Community Forums

Nlambert · 10-20-2021, 08:38 AM

In the desire to move to bigger toys.. it seems that most toy haulers have also grown in size.

My wife and I are considering swapping our 5'ver out for a shorter TH to haul a golf cart in the next 5-6 years when our kids are grown and out of the house so that we can hit the road for a while. We won't need a ton of living space since it will be the two of us, but we do want a separate garage/living space.

We'd like to stay under 38' or so to be able to get into more campgrounds. Our current rig is 43', and while we love it, it's cumbersome to get into some areas.

We really like the ones that have the rear bedroom with the garage underneath, but those seem to be reserved for longer rigs. We plan to be out in the rig for 6 mos at a time, at could consider going full time later on, so we do want it to be well appointed with decent living space and don't really want to look at entry level campers. It's a lot to ask for in a shorter rig.

So far the only ones I've found that meets our length requirement:

Grand Design Momentum 320G
Grand Design Momentum 351M
Dutchmen Voltage 3005

Are there others that we should consider?

Rocketpilot · 10-20-2021, 09:07 PM

So the wife and I have had the same thoughts about downsizing our toy hauler.

We were in a 43' garage model, 3 slides. With the kids getting older and the wife's desire to use some state campgrounds, we went on a search for something in the 35' range. We didn't want to give up the King bed, residential shower, or the double fridge.

So we settled on a Genesis 3414v. So far we love it. We've had it about 5 weeks, two short trips and so far all is well. I believe Genesis builds a better than average trailer, the fit and finish is better than most of the other brands we looked at. So time will tell but I've had a good look over, under, and around it, so far only a few loose screws and a missing rubber bumper on the shower door.

Genesis has several Floor plans in that size range depending on your needs.

Good Luck!

Bill Nourse · 10-21-2021, 06:47 AM

I have an XLR Nitro that would meet your specs. Same size and basic floor plan as the Momentum 320.

Wileykid · 10-21-2021, 07:03 AM

I have a '21 GD 320G, and really enjoy it. Quality is a little better then some, but not any worse. The factory steps up to the plate better then most of the others when needed.

One thing as a FYI, I noticed in my research on toy haulers in the mid 30' range, is they run a 7K lb axle, and depending on the design, will come close to maxing the axles out before you get to the GVWR. I know it can happen with the GD 320G with a full water tank, and a 400+ lb bike. I am not sure on others, but I was able to get a factory upgraded axle (to 8K lb), which also increased the GVWR to 18K, although I never load mine that heavy.

TXiceman · 10-21-2021, 08:46 AM

Better check with the parks if they will allow the operation of a golf cart in the park. So do allow a golf cart and then other will only allow mobility scooters for the folks with disabilities.

Ken

Nlambert · 10-21-2021, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman

Better check with the parks if they will allow the operation of a golf cart in the park. So do allow a golf cart and then other will only allow mobility scooters for the folks with disabilities.

Ken

So far, everywhere that we frequent now allows carts. If we were to end up in one that does not in the future when this becomes more full time for us, we would simply leave it in the garage.

Nlambert · 10-21-2021, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wileykid

I have a '21 GD 320G, and really enjoy it. Quality is a little better then some, but not any worse. The factory steps up to the plate better then most of the others when needed.

One thing as a FYI, I noticed in my research on toy haulers in the mid 30' range, is they run a 7K lb axle, and depending on the design, will come close to maxing the axles out before you get to the GVWR. I know it can happen with the GD 320G with a full water tank, and a 400+ lb bike. I am not sure on others, but I was able to get a factory upgraded axle (to 8K lb), which also increased the GVWR to 18K, although I never load mine that heavy.

Yes, I did notice that! I saw that GD allows you to choose axle options (7k or 8k) if you build a new one with them. I'll take a look on others. I don't see why we'd ever load that heavy, but I'd prefer to be on the safer side.

Wileykid · 10-21-2021, 07:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nlambert

Yes, I did notice that! I saw that GD allows you to choose axle options (7k or 8k) if you build a new one with them. I'll take a look on others. I don't see why we'd ever load that heavy, but I'd prefer to be on the safer side.

If the axle is done on the production line, then it has the 18,000 GVWR, otherwise it will be 16,800 lbs, even if you put the bigger axle on after. Other than the additional weight capability if needed, it comes with disc brakes. This is my first trailer with disc brakes, and wow, just wow. Stopping distance is reduced dramatically. That trailer wants to stop.

Nlambert · 10-22-2021, 05:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wileykid

If the axle is done on the production line, then it has the 18,000 GVWR, otherwise it will be 16,800 lbs, even if you put the bigger axle on after. Other than the additional weight capability if needed, it comes with disc brakes. This is my first trailer with disc brakes, and wow, just wow. Stopping distance is reduced dramatically. That trailer wants to stop.

Good to know. We definitely want disc brakes if we decide to go more towards a full time lifestyle as we would be traveling a lot more frequently. Our current trips are no more than 400 miles away and are mostly flat interstate where stopping is sufficient with drum brakes since we only stop twice, but that will definitely change as we venture further out.