Finding the perfect RV

Matchmaker

Adventure Awaits: Live, Work, & Play with Your Family, Side-by-Side, & Dog in the Perfect RV

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"Hey RV Matchmaker..."

Maria Green | April 25, 2024

Today’s request comes from a friend of my husband’s. He’s a local business owner who likes his toys! The family consists of 2 parents, 2 school-age kids, and a dog. They want to take one year to hit the road in an RV to visit all the coolest off-roading opportunities in their large RZR side-by-side.

For families with a crew of four, a furry friend, and a side-by-side that measures a whopping 13’11.5″ in length, finding the perfect RV might feel like a puzzle with missing pieces. How can you possibly juggle dedicated space for your side-by-side with comfortable living quarters for the whole family? Don’t fret, intrepid explorers! I’m here to show you how a fifth wheel toy hauler can be the key to unlocking your full-time RV dream with your family, dog, and side-by-side in tow. Let’s explore clever design solutions and transform your toy hauler into a livable haven on wheels, ready for a year of unforgettable adventures!

A Second Trailer Might Not Be the Answer

While the allure of a second trailer to haul your side-by-side might seem appealing at first glance, it’s important to consider the practicalities and potential roadblocks before you hitch up another trailer. Here’s why a second trailer might not be the best solution for your full-time RV adventure with a family and a side-by-side.

Navigating the Legal Maze: Laws regarding towing a trailer behind another trailer (dolly setup) vary widely from state to state. Some states prohibit this practice altogether, while others require a special endorsement on your driver’s license. Before you set off on your adventure, research the laws of each state you plan to travel through to ensure you’re in compliance. The extra hassle of obtaining permits or dealing with unexpected legal roadblocks can quickly put a damper on your trip.
Campground Quandaries: Not all campgrounds welcome double trailers. Even those that do often charge extra fees for the additional space required to park your RV and a second trailer. These additional costs can quickly add up over time, potentially negating the perceived advantage of having a separate trailer for your side-by-side.
Maneuvering Might Be a Monster: Let’s not forget the challenge of maneuvering with a trailer towing another trailer. This can be especially tricky in tight campgrounds or on winding roads. The extra length and weight can make navigating turns and backing up significantly more difficult, potentially leading to stressful situations and safety hazards.

Fifth-wheel toy haulers offer a more convenient and hassle-free solution for your needs. These RVs are specifically designed to accommodate large powersports within the garage space, eliminating the need for a second trailer. This translates to easier towing, compliance with most towing laws, and the ability to freely camp in most campgrounds without worrying about restrictions or extra fees.

Why a Fifth Wheel Toy Hauler is Your Dream Machine

Full-time RVing with a family and a side-by-side is an adventure waiting to happen, but finding the right RV can feel like fitting a square peg in a round hole. Standard RVs might offer sleeping space for the family, but where do you stash your beastly 13’11.5″ side-by-side? Enter the fifth wheel toy hauler, the champion of balancing family comfort with powersports passion.

Designed for Adventure: Unlike traditional RVs, toy haulers boast a dedicated garage space specifically built for hauling powersports like your side-by-side. This eliminates the struggle of squeezing your prized possession into an already cramped living area. Imagine the freedom of unloading your side-by-side directly from the garage, ready to conquer any trail the moment you arrive at your campsite.

Spacious Living for the Whole Crew: Beyond the dedicated garage, fifth wheel toy haulers typically offer expansive living quarters. This translates to comfortable sleeping arrangements for the whole family, a well-equipped kitchen for whipping up delicious meals, and a designated living space for movie nights or rainy-day board games. No more converting the dining table into a bed every night – with a toy hauler, everyone gets their own dedicated space to unwind after a day of adventure.

Focus on the Garage: Sizing Up Your Perfect Fit

Now, let’s talk specifics. To comfortably accommodate your large side-by-side, we recommend looking for a fifth wheel toy hauler with a minimum garage length of 14 feet. This extra space ensures your precious cargo fits securely, leaving room for additional gear like helmets, tools, and spare tires. Some toy hauler models offer even longer garage spaces, which might be ideal if you also plan on bringing along bikes, kayaks, or other outdoor equipment. Remember, a little extra space can go a long way in maximizing your comfort and enjoyment on the road.

Some Models To Consider

Heartland Road Warrior 3965

The Heartland Road Warrior 3965RW is a formidable contender, boasting a spacious 15′ garage – more than enough room to comfortably house your 13’11.5″ side-by-side with extra breathing room for gear. This impressive garage even features frame-welded tie-downs, ensuring your precious cargo arrives safely at every destination.

But the Road Warrior’s strengths extend beyond its garage. Stepping inside the living quarters, you’ll be greeted by a generous 425 square feet of living space, perfect for a family of four. The well-appointed kitchen boasts ample counter space and a large refrigerator, ideal for meal prepping and storing groceries for extended adventures. The comfortable sleeping arrangements include a king-sized bed for the parents and potentially bunk beds for the kids, providing a restful haven after a long day of exploring. Don’t forget the entertainment features – the Road Warrior comes equipped with a JBL Hi-Fi sound system with a subwoofer, setting the stage for memorable evenings spent relaxing with the family.

Forest River Vengeance Rouge 4007G2

For families craving both comfort and functionality in a full-time RV, the Forest River Vengeance Rogue 4007G2 emerges as a top contender. This feature-rich fifth wheel toy hauler boasts a spacious 14 1/2′ garage, providing ample room for your side-by-side and additional gear. Like the Heartland Road Warrior, the Vengeance Rogue features frame-welded tie-downs to keep your precious cargo secure during your travels.

Step inside the Vengeance Rogue and you’ll be greeted by a well-designed living area that prioritizes functionality for full-time living. One of the standout features is the impressive wrap-around kitchen. This spacious design offers ample counter space and plentiful storage, making meal prep and organization a breeze – essential for any family on the road. Imagine whipping up delicious meals for your crew after a day of exploring, with plenty of room to spread out and enjoy the cooking process.

The Vengeance Rogue also offers a unique space-saving innovation: a collapsing wall for the half bath. This clever design allows the wall to be retracted when needed, effectively expanding the garage space and creating even more room for your side-by-side or other recreational gear. This flexibility ensures you can maximize both comfort and functionality within your RV.

Keystone Fuzion Impact Edition 415

Continuing our exploration of ideal fifth wheel toy haulers for full-time RVing families, let’s turn our attention to the feature-rich Keystone Fuzion Impact Edition 415. This impressive model boasts a spacious 15′ garage, easily accommodating your large side-by-side with extra wiggle room for all your essential gear.

Stepping inside the living quarters of the Fuzion Impact Edition, you’ll be met with a focus on comfort and functionality. The U-shaped kitchen takes center stage, offering ample counter space and plentiful storage – a dream come true for any family whipping up meals on the road. You could be enjoying breakfast huddled around the swing-out barstools, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere for morning coffee or evening game nights. The U-shaped design also promotes easy interaction between the chef and the rest of the family, fostering a sense of togetherness even during meal prep.

Beyond the kitchen, the Fuzion Impact Edition boasts a living area designed for relaxation. A beautiful entertainment center provides a focal point for movie nights or enjoying downtime after a day of adventure. Imagine curling up with a good book by the warm glow of the fireplace (yes, you read that right!), creating a cozy haven for unwinding after exploring the great outdoors. These luxurious touches elevate the living experience within your RV, transforming it from a simple accommodation into a true home on wheels.

Grand Design Momentum M-Class 395M

Sometimes, good things come in smaller packages. For families who crave adventure but might be wary of towing a behemoth RV, the Grand Design Momentum M-Class 395M offers a compelling option. One of the key advantages of the M-Class 395M is its size. If navigating tight campsites or maneuvering through winding roads is a concern, the shorter length of this model offers greater ease of handling. However, this doesn’t come at the expense of functionality.

This fifth wheel toy hauler boasts a remarkable 18′ garage, easily swallowing your side-by-side and leaving ample space for additional gear or even furniture. Don’t let the slightly shorter length fool you – the Grand Design maximizes space utilization. This model features double Happy Jack bunk systems, essentially doubling your kid’s sleeping quarters within the garage area. This innovative design allows you to create dedicated “rooms” for your children, providing a sense of privacy and transforming the garage into a functional living space during the day.

While the garage is impressive, the living quarters of the Momentum M-Class 395M deserve a shout-out too. Grand Design proves that a smaller footprint doesn’t have to sacrifice comfort. The living area features a large 4-seat sofa, providing ample space for relaxing or family movie nights. The well-equipped kitchen offers everything you need to whip up delicious meals, and the sleeping arrangements include a comfortable master suite for the parents.

Transforming Your Toy Hauler: From Garage to Family Haven

We’ve established that a fifth wheel toy hauler provides the perfect foundation for your full-time RV adventure with a family and a side-by-side. But the real magic lies in transforming the spacious garage into a functional living space that caters to your family’s unique needs. Here are two creative approaches to consider.

Option 1: The Kid's Adventure Zone

Imagine a dedicated space for your little explorers! By building platforms across the Happy Jack bunk system, you can create comfortable bed and lounge areas for the kids. Curtains hung along the platform edges provide a sense of privacy, while furniture on the floor level like beanbags or ottomans can be easily stored away when it’s time to load up your side-by-side.

This approach maximizes the garage space, allowing you to dedicate the living area to a comfortable space for relaxing as a family. Plus, with their own “adventure zone,” the kids will have a dedicated space to unwind and recharge after a day of exploring.

Option 2: The Deluxe Master Suite

The centerpiece of this transformation is a king-sized bed that ingeniously lowers from the ceiling on a platform built into the Happy Jack system. This clever design utilizes vertical space, creating a spacious and airy sleeping area without sacrificing precious floor space.

On the floor level of the garage, prioritize furniture that maintains a low profile and can be easily tucked away when it’s time to load up your side-by-side. Think stowable ottomans that double as extra seating or storage, and a fold-down table perfect for enjoying a morning coffee or catching up on emails. Lightweight lounge chairs positioned strategically facing the back deck create a seamless indoor/outdoor living area. Incorporate a fold-down desk into the design, ideally positioned near a window for a dose of nature while you tackle your tasks. This dedicated workspace ensures you have a productive corner, even within a transformed garage.

In this scenario, the existing master suite can be transformed into a bunk room for the kids, providing a cozy haven for them to sleep and play.

These are just two examples to spark your creativity. Ultimately, the best way to customize your toy hauler is to tailor it to your family’s specific needs and preferences. Consider your lifestyle, prioritize your must-have features, and get ready to create your dream RV living space!