Tuesday, January 24, 2017

Buying a Toyhauler: How to Shop Like a Pro





With so many different makes and models of Toyhaulers to out there these days, you have a lot to choose from. If you’re in the market to buy an RV to carry around your ATV’s, motorcycles, dirt bikes, even rally cars, there are some things you need to do before you even go browsing. Once you get out on the RV lot, you’re going to be smacked in the face with a million and one choices, and they all have different specs! Depending on what you’re going to be hauling around with you, you’re going to want to know that all your gear and passengers will fit comfortably, and that the weight class is correct for what you’re going to be carrying. 


One way to prepare is to go on our website to the Toyhauler section (or any dealer/manufacturer website) and look at the specs. Some you’ll know at first glance are going to be too small for your cargo. But others you may need to look a little closer. Check out the online photos section for each Toyhauler listed and see if there’s a floorplan included (usually there is). Make some notes of the dimensions of the ones in your price range and that you think you’d like to see in person. Now, go and get a roll of painter’s tape or low-tack tape. On your garage floor (or driveway, or RV pad) tape off the exact dimensions of the cargo space of the Toyhauler you’re looking at. 



After it’s all measured and taped clearly, try parking your toys inside the lines. Be careful not to cross any of the lines representing walls – you’re trying to simulate what it’s really going to be like loading your vehicles comfortably (or not) into this RV. If you can do it with a little room to spare, then you’ve got a good match. Keep that one on your list of haulers to look at once you get to the dealership.

Do this tape trick for several haulers. Make sure you check the weight capacity of each and that you only spend time measuring and taping off the ones that are sufficient for the combined weight of your toys. This will help you tremendously, as you will be able to eliminate quite a few and narrow your list down to the exact ones you want to physically tour at the dealership. The last thing you want is to get there, fall in love with one and have to go all the way back home to weigh and measure stuff. That would be super frustrating and time consuming. Be proactive about it and not only will you be a more educated consumer, you will avoid the feeling of being overwhelmed by a huge inventory of Toyhauler RV’s that may or may not suit your needs. 


One more thing to keep in mind before you get your new RV home is adequate storage. Knowing the exterior measurements is just as important so that you have sufficient room to store it when it's not in use. 

 The most important thing to keep in mind when you’re in the market to buy one of these awesome RV’s is that buying one is supposed to be fun! So take the painful part out of the equation, measure, take your notes and your narrowed down list to the dealership AND HAVE A BLAST! You’ll feel really great about your purchase afterward, too, knowing you went into it so well-prepared. 

Happy travels!