5th Wheel Toy Hauler Selection - RV-Dreams Community Forum

IrishRover · RV-Dreams Family Member

5th Wheel Toy Hauler Selection

PrairieRV · RV-Dreams Family Member

That's a lot to put in a 10 ft. garage! You might want to consider 12 ft, at least!

I'm not living in an RV yet, but a toy hauler, or toy trailer toad, is one of my requirements. A 10 ft. garage is my minimum, given the size of my Spyder. I'll need more if I want to add my little trailer, too.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

IrishRover wrote:

5^th Wheel Toy Hauler – DRV JX450 Full House vs. New Horizons custom (similar layout). Both 45’, 24,000 to 29,000 GVWR. Any thought and experiences in dealing with the companies, dealers [DRV] or living in the RVs? Thinking of using it as 10” long space for Quad-UTV [119" x 64" x 74", 1,500lb], Bikes, Dog trailer, HAM shack space, 2^nd bedroom, work-out room, dog space and a general multi-use room. Anyone have a similar use experience?

First, you're speaking of a lot of weight so the first thought is an HDT to tow it. Don't consider a "pickup," regardless of the towing numbers, to be a safe tow vehicle for a rig topping out in the 29K weight class.

New Horizons will build what you want and you pay for that flexibility. DRV builds what they have on the offering sheet for the most part which maybe just fine in your case. It depends. One needs to consider the weight that will be going in that rear area, not guess, and have the rig built to accommodate that much rear weight when considering all that equipment including the workout gear. It wouldn't be too hard to get a "tail heavy" trailer and too light a pin weight. 20% pin is the least I would accept and axle position will have a lot to do with that. GVWR is just one of the many necessary considerations.

New Horizons will accommodate some specific needs for the Ham shack especially if your looking at working low-bands and desire specific antenna mounts, etc. even if only for the verticals; perhaps off the frame. Same deal for AC power in case you want dedicated circuits for any high power-amps, etc. New Horizons does custom in the Majestic line. If custom is required, unless something has changed, DRV won't offer the same level of flexibility assuming its needed for your application. And as I said, you pay for that flexibility and accommodation.

I'd sure visit both factories before making a decision. But in the case of DRV you will be working through a dealer and with New Horizons you will be working directly with the designer at the plant. Only after a visit and discussions will you really know which is the correct choice for your project.

Have no specific contact at the DRV plant anymore but you can call New Horizons at (800) 235-3140 and I'd specifically ask for Cole and have a chat on his nickel.

Bill

IrishRover · RV-Dreams Family Member

Thanks Bill. I'm talked with and have a regular email exchanges with Cole. Also in discussion with a major DRV dealer in Kansas - Kansas RV Center. We plan to visit both in June. Just had rotator cuff surgery a month ago, so it has slowed things down.

29K is a bit scary towing. Well, even 24K is too. But need to visit both and make a lot of critical decisions yet. Hopefully by the end of June the picture will get clearer. Like life, the RV world is a series of trade-offs. The HDT route is just a massive step for us and expensive ($150K rig - used)! If it all become too much, may push down to a <40' "regular" RV. But the NH Majestic model here are even topping out over 24K GVWR.

Sound like you have some HAM experience or exposure. Not too much online on RV shack or antenna setups, that I have found. Some have tucked them into niches and closets and have a very understanding significant other. Yes, want to be able to play in all the low HF bands. Rather than a vertical (very tall!) or stringing horizontal long wires to trees, I'm considering a screwdriver antenna either on the tow vehicle or on the RV roof on a horizontal to vertical actuator. Ground planes for HF (large) are an issue with non-metallic RV roofs. Lots to figure out and experiment with yet.

DRV versus NH is a bit of an apples and oranges comparison I agree, but they are the only two toy haulers I consider truly in the full-time residential class. If others have a different experience, I will gladly investigate. Suggestions welcome. I also hear that DRV is getting out of the Elite Suites class. They only do 30 a year and will move more toward the fixed models (Mobile Suites?). Apparently more profitable or at least more dollar margin. Their Full House models are very fixed in their designs. A number of models with feature options, but no major design changes. My desired model is actually the front half on one model and the rear of another. But they will not build it. So, if we really decide we want to go that layout, then NH is the only way to go.

New Horizon will do (almost) anything you want. For a price! Hard to do a true head to head comparison. But even New Horizons are moving more to a set of fixed layout models and also travel trailers. More to come!!

But first we need to make some big decisions about major features, size, use cases and resultant weight. Trade-offs!

Thanks again for you wisdom and experience.

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

IrishRover wrote:
29K is a bit scary towing. Well, even 24K is too. But need to visit both and make a lot of critical decisions yet. Hopefully by the end of June the picture will get clearer. Like life, the RV world is a series of trade-offs. The HDT route is just a massive step for us and expensive ($150K rig - used)! If it all become too much, may push down to a <40' "regular" RV. But the NH Majestic model here are even topping out over 24K GVWR.

Sound like you have some HAM experience or exposure. Not too much online on RV shack or antenna setups, that I have found. Some have tucked them into niches and closets and have a very understanding significant other. Yes, want to be able to play in all the low HF bands. Rather than a vertical (very tall!) or stringing horizontal long wires to trees, I'm considering a screwdriver antenna either on the tow vehicle or on the RV roof on a horizontal to vertical actuator. Ground planes for HF (large) are an issue with non-metallic RV roofs. Lots to figure out and experiment with yet.

DE: WB4-KLW You will be fine with a 5500HD in the 24K class. Very fine and even above that. But at 29K - HDT is a better call.
I'm sure we'll chat more about all this.
73's OM

BART · RV-Dreams Community Member

Look at Spacecraft as well spacecraftmfg.com/ They can do full on custom to any level you want. From Mild to Wild, base bunkhouse model to your checkbook is the limit. Marsha does not say NO to any request as long as it can be secured to the frame, walls, or ceiling.

mb36912 · RV-Dreams Community Member

We use ours exactly as you say you want to use yours. But as mentioned before, you should allow more than 10' for a UTV. We hauled motorcycles initially with no problems and now carry a 1300# Can-Am Maverick at 117" long....and plastic parts touch at the front and rear. Our 10' garage is actually 117" lg. Looking back, we should have gone with a shorter UTV or a longer garage....but were not willing to give up the living space. That being said, the garage still serves us well as a spare bedroom and hobby/craft room when needed. With the UTV on board, we are about 120# over GVW, the three 7000# axles are all well within limits, and my pinweight is right at 4200#.

IrishRover · RV-Dreams Family Member

mb36912 wrote:
We use ours exactly as you say you want to use yours. But as mentioned before, you should allow more than 10' for a UTV. We hauled motorcycles initially with no problems and now carry a 1300# Can-Am Maverick at 117" long....and plastic parts touch at the front and rear. Our 10' garage is actually 117" lg. Looking back, we should have gone with a shorter UTV or a longer garage....but were not willing to give up the living space. That being said, the garage still serves us well as a spare bedroom and hobby/craft room when needed. With the UTV on board, we are about 120# over GVW, the three 7000# axles are all well within limits, and my pinweight is right at 4200#.

Mike,

Thanks for the insight. The range I'm thinking now is in the 10 to 12'6" range, but would like to stay closer to the 10' side. But with all the other thoughts on the space, it might go the other way too! biggrin The UTV is a RzR S 900. The overall length is 106". The wheelbase is 79". 1230# dry. Same OAL as a Smart car!! Assuming you have a hauler bed, do you ever put the Can-Am Maverick on the 780 bed? Any issues?

When you load the Maverick, do you tend to load it tight against one wall? I believe the width is 60", same as the RzR S 900. Just wondering how much space you have beside it or if there is room for more "stuff". Have a HAM station I'm also trying to squeeze in.

Seems like door placement and if they are hinged or pocket, will be another factor in the layout.

For the bed and day bench/table looking at a HappiJac electric bunk system with a folding sofa. It runs on an elevator system up to the roof and out of the way for loading and other garage space usage. Will need to check the headroom, as I have heard others say it was tight or they had to air down to load! DRV, Grand Design and a few other RV manufacturers use the HappiJac system.

Are you happy that you went the 780 route? Have a ongoing debate between a HDT 670/780 vs the MDT F550/5500 approaches!! Some lively debates.

Sorry for so many questions. Seems like I'm headed down a path you have paved with lots of experience.

Gerry

mb36912 · RV-Dreams Community Member

Sorry, everybody, I got sidetracked with work for several days and didn't respond to Gerry so he followed up with an IM to me. Thus, we ended up taking this down the IM route. If anybody is interested in the dialog, I will edit it and cut and paste the pertinent parts to this post.

Hogladyrider · RV-Dreams Family Member

We live full time in our 3611JS Cyclone which has an 11' garage. Prior to this toy hauler we had a toy hauler TT then (2) different 5th wheels.

We have lived full time in this toy hauler now for over a year and we love it! We haul our Goldwing in the garage and when we are parked we use the 11' garage as a man cave and different things. We have removed the queen bed mattress and this allows the happy jack sofas to be raised up higher and when we are parked we can use them for additional storage if needed.

We have a rear patio that we use when we are parked at our RV lot in Florida during the winter months. During the summer we leave Florida and workamp. This summer we are in Custer, SD workamping and riding when not working.

We have 28' of living space, excluding the garage and it did take me some time to adjust to the smaller space, but now we love it! We are now looking for something smaller, either a small TT or a used truck camper so we can spend a summer in Alaska or get aways.

It is a lot easier to find campgrounds with smaller units, especially if you want to visit State Parks etc.

Good luck with whatever you wind up purchasing, you will love this lifestyle for sure!

Susan & Gary

IrishRover · RV-Dreams Family Member

Hogladyrider wrote:
We live full time in our 3611JS Cyclone which has an 11' garage. Prior to this toy hauler we had a toy hauler TT then (2) different 5th wheels.

We have lived full time in this toy hauler now for over a year and we love it! We haul our Goldwing in the garage and when we are parked we use the 11' garage as a man cave and different things. We have removed the queen bed mattress and this allows the happy jack sofas to be raised up higher and when we are parked we can use them for additional storage if needed.

We have a rear patio that we use when we are parked at our RV lot in Florida during the winter months. During the summer we leave Florida and workamp. This summer we are in Custer, SD workamping and riding when not working.

We have 28' of living space, excluding the garage and it did take me some time to adjust to the smaller space, but now we love it! We are now looking for something smaller, either a small TT or a used truck camper so we can spend a summer in Alaska or get aways.

It is a lot easier to find campgrounds with smaller units, especially if you want to visit State Parks etc.

Good luck with whatever you wind up purchasing, you will love this lifestyle for sure!

Susan & Gary

Thanks Susan & Gary,

We are looking at it as a second flexible use room. Second occasional-use bed room using the HappiJac. Like your idea of also using it as a storage shelf. But will use it for my HAM hobby to have a separate "quiet" space if someone else is watching TV, listening to music, etc. Can't retransmit commercial music or TV, even accidentally (background). Will use it for "toy" storage - road bikes (not motorbikes) and a SxS. Perhaps an exercise room.

One questions other posters (elsewhere) have asked if we will really remove the SxS and bikes, in order to use the room for those other uses. We will stay in an area for 5-9 days and then travel to another area. When Winterizing we will obviously stay in one area longer. How has your use experience been?

Anyone other full-timers have toy hauler room usage experiences they can share?