Toy Hauler Travel Trailer Frequently Asked Questions
Toy hauler travel trailers smartly convert living areas into garage space when you travel and back again when it's time to set camp. These trailers enhance your excursions, allowing you to bring your adult adventure toys on every trip.
You probably have questions if you're considering buying a toy hauler travel trailer. In this article, we asked our toy hauler experts to review the toy hauler travel trailer FAQ to help shoppers understand their benefits.
Are All Toy Hauler Cargo Areas the Same?
No, toy hauler cargo areas vary in size depending on the make and model. They typically have tie-downs to secure everything from dirt bikes and ATVs to snowmobiles and jet skis. Some toy hauler travel trailers include sleeping areas above the cargo hold, while others convert the space into a patio-type area with couches and tables that stow easily when it's time to move.
You have separate living quarters in front of the cargo area, so you can enjoy the comforts of home while camping anywhere. Some toy haulers include outdoor kitchens, showers, and other special features.
You'll want to find a toy hauler travel trailer with enough garage space for your toys and gear and sleeping space for everyone. Fortunately, toy hauler travel trailers come in all shapes and sizes to accommodate all your toys, family, and friends.
How Is the Garage Area Working out as a Patio/Recreation Area?
Depending on your chosen model, the garage area converts nicely into additional living space. Toy hauler travel trailers have a rear garage door that opens as a ramp to load items easily. Some toy haulers have screen rooms or glass walls with a door you install after you unload your toys.
Other clever modifications include installing folding rails inside your garage door that convert into patio rails. Once you unload your toys, you set the garage door level, supported by cables, and pop up your rails, leaving you with a patio area to enjoy the outdoors when the weather permits.
How to Winterize a Travel Trailer Toy Hauler
When it's time to put your toy hauler travel trailer away for the winter, you must take a few precautions to protect it against wintry weather. When water freezes, it expands and can damage pipes and fittings. You want to replace the water in your travel trailer with an antifreeze to protect against bursting pipes. The type and amount vary by model, so check your owner's manual.
Before you begin, you must remove or bypass the water filters and water heater, as the antifreeze will damage them. Many new travel trailers have bypass valves installed, making this easy. If your travel trailer doesn't have a bypass installed, we suggest you find a professional plumber to install it.
Drain Freshwater Tanks
Once you've removed or bypassed the filters and water heater, drain the water, beginning with the freshwater holding tank. You'll usually find it centrally located near an exterior wall. Open the valve and let the water drain. This tank has potable water, so you can drain it anywhere without fear of soil contamination. However, your RV park neighbors may not appreciate the sudden water flood, so be courteous and drain it in a suitable area.
Drain Waste Water Tanks
Next, you need to drain the black and gray waste water tanks. These are beneath the trailer near the bathroom. Because they hold wastewater, you must drain them at an approved dumping facility. Drain the black tank first using the travel trailer's tank flushing system. If you don't have a tank flushing system, use a cleaning wand to rinse the tank.
Draining the gray tank after the black tank lets you flush the hose, keeping it cleaner for future use. We recommend lubricating the valves with WD-40.
Drain Water Heater Tank and Water Lines
Next, drain the water heater tank. Make sure you've turned off the water heater and given it time to cool before starting. Once drained, engage the bypass valve so no antifreeze gets inside.
Finally, you want to open all your faucets and shower heads and flush the toilets to remove all water from the water lines. After all the water has been removed, close all the faucets.
Pump Antifreeze Into the System
If your water pump has an inlet side, you can pump antifreeze into the water lines and tanks. Otherwise, you'll need a water pump conversion kit. First, disconnect the line from the freshwater tank and attach tubing connecting to the inlet side of your water pump. Then, put the other end of the tubing into the RV antifreeze container.
Once you turn on the pump, the plumbing system will be pressured. Turn on the hot and cold faucet taps closest to the water pump and wait until you see antifreeze come out. Shut off these faucets and repeat with the next closest faucet. Flush the toilets until you see antifreeze. Don't forget the indoor and outdoor showers.
Will a Toy Hauler Cover Fit a Travel Trailer?
Yes, they will usually unless you have installed something like a satellite dish or additional roof-mounted air conditioner. All toy hauler and travel trailer covers are 105 inches wide and 116 inches tall and available in various lengths to fit your trailer. These covers help protect your toy hauler travel trailer from weather and prevent standing water from collecting on the roof or pooling in other areas.
How To Convert a Travel Trailer Into a Toy Hauler
If you're extremely handy, it can be done. However, you need to consider many factors. First, Travel Trailer Toy Hauler weight limits are higher than standard travel trailers, so you must improve the structural integrity and suspension system. Second, you'll need to install a garage door on the back of your travel trailer, which requires some autobody work skills.
We recommend that you have a professional convert a travel trailer. If you're considering buying and converting one, you might be better off purchasing an enclosed trailer and upfitting it with the desired features.