ATC Toy Hauler Review - After Two Years

After two years of living full time in our ATC Toy Hauler, almost all of it boondocking in forests and deserts, towing it over dirt, rocks, mud, and subjected to rain, wind, hail, and 100+ degree F temperatures, we offer this review of how well the trailer has held up. We cover the structure, the chassis, electrical system, storage tanks, plumbing, roof, doors & windows, heating and cooling, tires, cargo capacity, generator, and towing.
If you have any other questions about the ATC Toy Hauler, post a comment here, and we'll be sure to answer it.
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[@chrisbrandt3642]

Great video. Keep up the good work. I enjoyed your 2 year report.

[@Lauterbach24]

Great review! Thanks!

[@lisahenderson2993]

Great review! I have the same kitchen towels for my camper kitchen curtains as you have on your door lol.

[@handyman35det]

Hey great job on the review you gave

[@rexhargrove5172]

Such an excellent review. Really … this helps me, and I imagine many others, so much in the decision making process

[@RoadPickle]

Glad to be a help.

[@haroldconover5221]

That was great info...Thanks

[@2-4outdooradventure53]

great video!

[@Lawman-196]

Great review, I've been looking at this one and it looks pretty solid.

[@RoadPickle]

Thanks, we've been happy with it. Good luck.

[@lclbodiford7918]

Good review thank you.

[@deanheavner902]

Great info. Thanks

[@SRTPCC]

I think they have gone to the frameless windows now. Excellent review!!

[@davidc1961utube]

Good thorough review, with reasonable things you like and didn’t like. I found this particularly useful since I will be full timing with two motorcycles as you two are. Thanks! I have narrowed my search to ATC and Sundowner, since both of them are all aluminum high quality trailers. Of course they have prices that reflect these realities. Cheers!

[@RoadPickle]

Thank, good luck in your shopping!

[@tom_olofsson]

Great tips.

[@murfrirhke4557]

Oh, in regards to the awning rub roller; on our old Jayco trailer, I replaced it with a softer, radius edge roller borrowed from a previous employer.

[@jeffforbess6802]

We had leak in a window. The H track had stuff in it. I cleaned it out, and it stopped. You might try that. I also got some RV gutter and diverted the water.

[@murfrirhke4557]

VERY good review. We are getting rid of our 2014 Fuzion 342 5th wheel toy hauler and are in the process of getting the ATC 28...Hopefully within the next few days.

[@RoadPickle]

Awesome choice. Best wishes!

[@doramather4729]

We have a livin lite toy hauler and we put a coat of coating to our roof, with a reflective beads and have shown to lower the temperature a few degree ,cooler. We also added a rhino coating on the aluminum floor which has helped keep the temperature balanced, not to hot or cold. We notice the difference in the inside temperature before and after the roof and floor coating, so much cooler. We have a 2015 livin in lite toy hauler and have traveled to Michigan, and Alaska in October with no issue with the cold weather .we love our aluminum toy hauler .

[@bookieyadigg]

Awesome to read your post I'm wanting to get a living lite as well. I'm up in Seattle always raining so figured that trailer will hold up to the weather, starting wondering about the winter months going to the hills and snowmobiling, so it does good in the cold huh?

[@danbraden4401]

Great review...How much total weight of the tailor? How does your truck pull it?

[@GeographicallyFree]

Thanks so much for this video! We don't have any toys to haul but do want to full time in one of these. When you say your truck struggled a bit after you loaded it, do you mean with your toys AND other personal belongings or only your other personal belongings? We don't plan to upgrade our truck at first. The dealer seemed to think we'd be fine with our vehicle but we were a bit skeptical about that. Initially we wanted a Livin Lite because of the lighter weight but they stopped making them and are so hard to find now. Also, did you get all the Max Air fans they offered or did you pick and choose where you had them installed? I'm wondering your thoughts on that. We went to a dealer and sat down to do a hypothetical build and so many questions came up. I'm hoping we can order one later this year.

[@jonintc]

Awesome work on the review. Perhaps the new 2020 ATCs are greatly improved upon an already solid foundation.

[@TILLEYJS]

All RVs are the same. When you buy it, you'll spend your first year taking it back to dealership to fix issues with it. This type will be my next camper due to no worry about rot. Everything else is expected.

[@ji4545]

@@TILLEYJS love a fallacious KZbin response, talk about hasty generalization, Christ

[@magoo970]

Very nice trailer. Automatic leveling Jack's would be a must for me though.

[@taylorreynolds8938]

Have you guys heard of Sundowner Trailers? They build a wide variety of Aluminum Trailers. Just was wondering if anyone had any insight/thoughts. Thanks.

[@gregparrott]

Thank you for the most detailed ATC review I've seen on ATC toy haulers. I am considering getting one, based on its quality and payload. Also, they list the construction includes 'Azdel' for insulation. I have a question about payload. Looking at ATC's website, you likely have what is currently listed as the '2816' model. It lists "Estimated Carry Capacity: 5800lbs". However, that value does NOT factor in the options (i.e. generator, A/C, etc. The REAL value is listed on a sticker on each trailer which lists its SPECIFIC payload, as equipped with various options. Do you know the stated payload for YOUR ATC trailer - with dual A/C, Onan generator, etc.?

[@Erin-Thor]

People don’t realize the importance of a reliable chassis, even making their own. Lippert/Lipert (sp?) makes frames for most of the industry, and are constantly fighting class action lawsuits. Why? Thin metal, which collapses if you hit a dip in the road while driving. So far they have been able to settle, or defend themselves that they provide frames to the manufacturers specifications (manufacturers say it’s either the owners fault for overloading or Lipert’s fault, lipert says it’s the manufacturers fault.).

[@larrypetersen4008]

also do they have it set up to fire up automatically when a charge is required?

[@69rogerm]

Thanks

[@dankriewald4764]

Greatly appreciated , Thank You 🙂 Seams Like most only want too share just bought it , look at Me . Been watching lots of tractor and skid steer video also 🙂

[@ragbrairider5120]

Would like to know if yo have run over winter roads with salt? I live in a state with winter weather and wonder how salt will affect the aluminum build? Tx

[@BrianLampright913]

The 3 season plumbing heating pads are not really meant for battery power, they use too much power and batteries can't last the night. You need to be plugged in or run your generator. Best way to do this for overnight is to buy a small and quiet Honda generator and run an extension cord to your trailer, rather than run your huge Onan which will use a lot more gas and makes more noise. You would need more than 2 batteries to power your heater + 12v heating pads all night long.

[@freespiritsolo9998]

I would like to know more about Honda Generator, I am buying an ATC trailer. Thank you. ML

[@roryolson61]

So thanks for your thorough review. I am seriously considering one just like yours. I will be traveling with 2 same as you just no pets. I would suggest that your door roller should be a caster. Then it would always roll properly. Have you thought about using the ramp as a patio? Have you considered solar panels? Thanks again!

[@RoadPickle]

We do have a single 160w solar panel, but would like to add more. We also have cables to turn the door into a deck. When you're ready to buy, I can refer you to some good dealers, depending on where you are located.

[@wade4132]

I came across your channel today and just subscribed. Great review! I've been researching ATC 25 ft. front bedroom for my first RV. Do you think this would be a good model for a solo traveler with 1 motorcycle? Oh and do you think i'ts worth getting it with higher ground clearance option? Thanks and I'm looking forward to see more videos from you. Wade

[@RoadPickle]

Definitely the higher ground clearance if your plan is to camp on public lands, lots of bumps, dips, and rocks in the road out there. I think the 25 foot is great for 1 person. You can overnight somewhere and leave the bike inside and it won't be in the way of the kitchen.

[@ow-my-achilles1106]

You would want a front bedroom option, otherwise the motorcycle must come out to lower the electric queen bed. But it may be possible to sleep with a tip out queen and not need to remove a motorcycle.

[@glenhurtig1755]

Hey, Steve, I enjoyed your thorough review and thanks for that. I saw a report of an ATC actually having corrosion issues. Have you noticed or heard of ATCs corroding, and do you know if ATC anodizes the aluminum or have an option for anti-corrosion?

[@RoadPickle]

No, we haven't seen or heard of any corrosion issues, not with our toy hauler or other owners.

[@BrianLampright913]

Thanks for doing this. I purchased a Fuzion Impact a few years ago and the roof won't stop leaking on it (every spring!) which has caused the front cap to delaminate and form a bubble which cannot be fixed. Every time I see one of these trailers I notice they all have delimitation on the front cap, it's a design flaw. In general you can just tell that year after year this trailer is going to continue having problems and deteriorating. If I buy another toy hauler it will 100% be an ATC 28' bumper, it's the only trailer on the market that I can see standing the test of time.

[@RoadPickle]

We are now three years into our ATC toy hauler, and it's still holding up strong.

[@SLICKW1993]

You’re right about roof leaks, I have a Voltage and I finally fixed the front cap leak for now. I’ll never buy another fiberglass trailer.

[@time_on_target]

Is ATC under new management recently or new ownership? I've seen some more quality control problems and issues with ATC trailers recently on ATC owner KZbin videos. Thanks for the review. I'm currently looking for a toy hauler 5th wheel and ATC is one of my first choices.

[@bravotwozero8119]

What size truck are you pulling it with?

[@kfpoohbear]

Thank you for your thorough review! We are looking at ATC toy haulers to live in full-time due to environmental sensitivities. We are also from San Diego, but are looking for clearer air and more arid conditions. Am definitely curious about how comfortable the trailer is during colder temps, and appreciate knowing that we’ll need additional battery capacity to keep the tank and pipe heaters running.

[@RoadPickle]

ATC offers "closed cell foam insulation" which is better than it's standard insulation. We have the standard insulation. The aluminum trailer is definitely more prone to cold and heat. The furnace does a pretty good job of keeping it warm, but it's also a propane hog. Get an electric space heater for times when you have AC electrical, and a portable propane heater when you do not. These are more efficient, and you can direct their heat at you, instead of heating the entire trailer. We are currently boondocking in Arizona, and the air is much more dry.

[@kfpoohbear]

Road Pickle, thanks!!

[@meatofpeach]

kfpoohbear hey bear. I’m in the same boat as you. Considering getting the atc as someone with mold and chemical sensitivities. Did you end up getting it?

[@kfpoohbear]

Jokul, I’m sorry to hear that. 😕 Mold was a problem for us, too. We haven’t bought yet, but we’re still on track to do so. 😊

[@meatofpeach]

@@kfpoohbear I'm leaning towards a Casita at this point. Good luck in your search. Check out "Mychemicalfreehouse" blog also. She has some good articles on mold avoidance, trailers, etc.

[@catherinenelson4162]

Why not buy heavy duty thread and stitch the awning?

[@Pronghorn67]

Great video. What is the coldest temperature you have boondocked this trailer? Did the trailer stay warm?

[@RoadPickle]

Coldest temp was 19F one night. The trailer has a furnace which does a good job of keeping it all warm, but the furnace is a propane hog. You're better off running the generator all night and using a couple of ceramic heaters.

[@Pronghorn67]

@@RoadPickle Thanks!

[@KnowRealIndia9124]

Which model is this!!

[@richardbrown4816]

How do the spread axles tow and maneuver? Any tire scruffing?

[@RoadPickle]

This ATC is first trailer, so I can't compare the spread axles to other brands. But for a beginner, it tows easily and smoothly. The original tires didn't last long, but these Goodyear Endurance have held up well to tight turns

[@laramie_1944]

Great review! How I wished to have seen your video before I bought a truck though. Just bought a 2019 Ram 1500 last year, with the plan of buying/towing a NuCamp or LittleGuy trailer, so I thought a half-ton truck will suffice. But now, I saw the ATC trailers, and want one of those instead! I'd like the 8.5 x 25 with the bedroom, but I think it's too heavy for the 1500, so I'm stuck with the 20 footer. Has ATC addressed all your findings on the trailer? I'm also concerned about the ramp when it's closed...is it water-tight? I don't see any type of weather stripping along the frames. Maybe ATC should chime in. Thanks.

[@RoadPickle]

Why are you stuck with a 20ft ATC? Your truck is only a year old. Sell it by owner, and look for a 2011 or newer 3/4 ton.

[@BrianLampright913]

I think you would be ok pulling the 25' bedroom with a 1/2 ton, it only weighs 5750 empty so you'll be around 7500 loaded depending on what you are putting in it, you'll have to try to calculate that. I pulled a 24' flatbed with two RZR's on it a bunch with my 1500 which was about 5000lbs. Doesn't have the wind profile of a toy hauler, so winds you will feel more. You'll want to put air bags in the rear for the heavy tongue weight of these trailers. Or, trade the 1500 for a 2500 which is what I ended up doing after only owning my 1500 for 2 years. I got a great deal out of a dealer in Idaho and didn't loose that much money to worry about. I pull a 13,000 lb toy hauler with my 2500 cummins. But, if I could do it over again I'd buy the 28' ATC vs my huge heavy Fuzion trailer.

[@harryslater2587]

@Jonathan Spier not true. My Ram 1500 will pull over 11k

[@doramather4729]

You might be able to tow a 25 ft toy hauler but your truck will be screaming all the way, because it does not have power to tow a 25 ft aluminum toy hauler. We know, we have 24 ft aluminum toyhauler and a diesel 250 GMC Sierra truck. This truck drives like a gem, traveled to Alaska and To Michigan and several times to new mexico, no issues we love our truck 2007 .

[@jeremiahkrumm]

Rock Solid Review

[@twig7105]

Does anyone happen to know the rear ramp height? Trying to find a toy hauler that my side-by-side will fit in that is 78 inches tall. And with anyone happen to know the weight of a 20 foot ATC toy holler

[@richarddetsch6272]

Has it been easy to get repairs, especially on the road? Have the A/C units been reliable?

[@RoadPickle]

Most ATC dealers are busy with repairs, the same with all RV dealers and repair shops. ATC's customer support is quick to log in a warranty claim, however. The Dometic AC units have been pretty reliable this far.

[@laramie_1944]

Have you contacted ATC about your identified issues? especially the uninsulated garage/deck door. Thanks.

[@RoadPickle]

The ramp door is uninsulated by design. It has so many cross beams in it to give the door so much strength. Otherwise, yes, ATC has heard a lot from me, and they have addressed many of my issues

[@larrypetersen4008]

do you have to run the gen set full time to fun ac or do the batteries let you run with the gen off at night?

[@RoadPickle]

The AC will not run from batteries based on the factory set up. The generator will not automatically run when batteries are low. If you want to run the AC from solar and batteries, you'll need some kind of aftermarket upgrade. There is a mobile RV tech that works on ATC Toy haulers, and can install an upgrade that will run the AC from solar and batteries. Contact them at www.boondoctor.com

[@mobleyMobley]

A 99 1/2 ton gmc has a tow rating of 3500-6500. Modern 1/2 tons are rated up to 10,000 lbs.

[@stevenbishop1158]

I had a 2000 GMC 4X4 with 4:10 gearing with 10,000 tow rating so they can do it. I pulled a 7,000 trailer all over the United States and Canada with no problems. By the way Steve great review.

[@smartass6071]

After 3 years of use this is a very good review. I have an idea for the problem with the heat transfer on the back door that is simple and easy up grade. Respond to my post and I'll revel how easy and simple it will be to correct.

[@bry2k]

What's the big secret? Why don't you just share your idea?

[@offgridtx3043]

Best to build ur own for the price i built mine habnt had 1 leak

[@JupiterOverland]

Wow! You welded extruded aluminum and built your own toy hauler?

[@mega-hb4re]

They are pricey but well build

[@Johnr37us]

Well I know what brand I’m buying.

[@KaterinaSim74]

👍👋🔔,я новый ваш друг.

[@BoDiesel]

A 1999 half ton trucks is not equal to a 2015 half ton truck. New half tons are much more powerful and capable to tow bigger.

[@jamesglenn520]

I wouldn't ever use a 1/2 ton truck to tow much of anything. The minute Towing comes into the conversation you should be thinking heavy 3/4 or better 🤔 There are too many people Towing unsafe on the roads with small vehicles. A 1/2 is a Pickup. A 3/4+ is a Truck!

[@BoDiesel]

@@jamesglenn520 i disagree. You're way too general in your assumption. Its absolutely ridiculous to assume towing in all capacities is not achievable with a 1/2 ton. A new half ton tows better than many 25 year old 90's 3/4 tons did. Look up the tow ratings if your unfamiliar. The power is larger on the new half tons then most of those old 3/4 tons too. I have an older 3/4 ton myself and I'm throughly experienced in towing and its rated capacity. Newer half tons are way better. The real difference is between single wheel or dually not single wheel 3/4 ton.

[@dandennis8465]

@@BoDiesel the issue with 1/2 ton trucks is you’ll exceed the payload capacity once you add people inside the truck, the tongue weight of the trailer which should be approximately 10-12% of the trailer and whatever is placed in the bed of the truck.

[@CayoticProphet]

26:50 That sounds like something the end users could rectify. Especially an end user that purchased from a company that got their start in building race car trailers. No offense... I have my limits, I'm not going to buy a used $60k, 30' 2018 ATC, trailer without a fuel tank because that's slightly above my scope and pay grade. I know my lane. Even though I'm walking away from a 23 year career in fuels; I only dealt with distribution, accounting, and bulk storage of 7 million gallons. Design and Architecture is the extent of my DIY skills, not Engineering. That being said, I could still grab my Milwaukee drill and change the pitch of that wheel bracket. /js ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@taylorreynolds8938]

Have you guys heard of Sundowner Trailers? They build a wide variety of Aluminum Trailers. Just was wondering if anyone had any insight/thoughts. Thanks.

[@taylorreynolds8938]

Have you guys heard of Sundowner Trailers? They build a wide variety of Aluminum Trailers. Just was wondering if anyone had any insight/thoughts. Thanks.