozzle.

Generators are available on some toy hauler trailers.

They will either be powered by propane or may run off the remote fuel station's tank.

How Much Does a Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Cost?

Since toy hauler travel trailers come in a wide variety of sizes and capabilities, their prices are all over the place.

Retail prices for a new bumper pull style will range from around $20,000 to $90,000.

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Quick Stats:
  • Length: 14 to 38 feet
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 6 people
  • Slide: 0 to 3
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 7,500 to 14,000 pounds
  • Retail Price: $20,000 to $90,000

*Above stats are approximate ranges just to give you a general idea

Travel Trailer Toy Hauler Pros and Cons:
  • Great way to bring your toys with you
  • Rear ramp may double as an outdoor patio
  • Garage area may have additional seating and/or sleeping areas
  • Larger ones have a fuel station
  • Garage area is not separated from living area
  • Must empty (and keep empty) garage if you want full use of living space
  • Larger ones require a heavy duty truck to pull

5th Wheel Toy Haulers

For an RV that allows you to take your toys along with you, look no further than a fifth-wheel toy hauler. 

This ultimate RV with a garage has a traditional living layout at the front of the rig, with a separate garage in the back for your toys.

Unlike a travel trailer toy hauler, the 5th wheel version will most often have the garage area separated from the living space with a wall.

Access is often gained from two places: from the outside of the rig (separate garage entry) and from the inside of the rig via an interior door.

5th Wheel Toy Hauler front quarter

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Front

5th Wheel Toy Hauler rear quarter

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Back

Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler Interiors

Like all other toy haulers, the actual living space is very similar to its traditional counterpart (in this case, a 'normal' fifth wheel trailer).

Construction techniques, materials used, etc. are all similar in the living quarters.

The garage area is constructed differently.

It typically has a reinforced floor structure, oil-resistant flooring, and storage space you'd expect to see in an actual garage.

Traditionally, the garage area of a 5th wheel toy hauler is accessed via a ramp that makes up the back wall of the RV.

This ramp comes down to the ground, allowing easy access to the garage area for your toys.

It is quite common to have an electrically operated bed that comes down from the ceiling (its stored position), that acts as another sleeping area. 

Some models offer two beds in this position, both coming down from the ceiling, forming a RV loft mattress arrangement.

5th Wheel Toy Hauler garage

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Garage

It's also common to find additional seating in the garage area.

This seating can be used after unloading your toys.

This seating will either be a jack knife sofa arrangement that folds up against the sides of the garage.

Some sofas electrically lift against the ceiling. 

This frees up the area to transport toys or freestanding furniture that can be moved into the living area while traveling.

Or a combination of both.

Shorter fifth-wheel models will have dual axles (four tires), while the longer rigs capable of carrying more weight, will have triple axles (6 tires).

Stand-Out Features Of 5th Wheel Toy Haulers

While a 5th-wheel toy hauler shares a lot in common with a traditional 5th wheel (namely the living area), there are some key differences.

The aforementioned rear ramp is a dead giveaway that the fifth wheel you are looking at is a toy hauler.

In addition to being used to get toys in/out of the RV, this ramp can also be placed in a horizontal position being held by cables. This allows for a patio area.

Toy Hauler Patio

Toy Hauler Ramp As Patio

Railings are frequently available to go around this patio area, making it a safer place to hang out.

There may also be a screen that covers the rear opening when the ramp is down.

Obviously, this keeps bugs out.

When you bring your motorized toys along with you, you need a way to put fuel into them.

Most fifth wheel haulers have a remote fueling station that has a fuel tank, fuel pump, and fuel fill nozzle.

Generators that power the 120-volt appliances (air conditioner, microwave, etc.) are common in this style of RVs with garages. Propane and gas generators are available.

How Much Does a Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler Cost?

Basic (shorter, not so fancy) fifth wheel toy haulers start around a $35,000 retail price for a new RV.

The long, fancy rigs can cost upwards of $170,000 for a custom RV.

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Quick Stats:
  • Length: 31 to 45 feet
  • Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8 people
  • Slide: 0 to 3
  • Gross Vehicle Weight: 11,000 to 24,000 pounds
  • Retail Price: $35,000 to $170,000

*Above stats are approximate ranges just to give you a general idea

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Pros and Cons:
  • Garage frequently is walled off from living area
  • Keep your toys inside while not using them
  • Separate fuel station
  • Additional sleeping and seating areas in garage area (requires toys to be outside)
  • In order to use garage sleeping and seating areas, toys have to be left outside
  • Most require large, heavy duty truck to tow

Conclusion

There you have it! The answer to the question 'What is a toy hauler?'

These RVs are versatile, with the ability to carry quite a load with the larger rigs, and a place to stash your outdoor toys on smaller rigs.

If you are the type that loves to go to the sand dunes, take your ATV out on the weekends, need to haul your motorcycles with you when you go camping, or just want a large open space to stash stuff, a toy hauler RV may be right up your alley.

Check out the other types of RVs to see if there is a more suitable style for the way you camp if these campers aren't your thing.

But for those that want to take your toys with you on the great camping adventure, a toy hauler is an excellent option.

  • Want to know what a used toy hauler costs? Learn about NADA used RV values to find out what you should pay for a used rig.
Marshall Headshot

As the co-founder of Camp Addict, Marshall Wendler is a seasoned expert in the world of RVing, with years of hands-on experience living the full-time RV life in his travel trailer. From 2014 to 2020, Marshall learned the ins and outs of the lifestyle and has enjoyed sharing his knowledge and expertise with others. After a brief hiatus as a part-time RVer in 2021 and 2022, Marshall is back on the road full-time, embracing the vanlife and all the exciting possibilities it brings. He particularly enjoys the freedom and flexibility of boondocking and is excited to share his technical insights with the Camp Addict community. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the RV world, Marshall has valuable insights and information to share, and is here to help you navigate the exciting world of RVing with confidence and ease.

  • Hi, we are looking for a 40 foot fifth wheel toy hauler with a separate living room area , I don’t want the couch in the kitchen, can this be done?

    • Hey Yvonne,

      So, the thing with toy haulers is that they have trade-offs. Heck all RVs have trade-offs, but particularly toy haulers.

      As the name implies, they are designed to carry things in a garage. Which means the living space is condensed into a smaller area, even when you are looking at a 40-footer.

      I just randomly looked at the floor plans for Grand Design fifth wheel toy haulers and see that all of them have couches in the same area as the kitchen. A couple of floor plans have the option for a free standing table instead of the couch, but still in the kitchen.

      So yes, it is possible to get a toy hauler without a couch in the kitchen, but you will end up with some sort of seating area in the kitchen area.

      Most toy haulers will come with fold-down couches in the garage area.

      I assume that you want to actually bring toys with you since you are looking at toy haulers. If you want the separate spaces afforded by toy haulers, to use as an actual living area, then you can do that as well. Rip out the couch in the kitchen area. Put something else there. Put your couch in the garage. Separate living spaces! But no usable garage.

  • Thank you so much for all of this information! I am excited to pour over it!

    Any specific 5th wheel toy haulers you would recommend?

    • Hi Anna,

      Glad you have found Camp Addict to be useful!

      You can check out the ‘best toy hauler manufacturers’ section of our Best RV Brands post to get an idea where you might want to look.

      Best of luck with your toy hauler search!

  • We are newly retired with a Can Am Spyder 3 wheeler that we want to take with us. Not wanting the conventional toy hauler, Forrest River’s Riverstone 39FKTH with the garage under the bedroom checks all the boxes for us and so far is the only one with a wide enough door to accomadate the Spyder. Our question,
    is this is not a brand on your list so we are hoping you will have some insights on quality. We do plan on staying out 2-3 months at a time with limited boondocking.

    • Hey Jeff,

      Holy cow, that is one long toy hauler!

      Forest River isn’t known for their quality. You may want to joint the RV Consumer Group and learn a bit about what makes a quality RV and what the ratings are for the particular rigs (including this one) that you are looking at.

      Good news is that if you are only going out 2-3 months at a time, you aren’t full-timing in it. So if something should happen and it needs to be in the shop indefinitely (yes, this happens frequently when rigs go in for repair), you won’t be stuck without a place to live.

      I’m assuming you’ve looked at the Grand Design Momentum 376THS and it’s garage isn’t wide enough for the Spyder? That would be a smarter brand to go with, IMHO.

      Best of luck with your newly retired journey. You should have a blast!

  • Love our Grand Design Momentum 399TH. Has the rear ramp/patio, but also the one on the side, which we use almost every day.

    • Oooh, that’s one of the best features if you ask me! I don’t do toys, so no need for a TH, but a PORCH sounds so dreamy! Glad you enjoy yours and thanks for telling us about yours. : )

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