Motovan vs truck/toyhauler

Ob917
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Cardiff, CA US
12/23/2022 6:25am
Ob917 wrote:
I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and...

I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and enchiladas, drive home park in my driveway go inside and sleep. Then wake up w  ask outside  and drive back to the track just like I’m in a sports car. No loading unloading booking up parking a trailer, cleaning a trailer etc etc etc. also no buying a big ass truck to tow with, maintenance fuel costs etc etc. it’s a no brainer, unless you just go ride once a month and need to sleep with a family. 

McG194 wrote:
I have a 2018 Hemi Ram 1500 that is paid for and more importantly I freaking love driving it. I would love to pull the trigger...

I have a 2018 Hemi Ram 1500 that is paid for and more importantly I freaking love driving it. I would love to pull the trigger and get a motovan and keep both my Turbo Levo in it and my KTM 350 in it at all times and be able to change for mtb riding or moto in my van but I love the day to day driving of my truck. Stupid I know but we love what we love even if a motovan would make everything easier. 

I hear ya, I have three cars just because they all have their purposes 

RDnutz
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Dolores, CO US
12/23/2022 8:06am
Ob917 wrote:
I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and...

I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and enchiladas, drive home park in my driveway go inside and sleep. Then wake up w  ask outside  and drive back to the track just like I’m in a sports car. No loading unloading booking up parking a trailer, cleaning a trailer etc etc etc. also no buying a big ass truck to tow with, maintenance fuel costs etc etc. it’s a no brainer, unless you just go ride once a month and need to sleep with a family. 

Ahhhh, the follies of youth. Enjoy it while it lasts! Laughing

2
RDnutz
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12/23/2022 8:20am
racerx217 wrote:
 Motorhome and trailer all the way. Not much more than a nice van and way more convenient. Been down the toy hauler route and they are...

 Motorhome and trailer all the way. Not much more than a nice van and way more convenient. Been down the toy hauler route and they are all PITA. Motorhome and trailer keep the clean stuff and dirty stuff separate and more than enough room. 

 

Nice. We still have our 2005 Forest River 27' Class C purchased new but not used much the last couple of years as we focused on settling in CO after bailing out of CA. Lots of stuff keeping us busy here and the whole COVID thing also had an impact on the RV traveling experience. Considered selling it and switching to a medium size tow behind, but ultimately decided it was better just to refresh the Class C since it was paid off long ago and has everything we wanted/needed for our lifestyle when we bought it. Also, it's cheap to keep with combined annual registration and insurance just under $200.00 per year. Sure was nice having it to search the country looking for a new place to live out our later years comfortably and be able to travel without hassles of flying whenever we want or just let it sit without costing anything.

2
dl117
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Cambridge, MN US
12/23/2022 8:32am

 

 

 

 

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The Shop

Ob917
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Location
Cardiff, CA US
12/23/2022 6:30pm
Ob917 wrote:
I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and...

I can’t even comprehend this question. I can go to the track in my van, go home then go to the Mexican  restaurant get beer and enchiladas, drive home park in my driveway go inside and sleep. Then wake up w  ask outside  and drive back to the track just like I’m in a sports car. No loading unloading booking up parking a trailer, cleaning a trailer etc etc etc. also no buying a big ass truck to tow with, maintenance fuel costs etc etc. it’s a no brainer, unless you just go ride once a month and need to sleep with a family. 

RDnutz wrote:
Ahhhh, the follies of youth. Enjoy it while it lasts! 

Ahhhh, the follies of youth. Enjoy it while it lasts! Laughing

I was in my youth long ago my man. But obviously I’m not very wise lol

1
Sandusky26
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Eastern, NC US
12/24/2022 1:54am

 This was my set up when I was younger and trying to pull chick's.

 

Now that I'm a gnarly vet guy I'm using a F150 and a 6x12 enclosed. An enclosed trailer is the only vehicle that doesn't loose value and needs almost zero maintenance.

4
dcg141
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MS US
12/24/2022 7:20am Edited Date/Time 12/24/2022 7:20am

I already have a very small trailer for bikes and I'm thinking about a van to tow it with. Outfit the van for sleeping but also for a couple bikes for day trips and pull the trailer on overnight trips. 

McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
12/24/2022 11:22am
dl117 wrote:
       

 

 

 

 

I don't get it, is that an optical illusion or is that a low rider toy hauler trailer? 

1
DaBaum44
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IN US
12/24/2022 12:26pm

If you want to keep it cheap and simple (all relative), I've had great luck with my extended Chevy Express and a enclosed cargo trailer. For day trips, I just use the van itself. For overnight trips, I haul the trailer and put the bikes/gas/tools in the trailer. I can fit 2 queen size air mattresses in the van and an electric space heater. All of my wheel chocks are removable, which provides plenty of floor space. There are only a handful of times each year I take overnight trips, but it gets the job done for what I need.

1
RDnutz
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12/24/2022 1:18pm
Ob917 wrote:

I was in my youth long ago my man. But obviously I’m not very wise lol

All good. Back in the 1970's as a teenager, I was able to load bikes in my van easily- even through sliding side door with no ramp. Also had no fear about using a 2x6 and milk crate or toolbox for step with a running start to get them in the back of any pickup of the day. Now with a body that absorbed a lifetime of abuse, full of Arthritis and a couple generic replacement parts, I basically can't load a bike by myself in even a mid-size truck. Gives a new meaning to term can't get it up? The lower height is 1 thing that appealed to me with the Maverick. Tailgate is only 31.5 inches off the ground, and I can lift a foot on their standing on the ground. Also, the reason I have 3 trailers with rear gates I can just ride up into the bed Laughing

oceantrav
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Tarpon Springs, FL US
12/24/2022 3:57pm

I’ve had all the set ups. 
 

had multiple rv’s and pulled trailers, hate pulling trailer with a rv.

so bought a class C fun mover, so don’t need a trailer.

 

then also have a ford transit moto van for day trips 

 

 

3
McG194
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12/24/2022 4:37pm
oceantrav wrote:
I’ve had all the set ups.    had multiple rv’s and pulled trailers, hate pulling trailer with a rv. so bought a class C fun mover...

I’ve had all the set ups. 
 

had multiple rv’s and pulled trailers, hate pulling trailer with a rv.

so bought a class C fun mover, so don’t need a trailer.

 

then also have a ford transit moto van for day trips 

 

 

Two points on this:

A. I've been looking for a Class C toy hauler/Fun Mover and they are a tough item to find for a good price. 

 

B. I'm jealous of those kids hanging out on the ramp on moto day, not an effing worry in the world and hanging out at the track. Life is good. 

4
oceantrav
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Tarpon Springs, FL US
12/25/2022 5:45am
oceantrav wrote:
I’ve had all the set ups.    had multiple rv’s and pulled trailers, hate pulling trailer with a rv. so bought a class C fun mover...

I’ve had all the set ups. 
 

had multiple rv’s and pulled trailers, hate pulling trailer with a rv.

so bought a class C fun mover, so don’t need a trailer.

 

then also have a ford transit moto van for day trips 

 

 

McG194 wrote:
Two points on this: A. I've been looking for a Class C toy hauler/Fun Mover and they are a tough item to find for a good...

Two points on this:

A. I've been looking for a Class C toy hauler/Fun Mover and they are a tough item to find for a good price. 

 

B. I'm jealous of those kids hanging out on the ramp on moto day, not an effing worry in the world and hanging out at the track. Life is good. 

Ya, they are over priced. Recently bought the one I have, a 2008 31’ with 35m miles. I over paid probaly and have about $37k in it now. 
 

listed it even higher at $42k, gonna buy a new class A one if this sells.

 

it’s the way to go for sure! Only down side, is at big races we bring a scooter to get around (can also drive the scooter into town for stuff) instead of the golf cart. 

 

2
marcwinder
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Virginia Beach, VA US
12/26/2022 6:26am

With the way diesel prices have been for the past 2 years I'm seriously considering making the switch to a moto van.

12/26/2022 11:24am
lumpy790 wrote:
Loaded with toys and towing daily driver    

Loaded with toys and towing daily driver

 

The Canyon Star? How do you like it? 

12/26/2022 12:18pm Edited Date/Time 12/26/2022 12:27pm

I went round and round with the Toy hauler/Van deal. After driving and checking out everything from sprinter to Transit and Pro Master I finally got rid of my small 5th wheel toy hauler (Extreme Megalite 28') which we had for 11 years and loved. I ended up going with a  '21 Outlaw 29J Class C funmover. It's pretty much like a big sprinter but with all the comfort of a motorhome. We drive down I-5 quite a bit from Oregon so the trailer is no go because California Highway Patrol will fine you over $500 for doing 65mph with a trailer. It gets shitty mileage around 10-11mpg but I justify it by not having to get a hotel room ever with this and we can park anywhere and not have to worry about our bikes because we're in it and usually backed up against something. The convenience factor makes up for the fuel mileage in addition to the hotel fee savings.  We've had it almost two years and it's really been the best thing for our moto schedule. I even use it around town for close to home riding, I keep everything I need in there so the loading and unloading of crap constantly is gone. It will fit 4 big bikes but we usually only bring 3 and a scooter or pit bikes. You can also sleep above the bikes if you're on the road. It's similar clearance to a cabover bed dropped to the handlebars. My 17 year old sleeps up there and doesn't mind the bikes smell. I keep good sealed gas cans to keep the gas from getting  bad and drain the 2 stroke carbs before loading as well as keep the vents open. I sleep in the cab over bed. We bought it brand new from a dealer in Oregon for $96k OTD. Which ended up being not much more than a fully outfitted sprinter. Good luck with your search. Here are some pics of ours in action. We even got ours in a Fly racing commercial last year. They needed a last minute family with a toy hauler. 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ne1nvtpc6aiy7r7/FR22SXMCH_4k_H264.mp4?dl=0

 

 

 

 

 

 

7
dl117
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12/27/2022 8:40am
McG194 wrote:

I don't get it, is that an optical illusion or is that a low rider toy hauler trailer? 

i am from mn so it is also a fish house that hydraulicly drops to the ice. it was either this or an older class a and a trailer. but since i have the van, a pickup and 6x12 trailer we decided on this since we ice fish a bunch. And it was about same price 

2
randbagger
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Costa Mesa, CA US
12/27/2022 9:33am

 

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McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
12/27/2022 9:39am
McG194 wrote:

I don't get it, is that an optical illusion or is that a low rider toy hauler trailer? 

dl117 wrote:
i am from mn so it is also a fish house that hydraulicly drops to the ice. it was either this or an older class a...

i am from mn so it is also a fish house that hydraulicly drops to the ice. it was either this or an older class a and a trailer. but since i have the van, a pickup and 6x12 trailer we decided on this since we ice fish a bunch. And it was about same price 

That's wild. I grew up on Lake St. Clair (otherwise known as the Not-So-Great Lake lol) in Michigan so I have spent a bit of time in ice shanties, but you guys just do it different. I used to fish in a black fabric one that would fold all the way down. A little Mr. Heater in there and we would be in short sleeves in February. The thing I hated about fishing in a shanty is that because they were black with no windows so every time you would hear a snowmobile ripping across the lake you were afraid they would plow into you. 

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dl117
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12/27/2022 10:30am
McG194 wrote:
That's wild. I grew up on Lake St. Clair (otherwise known as the Not-So-Great Lake lol) in Michigan so I have spent a bit of time...

That's wild. I grew up on Lake St. Clair (otherwise known as the Not-So-Great Lake lol) in Michigan so I have spent a bit of time in ice shanties, but you guys just do it different. I used to fish in a black fabric one that would fold all the way down. A little Mr. Heater in there and we would be in short sleeves in February. The thing I hated about fishing in a shanty is that because they were black with no windows so every time you would hear a snowmobile ripping across the lake you were afraid they would plow into you. 

still have a couple portable shacks and thats always a worry. but this way we can be comfortable on the ice and at the moto track

1
lumpy790
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York, SC US
12/27/2022 8:50pm Edited Date/Time 12/27/2022 8:54pm
lumpy790 wrote:
Loaded with toys and towing daily driver    

Loaded with toys and towing daily driver

 

The Canyon Star? How do you like it? 

Yes it is a 2022 Canyon Star 3927 Fred - front engine diesel and I was skeptical on getting a diesel but it is amazing to drive. Sitting in Florida in it right now!

2
randbagger
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Costa Mesa, CA US
12/29/2022 7:07pm

American Van Stanton , CA modified the empty van shell. Wildrness Vans Canada makes one and provided the ideas on how to do it. 

1
yamahaha131
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Newark, OH US
1/1/2023 7:57pm
josh8811 wrote:
- There are no solutions, only compromises - Thomas Swoll Built out vans are wildly expensive. 100k+ for a nice, lower mile AWD. (I know you...

- There are no solutions, only compromises - Thomas Swoll

Built out vans are wildly expensive. 100k+ for a nice, lower mile AWD. (I know you can do for less but not everyone is that crafty or has the time)

A truck, with a slide in camper is another option. Depending on the setup, you can easily tow an enclosed trailer. 

A truck with a smaller toy hauler is most likely the most versatile. 

Good luck. I know the struggle. Currently I have a truck, toyhauler, and small enclosed. Works great for a family of 4. We family ride Mtb's and I do broMoto trips a few times a year too.

Shitter and shower situation something you have to think carefully about. Parking situation at home. Budget limitations. etc.

This is on point. My friends and I have this conversation often. We family camp, play ride on the quads, kayak, and race moto. Our best...

This is on point. My friends and I have this conversation often. We family camp, play ride on the quads, kayak, and race moto. Our best setup is a bumper pull toy hauler and 8ft truck bed (family of 3) to fit 3 quads. 

There is no perfect set up but you have to be realistic with how you'll use it.

 

we lucked out and bought our hauler new 3 months before Covid.

 

image-20221221190438-3

image-20221221190256-2
 

image-20221221190606-5


 

image-20221221191059-6

 

McG194 wrote:
Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I...

Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I was towing a 29-foot Forest River FSX that weighed 4700 lbs. with an electric golf cart and dirt bike in it with a half-ton Hemi Ram and it towed dead flat. If I was to bumper pull again, I'd seriously think about a Pro Pride hitch. Very expensive but it gets a lot cheaper when your crap is upside down in the median. 

 

 

 

I have air bags. With the lift I think the truck is a little softer in the rear. That picture was first hook up, I was trying to get set up proper but with air bags pumped up she's level and no distribution hitch needed. 

Skinz285
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Lancaster, OH US
1/2/2023 3:18am

@yamaha131 what in the hell is that hooked to the camper.......

McG194
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Palm Coast, FL US
1/2/2023 9:09am
This is on point. My friends and I have this conversation often. We family camp, play ride on the quads, kayak, and race moto. Our best...

This is on point. My friends and I have this conversation often. We family camp, play ride on the quads, kayak, and race moto. Our best setup is a bumper pull toy hauler and 8ft truck bed (family of 3) to fit 3 quads. 

There is no perfect set up but you have to be realistic with how you'll use it.

 

we lucked out and bought our hauler new 3 months before Covid.

 

image-20221221190438-3

image-20221221190256-2
 

image-20221221190606-5


 

image-20221221191059-6

 

McG194 wrote:
Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I...

Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I was towing a 29-foot Forest River FSX that weighed 4700 lbs. with an electric golf cart and dirt bike in it with a half-ton Hemi Ram and it towed dead flat. If I was to bumper pull again, I'd seriously think about a Pro Pride hitch. Very expensive but it gets a lot cheaper when your crap is upside down in the median. 

 

 

 

I have air bags. With the lift I think the truck is a little softer in the rear. That picture was first hook up, I was...

I have air bags. With the lift I think the truck is a little softer in the rear. That picture was first hook up, I was trying to get set up proper but with air bags pumped up she's level and no distribution hitch needed. 

Not telling you what to do, just giving some info in case you didn't know or general knowledge for anyone else. Air bags are good because it will handle the extra tongue weight, the problem is in an emergency braking situation all the trailer weight will push the ball down and lighten the front tires. You also don't get any sway control. A distribution hitch actually transfers weight to the frame and is a much better situation. I used both pulling my trailer. Even that isn't as good of a solution as the hitch I posted.  

yamahaha131
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Newark, OH US
1/2/2023 1:00pm
McG194 wrote:
Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I...

Looks like you have some pretty serious squat. I not only used a weight distribution hitch, but I also put air bags in my truck. I was towing a 29-foot Forest River FSX that weighed 4700 lbs. with an electric golf cart and dirt bike in it with a half-ton Hemi Ram and it towed dead flat. If I was to bumper pull again, I'd seriously think about a Pro Pride hitch. Very expensive but it gets a lot cheaper when your crap is upside down in the median. 

 

 

 

I have air bags. With the lift I think the truck is a little softer in the rear. That picture was first hook up, I was...

I have air bags. With the lift I think the truck is a little softer in the rear. That picture was first hook up, I was trying to get set up proper but with air bags pumped up she's level and no distribution hitch needed. 

McG194 wrote:
Not telling you what to do, just giving some info in case you didn't know or general knowledge for anyone else. Air bags are good because...

Not telling you what to do, just giving some info in case you didn't know or general knowledge for anyone else. Air bags are good because it will handle the extra tongue weight, the problem is in an emergency braking situation all the trailer weight will push the ball down and lighten the front tires. You also don't get any sway control. A distribution hitch actually transfers weight to the frame and is a much better situation. I used both pulling my trailer. Even that isn't as good of a solution as the hitch I posted.  

Appreciate the info for sure. I came from a 1/2 ton (camper is 5900 lbs dry) with sway system so definitely a huge improvement on handling the weight in a 1 ton with bags. 

1

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