I am not sure if this is the right forum and I aplogize if it is not, here is my Question.

I am looking for a toy hauler (5th wheel). I have been to the RV shows and have seen everymodel out there and have heard all of the "hype" from the salesman and since I have never owned an RV I am completely ignorant to what they are telling me.

Does anyone have any advice as to what trailers to stay away from? Which ones are junk? What are some of the good ones? If I am looking at a used one what should I look for? What is a good size 30' + or under 30' (I have 2 kids and 4 quads) 2 axles or 3?

Any advice would help since I am still in the looking stage.

How about going to www.rv.net and checking out the 5th wheel forums there. Sit back and do a lot of reading about different brands and you should come up with the info you are looking for.

All I can tell you, since I tow a bumper pull travel trailer, is to take the wife and compare the ones she likes the best and see if there is the room for your toys. Keep her happy and you’ll be happy.

Just make sure you have all of the info together on EXACTLY how much weight you can tow. Some dealers don't give a rat's ass and you could seriously put your family in danger by having a 5th wheel that weighs too much for your truck. I don’t want to scare you with that statement but I have seen WAY too many people towing a trailer that is way over their limits.

Most of all have fun and take your time. The more you look the more likely you will find “just the right one” for your family.

Try Forest River. I own a Sandpiper 38 Foot toyhauler 5ver which will hold 3 sportsman 500 quads in the garage. Holds 30 gallons of fuel, 100 gallons of water and has only two axles. Dry weight is 10,200 pounds. Tows very well with my truck.

I Have A 36' Kz Rv New Vision Sportster Fifth Wheel And Love It. If You Were On The East Coast I'd Tell You To Call "arrow Rv" In Clearwater Florida. Don Bray Is A Great Guy And His Service Is Good.

Ballardsj,

If you feel like coming south I can hook you up with a salesman from GiantRV that will give you some honest information about the trailers he has available to him. I grew up with the guy and bought my trailer from him at a price that made my wife's jaw hit the ground. We have a Weekend Warrior ourselves and would only trade it in for a newer one. Here's a link to HIS site: www.glamiswarrior.com.

You'll love how the fiver tows. I've had multiple trailers behind me in the past and the 5th wheel is without a doubt the easiest to pull. The stability of them is great. The trailer we have is a little overloaded for the truck that is pulling it but you would never know the difference. I would pay attention to pin weights while you are shopping (you might want to check the capacity of those aftermarket wheels and tires you're running). You don't want to exceed the bed capacity. Also be aware that options add to the weight. Also, some options don't seem so bad until you realize where the weight is being added. Second A/C units up front are a prime example (we found that the A/C that comes standard cools the trailer enough for us).

The model we have has 3 axles which is great for stability BUT adds 2 more tires to replace and tire scrub (the action of a tire going sideways) is much higher and harder on the tires in tight turns.

My recommendation would be to stick with something along the lines of the WW LE3105. Although this trailer has 3 axles that may not be needed, the size is great for someone new that has made a decision to go with a 5th wheel and the cargo capacity should leave you lots of room for options and error. If you plan on doing a lot of dry camping you'll also appreciate the larger water tank (I'm assuming you already know how to do 'camp' showers). This may also sound silly, but have yourself and the wife (separately ):h ) sit on the toilet, close the door and act out the motions of using the throne. Some of them are very small and not as convenient as they seem.

I believe if you do a search you'll find lots of advice on what to look for in a used trailer. The main advice I'll give you: if after looking it over something doesn't feel right and you're just not sure - walk away! There is always something out there for everyone.

Make sure you get a good brake controller! Myself, the minimum is the prodigy and the preferred is the brakesmart. You don't want something weighing so much behind you and telling you what it's going to do!

If you have any other questions feel free to post or PM me.

Chuck

Not sure about their toy haulers, but if my experience with Northwood products (Arctic Fox, Nash)is any indication, check out their Desert Fox line. Northwood products are consistently among the highest rated lines on RV.net among owners.

TC

I am not sure if this is the right forum and I aplogize if it is not, here is my Question.

I am looking for a toy hauler (5th wheel). I have been to the RV shows and have seen everymodel out there and have heard all of the "hype" from the salesman and since I have never owned an RV I am completely ignorant to what they are telling me.

Does anyone have any advice as to what trailers to stay away from? Which ones are junk? What are some of the good ones? If I am looking at a used one what should I look for? What is a good size 30' + or under 30' (I have 2 kids and 4 quads) 2 axles or 3?

Any advice would help since I am still in the looking stage.

IMHO you've got lots of homework to do. Someone mentioned keeping the wifey happy, #1 RULE! Good advice. ;)

Now let's talk towing facts for a minute. 20" tires and wanting to tow a toy hauler? Hope you aren't planning on heading towards any real elevations. :o: Big tires and towing don't go well. You have effectively increased your real axle ratio by going to such tall rims, way too high to be towing any significant weight with IMHO. Not what you want to hear, they look nice, but we're talking towing facts. :o:

You didn't mention what you would be putting into the toy hauler, how many people, long trips, short trips, terrain..... we can't give you sound advice unless we know all the variables. Someone mentioned Desert Fox, outstanding units, but heavy as well. They are what are referred to as northern coaches, built to withstand ice, snow, etc. :exactly: I looked at them, outstanding quality, but my 02 Avalanche couldn't pull it. :(

TT, your advice about sitting on the toilet gave me a chuckle! I bought a Holiday Rambler unit only to find out I couldn't sit down on the toilet without hitting my head on the wall.

Provide us with your intended uses for this rig and the intel above. Then while you shop for a set of towing tires/rims we'll give you advice on toy haulers. Here to help, just shooting straight with you bro. :D JJ :)