My father is looking at picking up a toyhauler type trailer to camp/haul dirtbikes in. Is there any particular "better" brand, or, one to stay away from? We've found a few in the $10k range, with generators, awnings, kitchens, etc., but haven't decided on anything yet.
What if anything are common problems to watch for?

The $10k range is about max budgetwise...
Thanks!

Honestly, the majority of them are throw away crap - I spent 1.5 years looking at almost every brand before I bought my Kit Mfg Patio Hauler 5th wheel and it's just a slightly better built POS.

Weekend Warrior, Forest River, Sierra, Carson - all have had their problems. Thor/Tahoe seemed to be somewhat reasonable when I was looking but that was years ago.

What size trailer are you looking for?

Brian

When looking at anything RV-ish, consider structural integrity first... Look at frame, hitching, tie downs, cross members, etc... Try and estimate how what you find will handle your intended load.

Anything RV related (interior, plumbing, electrical) is thrown together at best. At the price point you suggest, keep your expectations low - or be prepared to be "handy".

I realize that RV sales are down with the current economy... But I fear at that price point you might be tempted to go to something like an "ultra-light"..... Consider them made of paper and expect them to fall apart.

If you go with something in the style of "race-car with living quarters", you'll end up with something that is likely built much better... but the RV side of it will lack considerably... I guess it depends on what types of ammenities he's after. But even with low amenities, that price point will probably not get you much... But then again, economy might work to your advantage.

Let us know how your search goes.

Look at carson's

And make sure there still in business

Honestly, the majority of them are throw away crap - I spent 1.5 years looking at almost every brand before I bought my Kit Mfg Patio Hauler 5th wheel and it's just a slightly better built POS.

Weekend Warrior, Forest River, Sierra, Carson - all have had their problems. Thor/Tahoe seemed to be somewhat reasonable when I was looking but that was years ago.

What size trailer are you looking for?

Brian

Size, we don't know. It's for dirtbikes/camping, not buggies.

Personally, I'd go with a protrack, and build it out. My uncle has a niiice one that is solid (steel frame, heavy though).
But, pops wants cabinets, beds maybe, I don't know. There was a thor wanderer on CL a week or 2 ago for around 10, 2003 I think, 26'? maybe.

He wants something tall enough to walk around in, and cook/sleep when the weather is bad.

i have a little 21' sierra made by forest river...bought it a 1.5 ago for 11.5k with genny and fuel station...and love the thing...decent quality for a rv solid frame and never a problem...would buy one again in a heartbeat.

There are two that come to mind when you say quality. Ragen (which was related to warrior) they build a nice rig and their tie downs are top notch, attached to the frame not the flooring. And Stellar. Stellar makes some nice units as well. Both are heavy but top quality. My wife and I are looking at a stellar right now. We looked at forrest river which seemed to have a nice trailer but their interior didn't seem quite up to snuff compaired to say Stellar and Ragen. Are you going 5th wheel or TT?

There are two that come to mind when you say quality. Ragen (which was related to warrior) they build a nice rig and their tie downs are top notch, attached to the frame not the flooring. And Stellar. Stellar makes some nice units as well. Both are heavy but top quality. My wife and I are looking at a stellar right now. We looked at forrest river which seemed to have a nice trailer but their interior didn't seem quite up to snuff compaired to say Stellar and Ragen. Are you going 5th wheel or TT?

i will agree my sierra is more utilitarian compared to the stellars...but i think you will be hard pressed to come up on one of the high end haulers ie-raptor, winner circle, stellar, etc for 10k

There are two that come to mind when you say quality. Ragen (which was related to warrior) they build a nice rig and their tie downs are top notch, attached to the frame not the flooring. And Stellar. Stellar makes some nice units as well. Both are heavy but top quality. My wife and I are looking at a stellar right now. We looked at forrest river which seemed to have a nice trailer but their interior didn't seem quite up to snuff compaired to say Stellar and Ragen. Are you going 5th wheel or TT?We picked up a 37 foot Attitude 5th wheel in August, same as a Stellar. We love it. Same standard little issues, factory and dealer support has been good. It's still a trailer, but I feel it's got good quality in the build and stuff inside.

Size, we don't know. It's for dirtbikes/camping, not buggies.

Personally, I'd go with a protrack, and build it out. My uncle has a niiice one that is solid (steel frame, heavy though).
But, pops wants cabinets, beds maybe, I don't know. There was a thor wanderer on CL a week or 2 ago for around 10, 2003 I think, 26'? maybe.

He wants something tall enough to walk around in, and cook/sleep when the weather is bad.

A 26/27 foot tag trailer is pretty big - buddy of mine has a WW about that size and he tows it with a '01 CTD (he towed it a few times with the wife's suburban but the fuel costs were huge).

If you're gonna be towing with a p/u I'd seriously consider a regular travel trailer and just put the bikes in the bed of the truck. Doing this will open up a lot of possiblities and should reduce the purchase price accordingly.

If I had it to do over again I'd probably go with a 22' toy hauler or a regular TT instead of my 36' 5th wheel.

Brian

I'm going with a shorter 5th wheel and towing the jeep on the car trailer behind it. We only tow a couple of places a year and will use the 5th as a trailer more ofter. Also They way my jeep looks and jeaks after a run I don't want to sleep with the dirt and oil and smell. I'm looking at a montanna mountaineer with the rear kids room with the slid out bunk beds.

A 26/27 foot tag trailer is pretty big - buddy of mine has a WW about that size and he tows it with a '01 CTD (he towed it a few times with the wife's suburban but the fuel costs were huge).

If you're gonna be towing with a p/u I'd seriously consider a regular travel trailer and just put the bikes in the bed of the truck. Doing this will open up a lot of possiblities and should reduce the purchase price accordingly.

If I had it to do over again I'd probably go with a 22' toy hauler or a regular TT instead of my 36' 5th wheel.

Brian

He'd have to buy a truck too I think, his 2000 Grand Cherokee ain't gonna pull it!:laughing: He likes the idea of having the bikes "enclosed" while going down the road, we've had a few 'mishaps' with various buckle/ratchet straps!:eek:

I'm fine pulling my 3 bike trailer behind my 4Runner, but if he's springin' for a toyhauler...;)

He'd have to buy a truck too I think, his 2000 Grand Cherokee ain't gonna pull it!:laughing: He likes the idea of having the bikes "enclosed" while going down the road, we've had a few 'mishaps' with various buckle/ratchet straps!:eek:

I'm fine pulling my 3 bike trailer behind my 4Runner, but if he's springin' for a toyhauler...;)

What's the tow rating on a '00 GC? I'm guessing 5K. I don't think there's a lot of under 5K toy haulers out there - I know there are some ultralight models but when you start adding water & gas things get heavy very quickly.

I've had a bike come loose in the garage of my trailer - I use ATK bike shoes AND tie downs. Granted, it was after driving 12 miles of logging roads....

Brian

With the economy being the way it is, he's rethinking a smaller, enclosed 'utility' type trailer. Something wider than 6' though. Plus, he wants to be able to stand up in it (he's 6') without feeling like he has to duck the whole time.
His original intent was to sell his current trailer that he lives in, and live in/tow the bikes around in the TH.

After telling him about this thread, he's 'downsizing'...