New for 2004, the Next Level, available in five models, is Holiday Rambler's response to a burgeoning niche market that combines the enjoyment of toys for grownups (such as ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and jet skis) and the RV lifestyle. We loaded a Next Level 37CK with four ATVs, plus all necessary gear and provisions, and escaped to the Canyonlands region of southern Utah, the perfect venue for evaluating this all-new toy hauler.
The tow vehicle for this adventure was a Double J Hauler, prepared and outfitted by J&J Enterprises of Ontario, California, and powered by a 7.3-liter turbodiesel. Our F-550, with a 21,600-pound towing capacity, had an easy time with the 37CK over our 1200-mile route. Much of this fifth-wheel toy hauler's superb towing characteristics can be attributed to the trailer's leaf springs and its shock absorber-augmented triple-axle configuration. GVWR for the Next Level trailer is 17,000 pounds.
With the J&J-installed aftermarket 40-gallon auxiliary diesel-fuel tank, the F-550 had a potential driving range of 700 and 800 miles at a time. This kind of range provides a feeling of independence and the flexibility to take advantage of fuel prices between cities, and, in our case, between states (California, Nevada, and Utah).
Using the same patented Alumaframe construction that is Holiday Rambler's signature, the Next Level is built to accommodate heavy payloads. The four ATVs we hauled added approximately 2300 pounds. The full 120-gallon freshwater tank (a feature that makes stand-alone camping for days on end possible) added another 960 pounds of weight. We carried gasoline for the ATVs (more on that in a minute), plus several hundred pounds of gear, including helmets, riding boots, camp table and chairs, food stores, and miscellaneous items that enhanced the great-outdoor experience.
Loading the four ATVs was an uncomplicated task that left us impressed by how much the Next Level 37CK could hold. The rear exterior wall of the unit doubles as the loading ramp for the toys. Once the latching/locking devices are released, the rear wall, which is hinged to the chassis along the bottom, requires little muscle to open and lower. It can be raised back up with minimal effort as well. Much like a garage door, the articulating ramp/rear wall is controlled and augmented by large coil springs. One adult can easily lower or raise this ramp. With the ramp lowered, we simply drove the ATVs inside and, using cargo straps, secured the ATVs to the tie-down rings anchored to the floor's infrastructure.