How is camping in a toyhauler?

[e9999]

asked a related question before but didn't get that question answered.

for those of you who have a toyhauler, what's it like to camp in there for long periods of time?

Did go see one but was wondering about the notion of staying in what is a relatively dark trailer with that big door sitting there and looking like a solid wall with no window. Not that attractive really and not much to do about that, besides plastering a huge poster of a redwood forest or Tahitian beach on it but that would get damaged quick with bikes riding over it... Made the inside somewhat unappealing to me even though I can rough it up.

On the plus side, the big empty space seems great to put out camping furniture etc as one wishes. Very flexible and spacious. I like that. And of course, having the bike in there and still being to sleep easily at night without having to set up camp is a delightful prospect. And being able to have big toolboxes all over the floor: Yea!

So, what's your take on using a toyhauler as a travel trailer in a "exploring cross-country with bike" kinda trip? Meaning more than just a couple of days at a time.

 

[greentruck]

Don't have one and never used one, but...

The drawback I could see on a multi-stop trip would be how dirty you get the toys. Mud or dust? To get to the next camp, you'll probably have to load them covered with it into what is effectively your "tent" -- unless you have extra riders who you'll be chasing from camp to camp until it gets to be time to head home.

Other than that and the stink of fuel (I'd probably want that outside if I had one) I'd agree a good way to go if you're not driving the trail vehicle because you're hauling them instead.

 

[e9999]

Don't have one and never used one, but...

The drawback I could see on a multi-stop trip would be how dirty you get the toys. Mud or dust? To get to the next camp, you'll probably have to load them covered with it into what is effectively your "tent" -- unless you have extra riders who you'll be chasing from camp to camp until it gets to be time to head home.

Other than that and the stink of fuel (I'd probably want that outside if I had one) I'd agree a good way to go if you're not driving the trail vehicle because you're hauling them instead.

good point, hadn't thought about the dirt issue. Indeed.
Stink, probably not a big issue. Bike does not smell at all and I can fuel it outside.

 

[womacje]

Those monsters carry huge water tanks! Hose the bikes off if necessary. I think it would be a dream setup... They make so many layouts that it would betough to figure out which would work and which I could afford!

 

[e9999]

any first-hand experience?

 

[nat]

calstyl2 has one and brings it to SnT. Contact him maybe.

 

[hkeller]

What about gasoline odors?

 

[e9999]

what is it with some of you guys and gasoline odor? don't you like it? What kind of motorheads are you?
Aaah, the smell of gasoline and Hoppes in the mornin'....

 

[inthewall]

I have a Tahoe toyhauler. Dirt from tires is no big deal. You drop the ramp door and sweep it out. The one I have has a shower, bedroom and fold up Bed- couch setup. They make them with a sealed garage for your toys if you want. I haven't had a problem with gas smell. Just make sure you shut the gas off and secure your motorcycles good. The only issue I have is clearance, it's pretty low to the ground.

 

[tag3]

Take Nats advice, I was told Cowstyl had a shower in there.

 

[ZMANFJ40]

We take ours on extended trips to Eastern Oregon with quads inside. We dry camp (no campgrounds) just using campgrounds or public water sources for refill and draining of water, also those 6 gal. water cans come in handy to transfer water if needed. We set up a camp and keep the quads secured under the awning outside at night. It sure beats a tent!

 

[RufusTheDufus]

I had a 24 ft. Fleetwood toy hauler 10 years ago when I lived in CA. I used it primarily for trips to the Imperial Sand Dunes/Glamis area. I could fit my sandrail, KX500 and EX400 in it. It was a great way to "camp" in the dunes, especially when the winds would kick up. The longest trip was 10 days in a row. Though I'd typically spend 50 days a year in it spread over many trips. It was really nice having hot showers and a flush toilet.

I didn't order mine with the standard generator option. I wired in my own Honda generator. Many of these toy haulers use square wave generators that won't power many items like 110v MIG welders.

I pulled it with my F350 crew cab dually. The trailer followed great. The only downside I had with mine was I bought it new. They don't hold value at all. It was worth less than half of what I paid only a year later. I suppose that's true for most RV-like items.

 

[Hank]

We used one for a HQ for a short course race team for three years. It slept up to 9 and hauled equipment for a long weekend. We never had gas smell problems unless you talk about the kind that happen about 4am the morning after a win. We swept it out regularly, mopped it when needed and enjoyed having it. We have since moved up to a Semi with two king bunks in the tractor with a shower and head and six bunks and a king over the pin in the trailer. We would never go back to a toy hauler for racing.

As stated lost value is an issue. The team owner is still looking to sell the unit. It is a tag tri-axle so it takes a decent rig to pull it loaded for any distance. I usually used a dually from here at work. Occasionaly I grabbed the F550 Crew flat bed That had no idea it was back there.