If you hear someone’s going camping in a “toy hauler,” it’s not necessarily Santa Claus on summer vacation. In the world of RVs, a toy hauler is a rig that combines a traditional living space with a built-in garage for your favorite outdoor gear, or “toys,” as they’re affectionately called. Toy haulers were built for adventure-seekers — think motorcycles, dirt bikes, ATVs, kayaks, or even snowmobiles.
Basically, anything too big or muddy to strap to the roof. The back of the RV folds down into a ramp, giving you an easy way to get your wheels inside the garage. But it can also double as a patio space or hangout spot once you’re parked. Inside, you’ll often find an open area with tie-downs, fuel stations, and washable flooring. But depending on the model, that space can be converted into a bedroom, a mobile office, or even a gym. There are a ton of ways to easily customize your RV’s storage, and a toy hauler offers plenty of versatility.
Many toy haulers are travel trailers or fifth-wheel trailers, though you’ll also see Class A and Class C motorhomes with toy hauler setups. These are especially popular with full-time RVers who want a multi-use space. Because of their cargo function, toy haulers tend to be longer and heavier than standard trailers. Some can stretch longer than 40 feet and require a heavy-duty truck to tow them. But for RVers who live to play while out on the road, toy haulers can be the ultimate homebase.
Is a toy hauler RV right for you?
While toy haulers are known for their garages, they’re not just for extreme sports types. Their flexible layout has made them popular among families, digital nomads, and pet owners. Getting creative with that space can help open up room in your cramped RV. Some models might already have bunk beds or extra seating in the garage, and the fold-down ramp can be leveled out to create a sun deck or entertainment area.
Also, keep in mind that toy haulers typically sacrifice some living space to accommodate the garage, so the main kitchen and living room may be smaller than what you’d find in a traditional RV. That said, many make up for it with handy slide-outs and convertible furniture. Some luxury fifth-wheel toy haulers are designed like high-end apartments, with full kitchens, king-sized beds, and swanky features. If you’re renting, companies like Outdoorsy and RVshare offer toy hauler models in many regions. Renting can be a smart way to test whether the layout fits your camping style before going all in on a big purchase. Buying a toy hauler can run from $20,000 on the low end to $100,000 and higher on the luxury side.
Because toy haulers are built to carry heavy gear, they can be more durable than standard travel trailers. This is a plus for boondocking in the backcountry or off-grid. However, that extra strength comes at a cost — with a toy hauler, you’ll need to account for the higher weight and potentially reduced fuel efficiency. Also, many RV camping newbies underestimate the challenge of towing a trailer, so there can be a bit of a learning curve. If you’re towing, you’ll always want to consider the size of your vehicle and if it can handle the load safely.
