RV Toy Hauler Patio Kits: How To Turn A Ramp into a Deck

Converting A Toy Hauler Ramp To A Patio/Deck

Toy haulers are starting to become a common sight at any campground or boondocking spot. They can be 5th-wheels or travel trailers and the one thing they all have in common is a giant ramp in the back.

I’m not sure when it started exactly but somewhere down the line toy hauler manufacturers found out that you could use the ramp as a deck or patio once all of the toys were unloaded.

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Pretty soon toy haulers weren’t just for OHV and ATV owners. Regular campers want them because of the cool enclosed patio you can easily set up on the ramp.

Most of the newer campers with ramps already have a patio kit and a way to turn the ramp into a deck. But a lot of older toy haulers don’t have this feature because it hadn’t been invented yet.

Or maybe the dealer you bought your RV from just didn’t order the patio kit.

Either way, there are a few easy ways you can convert your RV ramp into a patio. But for some, there’s a catch.

Some of these solutions like adding cables and brackets may void the warranty on your RV.

Because of this, any additions you add or things you do to turn your ramp into a deck are at your own risk.

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The Cable Method

Toy haulers that come with the patio kit normally use the cable method to hold the ramp up so it becomes a deck.

These toy haulers are built for this and the frames are reinforced to hold weight at the connection points.

If you add cables to your own ramp you need to make sure you are securing the brackets to a strong spot that can hold the weight of the ramp and the people on it.

Also, this method is the one that will most likely void your RV’s warranty if it still has one.

You can find steel cables and brackets yourself or get a patio conversion kit like the one reviewed below.

Dirt Warrior Accessories Toy Hauler Patio Conversion Cable Kit

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This toy hauler patio kit is very simple but effective if your camper’s ramp has a good spot for you to secure the brackets too.

The anchor point on the door frame is also important. You want to be able to make a secure connection on both ends of the cable.

On some kinds of ramps, the brackets get in the way and make it so it can’t close. Make sure there’s enough of a gap to fit the brackets when closed.

The kit includes brackets, screws, and steel cables with adjusters.

This version is made for door heights that are 6 feet 6 inches tall to 7 feet 4 inches tall. If you need a different length you can see more options on Dirt Warrior’s website.

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Make sure you pre-drill the holes so the screws can make it through the aluminum tubing.

The weight rating of the cables is 1800 lbs but that doesn’t mean the ramp and frame can hold that much.

The Dirt Warrior Accessories Toy Hauler Patio Conversion Cable Kit requires the most work to install initially but once the brackets are in place it’s pretty easy to set up at the campsite.

The benefit to the cable method is unlevel ground isn’t an issue. But the downside is they create a lot more sway inside the trailer and can sometimes be bounced around by the wind.

The Jack Stand Method

Probably the least risky way to go as far as your RV warranty and preventing damage to the frame is to use RV jack stands to hold up the ramp.

This method can require a little bit of work to alter the stands and it takes longer to set up at a campsite than using a cable.

But it’s much easier on the ramp and the trailer’s frame and it helps reduce shaking inside the camper when people are on the ramp.

Below are some reviews of the RV jacks people commonly use on their toy hauler ramps to make them into patios.

Camco EAZ LIFT Heavy Duty Slide Out Support

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Since toy hauler RVs normally have a high clearance you are going to need a jack stand that can get pretty tall in order to turn the ramp into a deck.

The most common jack I’ve seen used on ramps is the Camco slide out supports.

These tall jacks can adjust from 19 inches to 47 inches tall. They have a flat top that’s great for supporting a ramp without damaging or scratching it. And they can each support up to 5,000 lbs.

The only adjustments you will need to make is to cut off one of the edges from the support on the top of the jack.

This can easily be done with a grinder or a hacksaw (click to view on Amazon).

It’s necessary to add some cushion to the jack so it won’t scratch or damage the ramp. Rubber mats cut down to size work great for this (click to view on Amazon).

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Many ramps have rubber bumpers on the top you can put the jack under as well.

It’s also a good idea to clamp the top of the jack to the ramp so it won’t fall down if the trailer shakes from people walking around. Simple clamps like these work well (click to view on Amazon).

The Camco EAZ LIFT Heavy Duty Slide Out Supports are technically made for RV slide outs but because of the high weight capacity and height, they are a fantastic option for holding up a ramp to turn it into a deck.

If you go this route just make sure the jacks are placed where the ramp is strong. Many RV ramps have a thin aluminum trim around the edges that may bend under your weight over time.

Usually, the front of the ramp that is made to take weight on the ground is a good spot to put jacks.

Toy Hauler Patio Door Kits

Once you’ve got the deck part figured out the next addition to your new RV patio is going to be a door to help keep bugs out or your RV while the ramp is down.

Classic Accessories Over Drive Toy Hauler Screen

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The Classic Accessories Over Drive Screen closely matches the kind of patio door kit newer toy haulers come with.

It’s basically two large flexible screen panels that use a zipper to connect together in the center.

This version can fit rear trailer openings that are 90.5 inches tall and 98.5 inches wide.

There are two versions. One for steel frame campers that is secured around the edges using magnets and one that’s for fiberglass and aluminum frames that uses velcro strips you screw around the frame to hold the door in place. It also makes it easy to remove.

The magnets are the main complaint people seem to have with the product. I recommend getting the more secure rip-and-grip option over the steel frame version.

The material used is a coated screen that is resistant to tears and shades the inside of your toy hauler while still letting air through.

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For added protection against the elements and privacy, there is a privacy screen included that attaches to the patio screen using the rip-and-grip straps.

It’s a great way to be able to keep your trailer enclosed at night without having to take apart the patio and lift up the ramp.

The Classic Accessories Over Drive Toy Hauler Screen is the perfect way to make having a ramp to RV patio conversion nicer and more usable.

Bugs are everywhere and having the entire back of your camper open all of the time lets in a lot of pesky critters.

Getting a simple toy hauler patio door kit like this will keep the bugs out and still let you enjoy all the benefits of having a deck on the back of your camper.