SIDE RAMP TOY HAULERS offer a unique twist on the traditional toy hauler design, providing campers with more flexibility, improved accessibility, and new ways to utilize their RV’s garage space. Whether you’re hauling adventure gear, mobility equipment, or simply want a more versatile floor plan, these toy haulers open the side door—literally—to a different kind of camping experience.
Let’s break down what makes a side ramp toy hauler stand out, highlight a popular model—the Keystone Outback toy hauler, and walk you through key buying factors to consider for these unique toy hauler RVs.
Key Takeaways
- Side-ramp toy haulers improve accessibility and layout flexibility, offering easier loading/unloading and creative garage use—though garage size and model availability are more limited than standard rear-ramp designs.
- The Keystone Outback 342CG exemplifies this layout, featuring a side ramp front garage, family-friendly sleeping capacity, dual slide-outs, and residential amenities for comfortable, versatile camping.
- Buyers should evaluate tow ratings, garage dimensions, ramp style, and year-round features to ensure the floor plan supports their gear, camping style, and comfort needs.
What Is a Side Ramp Toy Hauler?
A side ramp toy hauler is a towable RV with a loading ramp located on the side of the trailer rather than at the rear.
This design opens up the garage from a different angle, providing a different entry point for loading and unloading gear. This can be especially useful in campsites where rear access might be blocked.
The side ramp typically leads into the garage or flex-room area, offering improved accessibility compared to standard rear ramp toy haulers. These toy hauler trailers also offer a practical option for campers who need wheelchair access or prefer a smoother, more spacious entry point.
Looking for the top rated toy hauler?
Pros and Cons of a Toy Hauler with a Side Ramp
Images by Camping World
Choosing a side ramp toy hauler comes with some unique advantages—and a few important tradeoffs. While the side-entry design adds flexibility, accessibility, and easier loading in many situations, it also introduces limits, depending on how you camp and what gear you haul.
Here are our key pros and cons of choosing a toy hauler with a side ramp:
Pros
- Better Accessibility. A side ramp offers a wider, lower-clearance entry point into the garage or flex room, which can be extremely helpful for wheelchair users or anyone who prefers a smoother, lower-angle entry. Compared to a traditional RV entry door, the ramp provides a much more accessible pathway.
- More Versatility in How You Use the Garage. Side-ramp layouts open up new ways to use the garage space. Because access doesn’t disrupt the rear wall, manufacturers can offer a toy hauler with a rear primary bedroom, while the front garage provides additional sleeping space, storage, or more.
- Easier to Use in Tight Campsites. If you’re parked where the rear of your trailer is close to a tree, another RV, or a drop-off, a rear-only ramp becomes difficult or impossible to use. A side ramp still allows you to load and unload in these scenarios.
- Unique Loading/Unloading Angle. In some cases, the side door will make it easier to load gear, bikes, kayaks, or mobility equipment.
Cons
- Reduced Garage Size Compared to Rear-Ramp Models. Side ramp toy haulers often have slightly smaller garages. This can limit what kinds of “toys” you can bring—especially larger ATVs, UTVs, or multiple bikes.
- Fewer Options. Because they’re less common than rear-ramp models, you’ll typically have fewer floor plans, brands, and sizes to choose from. This can make it harder to match a layout to specific needs, such as bunk space, kitchen size, or overall length.
- Limited Use in Narrow Campsites. While side ramps solve issues with rear clearance, they can also create new ones. If you’re parked near a tree, picnic table, hookups, or another RV, the side ramp may not be usable at all.
Featured Side Ramp Toy Hauler
If you’re looking for a side ramp toy hauler travel trailer that blends cargo capacity with true residential comfort, the Keystone Outback 342CG is one of the most versatile options available. Its unique layout combines a spacious living area with a front-loading garage, giving campers the freedom to bring bikes, mobility equipment, or adventure gear in an easy-to-tow bumper pull toy hauler with a side ramp.
Keystone Outback 342CG Toy Hauler
Specs
- Length: 37’5”
- Dry Weight: 8,220 pounds
- Cargo Capacity: 2,280 pounds
- Garage Dimensions: 82 ⅝” L x 93 ¾” W
- Sleeping Capacity: Up to 8
Floor Plan Overview
The Outback 342CG maximizes living space and cargo capacity. With a side ramp, two slides, and triple entry points, it offers flexibility for gear hauling, mobility access, and a relaxed living experience. The open floor plan is only separated by two barn slider doors in the front garage and rear bedroom. This Keystone toy hauler’s unique floor plan makes it an excellent option for families who want to bring their toys along on an adventure.
Garage
The front garage is accessed via a 56’ side ramp door, making loading and unloading smoother for wheelchairs or larger gear. Multiple tie-down points make it easy to secure everything, and the fiberglass-backed linoleum flooring provides a durable surface that withstands wear and tear.
Once unloaded, the garage easily doubles as a sleeping space for up to two people, thanks to two flip-up bunk beds. It’s also ducted so that the RV’s heating and cooling system keeps it comfortable as a living/sleeping area.
Living Area & Kitchen
The main living area features a single super slide that houses a booth dinette and a sofa sleeper as the standard seating options—theater seating and a freestanding table with chairs are available as optional upgrades.
Across from the slide-out, the kitchen features solid surface countertops, a deep stainless-steel sink, a 10-cubic-foot refrigerator, and a 3-burner stove, making cooking at camp simple and enjoyable. Plus, the wall separating the garage from the living area boasts a 50″ HDTV with a fireplace below, creating a cozy, home-like feel.
Bedroom & Bathroom
Images by Camping World
At the rear, you’ll find a private bedroom with a king-size bed in this camper’s second slide-out. There’s built-in pet kennel storage beneath the bed, overhead cabinets above it, and a spacious wardrobe with excellent drawer storage on the campside wall.
The central bathroom boasts a spacious 30” x 40” shower, a skylight for natural light, and a porcelain foot-flush toilet to help freshen up after a day on the trails. There’s also a two-door mirrored vanity above the sink, along with additional cabinetry and shelving for ample storage of toiletries and linens.
Exterior Features
Built on a rugged BAL® Norco “Z”-channel frame, the 342CG includes a power tongue jack, a rear ladder that provides easier access to a fully walkable roof, and a sturdy underbelly for extended-season use. Everything rides on 5,100-pound Dexter® E-Z Lube axles with MORryde® suspension for smooth towing.
When it comes to camp conveniences, large tinted windows bring in natural light, and a power awning with adjustable arms expands your outdoor living space. Additionally, an outdoor shower makes it easy to rinse off gear, and a screen for the ramp door provides extra ventilation on warmer days.
Used Side Ramp Toy Hauler Models
If a brand-new side ramp toy hauler isn’t in the budget, the used market offers several great alternatives with similar garage accessibility.
Here are a few used side ramp toy hauler RVs to consider:
- Outback 324CG – The Outback 324CG is a dual-slide side-ramp toy hauler that’s well-suited for families or groups who want living space and a dedicated gear garage. With room for up to eight people, a front garage that converts into sleeping quarters, and residential-style features (like a king-size bed and a 50″ TV), it brings a lot of comfort to the campground.
- Outback 280RS – Despite its smaller footprint, the Outback 280RS still sleeps up to eight and offers a functional garage with a simple and efficient layout. This used side ramp toy hauler is ideal for buyers who want accessibility, loading flexibility, and storage, but prefer something easier to tow or park.
Other options include the Heartland Sundance Ultra Lite 243SR and the Outback 240URS.
Is There a 5th Wheel Toy Hauler with a Side Ramp Door?
Due to the engineering of fifth wheels, a side-ramp layout is extremely challenging to construct.
Fifth wheels rely on tall basement storage, heavy front overhangs, and large slide-outs—all of which compete for the same sidewall space a ramp door would require. Cutting a large opening into that area can weaken the frame, interfere with slide mechanisms, and create height and angle issues when loading heavy toys. For those reasons, manufacturers rarely produce side ramp fifth wheel toy haulers, and the layout is far more practical in travel trailer designs.
What Should You Know Before Buying a Toy Hauler?
Toy haulers open up a whole new level of adventure, but choosing the right one starts with understanding how you camp, what you haul, and the comfort features that matter most.
Whether you’re bringing ATVs, kayaks, or mobility equipment, the right toy hauler should fit your lifestyle as well as your gear. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
Key Factors to Consider
- Your Tow Vehicle: One of the most important factors to consider is ensuring your truck or SUV has the proper towing and payload capacity to safely handle the toy hauler, as well as everything you’re bringing with you.
- Garage Size & Load Capacity: Check that the garage dimensions and cargo ratings match the toys, tools, or equipment you plan to haul.
- Ramp Door Style: Decide whether the rear ramp or side ramp style is best for you. Each offers different advantages for access, loading, and floor plan flexibility.
- Climate & Seasonality: If you camp year-round, look for features like a heated and enclosed underbelly, upgraded insulation, and ducted heating and cooling systems with oversized furnace and air conditioning units.
- Floor Plan Functionality: Consider how the space will work for you—garage flexibility, kitchen layout, bathroom access, and how easily the garage can be converted for guests or gear.
A side-ramp toy hauler can be an excellent choice for campers who want easier loading, improved accessibility, and a floorplan that feels more flexible than traditional rear-ramp designs. Compare them to some of our other top-rated toy haulers:
- Discover the Best 5th Wheel Toy Haulers
- Check out these Side Patio Toy Haulers
- Find a Small Toy Hauler
Would you find a side ramp toy hauler useful?
