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Why would you consider a toy hauler instead of a more standard fifth wheel?

Last updated on October 20th, 2012 at 09:55 pm

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When Sheri and I were considering getting a new RV – we needed space for two children who live with us part time, we thought a great deal about bunk house fifth wheels AND toy haulers.

At first glance, the toy hauler might not seem to make sense to some folks, but here was our thinking. If I share my thinking it might help you make a better purchase for yourself if you are in the market for an RV anytime soon.

First, the idea of a triple axle attracted us quite a bit. Many fifth wheels have so little EXTRA carrying capacity that an extra axle would make a big deal. Instead of a measly 1500 pound capacity, you might find yourself with the ability to carry 4000 pounds or more. In other words, if you DON’T have a heavy ‘toy’, you’ll for sure never be over weight.

The next things we liked was the multi-use garages. In particular we liked the Heartland 3950. Why? Because you had an extra refrigerator, extra 1/2 bath, and a washer dryer hookup. If the kids come over, we could simply press the magic button and two queen beds would appear for our guests. When everyone leaves, you’re left with a fantastic porch.

Finally, we were impressed with the toy haulers visual appeal in the interiors. Bold and fun. With lots of extras – they just look like a fun way to live.

What did we do? We ultimately bought a more standard Open Range 399BHS with a bunk house since we think that will serve us better just in case the kids want to stay with us for extended periods of time. With this unit, each kid can have their own room and we made modifications so they have their own spaces.

As a side note, we think the Smart Car will fit in the back of the Heartland 3950 (or other toy hauler). Anyone know this for sure?

But we keep eye-balling the toy haulers. Maybe someday. 

RV Basics : Leveling a fifth wheel : electronic leveling and JT StrongARMS

Last updated on February 9th, 2019 at 09:18 pm

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Leveling a fifth wheel - electronic leveling and the JT Strong Arms
Leveling a fifth wheel – electronic leveling and the JT Strong Arms

Open Range RV (now owned by Jayco as the Highland Ridge subsidiary) has a great video on leveling and stabilizing their RVs.

rv electric jack electric control panel for rv landing gear
rv electric jack electric control panel for rv landing gear

I tried to capture in text below what the video said. I also found the 5th wheel leveling video online AND I found the JT Strong ARM instructions as well. I think it is sometimes easier to read than to watch the video – but both are here for you in this post. Enjoy.

  1. Front legs – pull snap pin on FRONT jacks and allow jacks to hit the ground. These jacks are also called landing gear.
    1. I think you need to extend the jacks considerably if you will need to lower the front end.
    2. I think you need to make sure the electric jacks are extended a little anyway so you can raise or lower them.
    3. You’ll need to do this BEFORE locking the jacks extender out.
    4. Managing the landing gear relative to leveling your RV and connecting your tow vehicle requires just a little planning or you’ll have a mismatch on heights!
  2. Extend BOTH the front RV jacks or landing gear electrically
  3. Make sure that you hear the jacks snap-pin engage into one of the holes with both of the front jacks.
  4. Release the fifth wheel hitch and raise the front jacks enough so that you can drive the tow vehicle forward. Make sure everything is disconnected!
  5. Raise OR Lower your front jacks to create front to back level coach. Typically on level ground, this would be lowering the front jacks.
  6. Drop rear jack legs, by pulling the snap pin on each jack.
  7. Snug each jack individually by using the electronic controls and extending each jack.
  8. select the side of the coach that is lower (driver or passenger). Set the electronic selector to the lower side. Extend the jacks on the lower side.
  9. SNUG JT Strong ARMS
  10. lower FRONT jacks 3/4 inch
  11. Tighten REAR strong ARMS.
  12. Raise FRONT JACKS to original position.
  13. Tighten up the 4 front JT Strong ARMS.
  14. Extend the FRONT JACKS now. No more than 3/4 inch or so – just enough to remove the play in the JT strong arms.
  15. Turn off the control panel!!!

BREAKING CAMP!

  1. Loosen ALL JT StrongARM stabilizers
  2. Retract the REAR jacks.
  3. When the rear jacks are loose pull the pins and lift the jack extender completely into the jack.
  4. Retract the rear jacks completely using the electronic controls.
  5. Raise the front jacks and connect the rv tow vehicle. (this is a bigger step than I portray here because I’m focusing on the electronics controls and stabilizers procedure)
  6. When the tow vehicle is engaged lower the jacks to put the weight onto the fifth wheel hitch in the tow vehicle.
  7. Once the fifth wheel hitch is fully engaged retract the jacks electronically.
  8. When the front jacks are free pull the pin and lift the jack extension completely inside the jack.
  9. Retract the jack completely electronically.
  10. Turn off the controls when complete.

MAKE SURE YOU FOLLOW THE REST OF YOUR RV CHECKLISTS!!!

https://youtu.be/EdOtg-3hokc

Amazon listings about RV leveling

CLICK HERE IF YOU DO NOT SEE A NICE SET OF AMAZON SEARCH TERMS RELATED TO rv leveling BELOW

RV Video Walkthrough : 2010 Crossroads Seville 35 CK

Last updated on February 9th, 2019 at 11:16 pm

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We had a great chance to go through the 2010 Crossroads Seville 35 CK Fifth Wheel RV.  This has a great impact when you walk in and the most striking thing about the unit is the ‘stone’ fireplace. You can’t help but chuckle a little bit when you see it, but it looks pretty nice and it really does have a cozy feeling inside.

We’ve attached a video walkthrough so you can get a real idea of what it looks like. We think these video walk throughs are a great additional resource to the normal photography. We keep them short so you don’t get too bored and we don’t have a sales guy drone on and on in it. What do you think?

https://youtu.be/GKrjnouMqcw

RV Video Walkthrough : 2010 Keystone Montana 3750 FK

Last updated on February 9th, 2019 at 11:18 pm

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One thing about Sheri is that when she sees something she likes, she likes it. We both saw this really neat innovative RV from Keystone at the Austin RV Expo.

We’ll let the RV walkthrough speak for itself and you can read plenty about the unit on the web (see the link in this article).

The unit is called the 3750 Front Lounge (FL). What is impressive is the IMPACT or WOW factor you get when you enter the unit. It looks great. Sheri and I would have trouble assessing quality factors (like the frame, the roofing, and all that) so we will have to ask people who look at these things, but it really is a great layout.

We found lots of bedroom space (there is a slideout for the bed) for clothes. That is one of our number one things we look at because we want to make sure two people can live in the unit. The front lounge makes a separate living area and would double nicely as a spare room for children if you have them part of the time.

One note is that this is a 4 slide-out unit which makes it have so much more space.

Anyway, check out the two minute walkthrough and let us know what you think. Thanks.

https://youtu.be/0HjWCr90b9c