To toy or not to toy…
I’ve been wrestling with the idea of which model to select for my adventures. No doubt it will be a fifth-wheel model, but what floorplan: the standard fifth-wheel or a fifth-wheel toy hauler? Initially, I was attracted to toy haulers, due to the fact of the space that is offered in the garage area, but I really can’t say it’s the right approach. I‘m stuck.
This calls for a list!
So, what’s so great about fifth-wheel trailers?
The typical luxury lines are found within the fifth-wheel trailers, as well as within Class A. Since I’m not going to be driving a rock star anytime soon, a fifth wheel is the way to go. Fifth-wheel trailers often boast expansive living spaces, including multiple slide-outs, providing ample room for relaxation and entertainment. Many fifth-wheel models come equipped with luxurious amenities such as full-size kitchens, residential-style furnishings, and entertainment systems, offering a comfortable home away from home. The fifth-wheels I’ve viewed have such a nice feel to them. Aesthetically, they could have more color, instead of the neutral colors used, but understandably, neutral colors are more accessible to a larger audience. However, they can feel like solitary confinement. This is one thing I think about when exploring trailers: what look can I live with?
The design of fifth-wheel trailers typically provides better stability and handling compared to traditional travel trailers, thanks to the hitch configuration that distributes weight over the rear axle of the towing vehicle. Despite their size, fifth-wheel trailers are often easier to tow than other large RVs, offering improved maneuverability and stability on the road, especially in windy conditions. The hitch fixture to the back axle of the truck allows the truck and trailer to act more like one to reduce the probability of tipping over. Reduce, but not eliminate! This stability ensures a more balanced trip, especially in windy situations, though it is wise to limit travel in windy situations.
While fifth-wheel trailers excel in living space, they may lack dedicated storage areas for outdoor gear, bicycles, or other bulky items, necessitating creative solutions for carrying extra cargo. This is an issue for many families, but for me, it’s not as difficult a problem. My issue is finding additional hiding areas for the babes, or places for a cat tree. There are many floorplans that I can use that will work for my situation, but some floorplans are more amenable to it.
But what about the toy hauler fifth-wheels?
Do I have the toys? Well, not really. I don’t have the dirt bikes or ATVs, but I have the babes and a toy hauler might be a good choice for them. (it’s all about them) Toy hauler fifth-wheels combine the functionality of a traditional RV with a garage space designed to transport and store recreational vehicles such as ATVs, motorcycles, or bicycles, catering to adventure enthusiasts. Or crazy cat ladies traveling the country with a high-energy, high-maintenance brood.
The garage area in toy hauler fifth-wheels provides additional storage space for outdoor gear, tools, and recreational equipment, keeping the living quarters clutter-free. However, the garage area can be converted into additional living space, a workspace, or even a separate bedroom, offering flexibility for different travel scenarios and group sizes. This would be the result for me. Most garages have space for W/D prep, as well as sofa/table combos for use as an office. The toy haulers I’ve bookmarked have half baths (sometimes full) and loft bunk areas that can be reserved for the cats. Since the floor is rubber coated, it’s perfect for litter boxes and cat play areas. Many toy hauler models feature rear decks or patio setups, extending the living space outdoors and providing a perfect spot for dining or relaxation. Imagine working from your garage, with the patio set up, the screen door closed, letting the morning breeze in, with your cats trying to dig their way out to return to their feral ways! Hmm, this may be con…
While toy hauler fifth wheels offer versatility, the garage area may reduce the available living space compared to traditional fifth-wheel trailers, potentially limiting comfort for extended stays. The added features and functionality of toy hauler fifth-wheels often come with a higher price tag compared to standard fifth-wheel models, requiring a larger investment upfront. And the extra weight of recreational vehicles stored in the garage can impact towing capacity and fuel efficiency, necessitating careful consideration of payload limits and vehicle capabilities. Again, these are not necessarily issues for me, but things that should be considered before purchasing a toy hauler. The only issue I can see is insulation. How cold or hot would that garage get? Does it have the same insulation as the rest of the trailer?
I really just don’t know.
I float between toy hauler and fifth-wheel, then between floorplans within those categories. Much of this is dependent on what is available when I am ready to buy, but it’s best to have an idea of what I want, rather than go in blindly. Seriously, there’s too many options. Ugh…
