An ATC toy hauler is defined as an RV with a garage. ATVs, motorcycles, kayaks, and golf carts may all be stored in the back garage. Large 5th wheels or travel trailers are the most common toy transporters. Several Class As, on the other hand, have been constructed with cargo space.
Many RV-ers dream of having the flexibility that a toy hauler provides, and salivate over the prospect of being able to bring along any toy with an engine to explore The Great Outdoors. But there’re a few things you might consider before buying it.
Common Problems of the ATC Toy Hauler:
Here, I will discuss the usual 7 problems you might face with your ATC Toy Hauler.
1. Sway Issues
Weight distribution is incredibly important when loading up an ATC Toy Hauler, and that’s especially true with a toy hauler.
Even a tiny breeze might produce considerable sway if it’s poorly loaded and imbalanced, leading to numerous problems. Make sure your power sports vehicles are as evenly distributed in the garage area as possible.
Even if there is no wind, unequal weight distribution can be harmful to your tires and result in blowouts.
The power problem is commonly caused by a sliding clutch, which may be detected when the engine pitch is greater than normal and there is a loss of traction.
Fortunately, replacing the clutch is a straightforward procedure that any quad repair shop can handle. When packing an RV, weight distribution is critical, and this is especially true with a toy hauler.
Even a tiny breeze might produce considerable sway if it’s poorly loaded and imbalanced, leading to numerous problems. Make sure your power sports vehicles are arranged as equally as possible in the garage.
2. Window and Roof Issues
Because RVs are designed to be movable rather than permanent like a house, the roofs and windows are constructed differently than a traditional home.
The roof and windows are made of materials that are more suitable for long-term exposure to the weather because your house is supposed to stay immovable.
However, for your RV to be mobile, certain elements of each section have to be sacrificed. The roof of your RV is identical to the sides, rather than the usual shingled or tiled roof seen on a house, to keep the weight down.
Your roof can be damaged by prolonged exposure to bright sunshine as well as impacting low-hanging debris (mainly tree branches).
In the case of your windows, a more rubberized sealant is utilized to aid avoid shattering rather than the standard sealant used on a home, which is only to prevent leaks and endure the environment.
Though the sealant used on an RV is designed to absorb shock better than that used on a house, it, like everything else, will ultimately succumb to the constant jarring.
Beside it also give exposure to the weather, necessitating reapplication or, in the worst-case scenario, having the window replaced.
3. Tire Problems
You should be familiar with flat tires if you have driven any land-based vehicle before your ATC Toy Hauler.
If you haven’t, I recommend being thoroughly acquainted with driving a car before an RV. It’s reasonable to assume that one of the most significant aspects of the world’s most popular means of transportation has yet to be perfected.
It should come as no surprise that tire blowouts are a prevalent problem with recreational vehicles, given that daily driving automobiles have tire problems while weighing substantially less than most Toy Haulers.
Though you may take efforts to prepare for or prevent some difficulties, such as maintaining adequate inflation levels, inspecting tread wear regularly, and having a spare tire in excellent operating order.
4. Toilet Problems
There are several alternatives for avoiding the urge to use the toilet when camping. While stepping into the woods or using a public restroom is both valid choices when camping in an ATC Toy Hauler, this negates one of the key benefits of having your private bathroom.
Toilets in traditional homes may survive a long time, even with normal wear and tear. Toilet problems can not only disrupt your water supply, but they can also result in water damage, which is far more expensive to fix.
When you combine the mobility of an RV with the bumping and bouncing caused by the road or terrain in the outdoors, your porcelain throne’s lifespan might be drastically reduced compared to their fixed, at-home counterparts.
Water not staying in or continually pouring in the toilet bowl due to valve or rubber seal difficulties are two typical concerns with RV toilets. Though these concerns may be postponed, they should be handled as soon as feasible.
5. Water Troubles
The majority of ATC Toy Hauler users utilize their recreational vehicles during the warmer months since few individuals appreciate being exposed to the cold needlessly. Because of this, the majority of RV owners park their vehicles for the winter.
When storing your RV, make sure your water tanks are empty to avoid the expansion that happens when water freezes, which can cause pipes to rupture or damage your pump.
Damage to water pipes and pumps is a typical issue that necessitates repair work on RVs across the country since everyone periodically forgets or misses little aspects.
6. Brake Repair
Stopping is critical while driving such a large truck. It’s also a well-known truth that various brake components wear out over time. That’s how they produce the friction that prevents you from moving forward in the first place!
If you’re comfortable doing mechanical work on other vehicles, you can easily translate those skills to your ATC Toy Hauler. From topping off your brake fluid to replacing the brake shoes, drums, or rotors, if you’re comfortable doing mechanical work on other vehicles, you can easily translate those skills to your RV.
Stopping is vital regardless of the vehicle you’re driving. Of course, you’ll need the right tools, such as a sturdy jack to lift your travel trailer.
7. Other Problems
Even if you do everything correctly, your toy transporter will waver sometimes. But don’t be alarmed; there’s a lot you can do to regulate and stop sway. When you sense sway, use the manual brake-control override right away.
Use your tow vehicle’s brakes sparingly, as this might exacerbate wobble, but take your foot off the accelerator. Steer in as straight a path as possible, or try to safely get off the road, albeit the latter option should only be attempted if you’re already in the right lane.
If you’re driving in strong winds, stop at a rest stop or pull over to the side of the road until the gusts quiet down.
Regardless of how broad those reasons may be, there are a few simple techniques to eliminate sway. Driving properly entails adhering to the posted speed limit and avoiding unexpected turns or lane changes.
When braking, especially when traveling downhill, do it slowly and evenly. When heavy cars pass you, whether they’re heading in the same direction as you or not, you should slow down.
What Majority of the Users Feel About ATC Toy Hauler?
Even though all ATC Toy Haulers are not made equal, with variances in amenities, size, weight, construction materials, and general quality and longevity, they all have certain common “issues” that must be addressed.
Time and usage alter the functioning and resilience of the entire device or specific components, just as they do with any other product on the market. RVs are especially vulnerable to problems since they are designed to seem like a house that can be relocated at any time.
Here are some of their clients’ thoughts.
“I have a 2016 ATC TH that was custom built to my specs and I love it. I wanted to haul a Jeep TJ which meant I needed a longer garage so we had a 30′ ATC Quest customized with living quarters.
I also live in OR so I know what constant sogginess does to a trailer. This is why I chose the ATC. All aluminum construction, 1 piece aluminum roof, and aluminum siding, which means no rot and no structural weaknesses.” – Wells from Irv2
“Our two-year ATC Toy Hauler review says that the structure and chassis of the trailer are still rock-solid, square, and straight. The roof and floor are still holding up perfectly. Even though the roof is just a sheet of aluminum, it’s still thick enough and strong enough to keep water out and remain tough after two years of full-time use. The floor is a sheet of extruded aluminum and remains solid. This is the primary advantage of the ATC, you get 100% aluminum construction, all factory-made by ATC, not purchased components.” – Steve Johnson from Road Pickle
If you intend to use your ATC toy hauler frequently, then you should have a firm knowledge about the problems that you are going to face with your ATC Toy Hauler.
Final Thoughts
ATC Toy haulers have a place in the RV industry, especially for people who bring a lot of gear with them on their camping trip. However, for other people, the calm and tranquility of living peacefully in their trailer surrounded by Mother Nature outweigh the noise of noisy toys.
We hope that this article gives you peace of mind in knowing that ATC Toy Hauler maintenance and repair don’t have to be a nightmare. You can frequently avoid having to deal with tedious RV repairs in the first place.
Lastly, don’t neglect the most vital part: after your gear is prepared to go, get out there explore it!
Related Posts:
Leave a comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.