New 7x14 Toy Hauler Build

[Glenlivet]

A friend of mine has a '00 Tahoe Lite toy hauler for sale (3600 lbs empty weight, ~18' long) for around $4k. I've been thinking about picking it up instead of the cargo trailer. Can anyone give some pros/cons for a conventional toy hauler vs a cargo trailer conversion?

Pro's
Well, the toy hauler is easy, nothing to plan, measure, build, plumb as it's all done for you. Load and go!
It already has a vented furnace, something that's a bit involved and a bit costly to fit into a cargo conversion.

Con
It's not as sturdy as a cargo trailer. Wood frame means you need to be certain it's always sealed every year, and if any water intrudes below the skin then the frame is on borrowed time and it'll start to look like a Dali painting as time goes on.
It won't take off roading to a dry camp spot like a cargo trailer will, it's made as a highway driven trailer.

[dustboy]

Geez, for $4k, as long as it's roadworthy I'd go for it. If it doesn't live up to your needs, then you can sell it for what you paid, and move on to a CTC!

A brand new 7x14 CT plus all the materials to convert it will cost you double that, easily.

[zroadhouse]

Geez, for $4k, as long as it's roadworthy I'd go for it. If it doesn't live up to your needs, then you can sell it for what you paid, and move on to a CTC!

A brand new 7x14 CT plus all the materials to convert it will cost you double that, easily.

Based on the quote I got on the road force, it will cost more than 2x that -- without the cost of cabinets and appliances. My truck may need a few mods to haul it, but I would probably want those for a CTC too!

[zroadhouse]

I spent a bunch of time on the Tacoma World forums reviewing what folks are hauling using their Gen2 Tacomas (I have a 2013 DoubleCab v6 with the towing package). In looks like in many cases I'll be able to haul light weight toy haulers with the addition of a load equalizing hitch, anti-sway, air-bag suspension (to level), etc. Plus, these things are expensive (when new) and it's hard to find small ones used.

I guess it brings me back to thinking about CTCs again -- but perhaps I should start with something simpler/smaller than what I was thinking originally. That would probably get me using it (as opposed to just planning and thinking about it).

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi zroadhouse,
If I were to ask you a few simple questions [One's that I asked myself when I finally decided that sleeping in the back of a Blazer just wasn't going to work for me any more] that are really for you to answer to yourself, they would be:
1) What do you really want out of the trailer?
2) Is a large heavy CT/Toy-Hauler really necessary for the toys you plan to haul or is it something you want?
3) How much time are you going to be spending on the road in the trailer?
4) Is the larger trailer to help reduce "cabin-fever" or will an awning open an "outdoor room" that will work?
5) Where are you going to use the trailer (on the highway, camping off the beaten road [some dirt roads, but not 4X4 roads), away from the crowds (off the beaten path (4X4 may be required)?
6) Will you be alone, or are others going with you -- Wife, kids, friends, etc.?
7) ??

This list goes on and on and is limited only by the trailer buyer ... I do not want to make this complicated because it really isn't, as you can add and change the add-on's but trailer size, construction, and quality are pretty much built in from the ground up. Using some kind of Pro & Con list (or a Force-Field Analysis as they call it in the business world) can help you decide on what you really want/need for the time, effort, and $$ spent

For example, I really like the room provided by a longer trailer (12 or even a 14 footer), but as I decided on the actual use for the trailer and started my Pro and Con list, I came up with a maximum size of 6X10 with a taller roof and a short tongue (3' max). I do not have an ATV as of yet, but I planned Murphy-style cots that will allow room for a single (straddle-type) ATV, if I want to add one later. I started out with a pretty good and heavy built full-size 4X4 to pull with; with that said, I over looked several thing: the trailer turned out heavier than expected at about 1,400 lbs. dry (before I started adding to it), truck gearing was way off _ I need to rear-gear both the front and rear diff's (4X4), this cost over $1,200, and the taller trailer (jacked up for off-road high clearance and 6-1/2 foot ceiling), along with a fairly flat fronted trailer has now created a heck of a wind dam at highway speeds (more $$ out for a roof rack and wind deflector [I hope it works as well as the theory calculates] .. all this adds to changes that were not difficult, but cost [over $2,000] that was not planned in the beginning. I recently purchased a house in Minnesota but, being a retired Desert Rat that loves the hot weather, I anticipate lots of time on the road and already have put over 2,500 miles on the trailer at an average of 7 mpg ... I am really hoping that the re-gearing and deflector help me get a little back on those investments [I will be heading out for Min sometime in the next few weeks]!

I apologize if I sound negative, I do not mean to, I am just trying to throw some questions/ideas out for thought that maybe will reduce your trial and error path a bit, but then again, trial and error is good_I suppose it is how we learn the best (if we never made hockey pucks for biscuits, we have never learned to kneed less). I love camping, hate crowds, love the outdoors, love this country, love my trailer, although it is not perfect ... yet, AND I sincerely hope you find the right vehicle/trailer that will make you happy, because really, that is what it is all about!

[zroadhouse]

I think this is actually very helpful.

1) The ability to haul my motorcycles to the track, have a place to escape the heat, and be able to camp out there. Additionally, I would like to be able to take some short trips to nearby camping areas for downtime.
2) I want to be able to haul 3 motorcycles (2 sport bikes and 1 pit bike). I'm sure I could do this in something as small as 6x12.
3) I usually make it to the track 2 weekends a month
4) I'd rather have an awning - I don't anticipate spending too much time in the trailer other then to rest, hang out (when too hot or wet out)
5) Highway use mainly - I don't anticipate going "offroad" other than in grassy/gravel fields they have near the tracks - or dirt roads for camp grounds
6) I usually bring a friend/family member with me and may want to bring my kids. (Kinda argues for multiple sleeping locations)
7) I'd rather not have to drive to a storage facility to pick up the trailer - being able to store it in my driveway and not have it take over my house would be a plus.

Hmmm, I'll keep thinking.

Hi zroadhouse,
If I were to ask you a few simple questions [One's that I asked myself when I finally decided that sleeping in the back of a Blazer just wasn't going to work for me any more] that are really for you to answer to yourself, they would be:
1) What do you really want out of the trailer?
2) Is a large heavy CT/Toy-Hauler really necessary for the toys you plan to haul or is it something you want?
3) How much time are you going to be spending on the road in the trailer?
4) Is the larger trailer to help reduce "cabin-fever" or will an awning open an "outdoor room" that will work?
5) Where are you going to use the trailer (on the highway, camping off the beaten road [some dirt roads, but not 4X4 roads), away from the crowds (off the beaten path (4X4 may be required)?
6) Will you be alone, or are others going with you -- Wife, kids, friends, etc.?
7) ??

This list goes on and on and is limited only by the trailer buyer ... I do not want to make this complicated because it really isn't, as you can add and change the add-on's but trailer size, construction, and quality are pretty much built in from the ground up. Using some kind of Pro & Con list (or a Force-Field Analysis as they call it in the business world) can help you decide on what you really want/need for the time, effort, and $$ spent

For example, I really like the room provided by a longer trailer (12 or even a 14 footer), but as I decided on the actual use for the trailer and started my Pro and Con list, I came up with a maximum size of 6X10 with a taller roof and a short tongue (3' max). I do not have an ATV as of yet, but I planned Murphy-style cots that will allow room for a single (straddle-type) ATV, if I want to add one later. I started out with a pretty good and heavy built full-size 4X4 to pull with; with that said, I over looked several thing: the trailer turned out heavier than expected at about 1,400 lbs. dry (before I started adding to it), truck gearing was way off _ I need to rear-gear both the front and rear diff's (4X4), this cost over $1,200, and the taller trailer (jacked up for off-road high clearance and 6-1/2 foot ceiling), along with a fairly flat fronted trailer has now created a heck of a wind dam at highway speeds (more $$ out for a roof rack and wind deflector [I hope it works as well as the theory calculates] .. all this adds to changes that were not difficult, but cost [over $2,000] that was not planned in the beginning. I recently purchased a house in Minnesota but, being a retired Desert Rat that loves the hot weather, I anticipate lots of time on the road and already have put over 2,500 miles on the trailer at an average of 7 mpg ... I am really hoping that the re-gearing and deflector help me get a little back on those investments [I will be heading out for Min sometime in the next few weeks]!

I apologize if I sound negative, I do not mean to, I am just trying to throw some questions/ideas out for thought that maybe will reduce your trial and error path a bit, but then again, trial and error is good_I suppose it is how we learn the best (if we never made hockey pucks for biscuits, we have never learned to kneed less). I love camping, hate crowds, love the outdoors, love this country, love my trailer, although it is not perfect ... yet, AND I sincerely hope you find the right vehicle/trailer that will make you happy, because really, that is what it is all about!

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi zroadhouse,
I am glad the list idea helps you and from what I see, you have made some decisions!

The great part about this type of analysis is that you can continue with the questions and you decide, add, change, and decide again on where you want to go... so, as you can see below, I added a couple thoughts that you have already been looking into... Anyway, you have the idea and just need to work out the details

I used to teach and work a lot with problem solving issues and have a Fishbone chart that I will add (maybe you and others would like to look at it); this is not my idea, but redrawn for clarity. If you have not used these before, modify the model to suit your needs. For example, change "Problem", at the right, to Trailer and then insert additional (NEEDS) as needed. There are currently 4 NEEDS; take the NEED box at the upper left and call it "BEDs", and then insert on the line below the BED box INPUTS, e.g., bed for self (how large do you need?), bed for kid 1 (probably single), bed for kid 2 (probably single), bed for other adult (probably a single), etc. and a short note of the details like SELF - SINGLE, KID 1 - UPPER BUNK, KID 2 - LOWER BUNK, and so forth. This works out as a pictorial that helps you add the NEEDS and the INPUTS or details regarding the needs. You can look these charts up online and see different ideas on how they can be used to solve problems (In this case, your trailer size and accommodations). Anyway, hope this helps and you are welcome to IM if needed...

I think this is actually very helpful.

1) The ability to haul my motorcycles to the track, have a place to escape the heat, and be able to camp out there. Additionally, I would like to be able to take some short trips to nearby camping areas for downtime. Great, as I read this, it sounds like you are probably going to use the trailer for two uses ... (A) Track trips which are short stays (I am guessing)at 1 - 3 days and nights (Thursday night through Sunday evening) and (B) camping with friend/family member and maybe your kids.
2) I want to be able to haul 3 motorcycles (2 sport bikes and 1 pit bike). I'm sure I could do this in something as small as 6x12. (A) Hmmm, can you load the bikes 3 abreast or will you have to park 2 abreast and one in front/behind the others? (B) Will you need to load the bikes back in the trailer at night [this could really affect the sleeping, galley, wash, and eating areas.
3) I usually make it to the track 2 weekends a month Yep, see 1) above.
4) I'd rather have an awning - I don't anticipate spending too much time in the trailer other then to rest, hang out (when too hot or wet out)
5) Highway use mainly - I don't anticipate going "offroad" other than in grassy/gravel fields they have near the tracks - or dirt roads for camp grounds
6) I usually bring a friend/family member with me and may want to bring my kids. (Kinda argues for multiple sleeping locations) I have seen some CT on the T&TT site that talks of bunk beds for the kids and there are a couple of sites that sell bunks for RV's (a bit spendy for my taste, but they offer an option and ideas)
7) I'd rather not have to drive to a storage facility to pick up the trailer - being able to store it in my driveway and not have it take over my house would be a plus. This, of course, depends on where you live and if there are association rules that you need to comply with ...

Hmmm, I'll keep thinking.

[zroadhouse]

After thinking through all of these factors, I think I'm going to go with a smaller trailer - a 6x10. Here's why:

• It's small enough that I can leave it in my driveway full time - easily accessible for quick trips to the local track with all my gear pre-loaded -- or race-weekend trips
• I can fit two sport bikes and a small pit-bike in without worries
• I don't really want/need a shower/toilet and can make a camping stove, cooler, vat work for cooking, water, and food storage (my trips are usually only 2-3 days long)
• I can mount a smaller A/C that won't require a huge generator to power (I can use my EU2000i) -- or make one of these: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zik1z-hqL0Q
• I can come up with an acceptable sleeping arrangement for me and one guest -- other guests can bring a tent or get a hotel.
• Because I love the idea of full utilizing a small space as many others here have done.

Here is my proposed build from the factory:

• RF6X101 - Wells Cargo Road Force 6x10 Single Axle Rounded Front (not the V-nose so I can have space on the tongue for battery, LP tanks, and/or generator box)
• 6" extra height
• Ramp Door
• Black Coin Flooring
• Roof vent, framed and wired for A/C (x1)
• 120v 30a Electric Service Panel
• 120v 30a Power Cord/Plug
• Insulated Ceiling
• Lauan Ceiling Liner
• Insulated Sidewalls
• Alum Ramp Extension
• 2x 15" h x 30" w windows
• 10 D-rings
• Spare Tire
• Exterior Spare Tire Mount
• 10 Ft 8500 Series Roll-Out Awning
• Pewter Color

[hankaye]

zroadhouse, Howdy;

Appears that you have this fairly well thought out.
Could you be a bit more specific with the details?

hank

[zroadhouse]

So re-reading this, I am thinking now:
1) Exactly so - 3 nights/days is the target
2) I'm thinking two abreast in the back with a little one in between towards the front - or perhaps sideways if it's small enough
6) I think I can solve this in my fold down bed design. I'd like to be able to make it either one large bed (for when I'm with a lady friend) or two small beds (when I'm with a buddy, my dad, or my daughter). At the track I'm ok with leaving the bikes outside to be able to sleep inside. That's definitely a trade off I'd be willing to make to keep it small.
7) I checked with the city and in my neighborhood I can keep a trailer on my property in my driveway. A 6x10 is short enough for me to also keep my truck in my driveway without having to reconfigure my landscaping.

I've got the interior dimensions taped up on my back porch. I'm going to mock out the space physically to make sure I can fit everything I want. If not, then I'll probably end up going with a 7x12 - the smallest 7' wide one I can find. At 7' wide I know I can pack in the bikes and fold down beds across (since I've already worked it out in SketchUp).

Hi zroadhouse,
I am glad the list idea helps you and from what I see, you have made some decisions!

The great part about this type of analysis is that you can continue with the questions and you decide, add, change, and decide again on where you want to go... so, as you can see below, I added a couple thoughts that you have already been looking into... Anyway, you have the idea and just need to work out the details

I used to teach and work a lot with problem solving issues and have a Fishbone chart that I will add (maybe you and others would like to look at it); this is not my idea, but redrawn for clarity. If you have not used these before, modify the model to suit your needs. For example, change "Problem", at the right, to Trailer and then insert additional (NEEDS) as needed. There are currently 4 NEEDS; take the NEED box at the upper left and call it "BEDs", and then insert on the line below the BED box INPUTS, e.g., bed for self (how large do you need?), bed for kid 1 (probably single), bed for kid 2 (probably single), bed for other adult (probably a single), etc. and a short note of the details like SELF - SINGLE, KID 1 - UPPER BUNK, KID 2 - LOWER BUNK, and so forth. This works out as a pictorial that helps you add the NEEDS and the INPUTS or details regarding the needs. You can look these charts up online and see different ideas on how they can be used to solve problems (In this case, your trailer size and accommodations). Anyway, hope this helps and you are welcome to IM if needed...

I think this is actually very helpful.

1) The ability to haul my motorcycles to the track, have a place to escape the heat, and be able to camp out there. Additionally, I would like to be able to take some short trips to nearby camping areas for downtime. Great, as I read this, it sounds like you are probably going to use the trailer for two uses ... (A) Track trips which are short stays (I am guessing)at 1 - 3 days and nights (Thursday night through Sunday evening) and (B) camping with friend/family member and maybe your kids.
2) I want to be able to haul 3 motorcycles (2 sport bikes and 1 pit bike). I'm sure I could do this in something as small as 6x12. (A) Hmmm, can you load the bikes 3 abreast or will you have to park 2 abreast and one in front/behind the others? (B) Will you need to load the bikes back in the trailer at night [this could really affect the sleeping, galley, wash, and eating areas.
3) I usually make it to the track 2 weekends a month Yep, see 1) above.
4) I'd rather have an awning - I don't anticipate spending too much time in the trailer other then to rest, hang out (when too hot or wet out)
5) Highway use mainly - I don't anticipate going "offroad" other than in grassy/gravel fields they have near the tracks - or dirt roads for camp grounds
6) I usually bring a friend/family member with me and may want to bring my kids. (Kinda argues for multiple sleeping locations) I have seen some CT on the T&TT site that talks of bunk beds for the kids and there are a couple of sites that sell bunks for RV's (a bit spendy for my taste, but they offer an option and ideas)
7) I'd rather not have to drive to a storage facility to pick up the trailer - being able to store it in my driveway and not have it take over my house would be a plus. This, of course, depends on where you live and if there are association rules that you need to comply with ...

Hmmm, I'll keep thinking.

[AZ_Desert_Rat]

Hi zroadhouse,
It sounds like you are checking off the list and are working out the details. I like the mock-up idea; that will give you as close to an actual idea of the layout.

Good luck and keep us posted ..

[zroadhouse]

Here are the results of the mockups:



6x10

• I can fit two bikes with about 4" on either side - maybe another few inches if I stagger the bikes slightly
• I can fit a CRF50 @ 50" (but not a Grom @ 70") and have shelves/counter space at the front.
• an 80" mattress would fit on one side but I could probably only get 72" on the door side if it's a fold down leaving about 18" between the foot of the bed and the cabinets
• There's no extra room at all if the bikes are in the trailer to get out of the elements.

This could work for two people. It would be a tight fit, and I'd probably end up putting more stuff in the cab/bed of the truck than I had been thinking previously. I need to go back and look at the 6x10 and 6x12 threads again to see how folks did their layout.

7x12 and 7x14

• Ah, breathing room. A 7' wide trailer seems soo much bigger than a 6'
• I could easily fit three full size bikes
• 80" mattress would easily fold down on both sides
• In the 7x12, there will be a little extra room with the bikes packed. In the 7x14, two people could sit down in the extra space and there is enough room for a cot or some sleeping bags (2 adults + 2 small kids)

With a 7x12 it would be easier to accomplish my goals and still stay fairly small - though I would have to lengthen my driveway by a few feet to fit this and my truck.

At 7x14 I could have a very comfortable space with room to work on the bikes outside of the weather if need be and could accommodate my kids on occasion. It's long enough that I would could park it in my driveway, but would have to park my truck on the street. I think it would be conspicuous enough that I might consider storing it offsite and would lose the quick get up and go of the 6x10 or even 7x12.

Thank you for being a sounding board as I think out loud. This is actually how I tend to design software where I work -- by explaining my ideas to other people I eventually figure it out myself.

[hankaye]

zroadhouse, Howdy;

Difficult to do the lay-outs on dirt and gravel especially with the winds
we get here in the Spring tie... I opted for a 6X14 with a 5,500lb. axle
with brakes. Standard nose (not wedge), so I can put things like propane
and batteries up there. I'm planning on just utilizing the Front 6X12 part
for me and the Back 6X2 for storage. I'm not hauling bikes or ORV, just me
and the dog going on fishing trips. Just another option to explore ...

hank

[zroadhouse]

zroadhouse, Howdy;

Difficult to do the lay-outs on dirt and gravel especially with the winds
we get here in the Spring tie... I opted for a 6X14 with a 5,500lb. axle
with brakes. Standard nose (not wedge), so I can put things like propane
and batteries up there. I'm planning on just utilizing the Front 6X12 part
for me and the Back 6X2 for storage. I'm not hauling bikes or ORV, just me
and the dog going on fishing trips. Just another option to explore ...

hank

Yah, with added length it makes it easier to fit everything - but at that point it makes more sense for me to do a double axle 7x14. So it's either that or the 6x10. I think I just need to pick one and go knowing that I'll learn something in the process.

[Glenlivet]

One thing occurs to me, if you have an idea to use a 5500 BTU window shaker A/C that runs on a carriable 2000 watt genny then you can side mount it in a six footer and it's still less far out a side than the wheel fender. Mine sticks out 7 inches with all the condenser vents out in the air while the wheel well is out 11 inches. With a seven foot wide the A/C will stick out further than the wheel fender.







Not a deal killer mind you, it's still just 7 inches. The canopy sticks out four.