Livin’ Lite’s aluminum-frame toy hauler can take the abuse doled out by motorized sports enthusiasts
In the world of travel trailers, the majority of models appear alike, no matter how hard you look. Typically, floorplan manipulation, technology updates for entertainment and appliances, and maybe a component or two for the frame and suspension are embraced, but rarely does a manufacturer actually take a whole new approach. Those who are familiar with the Livin’ Lite brand of RVs already know that the company dove right in to building an entirely different type of trailer, taking a smaller and lighter approach.
Aluminum is the major building material for this toy hauler. Even the inside has an aluminum look, and although earmarked for the minimalist with a passion for the outdoors, it’s quite livable.
The game changer for Livin’ Lite is aluminum. The company crafts its trailers using aluminum tubing for more than 90 percent of the structure, across the entire line of models. In fact, only a handful of materials contain steel or composites, like the axles, steps, inner-wall panels and stabilizer jacks. Even the cabinetry is made of rugged aluminum.
The company’s Axxess 8.5x30FBED ultralight toy hauler is no different. Doubled-up and welded 2-inch x 5-inch rectangular aluminum tubing main-frame rails run fore and aft and connect to — you guessed it — an all-aluminum hitch-ball coupler. The company elected to use Dexter independent torsion suspension axles in place of the typical solid axle and leaf spring setup, which works efficiently with the all-aluminum frame. Above the frame is interlocking Aluma-Plank floor decking, which, unlike traditional wood, offers long-term performance minus the fear of rotting or sagging.
Completing the alloy infrastructure is a network of aluminum tubing welded together to form the walls and cabinetry, which tie directly into the aluminum roof rafters. Wrapping things up, literally, is a wind-cutting exterior shape using what the company calls Hi-Polished Screwless “Chrome” Sidewalls, along with a custom graphics package. Walls are insulated with lightweight block foam.
Inside, the Axxess is all toy hauler, featuring specialized aluminum flooring surrounded by simple but clean-looking Azdel wallboards. The gray toned wallboards are mounted 10 inches from the floor so owners can hose out the interior’s entire floor should they track in dirt and mud.
HappiJac double queen beds are an option on the 8.5x30FBED.
It’s immediately noticeable that the inside of this trailer is designed for the minimalist who has an active outdoor lifestyle. In the kitchen area, a molded composite counter in an L-shape stretches out just enough to get the job done. Equipped with a deep single-basin sink, a tall faucet and a twin-burner cooktop, the kitchen has adequate space for prep work. Over the cooktop is a convection/microwave, and an assortment of aluminum cabinets follows the L-shape of the counter. At the end of the cabinetry stands a 5-cubic-foot three-way Dometic refrigerator.
Without purchasing the optional Full Throttle package, that’s it on the furniture side of things, except for the bedroom. Again, the toy hauler is designed for weight savings, not hanging out and relaxing. Should you choose to order the Full Throttle package, the living area and garage are outfitted with a sofa/bed and a fold-up dinette that can be converted into a bed.
Up front, the master bedroom has a queen-size mattress, surrounded by cabinets that follow the radius of the front wall. Opposing nightstands, each with a convenient drawer, are part of the aluminum cabinetry.
Tying directly into the bedroom is the amply spaced bathroom. Aside from the large garage, the bathroom is really the only other sizable asset aboard the Axxess 30-footer. Although not loaded with fancy plumbing or hardware, the bathroom is big enough to take advantage of the standard issue RV shower stall, foot-flush toilet and basic sink resting atop the composite counter and aluminum cabinet combo.
Of course, the business end of this trailer is its healthily portioned garage. The garage begins at the rear spring-balanced ramp/door, which uses no cables or head springs, and provides a very smooth and easy lift. At approximately 16 feet to the far end of the kitchen and about 10 feet 6 inches to the refrigerator, there’s more than sufficient storage for nearly any toy out there (with attention given to weight), especially with a little creative arranging. The Full Throttle package includes a handful of other items that improve livability and storage in the garage area.
The L-shaped galley has a composite counter, two-burner cooktop and single-basin sink with a high-rise faucet.
As far as toy haulers go, there are a number of choices and options out there, depending on your budget. The Axxess 8.5x30FBED is a frill-free but functional trailer with a nearly indestructible build process and use of materials that will stand up to the type of punishment expected when hauling motorized toys. Although it could use a little more standard equipment, the Axxess still delivers plenty of oohs and ahhs for those looking for toy-hauling practicality in a lightweight trailer that can be easily towed.
Axxess toy haulers come in lengths from 20 to 30 feet with MSRPs from $35,000 to $49,000.
Livin’ Lite | 260-593-3850 | www.livinlite.com
