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When searching for an RV, identifying the right one can be difficult. First, you must decide between motorhomes and towables. Then you need to identify what type of motorhome or towable is right for you. Before you decide, you’d better take not how versatile and plain awesome toy haulers are.

Toy haulers come regularly come in travel trailer and fifth-wheel forms. A toy hauler is an RV with an added space in the rear to store and transport your AVT, motorcycle, dirtbike, golf cart, or any other motorized toys you have that you want to bring along while you travel.

While not everyone needs a toy hauler, everyone should consider the RV type as an option. Here are three advantages of the RV type.

Toy Haulers Come With a Large Garage Space

Have a dirtbike, motorcycle, ATV, or golf cart you want to take camping with you? Then a toy hauler is the only way to go. The large garage spaces are perfect for these types of things. In fact, they’re designed specifically for them. They often have tie-down points on the floor and walls.

Even if you don’t have a toy you want to bring with you, the garage space is perfect for cargo you don’t use very much, bicycles, skateboards, snowboards, paddle boards and anything else you want to bring along.

Toy Haulers Have Another Bedroom or Dining Area

The garage area in a toy hauler is perfect for dirtbikes, motorcycles, golf carts, etc, but it also doubles as a living and sleeping area in most models. Most have foldaway tables and seating as well as queen beds that raise out of the way and can be lowered at night.

This provides you with a whole extra room for entertaining or just hanging out. Many toy haulers have a wall or curtain between the garage and the rest of the RV. This is nice if you have a family because you can let your kids have the garage space to play while you’re chilling out in the living or bedroom area of the RV.

Many Toy Haulers Come With a Party Deck

That ramp for the garage area on a toy hauler can do double duty. That’s right. It can extend straight out and give you a nice deck. The party deck, as it’s known, comes with side walls to help keep people from falling off and is a great way to enjoy the outdoors.

You can set up folding chairs or some other kind of furniture, plop down next to a friend, and relax the day away. The garage may be the best part of about owning a toy hauler, but a party deck is a close second, at least for me. Not all toy haulers have the ability to do this though, so if it’s a feature you want, make sure the model you’re interested in has it.

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Any other advantages that I missed? Tell me! Leave a comment below.

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For some, living in a camper van would be crazy. For others, it’s the best way to see the world and to experience adventures otherwise impossible. That’s exactly the case for Justin Brunelle.

Justin is a full-time filmmaker and YouTuber who focuses on epic adventures and travel content. He got his start doing promotional and travel video content for other companies and also chronicles his adventures on his YouTube channel MILE30 Adventures.

Why a Campervan, Why be Mobile?

 

Justin’s story of how he ended up living the lifestyle he does is really the story of his professional endeavors. He started Moving Artistry Productions, a film production company in his hometown of Edmonton in Alberta, Canada, shooting music videos, commercials, documentaries, and other pieces of content for a variety of clients.

He quickly realized he likes the jobs that required travel the most. This led him to move to Vancouver where he continued hunting these jobs down. He landed several. He’s been all across Canada, to Haiti, Central America, and Southeast Asia, among other places.

Justin spent so much time on the road that paying for an apartment in a very expensive city like Vancouver simply didn’t make sense.

“I was paying so much money to not live in Vancouver,” he told me over the phone. “I was like, I love traveling. I love doing what I’m doing. I love creating videos, but I can’t live in Vancouver.”

Now, you should understand something about Justin. He’s no stranger to unique adventures and interesting solutions. About five years before this predicament, he spent a month on the road traveling down towards Mexico living and sleeping in his Honda Pilot.

When he realized it was silly for him to continue paying an exorbitant amount of money in rent in Vancouver when he was only spending about four months out of the year at his apartment, his mind went back to his Honda Pilot.

“I thought what if I do that but on a larger scale,” he said. “I could buy a van and build my business into the van.”

Although he had a little trouble initially finding a van that fit his budget and would work for him, he eventually found a 1989 GMC campervan and began his life full-time on the road.

With Justin’s newfound mobility and his low cost of living he was able to visit unique locations and pursue only the jobs he really wanted.

“It provided me with financial freedom and the luxury to wake up wherever I wanted.”

His goal was always to make a living from the road. Justin wanted to be able to both live and work from the road, to have the ultimate freedom to do the things he wanted. So far, it has gone well.

Trials and Tribulations

That’s not to say his trips have been without incident. While Justin could regale you with numerous stories of personal blunders, his most recent incident resulted in a leaky roof.

When attaching solar panels to the roof of his camper, he accidentally drilled a little too far. That allowed rain water to stream into his living space.

“There was one day where eight liters of water came into the vehicle because of the rain.”

Justin put a tarp over his van until the rain stopped, which took several days. He spent some time with family and friends and came back to his van when the weather passed to fix the leak.

Justin said the solidarity of his living arrangement can be mentally taxing. It’s just him and his van. While he said he enjoys having a lot of time to himself. He said he realized he still needs to connect with others, especially when things go wrong.

“The biggest lesson I’ve learned this year is that I do need my friends and family.”

Despite these challenges, Justin is happy.

This is a recurring theme I’ve seen time and time again. It’s something we’ve come across on our podcast, too. While living on the road certainly brings some unique difficulties, everyone says the lifestyle is worth it.

What the Future Looks Like for Justin

Justin has been in his van for about 200 days now and has no plans of changing things up. When I asked him if he was going to only do this for a few years or if he would continue doing it longer than that he sounded uncertain.

“You know, I don’t know. I’ve only been doing it for less than a year,” he said. “I’m still loving it.”

He said he didn’t know what he’d be doing in five year’s time, but he was certain he’d still be living in his campervan in a year or two.

“There’s no signs of stopping right now. I’m loving what I get from it, and I’m loving the adventure.”

Justin said that the challenges he has come across won’t keep him from living the way he wants. He will continue to travel around North America in his campervan. He also said he’ll be traveling abroad with more documentary film work for various clients this year.

Justin encourages other people to try living in a van or a camper if they think they would want to. He also encourages traveling by yourself even if it’s just a day or two.

“You learn so much about yourself,” he said.

For Justin, living in his campervan is all about traveling and adventuring, and you can bet wherever he his, he’ll be filming, too.

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RV Show Season is in full swing! If you’re thinking of purchasing an RV or just want to learn more about how to make the most of your RV experience, attending a local show is a terrific idea.

For the uninitiated, visiting an RV show can also be a big undertaking. They can cover acres of space and the sheer volume information available can be overwhelming. Follow these simple tips to get the most out of your RV show visit.

General Guidelines

• Try to attend the first day to allow yourself time to return if you find something you like. Even better, break it up—look at RVs or products one day and attend seminars another.
• Wear comfortable shoes. Some of these shows are very large, and you’ll be doing a lot of walking.
• Bring snacks. Many shows will have food vendors, but the lines can be long and your choices may be limited.
• Check out the schedule and map online in advance to identify those models or seminars you don’t want to miss.

Tips for RV Shopping

If you’re in the market for a new RV, an RV show can be a terrific low-pressure atmosphere where you can see many floorplans and manufacturers in a short span of time. If you do a little research in advance, your show experience will be even better:

• Do a little pre-show preparation: Have an idea of what you are looking for by considering your budget and what type of travel you want to do. Read this primer to help you determine what RV might work best for you. Then make a list of “must haves.”
• Spend time in the models you like. Sit in the driver’s and passengers’ seats. Try out the bed. Open and close cabinets and drawers. Stand in the shower and see how you fit. Pretend you’re prepping & cooking a meal. You might feel a little silly, but it will give you a better feel of the RV.

• Take notes & photos of the RVs you preferred. Include the exact model and configuration, length, price, and other items you liked or didn’t like about it.
• At the end of the day, make a short list. Then go back the next day after you’ve had a chance to think about them, and revisit your favorites.

Go for the Education

RV Shows are still valuable even if you’re not in the market for a new RV. Most shows offer a variety of ways to learn more about RVing and RV related products.

• Seminars: Check the show schedule to see if there are any presentations offered. Many shows have veteran RV travelers who share knowledge on topics like “Basic RV Maintenance” or “RV Trip Planning.” Listen in and ask questions. Sean & I present at several Good Sam RV Shows throughout the year. Click here to see if we’ll be at a show near you.
• Product Demonstrations: Often vendors will also conduct live demonstrations so you can see products in action.
• Manufacturers: When you go to the dealership, you often only get a chance to talk to the folks in sales and maintenance. Many of the RV shows will have representatives from the various RV manufacturers and components right there to talk to you and answer your questions.

Check out the Latest Gear

Vendors at RV shows offer every type of gear imaginable from tire covers to inflatable kayaks. Looking for a new bed that fits just right in your RV? They’ve got you covered. Need an internet or satellite TV solution? Don’t worry, vendors will have plenty of options for you, too. Everything you can imagine for your RV and outdoor adventures can be found at an RV show.

Find New Places to Visit

One of our favorites perks of attending RV shows is finding great new destinations and campgrounds to explore. If you don’t have enough time to stop by every booth, focus on the ones on your top travel wish list. You can also check the exhibitor list in advance online to make a short list of the booths you’d like to stop by.

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So how about it? What RV show are you attending this year?

 

 

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If you’re a full-timer who also wants the handy garage space that comes with a toy hauler, then you’re in luck because there are some fantastic models out there for you. If you’re just getting into full-timing and can’t stand to give up your motorized toys, then these models are perfect for you, too.

In my humble opinion, fifth-wheel toy haulers are the best RV you can buy. The reason? You get to bring your motorcycle, dirtbike, golf cart, or ATV along with you. Most people who choose to full-time have to make compromises and leave their toys behind. Not the case if you have one of these RVs.

Here are five of the best fifth-wheel toy haulers on the market today.

Montana High Country 381TH

We’ll start things off with what is perhaps the best option out there: the Keystone Montana High Country. With the floorplan in the 381TH model, you get the living space up front, a large kitchen area, a dinette on a slide out, residential size refrigerator and a spacious garage area for your toys.

The quality of the materials in the RV will be top notch. Montana High Country models don’t cheap out, and the quality is well-known in the industry. You have seating for plenty of people in the living room area with hide-a-beds. There’s also a queen bed in the garage area that lifts out of the way so you can pull in a golf cart, ATV, motorcycle, etc. The 381TH can sleep up to eight people. We have a video of this model if you want to learn more.

Raptor 425TS

Another great offering from Keystone is the Raptor 425TS. This model has the master bedroom up front and it provides a big king mattress. There are two bathrooms (one full) in this model and a large L-shaped kitchen. The living space is smack in the middle of the floorplan, and the two recliners on the slide out next to the refrigerator can be swapped out for a dinette should you please.

There’s another bed over the garage space and the large 12-foot garage should offer plenty of space for whatever you want to bring along with you. I especially like this floorplan because it makes a lot of sense. The living and eating space is right in the middle and there’s plenty of room for multiple people and plenty of spots to sit and sleep. This model sleeps up to nine people.

Heartland Fuel 352

While I would recommend the two Keystone models first, the Heartland Fuel 352 is also an excellent option. It features a lovely floorplan with a spacious kitchen area, a full bathroom, a half bath, and a master bedroom up near the front of the RV. While this floorplan lacks the spacious living room area in the two models above, it offers a 13-foot garage space.

There’s also a queen bed above the garage space. The model comes with three slide outs that really opens up the space, and the layout of the floorplan makes it work well for multiple people. This means it’s great for bringing along the entire family or some friends. It sleeps up to eight people. For more information check out our video review.

Jayco Talon 413T

The Jayco Talon 413T offers a lot of fantastic features and has one of my favorite layouts of any RV. I like that the master bedroom is at the front of the unit and it’s set apart from the rest of the RV. The model comes with one full bathroom and a half bath, a fantastic kitchen and living space that’s right in the middle of the floorplan.

The garage area is a full 13 feet long and offers the ability to transport an ATV, golf car, or motorcycle easily. When it’s not full with your toys, it can be used as additional living space with a cargo table and seating. There is a queen bed back there too and a loft storage area. This model sleeps eight people, so its great for large families or a group of friends.

Heartland Cyclone 4115

Another fantastic offering from Heartland is the Cyclone 4115. This floorplan offers a massive 15-foot and one-inch garage that will definitely be big enough for whatever you want to store inside. Above the garage is a queen bed and the model, like many others on this list comes with two bathrooms—a full and a half bath. The model comes with two slides for additional space and a large bedroom at the front of the camper with a king bed.

I like the way this one is laid out because you have a traffic path that runs all the way through the model. It’s easy to get from one end to the other and the amenities are smartly placed. Also, you’re not going to find a garage space much bigger than this. The amenities are plentiful, too, and the model sleeps up to eight people.

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What do you think of these models? What would you want in a fifth-wheel toy hauler? Leave a comment below.

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Many RVers dream of traveling to Alaska, considering it the ultimate destination on their bucket lists. So we’ve created a series of articles to help you navigate the Last Frontier in a motorhome or travel trailer, in hopes that you can enjoy exploring the 49^th state, as well!

Today we’re going to explore:

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve

If you are looking for the true Alaskan wilderness, awe-inspiring scenery, and challenging outdoor adventure, you’ll find it in spades at the nation’s largest national park: Wrangell–St. Elias.

Located in the southeast corner of the Frontier State, this preserve is the size of six Yellowstones. At over 13 million acres,

Wrangell–St. Elias encompasses extreme variations in topography. Four major mountain ranges meet here, and the park has landscapes from sea level to over 18,000 feet high. One of those mountains is still an active volcano, with steam venting from its peak year round.

Every river in this vast region is fed by glaciers, some of them larger than states in the Lower 48. Tidewater glaciers calving into Yakutat Bay and the Gulf of Alaska showcase erosion at its apex, and inland ice fields cover thousands of miles—a perfect opportunity for backcountry skiing and ice climbing!

History

Wrangell–St. Elias National Park and Preserve took its time climbing to national park status. Way back in 1940, the area was recommended as a national monument, but because of World War II, President Roosevelt put the designation on the back burner. It wasn’t until 40 years later that President Carter made it official, and the region gained the protection it needed as a national park.

Long before the government even considered park status, Wrangell–St. Elias was sporadically inhabited by Athabascan and Tlingit native peoples who discovered copper near present day McCarthy. This metal was used in their tools and for trade with other natives, but because the region didn’t offer plentiful game, the populations never grew much.

However, with the discovery of copper, miners weren’t too far behind. Some gold was discovered in the northern Wrangell Mountains, and the US Geological Survey came to the area to create more accurate maps. This led to mineral exploration, and eventually a huge deposit of chalcocite, which had a very high concentration of copper, was uncovered. Five mines grew outside of McCarthy, and with them a mill complex was born. The Kennecott Mill processed the chalcocite and some silver.  But this entire production was dependent upon train service to the region from Cordova, Alaska.

Only operating from 1911 to 1938, Kennecott is estimated to have produced between 100 million to 300 million dollars in ore.  When the mines played out, the railroad abandoned their line. Today that rail line is the foundation for one of the two roads in Wrangell–St. Elias National Park. The other road was created when gold was discovered near Nabesna in the northern section of the park.

Today small communities of native Ahtna are scattered throughout the Copper River Valley, and Tlingit natives live on the coast along the Gulf of Alaska.

Getting There

Mining brought two roads to Wrangell–St. Elias, and you can drive an RV part of the way into the park. However, many tourists choose to fly into and around this scenic wonderland of mountain tops, rushing rivers and glacial ice. Words aren’t big enough to describe the vast landscapes, but seeing them from the sky puts the park into perspective.

If you drive, the Richardson Highway (Alaska 4) south from Glennallen, it will take you to the park visitors center just north of Copper Center. There you will find a small complex of four buildings and some wonderful hiking trails overlooking the Copper River. Park rangers are well versed in backcountry hiking and camping and have current road conditions for the trip to McCarthy. A separate building houses the movie theater, for a cinematic overview of the region.

An added surprise is a building housing the Ahtna Cultural Center, which is full of history, art, and community practices of the Ahtna people. Outside the front door is a hand-built fish wheel, which is still used today.

Continue south on the Richardson Highway to Highway 10, turning off to Chitina. From Chitina, the road gets interesting.

Remember that railroad built to take processed ore away from the mines? Well, from Chitina to McCarthy the resulting road built on top of the old rail line is “rugged” at best. Many tourists opt to rent a “gravel ready” vehicle to handle this section. The speed limit is 35 mph. If you follow it, you shouldn’t have any problems, but there is an option to leave flat tires at the end of the road and they will be fixed by the time you return from your mine visit (Magic elves, I guess!).

There is a third option: take a shuttle from either Glennallen or from Chitina. Any way you choose to travel, you should end up at a footbridge crossing the Chitina River. You must park your vehicle at this point and walk across the bridge. If you decide to continue the walk, you can hike the five miles into McCarthy, or take a shuttle from the bridge to the Kennecott Mines and McCarthy.  Whatever way you get there, the destination is well worth all of the effort.

Kennecott

Kennecott Mill is remarkably in tact for its age, especially with the punishment the elements must have doled out to these structures on a regular basis. Fourteen stories still stand on the mountain slope, and it must have been an amazing operation when the ore was actively being mined and processed in the early 1900s. In such a remote area, it would have taken hardened prospectors and mill workers to endure the harsh conditions and lengthy solitude to work here.

Because the mining corporation abandoned the mill and mines in a hurry, much of the equipment and even personal belongings were left at the site. Today the only way to see the interior of the mill is with a guided tour that lasts 2 hours.  Moderate climbing, stairs and uneven floors are involved, so contact the guide service if you have and questions.

McCarthy

Be sure to explore the small village of McCarthy, which was voted Outside Magazine’s #2 Favorite Kickback Town in America. You’ll find three or four restaurants, and lest you think you’re way off the beaten path here: you can get your morning coffee (French press, if you prefer) at the Slow Down McCarthy Café—a log cabin and yurt combination that offers breakfast and lunch. Check out the art gallery, and by all means, saddle on up to the bar at The Golden Saloon.

There are opportunities for mountain biking, hiking, glacier hiking, and fishing in the area. Raft trips, flightseeing, and mountaineering expeditions can keep you busy for days in this remote location. You might as well take advantage, after all, you worked hard to get here. There’s no reason to run back to civilization so soon.

So grab a room at the Kennicott Glacier Lodge, McCarthy Lodge, or Ma Johnson’s Hotel. Then enjoy live music or “Tall Tales” at the saloon, and plan the next day’s adventure in the wildest of Alaska’s backcountry.

More Alaska, Please!

If you enjoyed this visit to Wrangell-St. Elias, be sure to join us for more adventures across The Last Frontier in coming weeks!

Author’s Note: If you will be driving through Alaska and/or Canada please consider purchasing a current copy of “The Milepost.” It is a travel guide that will list necessities (like gas stations) and amenities (like lodging) throughout Alaska and the western Canadian provinces by milepost marker. This is a prerequisite for traveling in the area, as distances between service stations and grocery stores can be hundreds of miles in many cases. Another piece of knowledge gleaned from “The Milepost” are the hours (and seasons) of operation of businesses along the route, as many close down during fall and winter.

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Do you have any questions about Wrangell–St. Elias? Leave a comment below.

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