 | Medium: $12,000-$27,000 |
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 | High: $38,000-$80,000+ |
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| A toy hauler is basically an RV trailer with a garage -- a towable recreational vehicle with living quarters in the front and a cargo area in the rear, for hauling motorcycles, snowmobiles, ATVs or other sports "toys." Sometimes called a sport utility recreational vehicle, a toy hauler trailer can be a fifth-wheel trailer, which connects to a special hitch in the bed of a pickup truck. Typically the back of the cargo area folds down to create a loading ramp. Although they are less common than trailers, a few pop-up tent trailers and motorhomes are designed to haul "toys." | | |
| Typical costs: | - Toy hauler trailers can cost $12,000 -$80,000 or more, depending on size (14'-40' long) and amenities, which can range from sleeping and eating basics to all the comforts of home. Travel trailer-style toy haulers tend to be less expensive than fifth-wheel models, which are typically more luxurious.
- For example, the 21'9" travel-trailer-style 2011 Coachman Freedom Express LTZ 190BL sells for $19,000 -$27,000, weighs 7,500 pounds fully loaded and comes with two fold-down sofas in the cargo area, a free-standing table, a galley kitchen with a microwave, a bathroom with a tub/shower and a twin bed.
- The 34'-35' fifth-wheel-style 2011 Keystone Fuzion 302 sells for $38,000 -$70,000, weighs 18,730 pounds loaded, and comes with a 10' cargo area with its own entry door; a two-room living space that includes a master bedroom with queen-size bed; separate shower and toilet stalls; wall stereo; 32" flat panel television; and kitchen area with microwave, 3-burner stove top, 22" oven and 8 cubic foot refrigerator.
- Toy hauler trailers start depreciating as soon as they're driven off the dealer's lot, so a well-cared-for model that's a few years old could be 20%-30% less than its original purchase price.
What should be included: | - Other than the cargo area, toy haulers are like any other travel trailer or fifth wheel, except toy haulers often have at least one generator, a fuel station and a larger-than-average water tank. CampingEarth.com provides an overview of toy haulers.
- Riders are not allowed in the toy hauler while it's being towed. Edmunds.com explains how to tow a standard trailer and RVBasics.com lists safety tips for towing a fifth-wheel RV.
Additional costs: | - A medium- to heavy-duty pickup truck or similar tow vehicle can cost $20,000 -$50,000 or more. Towing a loaded trailer reduces the tow vehicle's fuel efficiency by at least a couple miles per gallon and could cut it by as much as half (or more). Some owners of heavy toy haulers report getting 8-10 mpg while towing.
- Adding a standard ball trailer hitch on the tow vehicle can cost $50 -$700; installing a fifth-wheel hitch can cost $500 -$2,500.
- If the trailer is wider than the tow vehicle, extended side view mirrors are legally required. These can cost $4 -$80 for models that clamp onto the existing side mirrors, or $150 -$450 for permanently installed towing mirrors that match the vehicle make and model.
- Overnight campground or RV park fees can cost $10 -$40 a night. Using a dump station to empty the toy hauler's sewage system is typically included in the overnight fee, but dumping without spending the night can cost $5 -$25.
- RV insurance premiums vary significantly depending on value, frequency of usage, location, company and driving record; get quotes before buying a specific trailer.
- Renting an RV storage space can cost $20 -$100 a month outdoors and $45 -$450 a month indoors. An RV cover can cost $50 -$1,200 or more.
Shopping for a toy hauler rv: | |
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Article updated January 2011 |
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