I'm just starting my search for a toy hauler and was hoping for some guidance on narrowing down the numerous models and brands out there. At the race track, my wife is my pit crew so keeping her comfortable at the track will ensure her continued support. It would also let me bring my dogs to the track instead of paying outrageous fees for a dog sitter. Here are my general requirements
Needs:
1. Haul 650 lb formula car (need minimum 12' long full width toy area)
2. 1500 lbs of tools, tires, fuel, spare parts, luggage (need lots of storage space)
3. Sleeps 2, queen size bed
4. A/C & heater
5. Awning
6. Bumper pull (i.e. no goose neck or 5th wheel)
7. Refrigerator
8. Small stove/oven
9. Shower
10. Toilet
Wants:
1. Low ground clearance to make loading car easier.
2. King size bed in trailer nose.
3. Carry 1950 lbs Lotus Elise (tools and such would drop to 200 lbs instead of 1500 lbs)
4. 14' long full width toy area
5. Generator
Dreaming:
1. Loaded weight of 6000 lbs (I know I am probably dreaming)
Currently my tow vehicle is a 2001 F150, 5.4L 4x2, 3.55LS with a tow capacity of 7000 lbs. My current load out with the Elise is around 6000 lbs and that is really about the heaviest I would want to go with the current TV. I pulled that load over the continental divide through Eisenhower tunnel at 11,000 ft. and it survived, but didn't give me a whole lot of confidence. 99% of the time, I will not have to carry water as I can get that at the race track, and dump any excess water before I leave. I'm trying to see if it is possible to do this without having to buy a TV at the same time as the trailer.
Also, is there a big $$$ savings to go used versus new?
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edited 07/23/08 03:45pm by lancer360 *
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KBS Formula 500 - Race Car
'05 Lotus Elise - Fun Car
'01 Ford F150 SuperCrew 5.4L 4x2 - Tow Vehicle
'03 Honda Element - Wife's Car
Needs:
1. Haul 650 lb formula car (need minimum 12' full width garage)
They don't make 12' width.
8 1/2' (102") is the widest you can go without getting a wide load permit, then you'll need a pilot car also (follow veh).
If you mean 12' long, they're are a ton of mfg's that make a 12' garage, if a garage is what you want. Personally I wouldn't get a garage, I'm on my 3rd th, none have had garages, and never wished I had one. Because once you get to where your going and unload, you have a lot more living area.
Without going custom you are going to be pushing your cargo limits on many if not all Toy Haulers I think. Add the car(s), tools, luggage, food, etc., plus any water and I think you'll be over. I'd check the custom makers to design one well suited for your needs, of course it costs a bit more for that. Keeping it bumper pull is going to be another big limit for many haulers as well.
Forced Family Fun... They'll thank you later for it! Have you checked out the new RV.net Blogs?
Yea, that didn't come out too clear. I edit my original post. What I meant was a 12' long full width area (i.e. no fold up stuff along the walls in the 12' area). I don't want it walled off like a true garage, that way my dogs will have some room to stretch out once we get to to the track and unload the car. My dogs will appreciate all the room they can get.
Here are the toys I would like to haul. We take the race car to the track of course and I would like the ability to take the Elise up into the mountains so I can have some fun running the twisties, yet still enjoy a nice evening at a camp site with my wife and dogs.
First, Motorhome with a 24' WellsCargo TT behind. Poor mileage and stranded at the track. Whipped in the wind!
Second, Keystone Raptor 3612 with 12' garage. Much better mileage but more difficult to load/unload. Not stranded at the track. 3612 is able to carry 2000 lbs in the garage area. It will do it, been there. But it is a 5th wheel, pulls great!
Keystone makes a 14' garage model, but you will have to be a 5th wheel to do the task you wish.
I have a KZ with a 14' long garage and the problem you will find is that a 12-14 garage will have fenderwells that protrude up into the cargo area, also with the super low ground clearance in the formular car it will be nearly imposible to load without high centering at the top of the ramp!
Good luck!
PS.....I thought that was a horse at first glance!
2004 CHEV.2500 225/70R/19.5 , BD exhaust, and other goody's.
2004 40' KZ 3-SLIDE TOYHAULER
I agree with the high center concept. With the "toys" you are looking to haul, you may need to look at some of the more race car hauler type trailers and than you are looking at more of a 5th wheel type set up or a heavier truck. None of the standard toy haulers are set up for that much weight in terms of cargo. Good luck and great looking cars!
Big Dave
2008 F350 Superduty 6.4 TD "Bumbles"
2007 Keystone Raptor 3814
2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 EFI
2008 Yamaha Raptor 250 SE
2007 Yamaha YZ85
2006 Polaris TB250
Assorted other toys
2 Boys who only know one speed
You need to look for racecar haulers with living quarters. Work & play and campmaster make bumper pulls that will do what you are asking and then some. Built stronger than most toyhaulers and cost alot less, they are kind of plain inside but the dogs will love it.
Check my profile for a pic of a 34 fifth wheel. It has 6k cargo capacity, 7' tall door, 17' garage, and built like a tank. They have quite a few bumper pull models with the specs you want. But you will kill a half ton truck with any of those.
* This post was
edited 07/24/08 12:03pm by shifter *
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