Toy Hauler Class A or C Motorhome for Comps

[dwfisk]

Hey guys, I'm not a competition guy but I'm counting on y'alls expertise so I put this here.

Anybody have any experience with Clas A or C toy hauler motorhomes (not really interested in 5th wheels). I'm interested in looking at one, possibly a Thor Four Winds Toy Mover for travel to BBQ events, dog shows and field trials. I have basic questions: gas or diesel (think I prefer diesel); what kind of load do you carry; do you tow also; or, anything else you feel would be helpful to know.

Thanks in advance.

 

[gettinbasted]

To my knowledge, it's hard to find a class A diesel toy hauler because the engine is usually in the back.

 

[dwfisk]

To my knowledge, it's hard to find a class A diesel toy hauler because the engine is usually in the back.

Yea, there are only a couple like the Thor Outlaw series, I think they use a front engine Freightliner or Ford 53 chasis w/Cat engine. But you gotta ask for it, the standard equipment is a Ford V10 gas.

 

[Scottie]

I have a 31', class C Fun mover. Gas. I pull a trailer without a problem. I used to pack it. Only issue I have had are tires. But I drive really fast and do long pulls.

 

[82's BBQ]

We used a 31' class C and pulled our cooker without any issues.

 

[Gowan]

If your interest is for dog shows, I would suggest you ask the question of folks in that world. Any advice you get here is going to be centered around BBQ contests, and you seem to have completely different needs than somebody who has to haul heavy, dirty smokers to contests.

Not saying we don't use some of the same equipment, just that you'll get more relevant advice from people who are using it for the same purpose.

 

[dwfisk]

If your interest is for dog shows, I would suggest you ask the question of folks in that world. Any advice you get here is going to be centered around BBQ contests, and you seem to have completely different needs than somebody who has to haul heavy, dirty smokers to contests.

Not saying we don't use some of the same equipment, just that you'll get more relevant advice from people who are using it for the same purpose.

Thanks, we are checking with folks from the dog world. Seems like most dog show folks run conventional motorhomes with kennel mods but we are also going to run our german shorthairs at field/hunt trials so that means taking a UTV or offroad golf cart along (hence my interest in toy haulers) or maybe towing an enclosed trailer. So that takes care of my wife's "interests". I'm more into BBQ, visiting comps/events and I build custom pits & BBQ gear (might use it for deliveries. When I add up all the potential/likely uses I'm thinking thatgetting the thoughts and experiences from folks who "haul heavy, dirty smokers to contests" would be good practical input.

 

[Scottie]

Dave, the folks I bought mine from showed dogs. They would have it loaded with their kennels and supplies they needed. I dint remember how to post pictures or I would post one.

 

[Big Ugly's BBQ]

The biggest thing I see against a toyhauler class A/C is the available sleeping area, usually over the cab. While that may be ok for some, those of us who are "bbq-sized", might find it a bit cramped. That's not to say, a few models have drop down beds/sofas in the cargo area, but that kinda defeats the idea of storage/prep/staging, depending on use.

I've been toying with the idea of getting a class C to tow my trailer around. I like the idea of bringing my doggie with me to comps, but the trailer is not sized or set up to handle him during times when I cant devote my full attention to him. The benefit here also is that when I just want to get away, I have a motel on wheels and literally thousands of Wally-World parking lots to choose from.......

 

[BasicPatrick]

There are plus and minus to all scenarios and combinations. When we started 6 years ago (Wow its really that long), we owned a Class A and just added a trailer to tow the gear. Besides being too big for some contests, another issue was super high gas costs and being tied to the comp with no way to explore the area outside the comp.

We spent over a year looking for another option and last year we went to a pick up truck hauling a travel trailer with a toy hauler garage in the rear. The camper/toyhauler we bought is very rare and has a true 8x8 garage with a side entry door. Its pretty cool to just roll the cookers out and be ready.

That being said we are already looking at selling this camper/toyhauler to buy a custom porch trailer...maybe.

Lots to consider. Even amongst competitors there are a wide variety of needs. Vending, type of cookers, amount of help loading on site....lots to think about.

 

[cpw]

I think Chris from Rhode Hog (CBQ on this forum) has a motorhome/toyhauler combo...Maybe send him a PM to ask his thoughts.