Toy Hauler Accessories

RV Awnings make great funny home videos.  If you don't want to star in your own Abbott and Costello flick, keep reading. I'll also cover tailgate screens and screen rooms.

    Toy Hauler enthusiasts often camp in exposed areas away from the shelter of RV parks and camp grounds. Sand dunes, open water, and playas (dry lakes) do very little to slow the freight-train wind headed straight for your awning. These places also breed dirt devils which, while short lived, can produce very high winds.

                    Jerry's Law: A dirt devil is always headed for..... YOUR RV!

    It's 2 am, you were sound asleep, but now you've been awakened by one of the pleasures of RVing, the sound of the wind blowing through nearby trees. Then it dawns on you, the awning is out! You have two choices; take the awning down in the middle of the night or wait until morning to see how it faired. 

    An RV Awning exposed to a 12mph wind can be experiencing total forces in excess 4,000  pounds. This may not be enough to flip your RV, but may certainly tear the awning off, with an excruciating and expensive sound. If you suspect the wind is coming, take your awning down, NOW!

    By far the best protection for your awning in the wind is to take it down. Since not all of us are Johnny-on-the-spot, here's two items that can help save the awning until you can get it down.  This is not an excuse to leave the awning up and go fishing instead.

     First you'll need a set or two sets of Awning-De-Flappers™.  I use two on each side. They are great at controlling that annoying light wind flap (not to be confused with the mother-in-law flap). 

    Second are RV Awning Tie Downs, you'll need to get two. Get good ones with nylon straps, spring tensioners, and screw-in anchors. A good night’s sleep may rest on your choice.

    This is my checker-board RV Awning by A & E. It is made of very heavy vinyl reinforced with polyester strands. While tough enough for most uses, a better material is acrylic fiber, such as Sunbrella®.

 

Tailgate Screens

    Or, how to keep the bugs out when you are using that great big opening at the rear of the Toy Hauler as a picture window. Generally there are two types, those that connect to the RV via hook & loop and those that connect via zippers. My preference is for the more stable zipper style.




 

Add-On Screen Rooms

    Want to get the most out of that big ol' ramp while staked out at your favorite playground? You can easily turn it into extra living space, great for entertaining or just enjoying the ultimate picture window.

Pictured is an Xtend-A-Room™ by Dometic. Now you have a great place to kick back and watch the action or revisit the days adventures. After all relaxing is the name of the game.

Jerry's Law: You will always have more friends wanting to visit than you have chairs for, let them know it's BYOC (bring your own chair.)


 

These and many other accessories can be found at:
 Camping World - RV & Camping Experts Since 1966

RV Insurance and the Toy Hauler

Here is what you need to know when buying RV insurance. Why you need insurance and what’s available. I will touch on the special needs of the Toy Hauler, from the industry we love to dislike.

    RV Insurance should be on your check list of things to investigate when choosing a Toy Hauler. While a trailer may not require much of an insurance investment, a Motor Home will be quite expensive, and the cost will vary substantially depending on your driving record.


 

Special needs of the Toy Hauler include:

·         the added risk of fire (onboard fuel tank)

·         contents coverage (toys are good theft targets)

    Having an onboard fuel station increases the risk of fire and the fuel tank will magnify the intensity of that fire if should one start. Make sure your insurance carrier is aware of this. There is nothing worse than having a claim denied because the carrier was not, properly informed of the unique features that your RV has.

Jerry's Law: Protect Thyself and Thy Toys from loss.

Do not make the mistake of assuming that the contents of your Toy Hauler are fully insured just because you have a policy for the RV. There are usually dollar limits on the loss of contents in an RV. And worst of all your Toys may not be covered at all. Again, see Jerry's Law above. Be sure your carrier knows what you needs are.

    In addition to the usual coverage, make sure you have theft coverage, as many of our toys are highly sought after by thieves. Many a playground vacation has been ruined by the theft of our treasured toys. Why add the grief of knowing they were not insured?

    I’d look first to my auto insurance policy carrier for an RV insurance policy. In my case State Farm. My agent knew my situation and quickly covered my insurance needs with very minimal fuss.

    If you have special needs or have that big bucks unit to insure, I strongly recommend that you shop around. Many of the best carries will give free online quotes. I know they can be a pain to fill out, keep in mind−the more you save the more you PLAY!

    Another way to go is joining an association that offers insurance at a discount to their members. I would hint that you should choose only big names, a couple that come to mind are the Good Sam VIP program and theFamily Motor Coach Association (FMCA). They’ve been around a long time and will likely be there when you need them.

    The bottom line? Make sure your %$$ and your toys are covered.

How to Buy a Used Toy Hauler on eBay - Basic Used RV Buying Tips

eBay is a excellent place to find a Used Toy Hauler. To get you started here are some helpful tips on shopping eBay for your next Toy Hauler. I've bought and sold on eBay for several years now. Recently I sold our motor home through the services that eBay Motors provides. Open communication with seller made this a very smooth and successful transaction. I have a 100% feedback rating which, I hope, qualifies me to give my thoughts on buying your next Toy Hauler on eBay.

The content of this article is based on my experience. Your experience on eBay or any other auction site is beyond my control. Use this information as a guide only. Please read and understand eBay policies before placing any bids. eBay has excellent help online for the auction challenged. Use it to smooth the way to a successful auction win.

* Read, Read, and Read Again! Read the "description" carefully. Take notes of anything you have questions about. Then follow through and ask the questions, either by phone or via the "ask the seller a question" link on the listing. Remember the seller is under no obligation to volunteer information about a used Toy Hauler.

* Look very closely at any pictures: If you don't see enough detail in the pictures of the RV, ask for close up photos of areas you are concerned about. If you can accept large files via email, tell the seller you would like high resolution images that have not been altered for email delivery.

* Used RV Inspection: In many cases you can make arrangements with the seller to have the Toy Hauler inspected by a third party. An RV dealer or mechanic is often used and they will usually charge for their service. Cheap insurance for your peace of mind. However an inspection is not always feasible. In that case arm yourself with facts, ask questions and get more pictures.

* Research the market value of the Used Toy Hauler: Know the value of the RV and how much you are wiling to spend. Do not allow yourself to get caught up in a  bidding war. The only one who really wins in a bidding war, is the seller. Set your max bid; if bidding goes above your max, stop bidding and look for another vehicle to bid on.

* Deposits are common practice: Deposits secure your interest in the Toy Hauler and confirm to the seller that you are serious. These can be handled in a number of ways, but are often done via Pay Pal or escrow service. You might want to sign up for Pay Pal before shopping on eBay.

Things to consider before and during the bidding process, not after!

* Ask this question of the seller: "If you could replace or repair any one thing on the Toy Hauler today, what would it be?"

* Bidding: Do not bid early, wait until the last minute. Bidding early only serves to drive the price up.

* Contact the seller: Arrange to communicate via private email with the seller. This way the information you gain is not shared with other bidders, your advantage.

* Delivery: Ask if the seller will deliver or meet you part way with the Toy Hauler. This will often help in making your decision whether or not to bid. Research and knowledge are your allies when considering a purchase from an auction site. Spend the time now and avoid the regrets later.

5th Wheel Toy Hauler - A Recreational Vehicle Review

WOW! If your idea of camping is staying at the Ritz, the 5th wheel Toy Hauler is for you. These bad boys use the 18-wheeler hitch known as a 5th wheel, which mounts in the center of a pick up bed. Up to three axles are needed to support weights up to, and exceeding, 17,000 pounds.

While smaller 5th Wheel Toy Haulers are available, most people own them for their massive roominess and unrivaled luxury. They are the most expensive of the conventional Toy Haulers.

First the good news: The 5th Wheel Toy Haulers I saw had fabulous kitchens, snack bars, full size pantries, and impressive woodwork and flooring. The kitchens were well lit and housed a full-sized microwave, refrigerator, range and oven. I was very much taken back by all of the counter space and ample cabinets. These certainly do provide a dream kitchen for the open road. A 5th wheel can come equipped with up to three slide-outs and a raised forward master bedroom making this the undisputed king of spaciousness. The overstuffed king-size bed and plush sofa quickly invite you to sit back and fire up the home entertainment center. Now someone, please make another Margarita.

What really sets the 5th Wheel apart in the Toy Hauler world is the availability of a totally enclosed cargo area, or as they are often referred to, the garage. Larger units have a solid wall and sealed door separating the toys from the living space. I even found some with a separate outside door to the garage. This feature is two-fold. One is for keeping the mud out of the living room, and the other for keeping the wife happy. If you are like me, and carry way-to-many tools, you'll appreciate having all of those garage cabinets.

Now the other news: A 5th Wheel Toy Hauler can be really heavy; up to and exceeding, 17,000 pounds. You guessed it, that means a g big powerful tow rig. I'm not a huge fan of diesel pickups. However, I've found that if you want pulling power and something vaguely resembling decent mileage, then a diesel is definitely the way to go. Fortunately diesels have long lives, and there are plenty to be found in the used market.

Towing these very large barn doors can be challenging in high winds or when an 18-wheeler passes by. The 5th wheel hitch will help to maintain control and minimize white knuckles in what might be a hairy situation with a travel trailer. It also can be helpful when maneuvering these monsters into tight RV spaces and through downtown traffic.

Unless you have big rig experience, you will no doubt find towing one of these a little different from your basic rear hitch type of trailer. Because they are so large and tall, and so close behind the driver, they will keep you on your toes, especially driving though town. If you are not careful, to your dismay, you could look in your rear-view mirror just in time to witness the trailer laying a stop sign flat! I've been there, and done that.

Finding the right Toy Hauler for you is ultimately a personal decision. But if you require lavish accommodations with a separate toy garage, the 5th Wheel Toy Hauler may be exactly what you are looking for.

Toy Hauler Tent Trailer - A Recreational Vehicle Review

A Toy Hauler Tent Trailer is also known as a pop-up or folding trailer. Our first RV was a Jayco tent trailer and after years of sleeping on the ground it was the Hilton of camping for us. But then we added the ATVs to our inventory of toys and the old Tent Trailer was instantly inadequate. We chose not to go the Tent Trailer route. But could it be right for you? Keep reading.

Tent Trailers are often the first RV people purchase because of their low cost to get started. These little gems are lightweight, making them ideal for smaller tow rigs. Their low profile and small size make them easy to maneuver. It was cool to be able to sneak our Jayco in places where no other RVs could go.

After our years of "tent camping" we were pleasantly surprised to learn that a Tent Trailer could provide the amenities of a bigger RV without the price tag. Ours had a propane furnace, small icebox, gas range and a sink. If you really want to go uptown you can get them equipped with AC, gas refrigerator, and a toilet. What's this have to do with Toy Haulers? I'm getting there.

Since most Tent Trailers have fabric walls, nasty weather can make you feel as though you've set up in "tornado alley," but that's only an illusion. We found ours to be quite weather proof and cozy. Other than the sound of nature trying to relocate you and your trailer, this can be quite soothing after a long day of riding.

There are things to be aware of when you own a Tent Trailer. The canvas/fabric does not like to be stored wet. If you had to quickly pack up and head home because of a rainstorm, then you will need to set it up and completely dry the trailer as soon as the weather allows. The bed is often 3 to 4 inches of foam and usually feels as though you are sleeping on bricks. We bought one of those foam egg crate toppers and found that it actually helped a lot. And privacy? Don't turn on a light while it's dark outside, or you will cast a silhouette that you may regret!

So just what is a Toy Hauler Tent trailer? When you look closely you will find they are little more than a run-of-the-mill Tent Trailer on a large flat trailer. On the plus side, Toy Hauler Tent Trailers store the toys and their smells outside the living area. As an added bonus you'll see that the platform performs double duty, toy storage and patio. What a wonderful place to perch and watch the action. Be sure to raise your drink to those passing by.

Now, let's suppose for a minute that your idea of a playground is way out in the sand dunes or up some forbidding 4X4 road. You will need something a little smaller with great ground clearance. I found just the ticket! How about something with a cook top, a couple of beds, and is quick to set up, say in about 5 minutes flat?

Then take a look at the "Jumping Jack." I crawled all over this one at our local RV show. We're talking about a lot of steel and very rugged construction. Expedition West has a great review with lots of photos and a short video on this great little trailer. If you have a Jeep Wrangler or similar and plan on heading to the outback, this may be your Toy Hauler of choice.
In my opinion, a Toy Hauler Tent Trailer can get you into the action cheaply and comfortably.