Toy Haulers Go Mainstream
By Dan Margeson
What many people thought would be a fad has
turned into one of the fastest growing segments
of the RV industry. Several manufacturers took
a wait-and-see attitude before incorporating toy haulers
into their lineups, but they too have now jumped onto this
bandwagon. Today, the manufacturer that does not have a
toy hauler model in their offerings is the exception rather
than the rule.
As these units move into the mainstream of RV activity,
they are evolving from "novelty" to "must-have." Their
host of amenities, upscale interiors and exteriors as well
as high-end luxury features has caught the attention of
many, not to mention the level of convenience that they
offer. Here is a brief glimpse of some unique features and
amenities that make toy haulers such a popular choice
for outdoor enthusiasts.
KZ Inferno Fifth Wheel
One of the most innovative toy hauler product
lines on the market right now is the new KZ Inferno
fifth wheel. Located in Shipshewana, Ind., KZ has
been manufacturing quality RVs for 30 years. They
were one of only seven RV manufacturers to earn the
prestigious RVDA Quality Service Award last year,
their sixth consecutive year earning the award. Although
this is an industry award, its designation is important to
RV buyers because award recipients are determined by
dealer ratings on their level of satisfaction in areas such
as sales, management, product quality and service as
well as warranty administration and support.
As KZ continues to bring products to the market
that provide the functionality and amenities that are
in demand, the Inferno line-up offers the perfect combination of luxury, utility, modern design and
unsurpassed features. Its unique floorplans provide
a level of privacy never before seen in toy hauler
products. Additionally, they offer an exhaustive list of
features including reversible furniture design, specialty
woodwork and upgraded entertainment systems.
The Inferno became an instant fan favorite the day it
arrived at dealerships. from front to rear, you will be
impressed with the thought and engineering that went into
its design. Looking at it straight on, a dynamic fiberglass
front end-cap highlighted with a custom LED backlit logo
shield sets it apart from all others when traveling down
the highway. Solidly built, the Inferno rides comfortably
on three 6,000 lb. axles. With a GVWR of 18,000 pounds,
most Inferno models have a net carrying capacity
between 4,500 and 6,100 pounds. The combination
of the TrailAir™ air ride hitch and Equaflex™ suspension
system provide an exceptional towing fifth wheel.
Not only is the outside amazing, the same goes for
the cavernous interior. The design configuration of the
unique bedroom suite offers independent access to
both the bathroom and bedroom through full-length
glass doors. Cleverly placed between the doors is a
quality entertainment system with LCD TV and CD and
DVD player, and a built-in lighted trophy shelf. Yes, KZ
really has thought of everything. not only is this RV
perfect for those who like to compete with their toys
(and win), but it is a great home-away-from-home during
their travels.
The kitchen is well-equipped and includes a bar-top counter
extension for eating on-the-run. In the garage, a built-in
beverage dispenser (ideal for full-size kegs) provides a cold refreshing drink after a long day of fun. And what
better way to enjoy your cold drink than while relaxing
outside? The outside Alpine EX Sound System
comes complete with a sub-woofer and amplifier that
are capable of entertaining the entire neighborhood!
Keystone Raptor Fifth Wheel or
Travel Trailer
If you are inclined to bring several people along to partake
in the fun, the luxurious Keystone Raptor fifth wheel
may be the RV for you. With nine floorplan configurations
to choose from, the Raptor is so generously equipped
and spacious you won't want to go home. Some of the
amenities include large bay windows, a fully-equipped
kitchen with free-standing table and chairs, and an Onan
5.5 generator with prep and fuel station. Also included
is an on-board service station, consisting of a 1300 PSI
power washer and air compressor/power charger.
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2008 Keystone Raptor
Photography by Jeff Fay |
Fall in love with the single-level master bedroom suite
(offered in all bed-slide models) that features a queen
bed, roomy dresser, huge front closet and an additional
hanging closet. En suite, you will also find a neo-angle
shower with skylight and a vanity with wall storage.
What better way to relax and sooth those aching muscles
after a day of trekking through the trails?
On some Raptor models, the cushy U-dinette easily converts
into a comfortable bed that sleeps two. There is also
storage space for your gear both under the bed as well
as in the cabinets overhead. The triple slide Raptor's
spacious kitchen has a stove, oven, refrigerator,
microwave oven and double sink. You are sure to enjoy
the convenience of casual dining at the bar countertop
and for additional sleeping accommodations, there
is a loft with queen bed, entertainment center and
storage cabinets as well as two queen electric beds with
bottom twin sofas in the garage.
When morning comes, you can easily convert the
garage into an open-air entertainment room for the
folks who prefer to stay back while the others go out
to play. feeding the need for sound is the Alpine 5.1
surround sound system that even includes an iPod
dock. This RV is built for fun! With a generator that is
noise rated for use af ter hours you can entertain into
the night without worrying about disturbing your
neighbors, if there are any around.
Forest River XLR Fifth Wheel or
Travel Trailer
Another luxury sport utility trailer, available as
a fifth wheel or travel trailer, is the forest River
XLR. Formerly known as the All-Amer ican Sport ,
this redesigned and renamed RV has grabbed a
lot of attention from RVers. With its dual fuel tank
system, modern graphics and Gel Coat fiberglass on the outside as well as the new wood tones, fabrics, furniture and larger
cargo areas on the inside the XLR has made an instant impression.
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2008 Forest River XLR Fifth Wheel
Photography by Jeff Fay |
Inside, the XLR 37X16 can sleep a handful of family members and
friends comfortably. A queen bed in the bedroom, a queen airbed sofa in
the galley and a queen loft with cabinet in the rear near the garage area
provide ample sleeping space. Additionally, this model boasts the largest
garage of any toy hauler, which has a spring-assist ramp door. The 16'
garage has eight D-rings throughout the area that are secured in steel as
well as 1" thick floor decking and durable "non-slip" rubber on the floor
and ramp door.
There are two entry doors to the XLR, one located mid-ship and
the other in the garage. With cabinets over the sofa and dinette,
as well as drawers under both for storage…the capacity for bringing
along your personal belongings is abundant. When the action
comes inside, the comfortable galley offers a slideout that contains
a refrigerator, stove and sink across from a roomy corner dinette.
There is also a ceiling fan above the dinette. As with the Raptor, the
bathroom in the XLR features an enclosed neo-angle garden tub
and shower.
Another very popular option available in five of the 10 XLR floorplans is
a sliding glass door that provides outdoor viewing of the garage-turnedpatio
from the expansive and contemporary kitchen/living room area.
Evening entertainment in the 8' X 12' garage of the 37X12 floorplan can
be further enhanced with the Hid-n-Screen that covers the rear door
opening, protecting guests from night flying insects and pests while
taking in the sights and sounds.
Keystone Passport Break Away Travel Trailer
Now if you are reading this and wondering how on earth you are going
to enjoy this type of RVing when your tow vehicle is a half-ton pick-up
truck or SUV, no worries – you don't have to trade your tow vehicle to enjoy
your toys. The Keystone Passport Break Away is an ultra-light, fuel-efficient
travel trailer that provides a well-engineered RV offering the perfect
combination of utility, comfort and ease of towability.
Creature comforts include a 19" LCd TV, MP3 holder and large overhead
cargo nets for stowing gear. Standard in the Break Away is an electric
Sit-n-Sleep sofa bed that converts the garage into a roomy bedroom or
living room area at the touch of a button. What better way to relax after a
hard day of play than in your own tub or shower? As with most other toy
haulers, the Break Away offers a stove, refrigerator and double kitchen
sink in the kitchen, and also boasts a wardrobe closet and pass-through
storage compartment in the front of the trailer.
The 8' X 10' garage found in the Break Away has a low rear
ramp angle making loading and unloading your toys a breeze.
It also boasts laminated fiberglass, aluminum-framed construction,
which provides lighter weight and extra strength. The Spread Axles
design delivers better weight distribution and enjoyable towing and
handl ing. If your travel enjoyment calls for outdoor cooking,
the exterior slide-out cook center with LP Quick Connect system is
simple and fun to use.
Although we just touched on these, you can see there is quite a selection
of versatile RVs to match your outdoor enjoyment requirements. These
toy haulers, or sport utility trailers, are bringing new people into the RV
lifestyle every day. Even experienced RVers are opting for a toy hauler
because they are so versatile. And if you opt to leave your toys at home,
the garage is great for an on-the-road office, a workshop that will allow
you to take your hobby with you, or housing all of the things you need
for a great tailgate experience with friends at the stadium.
Visit Lazydays.com/more to research these toy haulers and more. RVS
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