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Toy Hauler VS Truck Camper

May. 21 2020 Buying Guide By ___

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Two common RV options are toy haulers and truck campers. Both offer plenty of perks and the right one for you depends on many factors, such as your budget and travel style. Keep reading to learn more, then visit Camp Site RV to explore toy haulers and truck campers for sale. Our dealership is based in Cresco, Iowa. We also serve those in Cedar Falls, IA, Rochester, MN, and La Crosse, WI.

Understanding The RV Types

Toy haulers and truck campers are unique types of RVs, offering different features and built to serve different purposes.

A toy hauler:

  • offers the traditional RV living elements (such as a kitchen and dining room) as well as a large cargo bay area

  • gets hitched to a truck large enough to handle the RV's heavy weight

  • is usually used by those who consistently carry large loads, such as powersports enthusiasts traveling for an out of town competition

A truck camper:

  • offers a budget-friendly and compact way to travel as this is the smallest RV option out there (though many states legally define it as cargo and not an RV)

  • gets attached to the truck bed, allowing the tow vehicle to have the option of towing a trailer as well

  • usually used by smaller groups on a stricter budget who want more simple RV features

The Costs

The exact costs of ownership will depend on the specific models, but in general, a truck camper is going to be the more affordable option.

The Initial Cost

Toy haulers usually cost more upfront. For example, the prices of new toy haulers at our RV dealership range from $23,000 to $54,000. The prices of our new truck campers range from $12,000 to $25,000. Plus, truck campers usually don't come with a registration fee.

The Upkeep Cost

Truck campers usually offer lower upkeep costs for a few reasons:

  • they are lighter in weight, so you'll spend less on fuel towing the RV around

  • they come with lower insurance rates since they cost less to repair/replace

  • they have fewer moving parts, making them cheaper to maintain

The Resale Value

If you plan on eventually selling your RV, you will get more money back from a truck camper. This RV style holds its value well and tends to depreciate less than other RV types.

The RV Size

In general, truck campers are smaller and toy haulers are larger. The right size for you depends on your travel style.

Truck campers are compact and usually only extend a little bit beyond the truck. It's easy to fit in smaller and tighter spaces. If your truck can make it to the destination, you'll likely be able to fit with your truck camper. Enjoy a wider range of campsite and destination options, allowing you to truly explore off-the-beaten-path.

Toy haulers are larger and typically extend a decent amount beyond the truck. This extra space makes it easy to pack more supplies and bring along more passengers. Even large groups can enjoy the interior space without feeling crowded or cramped. 

Traveling With The RV

The Towing Experience

Attaching a truck camper doesn't alter the tow vehicle experience too much. The turning radius, stopping distance, and so on will still be impacted, but much less so than it will be impacted by a toy hauler.

Running Errands

When you are traveling, you may need to run to the store to get more supplies. With a toy hauler, you can easily unhitch the RV and take just your truck to the grocery store. With a truck camper, you'll either leave it on or spend a decent amount of time unhitching it.

Bringing Cargo

This is one big area where these two types of RVs differ. Toy haulers are designed to haul heavy cargo. The storage area is typically built from easy to clean materials, allowing you to load up ATVs dirty from a day of mudding...without worrying about an exhausting clean-up. The cargo bay area is large enough to fit an impressive range of items and offers a secure, enclosed space to store them. Your items will be kept safe from weather, theft, and the other hazards on the road.

Truck campers, on the other hand, are much more limited in their available storage space. If you need to transport items, you'll likely need to attach a trailer to your tow vehicle.

Ready to explore toy haulers and truck campers for sale? Head over to Camp Site RV. We carry a range of RVs that suit families of all shapes and sizes. Our friendly staff is always happy to help you find the perfect fit, so stop by and visit us today. Our dealership is based in Cresco, Iowa. We also proudly serve those in Cedar Falls, Iowa; Rochester, Minnesota; and La Crosse, Wisconsin.