Hey y’all, it’s your boy Matt Taylor here, and I’ve got a funny story to tell you about the time I tried to load up my toy hauler like I was moving houses instead of just going on a weekend camping trip.
So, I had this bright idea to bring pretty much everything I owned with me on this trip. You know, just in case I needed it.
My friends were all like “Dude, seriously? You’re only going for two nights. You don’t need to bring your kitchen sink.” But I was all like “YOLO, I’ll just strap it to the back of the hauler and call it a day.”
Long story short, I ended up having to leave half my stuff behind because there was no way it was all fitting in the back of that toy hauler.
And let me tell you, it was not a fun conversation to have with my girlfriend when I had to explain to her why her designer handbags and shoes weren’t making the cut for the trip. Oops.
But that’s why I’m here today, folks.
To save you from the same embarrassment and frustration that I experienced, and to give you the lowdown on how much weight you can safely haul in the back of a toy hauler.
Table of Contents
What is a Toy Hauler?
For those who may not be familiar, a toy hauler is a type of recreational vehicle (RV) that has a large, open cargo area in the back for hauling “toys” such as ATVs, dirt bikes, kayaks, and more.
They often have a ramp door that folds down to allow easy loading and unloading of these large items.
Toy haulers are a popular choice for adventurers and outdoor enthusiasts who want to bring their gear with them on the road.
They offer a convenient and comfortable way to transport and store your toys, as well as a place to sleep and relax when you’re not out exploring.
How Much Weight Can You Put in the Back of a Toy Hauler?
The short answer is: it depends.
There are a few factors to consider when determining how much weight you can safely put in the back of a toy hauler.
1. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR)
The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight that a vehicle is designed to carry, including the weight of the vehicle itself, passengers, fuel, and cargo.
Exceeding the GVWR can put excessive strain on the vehicle and may result in damage or accidents.
To find out the GVWR of your toy hauler, you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s specifications or owner’s manual. The GVWR will be listed in pounds (lbs) and should not be exceeded under any circumstances.
2. Payload Capacity
The payload capacity is the amount of weight that you can safely add to the vehicle, taking into account the GVWR and the weight of the vehicle itself. In other words, it’s the difference between the GVWR and the weight of the vehicle when it’s empty.
To calculate the payload capacity of your toy hauler, subtract the empty weight of the vehicle (also listed in the manufacturer’s specifications or owner’s manual) from the GVWR.
This will give you the total weight that you can safely add to the vehicle in the form of passengers, fuel, and cargo.
3. Weight Distribution
In addition to the GVWR and payload capacity, it’s also important to consider the distribution of weight within the toy hauler.
The weight of the cargo should be evenly distributed and not concentrated in one area, as this can cause the vehicle to become unbalanced and potentially dangerous to operate.
It’s a good idea to consult with a professional or refer to the manufacturer’s guidelines for proper weight distribution in your specific toy hauler model.
They may recommend using tie-down straps or other methods to secure the load and ensure it is evenly distributed.
FAQ
Can I exceed the payload capacity of my toy hauler?
No, it is not recommended to exceed the payload capacity of your toy hauler. Doing so can put excessive strain on the vehicle and increase the risk of accidents or damage.
It’s important to carefully consider the weight of the cargo and passengers you will be hauling and stay within the limits set by the manufacturer.
What happens if I exceed the GVWR of my toy hauler?
Exceeding the GVWR of your toy hauler is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. Doing so can cause the vehicle to become unstable and potentially result in accidents or serious injury to the occupants.
It can also cause damage to the vehicle and may void the manufacturer’s warranty.
Can I add extra weight to my toy hauler beyond the GVWR and payload capacity?
No, it is not recommended to add any extra weight to your toy hauler beyond the GVWR and payload capacity.
These limits are set by the manufacturer based on the design and capabilities of the vehicle, and exceeding them can be dangerous and potentially result in accidents or damage.
Haulin’ with Matt Taylor: The Final Word
In conclusion, it’s important to pay attention to the weight limits of your toy hauler to ensure the safety and integrity of the vehicle.
Always check the GVWR and payload capacity of your toy hauler and distribute the weight evenly to avoid any issues on the road.
And most importantly, remember that sometimes less is more and it’s okay to leave a few things behind to stay within the limits.
Thanks for joining me on this journey, and happy haulin’ y’all!