Lightweight Toy Hauler
There are many reasons to invest in a toy hauler travel trailer. Perhaps you’re looking for a way to take your motorcycles or four-wheeler camping, or maybe you just want a bit more space in which to spread out. Some people use these unique floor plans to create workshops or custom bunkhouses, while others use them to carry large equipment such as kayaks or canoes.
No matter what you need a toy hauler for, it sure is a handy option to have.
Unfortunately, many toy hauler trailers tend to be very heavy. Considering most people want to use these trailers to carry more heavy stuff, this means it’s nearly impossible to tow the vast majority of loaded toy haulers with a smaller truck or SUV. If you’re like many campers, the idea of purchasing an enormous 1-ton truck just to tow your RV might seem ludicrous, leading you to look for other solutions.
Lucky for you, there is another way. This solution comes in the form of a lightweight toy hauler. While they aren’t exactly the most common type of trailer around, a few lightweight toy hauler travel trailer options do exist, and they are the perfect option for those wishing to carry more on their camping trips without investing in another vehicle for towing.
Toy Hauler FAQs
Before you jump into the world of small toy hauler shopping, let’s cover the basics. Read the questions and answers below in order to ensure you have a good understanding of what it is you’re looking for and what to expect. This way you’ll know when you find the best small toy hauler for your needs.
What is a toy hauler?
First and foremost, it’s important that you know what a toy hauler is. You see, as useful as they are, even the best toy hauler trailers aren’t the ideal type of RV for everyone.
A toy hauler is an RV—usually a travel trailer, but other types can be found—that has a built-in garage. Usually, there is furniture in the garage, but when there is, it can be folded away to allow for large “toys” to be stored in the trailer. These garages feature back doors that drop down into ramps, which also make for good patios on some rigs.
As mentioned above, people use these RVs with garages to carry toys such as motorcycles or large equipment like kayaks. Some even use them as an empty slate, building custom spaces inside.
Best small toy hauler?
Does a toy hauler sound like the right choice for you? If so, it’s time to start shopping. Of course, finding the best toy hauler travel trailer is not very helpful if you can’t tow it. Therefore, unless you plan to choose a motorhome toy hauler or you want to invest in a large tow vehicle, you will need to look into small toy hauler camper options.
There is no single best lightweight toy hauler out there, so instead of recommending one trailer, we are going to suggest reading the section further below, which lists our top picks for ultralight toy haulers.
What’s the lightest toy hauler?
In the same vein, you may be wondering about the lightest toy hauler out there. While some of the Livin’ Lite VRV toy haulers of the past were probably the lightest options ever made, the lightest toy hauler currently in production (that we know of) is the InTech Flyer Explore mentioned below.
How heavy is a toy hauler?
Toy hauler weights can vary wildly. A couple of super light toy haulers weigh in at around 3,000 lbs fully loaded. However, the vast majority of small toy hauler trailers range in weight from 4,000-7,500 lbs.
What should I look for in a toy hauler?
Obviously, you will want to be looking for more than just weight and size. Other things to consider when shopping for the ideal toy hauler trailer include:
- Build quality — Choosing a trailer made from solid materials by a reputable manufacturer is key.
- Floor plan — Carefully consider the floor plan of any trailer you are thinking about buying. Will it work well in your day-to-day life? Will your toys fit in the garage?
- Options — RVs can be very barebones, or they can come with a whole slew of options. Decide what you really want, keeping in mind that all those little extras add to the price and weight of the final product.
Best 6 Toy Hauler Travel Trailers
If you’re feeling overwhelmed and aren’t sure where to begin your search, we recommend using this section of our article as a jumping-off point. Here, we will discuss our top 6 lightweight toy haulers, so you can make an informed decision.
Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro G16TH
Length: 18’4”
GVWR: 4,530 lbs
It turns out one of the best RV manufacturers out there is also one of the best toy hauler manufacturers. The Forest River Rockwood Geo Pro is a well-built trailer. This particular floor plan features a small bathroom and kitchen in the front and two flip-down sofa beds in the garage area. It can sleep 2–4 and is ideal for a couple or young family.
Price: Starting at $28,284
InTech Flyer Explorer
Length: 13’9”
GVWR: 2,990 lbs
The tiniest and lightest toy hauler on our list, the InTech Flyer Explorer is a super adorable camper. This trailer weighs in at just under 3,000 lbs even when fully loaded, meaning it can be towed by almost any vehicle. The tent pop-outs really open up the space, making it feel bigger, and the ability to bring toys along adds to the fun.
Price: Contact manufacturer
Jayco Octane Super Lite 161
Length: 20’8”
GVWR: 7,500 lbs
Another high-quality manufacturer, Jayco doesn’t disappoint with this tiny toy hauler. The full bathroom and little kitchen in the front are perfect for ensuring your party is clean and well-fed, and the table in the garage folds into a bed for a comfy sleeping space at night. Couples and solo travelers love this floor plan.
Price: Starting at $31,538
Forest River No Boundaries NB10.6
Length: 13’10”
GVWR: 3,736
Forest River does it again with the No Boundaries line of trailers. The NB10.6 floor plan is an absolutely adorable toy hauler that we know you’ll adore. A huge storage area with a lockbox and slide-out grill is available at the front of the trailer. Meanwhile the garage area turns into a comfy living space with tables and seating that all fold down into a bed.
Price: Starting at $18,313
KZ RV Escape E180TH
Length: 21’6”
GVWR: 5,000 lbs
KZ Escape trailers are an excellent product, and the E180TH floor plan is no exception. We think this particular trailer offers the perfect size and layout for a huge number of campers out there. A permanent bed lives in the front of this trailer and a tiny kitchen runs along one side. A full bathroom sits opposite the kitchen, while a sofa provides seating in the 9’ garage area.
Price: Starting at $15,995
Rent a KZ Escape trailer today!
ATC Aluminum Toy Hauler 8.5’ x 20’
Length: 26’
GVWR: 7,700 lbs
ATC toy haulers are created to be two things: long-lasting and lightweight. We find that they do both jobs very well. The 8.5’ x 20’ trailer is the smallest model they offer. It features a configurable furniture track system that allows you to rearrange your furniture any way you see fit. The bathroom and kitchen are both stylish and well made, and the whole space feels surprisingly open.
Price: Contact manufacturer
As you can see, there are toy hauler options out there even for the individual who needs something small and lightweight. Want to give one of these trailers a try before you buy? Consider renting from RVshare to get a feel for what works well for you before you invest thousands of dollars.
