My husband and I are looking to purchase a toy hauler and are interested in reviews and ratings, similar to how Consumer Reports rates and reviews vehicles. Could anyone offer me some advice on how to know if I am buying a quality or shoddy product in camper lines? Thanks so much.
When toyhaulers were first introduced,they were slapped together to fill a fad that had just started, very few were of any quality beyond weekend trips.
I have no idea what the construction is now. I do know that NEWMAR built one of quality. But alas Newmar has decided this year to drop their towable line and concentrate only on their motorized fleet. Maybe there is a left over one out there.
There is a paid service like consumer reports for the RV line it is called consumer rv http://rv.org/
I have bought 2 toyhaulers in the last couple of years. Both were built acceptably, the only issue was that they are definatly not designed to withstand an accident. (more details available if wanted)
My 2012 Dutchmen Voltage is EXCELLENT. Minor issues, like in any RV, but nothing structurally wrong with it.
Basically, remember it is a trailer, designed for on road use, so there will be some flex, and accomodations to allow it to be moved. In general, you should feel like it is pretty solid, and not feel "spongy". Or at least not more than any other RV.
That's my opinion, YMMV.
Oh, and if it matters, I full time in mine, so it gets used a little more than most.
We had a Heartland 36' with a 10 ft garage. We traveled over 4000 miles on a East West move living in the
unit . We found the workmanship excellent and everything worked from day one and we never had a problem. We only sold it to down size as our needs changed. We would look at them again if we needed
that type of RV. Good luck check them out.
Take a good look at the Northwoods Desert Fox series, I know they are kinda hard to find on the right side of the USA, but worth the effort.
They are a tough well built, but heavy TH and have the best backing support from the factory, if needed.
They build their OWN FRAMES, you WON'T have a problem with them.
Drop in and cuise around and ask questions on the Northwoods RV Owners Assocation at www.nash.com.
Tia,
Don
2010 F-350,6.4PSD, 6spd man trans,CC,SWB,SRW, Caravan camper shell,50 gal bed tank,17,000lb Husky WD hitch,Northwoods 2008 28KS Desert Fox Toy Hauler,2005 Honda 500 Rubicon ATV w/rumble seat,1 Aussie waiting,watching and ridin shotgun on the whole outfit.
I think you need to be more specific in terms of what you mean by quality. Enough quality to last five years of periodic use? Enough quality to last 5 years of full timing. A four season unit. Price range...
IMO- none of the volume units available at any price range are "high quality"- I think they are all about the same (very average) just with different colors, sizes and options.
Very average may be just what you need- anything more would be a waste of $$$. On the other hand, if you have the time, need, and $$$- custom high end units are certainly available.
2012 GMC 3500 Denali Duramax 4x4
2009 WW HKD with a big garage
A few toys
fly-boy wrote: I think you need to be more specific in terms of what you mean by quality. Enough quality to last five years of periodic use? Enough quality to last 5 years of full timing. A four season unit. Price range...
IMO- none of the volume units available at any price range are "high quality"- I think they are all about the same (very average) just with different colors, sizes and options.
Very average may be just what you need- anything more would be a waste of $$$. On the other hand, if you have the time, need, and $$$- custom high end units are certainly available.
A truer response I have yet to see...Nice post fly-boy!
fly-boy wrote: I think you need to be more specific in terms of what you mean by quality. Enough quality to last five years of periodic use? Enough quality to last 5 years of full timing. A four season unit. Price range...
IMO- none of the volume units available at any price range are "high quality"- I think they are all about the same (very average) just with different colors, sizes and options.
Very average may be just what you need- anything more would be a waste of $$$. On the other hand, if you have the time, need, and $$$- custom high end units are certainly available.
A truer response I have yet to see...Nice post fly-boy!
We are now using our 4th Toy-hauler (all 5th wheels), a 2006/07 Raptor 3814. Started with an Alfa Toyhouse with the "Gold Package", then a semi-custom built '93 Weekend Warrior followed by a 2000 Tahoe TranSport.
All have been "adequate", with no major issues (siding de-lamination, frame problems, roof or electrical), but I wouldn't call any of them "High quality". Some newer ones are certainly getting more deluxe as the industy (and customers) mature, but the nature of the toys (Off-road vehicles) mean you'll take them to "rustic" locations, so they will need to be able to stand the conditions and abuse.
When we bought the Raptor, it represented the most "bang for the buck" - we looked at $90k Escalades, too, and they didn't represent 100% more cost to us.
A reputable, stable dealer is probably the best reason for buying one over another...
IMO- none of the volume units available at any price range are "high quality"- I think they are all about the same (very average) just with different colors, sizes and options.
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