which rv to purchase

[readysetgo]

My husband and I are at odds as to which rv to purchase. He would like a toy hauler. We have an ATV, bikes, 3dogs (1 lab, 2 Shih Tzu's). I want to be comfortable pulling the rv as well. Originally we had a Camp Master pull trailer toy hauler 28'. Unfortuneatly it was stolen from a storage yard. The down side to that trailer was the weight. It was very heavy to pull. This time around I would like to have a 5th wheel so I can have a separate sleeping area and be able to get around on all sides of the bed. Our last trailer had adiquate seating, just wasn't comfortable. We will be camping in forest service campgrounds and unestablished areas mostly. Within 3 hrs of home. Occasionally we will take it to warmer country for a month or so during the winter. We live in Billings, MT. My husband is not sure he wants a wall separating the garage from the living section. Does anyone out there feel that the garage is wasted space? We have been told the 5th wheel is easier to manuever than a pull trailer.
Since we haven't been able to agree on an rv we decided to ask those with experience. All advise will be taken under advisement.
Thanks ahead of time.
Readysetgo

[Kablewizard]

Howdy and welcome to iRV2

We have a Dunechaser with a garage. This is our second toy hauler and we love the Garage. We tend to spend at least one night on the road most times and with the quad and wing in the back and the door closed we don't have to worry about them and no smell of gas in the camper. When parked the garage is the dogs room we use a bay gate if they are wet to keep them inside and not under foot and the back door is great in the rain. The only thing we miss is a slide in the living room.

We look forward to hearing how you do.

[WeatherTodd]

I dont have a 5th wheel but I spent a few weekends in 36' raptor with a garage. They are nice when you have the queen bed or 2 that pull down from the ceiling. My friends Raptor can sleep 10 adult size strangers pretty comfortable. 2 in the garage area, 2 in the master, 2 in the living room sofabed, 2 in the overhead bunks and 2 on blow up twin beds in the living room.
Only downside is the frontal area of the 5th wheel. 3-6hr commutes wont be bad.

[BCooke]

Ok, no price point, tow vehicle information, or length. Saying the trailer was heavy...
The 5er will pull nicer and sway less but it will probably be heavy. We have th trailer in the sig. and it runs around 12k normally and 14k if we load for ATVing in a dry camp area. We would like to move to a Voltage 3200 but the cash is a issue.
We are not fond of the U shaped dinette but the garage being open for the 75 lb dog is nice to have.

[BCooke]

Sorry watching football a the same time.... The 3200 Voltage runs about another 2400 lbs or so gross so approx 16600. Saw and talked to a guy with a 3900 (19k gross) and he had a F450 to tow it. We like the flexibility of the garage. When we can not ATV any more we figured a Golf cart would replace the ATV.
We also got the roll down screen to leave the tail open on nice days.

[DBOL]

Go all the way, Damon Outlaw and take all your Toys and pull 4x4 behind!
You can fix Hubby sandwich and drink while he drives and quite too!

[BpK9Miami]

I admit I'm bias...

Having said that, check the Damon Outlaw for a fit with your situation. Also, check the Damon Owners forum here for both positive and (some) negative points. It sounds like it may be an answer for you.

IMHO it is still the right compromise for an entry level class A toy hauler and I live in mine full time with very few complaints.

Best of luck.

[readysetgo]

We have a '03 3/4ton Chevy Diesel, not sure of the price or size yet. What don't you like about the U shaped dinette?