BIF
Peoria, AZ USA
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Joined: 06/12/2003
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I have a 2005 Starcraft 11RT pop up trailer. It has served me well for a couple years, but on a recent camp outing, I am finding it inadequate for a family of 5 and 2 dogs (if we all go.) So I might be interested in moving to a toyhauler. I looked through the list of TH manufacturers and my head is spinning there are so many so I was hoping some of you could help me narrow it down. I don't know how to explain exactly what I'm looking for, but I thought if explained some of the important features, and things that don't really matter, it could give you some insight....
Important things-
Size- can't be anything huge, I like to camp in places a little bit off the beaten path so anything too long, too tall, or with too little ground clearance, is going to be an issue. My 11RT is awesome in this regard, its 20' long from hitch to spare tire in the back. I'm not sure what "18,19,20" models actually equal in overall length.
Toughness- not sure if that's an accurate term, but what I mean is something that can be dragged offroad and not shake the cabinet doors off. Perhaps "beefy" is more accurate!
General Storage- The biggest weakness of my 11RT or all the popups in general. There is so little storage that you have to have everything in totes and you usually end up filling your cargo deck and truck bed with your stuff. Kind of defeats the purpose of dragging a trailer. I'd like everything you need for camping (with some exceptions) to actually fit inside the trailer and not have to be loaded and unloaded in and out of a truck. Also you can access it without having to "popup"
Cargo storage- We don't have a lot of offroad toys yet, just 2 fullsize dirtbikes, small dirtbike, and a quad, so we don't need to squeeze in a sandrail or anything. Yet as the kids get older, the toys might get bigger?
Unimportant things-
Luxuries- I don't need things like fancy interiors, awesome stereo systems, or fancy appliances. I've never used the fridge in my popup, I have no problem using ice chests and I don't think I'd ever need a convection oven....
I would appreciate any help or advice. Thanks!
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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Joined: 08/13/2004
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Welcome to the RV.Net Forum!
And..pray tell...what are you going to tow it with?  Need to get an idea as to what you can pull....and new or used trailer? Bumper pull or 5er?
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity."
-Martin Luther King, Jr.
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BIF
Peoria, AZ USA
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I have a 2003 GMC 2500HD with 8.1L/Allison combo. Looking for a bumper hitch and I'm looking for USED.
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jackxclan
bakersfield
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Joined: 10/20/2006
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Family of 5... uhmmm 24' front sleeper
most toy haulers have plenty of ground clearance
thier built to off road, but like anything they CAN be broken if ya really try
We still carry ice chests and use the fridge and the stove and and and
Gun metal gray 07 new body style 3500 diesel crew cab 4x4 dually
blue 06 Ragen fa 3405
red 400 ex
black 250ex
red 400ex
red crf 150
red KW heavy iron hauler
HOOLIGAN # 385
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jackxclan
bakersfield
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http://funcarsmotorsports.com/VehicleDet........&dlr1=160&stk1=23243&frm=3&page=1&bs=RV&
your truck would easily pull that and have plenty of space for the toys.
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BIF
Peoria, AZ USA
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jackxclan wrote:Family of 5... uhmmm 24' front sleeper
most toy haulers have plenty of ground clearance
thier built to off road, but like anything they CAN be broken if ya really try
We still carry ice chests and use the fridge and the stove and and and
Why do you say the front sleeper? I see that most of them have a bed in the back that pulls down. Is the front sleeper an addition to that bed or a replacement?
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jackxclan
bakersfield
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BIF wrote:jackxclan wrote:Family of 5... uhmmm 24' front sleeper
most toy haulers have plenty of ground clearance
thier built to off road, but like anything they CAN be broken if ya really try
We still carry ice chests and use the fridge and the stove and and and
Why do you say the front sleeper? I see that most of them have a bed in the back that pulls down. Is the front sleeper an addition to that bed or a replacement?
Addition to, kids in the back parents in the front. Just makes life easier in the morning not having to climb over any sleeping bodies.
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jackxclan
bakersfield
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MOST newer trailers will have two pull down beds in the back, a front sleeper will have 3 gueen beds and the sofa and dinette that convert to beds. I dislike haveing to use the sofa and dinette.
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BIF
Peoria, AZ USA
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jackxclan wrote:MOST newer trailers will have two pull down beds in the back, a front sleeper will have 3 gueen beds and the sofa and dinette that convert to beds. I dislike haveing to use the sofa and dinette.
gotcha, I don't think I'd like converting the sofa and dinette all the time either.
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4*phun*2
Canada
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Joined: 09/24/2008
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Sunline Trasporter.
I didn't see the toy(s) you were putting in it.
Glenn & Karen
'08 Chevy LT 3500 HD 4x4 CC LB DRW (nice hips)
'06 F350 4X4 Lariat CC LB DRW (nice hips) retired
'09 Victory Lane 38SRV Toy Hauler
'02 HD Road King FLHRCI KRUZN
'04 F150 XLT Super Crew
Our Toys
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