6 Best RV Ramps For Toy Haulers With Large Doors That Serve Double Duty

You’ve just backed your side-by-side out of the garage, the ramp is down, and the adventure is ready to begin. But what happens to that massive, reinforced door for the rest of the trip? For years, it was just a ramp—a functional but otherwise dead space. The real game-changer in modern RV living has been transforming that ramp into a functional, elevated patio, effectively adding a hundred square feet of outdoor living space to your rig.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

The Evolution of the Toy Hauler Ramp Door

The toy hauler ramp started as a purely utilitarian feature. It was a heavy, spring-assisted slab of metal and wood designed for one job: getting heavy things in and out of the garage. We used to just prop them up on jack stands or cinder blocks to make a wobbly, unofficial porch. It wasn’t safe, and it certainly wasn’t elegant.

Manufacturers saw how we were using them and wisely leaned in. They started engineering zero-gravity ramp doors that were easier to lift and, crucially, adding support cables and weight ratings for use as a patio. This shifted the door from a simple access point to a foundational component of the RV’s living space. The evolution didn’t stop there; it paved the way for integrated railings, awnings, and even screen rooms.

This change fundamentally alters how you use your toy hauler. The garage is no longer just for storage and transport. With a patio system, it becomes a screened-in dining room, an open-air lounge, or a secure play area for kids and pets, all while keeping you off the wet or muddy ground. It’s one of the single biggest innovations in expanding the footprint of a small living space.

Lippert Components Party Deck Railing System

When you see a toy hauler with a patio, chances are you’re looking at a Lippert system. They are the dominant supplier for RV manufacturers, so this is the setup you’ll most often find installed from the factory. The system typically includes lightweight aluminum railings that fold flat for storage and quick-connect steel cables that support the ramp door.

The biggest advantage here is integration. Because it’s designed with the RV from the start, everything just fits. The railings have designated storage spots, the setup is usually tool-free, and it’s covered under the manufacturer’s warranty. It’s the easy button for getting a functional patio without any aftermarket guesswork.

However, the trade-off for this convenience can be robustness. While perfectly safe and rated for significant weight, some factory-installed Lippert systems can feel a bit lighter than heavy-duty aftermarket options. For most weekend warriors and family campers, it’s more than enough. But if you’re planning on hosting a literal party on your party deck, you might notice a little more flex than you’d like.

MORryde PatioEX Ramp Door Conversion Kit

If the factory-installed option feels a little flimsy for your taste, MORryde is where you look next. MORryde is known in the RV world for its heavy-duty suspension and entryway steps, and they bring that same robust engineering to their PatioEX system. This is a popular aftermarket kit for toy haulers that didn’t come with a patio package or for owners looking to upgrade.

The PatioEX system is defined by its solid feel. The railings are substantial, the latches are secure, and the entire setup inspires confidence. You won’t feel much wobble or play when you lean against the rails. This makes it a great choice for families with small children or anyone who wants that extra peace of mind.

The main consideration is installation. Unlike a factory system, you or a technician will have to install it. While the process is straightforward for anyone comfortable with a drill, it’s a project. You’re permanently modifying your ramp door. The payoff is a rock-solid patio that often exceeds the quality of standard OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts.

Grand Design’s All-Inclusive Patio Package

Some manufacturers, like Grand Design, have taken the patio concept and turned it into a fully integrated luxury feature. Their package isn’t just a ramp and a railing; it’s a complete outdoor room. It often includes the ramp door patio, a pull-down screen wall, a separate patio awning, and dedicated steps for getting on and off the deck.

This is the turn-key solution. You buy the rig, and you get a perfectly matched, fully-featured outdoor space right from the get-go. There are no aftermarket parts to source or compatibility issues to worry about. The components are designed to work together seamlessly, from the color of the awning to the placement of the step mounts.

The downside? You’re buying into a specific ecosystem. If you don’t like the style of their railing or the mechanism of their screen door, you don’t have many options. It also adds a significant cost to the initial purchase of the RV. But for those who value convenience and a cohesive design, it’s the most streamlined path to a high-end patio experience.

Patriot Decks: A Heavy-Duty Steel Option

While most patio kits are made from aluminum to save weight, Patriot Decks offers a different approach: all-steel construction. This is the heavy-duty option for the most demanding users. If you’re concerned about durability and want a patio that feels as solid as a residential deck, this is it.

The primary benefit is unmatched strength and rigidity. A steel deck is not going to flex or bend. This makes it ideal for full-timers, those who use their patio frequently for entertaining, or anyone who wants the absolute most secure feeling underfoot. The powder-coated finish helps resist rust, but it’s something to keep an eye on over the years, especially in coastal areas.

The tradeoff, as you’d expect, is weight. Steel is significantly heavier than aluminum, which eats into your rig’s cargo-carrying capacity. This is a critical consideration for any towable RV. You must ensure you have the payload to spare for both the deck and your toys. It’s a specialized solution for those who prioritize strength above all else.

LCI Three Seasons Door for Enclosed Patios

The railing system is only half the battle. What truly transforms the patio from a simple deck into a usable room is a way to enclose it. The Lippert (LCI) Three Seasons Door is a fantastic addition that replaces the traditional pull-down bug screen with a more permanent, functional wall.

This component is essentially a set of sliding, tinted vinyl or glass panels within an aluminum frame. It allows you to seal off the garage from the patio, keeping the bugs out and the conditioned air in. On a cool evening, you can be on your patio while keeping the garage warm. In the summer, you can enjoy the view without letting in a swarm of mosquitos.

This isn’t a ramp itself, but it’s a critical part of a functional patio system. It creates a clear boundary between inside and outside space. The downside is that it adds weight and takes up a few inches of garage length. But the benefit of having a weather-resistant, bug-proof barrier is a massive quality-of-life improvement for anyone who spends significant time in their toy hauler.

Torklift GlowStep for Safe Patio Access

One of the most overlooked aspects of a patio deck is how you get on and off it. The ramp is several feet off the ground, and using a wobbly plastic stool is an accident waiting to happen. Torklift’s GlowStep system is a brilliant solution designed specifically for this problem.

These are not your typical flimsy RV steps. The GlowStep is an aircraft-grade aluminum scissor step system that provides a stable, staircase-like entry to your patio. It makes solid contact with the ground, eliminating the bounce and sway of other steps. The "Glow" part comes from glow-in-the-dark strips on the steps, a simple but incredibly effective safety feature for navigating at night.

While it’s an added expense, safe and stable access is non-negotiable. A proper set of steps prevents falls and makes the patio more accessible for everyone, from small kids to older adults. It’s an essential accessory that completes the patio, turning it from a raised platform into a truly integrated and safe living area.

Key Features in a Toy Hauler Patio System

When you’re evaluating a toy hauler ramp or an aftermarket kit, you’re not just buying a railing. You’re investing in a system. It’s crucial to look beyond the brand name and focus on the features that will impact your daily use.

Here’s what I tell people to look for:

• Weight Capacity: Check both the ramp’s capacity as a patio and the railing’s strength. This should be clearly stated by the manufacturer. Don’t just assume it’s strong enough.
• Ease of Setup: How long does it take to deploy? Can one person do it easily? A system that is a pain to set up is a system you won’t use.
• Material and Construction: Aluminum is light, while steel is strong but heavy. Look at the quality of the welds, the thickness of the materials, and the durability of the latches and locking mechanisms.
• Modularity and Accessories: Does the system work with a three-seasons door? Does it have a dedicated gate? Can you easily add a set of steps? A good system is designed to be built upon.

Ultimately, the best ramp patio isn’t just the one with the highest weight rating or the fanciest features. It’s the one that matches your specific needs. A family with toddlers has different priorities (gate security, step stability) than a couple hauling motorcycles who just want a place for two chairs and a small table. Think about how you will use the space, and let that guide your decision.

The toy hauler ramp has become one of the most innovative and valuable features in the RV industry, transforming a simple door into a dynamic living space. By focusing on a complete system—from the railing and supports to the entry steps and enclosures—you can dramatically expand your rig’s footprint and enhance your life on the road. It’s no longer just about hauling your toys; it’s about creating a better place to live once you get there.