[t web2007]

It’s time for some more comfortable accommodation. So far we’ve been making due with tents or hotel rooms. I’ve been doing some on-line looking at toy haulers and living quarter cargo trailers. Need something big enough for 3-4 bikes, 2 of them being very long.
Only looking for bumper pull style; no fifth wheel or goose neck.
Weight isn’t a major concern; tow rig is a 3/4ton diesel truck.

I’ve been looking mostly at the forest river stealth line. I like the aluminum siding more than the fiberglass.
I’ve also looked at aluminum cargo trailers with living quarters. There’s a local company, cascade truck body that sells them. Nowhere near as much luxury, but they’re way lighter and likely better built.

Anyone have any experiences with these or any other recommendations?
There’s an RV show coming this next weekend; should be quite a few to look at and maybe some decent deals.

 

[DEZPERADO]

I retired after about 35 years in the RV industry and I can advise not to get anything from Forest River. We refused to carry their line because they were cheaply made and didn't last without major repairs. The same with Weekend Warrior and Thor. Winnebago is new to toy haulers and needs more experience in the needs of off roaders. That doesn't leave many. Stick with major name brands like Fleetwood, Nash/Northwood, Keystone, Coachman... Check the roof and seal any potential leaks. Clean and caulk all exterior attachments, windows, doors, moldings, etc as soon as possible. Most haulers are now geared towards SxS's dimensions. Take your tape measure, a wide body is 8ft 6in outside, allows two quads 4ft wide to be along side each other. Most are 6ft long, so you'll need at least 12ft from the back door to the first obstructions. No inside wheel wells is a plus for inside storage, but raises the center of gravity. Look underneath for dump access, you don't want to lay down underneath to attach hoses. A front bedroom means you don't climb over bikes for a rear bed if you stop for some sleep on the way to Glamis or Bako. Look for closet space, cabinets, kitchen storage for twice what you think what you need. Sit in your choices and think if you could live in it if your house burns down. You want to be comfortable, not just exist in it. Get the longest awning you can, not a 14ft awning on a 35ft trailer. Most come with Chinese tires, I just bought Goodyear tires in Eugene to replace my mostly new tires because of that and their bad reputation. This is just a sampling and is my observation and opinion, and things may have changed with manufacturers since I retired.

 

[t web2007]

Thanks Larry. Gives me a few more things to look for. I should’ve also mentioned I’m looking towards trailers without slide outs. Not really finding any appealing floor plans from keystone. Fleetwood doesn’t make trailers anymore. Isn’t coachman a forest river brand? I’m familiar with Northwood a bit. My parents have one of their Arctic Fox travel trailers. Until recently, they had no major problems. They just had to have half of the side redone from leaking around the slide out.

I’m of the opinion they are all of rather shotty construction. That’s why I’m also considering living quarter cargo trailers.

 

[DEZPERADO]

YES, don't get a slide out. They have lots of problems. Some have a wall between the garage and living area. I don't like them since they cut down on living area when the bikes are out.

I went thru the Northwood factory as well as worked on several. I was impressed with their quality and owned a Desert Fox for over 10 years, yeah, we really liked it except it didn't have a front bedroom.

Know your credit score and check on financing before you go. Check your credit union for the best rate, then make the F&I guy beat that. Go to the show early, but don't buy till the last day for the best deal. Get any salesman's card, then call them another day and they will get you back in for free or give you comp tickets. Speaking of F&I, watch their paperwork, there is a "negotiable document charge" for doing paperwork. It's around $150 to $300. "X" that out and write $50 to $75, paper work is only 1/2hr worth of work for them.

Steve and Sara H. from the rally have a cargo/camp trailer for his quads and/or a full size Chevy show truck. He goes by QuicksilverZ71 on the forum. He may have some insight on them.

 

[DEZPERADO]

Oh yeah, the most important... When negotiating a price, forget the sale price and the flashy signs. Take the MSRP or suggested retail price and nock it down 40% and work up from there. You should be able to buy most for at least 30% off. Know the bosses name for each dealer brand you like and ask for him. Call the dealership from the show and ask his name. Lots of factory reps go to the shows and you can sometimes get free stuff thrown in. Upgraded speakers, another medicine cabinet or bigger one if room in the bathroom. On a factory order you can get bigger tires, longer awning. Even longer or bigger overhead cabinets. If you see it better in any of their other trailers, it can be available for your trailer.

Although Forest River has some good looking features, I talked to a rep a few years ago and he didn't deny that their quality wasn't up to par. Lanny, camp host from Half Moon Bay has one. Cabinets are falling apart, soft wet floor in 3 places, 110 volt wiring problems, steps and more. All manufactures use the same appliances, awnings, A/C, windows and furniture. But it's how the box is built that matters.

Another thought is ground clearance and length. If you camp in the woods this matters. Low hanging plumbing can be easily damaged. You can reverse the axles, but that increases wind resistance and center of gravity. The tires I just bought for mine are around 2in taller then existing, higher capacity, and made in the USA.

 

[t web2007]

YES, don't get a slide out. They have lots of problems. Some have a wall between the garage and living area. I don't like them since they cut down on living area when the bikes are out.

I went thru the Northwood factory as well as worked on several. I was impressed with their quality and owned a Desert Fox for over 10 years, yeah, we really liked it except it didn't have a front bedroom.

Know your credit score and check on financing before you go. Check your credit union for the best rate, then make the F&I guy beat that. Go to the show early, but don't buy till the last day for the best deal. Get any salesman's card, then call them another day and they will get you back in for free or give you comp tickets. Speaking of F&I, watch their paperwork, there is a "negotiable document charge" for doing paperwork. It's around $150 to $300. "X" that out and write $50 to $75, paper work is only 1/2hr worth of work for them.

Steve and Sara H. from the rally have a cargo/camp trailer for his quads and/or a full size Chevy show truck. He goes by QuicksilverZ71 on the forum. He may have some insight on them.

The separate cargo area definitely won’t work for us. I would need a giant trailer to get the needed cargo space. Desert fox is on my short list along with coachman adrenaline. The forest river stealth is also one I’ll be looking at; I was able to check one out over the summer that was about 6 months old. It did have some initial fit/finish issues, but nothing wrong since then.

Any we consider we’ll look over really well. I’ll check in with credit union this week.

 

[morphrider]

I have a Crossroads Z-218TD unit that we have no issues with concerning the quality. I have had it down some rough trails that had my wife freaked out on, but it has plenty of ground clearance. Been pretty happy with it so far. I know the deck version is not what you are looking for but they do have the enclosed type as well. Forest river and another I can't think of right now have had issues with quality. Will post if I remember, or talk to a friend soon that lives in his and has had nothing but troubles from day one.

DEZ has great info for sure.

 

[t web2007]

I have a Crossroads Z-218TD unit that we have no issues with concerning the quality. I have had it down some rough trails that had my wife freaked out on, but it has plenty of ground clearance. Been pretty happy with it so far. I know the deck version is not what you are looking for but they do have the enclosed type as well. Forest river and another I can't think of right now have had issues with quality. Will post if I remember, or talk to a friend soon that lives in his and has had nothing but troubles from day one.

DEZ has great info for sure.

Forest river seems to be hit or miss for sure. I’ve heard from so many people who love them and have zero issues. Then I hear about the ones who’s trailer pretty much falls apart. I’ll check out crossroads.
Thank you.

 

[elcid]

I have a 17 footer forest river shockwave. its alright. Wish I didnt crawl over the bikes to access the bunk beds, lol. At 44 I am not that flexible anymore!!

 

[t web2007]

I have a 17 footer forest river shockwave. its alright. Wish I didnt crawl over the bikes to access the bunk beds, lol. At 44 I am not that flexible anymore!!

Is yours newer? Any real issues?

 

[t web2007]

Oh yeah, the most important... When negotiating a price, forget the sale price and the flashy signs. Take the MSRP or suggested retail price and nock it down 40% and work up from there. You should be able to buy most for at least 30% off. Know the bosses name for each dealer brand you like and ask for him. Call the dealership from the show and ask his name. Lots of factory reps go to the shows and you can sometimes get free stuff thrown in. Upgraded speakers, another medicine cabinet or bigger one if room in the bathroom. On a factory order you can get bigger tires, longer awning. Even longer or bigger overhead cabinets. If you see it better in any of their other trailers, it can be available for your trailer.

Although Forest River has some good looking features, I talked to a rep a few years ago and he didn't deny that their quality wasn't up to par. Lanny, camp host from Half Moon Bay has one. Cabinets are falling apart, soft wet floor in 3 places, 110 volt wiring problems, steps and more. All manufactures use the same appliances, awnings, A/C, windows and furniture. But it's how the box is built that matters.

Another thought is ground clearance and length. If you camp in the woods this matters. Low hanging plumbing can be easily damaged. You can reverse the axles, but that increases wind resistance and center of gravity. The tires I just bought for mine are around 2in taller then existing, higher capacity, and made in the USA.

I was looking at the coachman, they went into more detail about how the side walls are constructed. Aluminum studs and no wood at all , except for the interior. Is that pretty standard? Or just unique to them?

 

[morphrider]

Also another thing to look at is solar availability. Some of these new ones are coming out pre wired and ready for a panel. I am adding (2) Renogy 100 watt solar panels to mine but I think something like that would be ideal for the Glamis full sun boondocking. I will have 1 panel mounted and 1 on a 20' lead set up on a frame I built that I can move around camp when we are in shaded areas. Bonus if you can get your option of batteries, get the dual 6volt set up vs a single 12 volt. Usually they provide the cheapest battery. The threw an Exide Stowaway battery on mine, its a hybrid, not a true deep cycle. I am switching to Trojan T-105's with this current set up planned.

 

[elcid]

Is yours newer? Any real issues?

No issues at all, its a 2015 model. The smallest shockwave you can get. So far so good.

I think it was made in Oregon, if I am correct.

I have taken it three times to the dunes ( 10 hours drive from up north ) and various sites around my place and its holding up well.

:nerd

 

[t web2007]

Also another thing to look at is solar availability. Some of these new ones are coming out pre wired and ready for a panel. I am adding (2) Renogy 100 watt solar panels to mine but I think something like that would be ideal for the Glamis full sun boondocking. I will have 1 panel mounted and 1 on a 20' lead set up on a frame I built that I can move around camp when we are in shaded areas. Bonus if you can get your option of batteries, get the dual 6volt set up vs a single 12 volt. Usually they provide the cheapest battery. The threw an Exide Stowaway battery on mine, its a hybrid, not a true deep cycle. I am switching to Trojan T-105's with this current set up planned.

6 volts are great, I switched my parents over a few years ago. They get 3 days easily dry camping without issue. One option that is a must for me is generator.

 

[Mitchicle]

New here

Hi all, first post. I've been snooping and joined to comment on this thread as ive been shopping around for a newer toyhauler as well. I currently have a 2015 Momentum by Grand Design 380 TH. A company called ATC has caught my eye, they make a completely aluminum toyhauler. They've just released their 5th wheel version and i'm getting pretty excited about it. No i'm not a salesman or a dealer, just wanted to share what I thought is an awesome wagon. aluminumtoyhauler dot com

Mitch Thomas

 

[DEZPERADO]

I was looking at the coachman, they went into more detail about how the side walls are constructed. Aluminum studs and no wood at all , except for the interior. Is that pretty standard? Or just unique to them?

Most that are doing fiberglass walls are doing "vacuum bonded". A plastic bag as such is laid out on a big bench, a length of Filon (fiberglass) is laid on top, then the foam insulation with wood or aluminum framing around window, door, awning wire runs and other mounting areas, (Not all manufactures do framing), then the inner wall paneling is laid on top, (or bottom if reversed). A moisture activated adhesive is added between layers. Then the bag is sealed over the whole assembly and a vacuum is pulled and everything is cured as a complete assembly. This makes a very strong and structural wall. Windows, doors, and other holes are routed out. Aluminum siding is usually stapled to wood framing with fiberglass batting insulation in the walls. I like Filon walls as being better built, although heavier, however aluminum is easier to repair if damaged. You can Google Filon, vacuum bonded and stick framing for info.

 

[DEZPERADO]

6 volts are great, I switched my parents over a few years ago. They get 3 days easily dry camping without issue. One option that is a must for me is generator.

A generator to run a microwave and AC at the same time is great and most trailers have them. But, they use a lot of fuel. I also have a small Honda 2000 that runs a microwave or AC all day on 1 tank of gas, just not at the same time. One other word of caution, don't get a tank-less water heater. Nothing but trouble!!

Many manufactures have come and gone since I retired, some good and some not so good. It's a crap shoot now-a-days. The main thing, seal every as soon as you can. Water will rot out the roof, walls and settle in the floor. It will find the smallest hole and wick from there. We've taken many trailer bodies off the frames and replaced floors. My guys loved those jobs. I used to bid $450 - $500 per trailer foot for a floor replacement. It's prolly up to $700 per foot now. If you buy used, walk away from anything with a soft floor, especially around the edges, doors, or under windows.

 

[elcid]

A generator to run a microwave and AC at the same time is great and most trailers have them. But, they use a lot of fuel. I also have a small Honda 2000 that runs a microwave or AC all day on 1 tank of gas, just not at the same time. One other word of caution, don't get a tank-less water heater. Nothing but trouble!!

Many manufactures have come and gone since I retired, some good and some not so good. It's a crap shoot now-a-days. The main thing, seal every as soon as you can. Water will rot out the roof, walls and settle in the floor. It will find the smallest hole and wick from there. We've taken many trailer bodies off the frames and replaced floors. My guys loved those jobs. I used to bid $450 - $500 per trailer foot for a floor replacement. It's prolly up to $700 per foot now. If you buy used, walk away from anything with a soft floor, especially around the edges, doors, or under windows.

Dezperado: My toy hauler is a 2015, when do I need to get it re caulk? yearly ? etc? I should start thinking about that

 

[DEZPERADO]

Hi all, first post. I've been snooping and joined to comment on this thread as ive been shopping around for a newer toyhauler as well. I currently have a 2015 Momentum by Grand Design 380 TH. A company called ATC has caught my eye, they make a completely aluminum toyhauler. They've just released their 5th wheel version and i'm getting pretty excited about it. No i'm not a salesman or a dealer, just wanted to share what I thought is an awesome wagon. aluminumtoyhauler dot com

Mitch Thomas

WELCOME TO THE FORUM Mitch.

Are you planning on going to the NW Raptor Rally, May 17 - 20, Winchester Bay, Or??

 

[t web2007]

Hi all, first post. I've been snooping and joined to comment on this thread as ive been shopping around for a newer toyhauler as well. I currently have a 2015 Momentum by Grand Design 380 TH. A company called ATC has caught my eye, they make a completely aluminum toyhauler. They've just released their 5th wheel version and i'm getting pretty excited about it. No i'm not a salesman or a dealer, just wanted to share what I thought is an awesome wagon. aluminumtoyhauler dot com

Mitch Thomas

Looks like there’s a dealer for them in the Portland area. Might take a look.
Thank you.