I'm thinking of getting a camper (toybox style) for the family. I know nothing about them - have only spent time in Pop-up campers. I've trailered a bit of stuff when i was younger - but mostly hay wagons and farm equipment.

I have an 05 LLY Crew Cab short bed - thinking about a 5th wheel with the toybox in the back. Any thoughts or recomendations from those of you that have them? Was thinking about a gel coat exterior - i hear they tend to not discolor as much...

would love to hear opinions, things to watch out for... what to buy and NOT buy...

Thanks

Fester :grd:

http://www.dieselplace.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=243&stc=1Fester- we have a KZ toy box- I chose the aluminum exterior for the lighter over all weight, about 1200# on our unit, dry it weights in at 12,980 w/ full lp tanks, full of our stuff and 30 gal water, 4 atvs it weights in at 16840, plus the truck at 7540-that my 01, have not weighted the new dually yet. The truck pulls great but I was way over the pin weight rating so decided to go with a dually. The trailer is heavyest on the truck when the toy box is empty, when loaded it would squat the 2500 about 1 1/2" with 35# of air in the bags, 65 mph= 10 1/4 MPG- 78 mph = 8 3/4 MPG- this was very normal for the 7k we put on last year.:D :grd:

Don't know where in Wisconsin you are, but Burlington RV in Burlington is the largest RV dealer in Wisconsin. They have a great staff, are easy to deal with, and have one of the largest selections around, although not sure about toyhaulers. After much tire kicking we bought new from them. I'm thinking that you will need a "slider" hitch if you have a shortbox. If you need a referral for a good salesman, or answers to any questions that I can answer, PM me.

2001 Tahoe Transport 5th wheel. 8550 # empty. Most of the time has a small race car, 2 kids karts, fuel water groceries. Runs about 12-13k that way. I have put over 40k miles on the trailer since I got it in 2002. Pulled 15k last year with the Dmax and got right at 10 mpg average. I get really good MPG going 65 but it is hard to run that slow through Nevada, Utah and Idaho where I spend most of my road time.

Uncle Fester, more intel please? Wife, how many kids, what you plan to use it for, toys??? This will help us in providing you with recommendations. Toy haulers come in different configurations with a wide range of amenities. JJ :)

If you're looking for a good "slider" hitch for your shortbox Pullrite has a nice cam operated unit.

I have a forest river work and play, regular hitch, not a 5'ver. With the right WD hitch, it tows as well as a 5'ver or better. Mine is longer, but a 20' or so is probably about right for their style. Hauls great, low center of gravity compared to others. There is a dealer in Wisconsin Dells just of the Interstate.

Another model you might like would be the Fleetwood Gearbox.

Sir Veyor

More Intel: 3 kids and a wife. Wife would be happy without the toy box, my requirement. Sort of like bringing the Garage with me... I suspect mostly regional trips around the great lakes - 2-3 days at a time. I hate tent camping... and pop up just doesn't cut it for me. Concerned about the total weight i can take on my 2500HD - don't really want to go to a dually yet.

I've had both a 21' Forest River and a 26' weekend warrior toy haulers (non-5ers). With 3 kids I think a 26' or so would be about right. We liked the 21' best for a family of 3 but it all depends on what layout you want and what you want to haul.

If I were to do it again I'd get a 26+ with the forward bedroom. I guess with a 5er you get that automatically? Toyhaulers are nice as far as versatility goes but they weigh considerably more then a normal camp trailer and they are not as near as cozy/comfortable because everything folds up or pulls down, etc.

My wife/son usually slept on the pull down rear bed and I slept on a couch (I couldn't stand the rear pull-down bed) which is the reason I would opt for a forward bedroom ...you always have a bed to laydown on and a door to shut for privacy. We sold both and are in between figuring out what we want to do next. For the time being I bought a new 21' 102" wide cargo trailer with the rear ramp for hauling our ATV's to the coast on weekend trips ...which is mostly what we do anymore. May get another toy hauler this summer though.

I would suggest looking at several models and doing some research on the net to get opinions. I know the US is brand-specific where certain manufacturers focus on certain regions. What is popular on the west coast may not be popular in the midwest, etc. Here on the west coast the Weekend Warriors, Rage, Desert/Artic Fox, Forest Rivers and Kits are popular brands.