When we decided to dive into full-time RV living with a toy hauler, we had no idea what an adventure we were in for. Our 44-foot Alliance RV has been our home on wheels for two years now, and boy, do we have stories to tell! From transforming a garage into a home office to navigating tight spots in state parks, our journey has been filled with challenges, surprises, and plenty of laughter. So, buckle up as we take you through the ins and outs of full-time RV toy hauler living!
Why Did We Choose a 44-Foot Toy Hauler for Full-Time RV Living?
When we first decided to embrace the full-time RV lifestyle, we knew we needed something that could accommodate both our work and living needs. As two full-time marketing professionals, we required separate office spaces to handle simultaneous Zoom calls without disrupting each other. Plus, we wanted room for our college-age daughter when she visited. The Alliance 42 v13 toy hauler fit the bill perfectly.
Key reasons for choosing our toy hauler:
- Separate office spaces in the main living area and garage
- Extra living space for family visits
- Ample storage for our e-bikes and other gear
- Side patio for additional light and living space
Is a Toy Hauler Too Big? Navigating Size Challenges on the Road
We’ll be honest – when we first drove away from the dealership, the size was intimidating. At 44 feet long, plus the length of our Ford F350 dually, we’re essentially driving a small house down the road. However, we’ve found that with proper planning and the right tools, the size hasn’t been as limiting as we initially feared.
One concern we had was whether we’d be able to stay at state parks, which are often thought to have smaller sites. Surprisingly, we’ve found that many state parks can accommodate our rig. The key is in the research and selection of the right sites. We’ve developed a strategy for finding suitable spots:
- Use state park website photos and Google Earth to scout potential sites
- Look for sites without trees or obstructions behind the pad
- Choose spots where we can overhang the end of the pad if necessary
This approach has allowed us to enjoy the beauty of state parks without sacrificing the comfort of our larger rig. In fact, we’ve found that our back tires often fit comfortably on the pad, with the rear jacks extending just beyond it – a perfect setup for our toy hauler.
Tips for managing a large toy hauler:
- Use RV-specific GPS units like Garmin to avoid low bridges and weight restrictions
- Research campsites thoroughly before booking to ensure proper fit
- Be prepared to boondock or stay at RV resorts that can accommodate larger rigs
- Take your time and don’t be afraid to ask for help when navigating tight spaces
- Utilize online resources and satellite imagery to scout potential campsites
With these strategies, we’ve been able to enjoy a wide variety of camping experiences, from state parks to boondocking spots, proving that a large toy hauler doesn’t have to limit your adventures – it just requires a bit more planning.
The Real Cost of Toy Hauler Living: Is It Worth The Money?
Let’s address the elephant in the room – toy haulers aren’t cheap. We bought ours new at the end of the pandemic when prices were at an all-time high. While it was a significant investment, we view it as our home, not just a recreational vehicle. That said, we’ve had our share of repairs and maintenance costs.
Notable expenses and issues we’ve faced:
- Refrigerator replacement (covered under warranty)
- Black tank valve replacements (twice)
- Awning damage from unexpected wind
- Crack in the bedroom slide (repaired by Alliance)
Despite these issues, we don’t regret our purchase. The key is to budget for unexpected repairs and choose a manufacturer with good customer service, which we’ve found in Alliance RV.
From Garage to Home Office: How We Customized Our Toy Hauler for Full-Time Work
One of the biggest advantages of a toy hauler is the versatility of the garage space. We’ve transformed ours into a comfortable living and working area that serves multiple purposes. This customization has been crucial in making our rig feel like a true home.
Our key modifications:
- Replaced the garage’s rubber flooring with a large area rug for a homier feel
- Removed the bench seats and table, replacing them with a custom desk setup
- Converted the dinette area in the main living space to another desk area
- Installed a Nautilus shower door to replace the heavy glass doors, reducing weight
Would We Buy a Toy Hauler Again? Honest Reflections After Two Years on the Road
After two years of full-time living in our Alliance toy hauler, we can confidently say we’d make the same choice again. The space and versatility it provides have been invaluable for our work-from-the-road lifestyle. That said, we recognize that our needs may change in the future, and we’re open to considering different options as our situation evolves.
Pros of our toy hauler experience:
- Ample space for comfortable full-time living and working
- Versatility of the garage area for storage and additional living space
- Ability to bring along our e-bikes and other “toys”
- Comfortable for hosting family visits
While we love our current setup, we advise potential buyers to carefully consider their specific needs and lifestyle before committing to such a large rig. For us, at this stage in our lives, the toy hauler has been the perfect solution for combining work, travel, and home into one mobile package.
A Two Year Rig Reflection
As we look back on our two years of full-time RV toy hauler living, we can’t help but smile. Sure, there have been bumps in the road (literally and figuratively), but the freedom and flexibility our Alliance toy hauler has given us are priceless. We’ve learned to adapt, problem-solve, and make the most of every square inch of our home on wheels. While a toy hauler might not be for everyone, for us, it’s been the perfect vehicle for combining our work, travel dreams, and lifestyle into one epic adventure. So, if you’re considering taking the plunge into full-time RVing, remember: with the right attitude and a bit of creativity, you can make any space feel like home. Happy trails!
🏕️ Don’t miss our product recommendations:
Garmin GPS 🗺️
Boeshield T9 🛠️
Desktops 💻
4 Responses
When we made our decision to go “rv” we thought class C. But it didn’t feel right so a class A fell in our lap. 40’ later and no regrets. If you can handle your choice, you made the right choice. We enjoy your channel.
Thanks for chiming in Roger. Appreciate your support
Very nice post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wished to say
that I have truly enjoyed surfing around your blog posts.
In any case I’ll be subscribing to your feed and I hope you
write again soon!
awesome. Thanks!