T@B Trailer

I saw one of these trailers at a dealership today. It was one of those “holy shit, look at that” moments. Wow.

Comments

Joyce & Jeff's picture
Joyce & Jeff on July 17, 2006 - 03:16 Permalink

Hi Tabbers,

Well, we went from CO to Grand Canyon plus a couple local camping trips. We used our awning for the first time and really enjoyed it. In order to bring our dogs for longer stays, we decided to get the tent — but — they realistically won’t be available until next season we were told by THOR. We also found out the huge price will not be lower either. So, we began looking for a reasonable alternative. We decided to try a full-size SUV tent. It attaches to your SUV via a “sleeve”. We’ll be giving it a try the last week of July when we go out for another week. Hope you’re all having a great summer.

John T. Damiano D.D.S.'s picture
John T. Damiano... on July 25, 2006 - 01:31 Permalink

I’m trying to rig up a shower in my ‘07 T@B. If interested, check out SHOWER ANYWHERE.com. Their Item PS1 and a Colemen “Hot Water on Demand” should do the trick. The basin is 23” square and 4” high. They are willing to cut the frame from 72” to approx 67” and shorten the curtain to fit inside the basin. Don’t buy anything until you ask me if my calculations worked. Incidently, the Porta-potty will fit in the basin as well so you can have some privacy.
If my measurements are accurate, the Privacy Stall should fit between the outer lip of the ceiling fan horizontally to a point 23 1/2” forward of that if the frame is between 66 1/2” and 67” depending on the accuracy of the horizontal component. Let me hear from you with your comments.jtdds@verizon.net

Brewgut's picture
Brewgut on July 29, 2006 - 08:49 Permalink

Hi All!
I’ve been obsessed with small trailers for a few years now, and finally managed to see three T@Bs at a dealer just an hour north, in Ukiah, CA. Miracle of miracles, I also talked the Boss into going with.

I’ve been researching teardrops, but the Boss keeps calling them “Cute little coffins”. The T@b certianly seems to be just the ticket! Light, clean simple and customizable. Just enough room to sit out a rainy day, or a very chilly beach evening.

Sadly, they seem just a bit over the sane towing weight for our aging Kia Sportage… And 9” too tall to fit in the garage… And 18” too wide to slip between the house and fence into our shady back yard…

So… Gotta raise the garage door header a foot and find a nice used little truck; Or talk the Boss into a new Honda Ridgeline.

BTW, the new clamshells have an awning groove, just like the rest of the family!

Becky's picture
Becky on July 29, 2006 - 13:28 Permalink

Brewgut,
We’ve had our T@B for over a year now and have always enjoyed camping in it. We’ve taken 8 weekend trips and one week long trip. We plan on an extended trip (3 months or so in a year or two). We’ve added a few things to help meet our camping needs (i.e. hinges on the rear cupboard doors for rummaging without holding the doors open). We are able to assemble and put up the awning in 10 minutes or less (both of us working together). We pulled our T@B with our mini van until it started to die and in April we purchased a Ridgeline. It’s great! It’s a very comfortable ride which was important to us because of the extended trip. The trunk is great for extra storage (firewood, chairs). My husband is a photographer and is able to hide his gear under the back seats. Just flip up the seats for easy access. (I sound like a salesman) We always tented before the T@B and decided to step up to a trailer when we saw the T@B. It’s just the two of us camping now and the T@B seems to be a perfect match. It’s just the right amount of luxury.

John T. Damiano, DDS's picture
John T. Damiano, DDS on July 31, 2006 - 01:24 Permalink

Someone please give me their opinion on the tent room. If you have one for sale or know how I can get one for just the cost of shipping, (Compatible with an ‘06), please E-mail me (jtdds@verizon.net)

George's picture
George on July 31, 2006 - 14:33 Permalink

Hi campers. I have a 2005 T@B T-16 Orange Krush for sale in Western Maryland. Used once, it has ALL dealer options at the time of purchase new. Interior is L-shape design. Winterized by a dealer last fall. Too many features to list here. It has them all. Top of the line. Please email me for details and pictures. $12,800. Luda_Chris1@hotmail.com

cinnamon_tier's picture
cinnamon_tier on August 5, 2006 - 15:48 Permalink

My husband and I eagerly awaited our jolt grey trim T16-1 2007 trailer. It has all the options— cool cat A/C, LP furnace, screen door, 3 way fridge w/ high ele kit, alum 16” wheels, awning, northern breeze fan, stereo, & porta-pot. It arrived last night and we are scheduled to pick it up today.

After having received the owners manual last night, I have a big concern. It says the GVWR (gross vehicle weight rating) is 1939 pounds. After subtracting the UVW (unloaded vehicle weight), 5 gallons water, and propane (for total of 1693), it leaves a CCC (cargo carrying capacity) of 246 pounds. A section of the manual says that one must weight the enitre trailer including the passengers. While the section stating this does not mention the GVWR, it is the only total weight mentioned in the manual. If passengers are included in the cargo carrying capacity of only 246 lbs then my husband I exceed the CCC before loading the first teacup! My husband says the GVWR is only used for towing weight, but I think since passengers are not allowed by law to ride in a towed vehicle, it wouldn’t make sense to include them in the total weight if it only applies to towed weight. Our car (Mercedes ML 320) is rated at 5000 lbs tow weight so that is not a problem.

While its true we loaded the tab with options, they are standard offerings and it’s hard to believe that the total weight can’t support 2 adults plus reasonable amount of baggage. I’m looking for advice before picking it up today.

Also, does anyone have recommendations on 3000Watt generators?

Will Tanaka's picture
Will Tanaka on August 7, 2006 - 08:31 Permalink

Hello T@Bsters,
I will be receiving a clam shell this week and am in the Seattle ,Washington area. Does anyone have recommendations about beautiful camps to travel to? I’ve only done a little camping and am new to camping in a trailer. Resources, books, references, tips, etc. would be gladly appreciated. Also if any T@B ralllies are in the wind I’d love to meet with you.

fun on the road,

Will Tanaka

Russ McMillan's picture
Russ McMillan on August 10, 2006 - 16:10 Permalink

I am very interested in buying a T@B after reading all of the reviews. IF anyone is interested in selling please contact me at mcmemo@cmcast.net.

Also, has anyone added a generator to their T@B. What is the minimum size required to handle the AC and a few lights, etc. I had thought about 2.5 KW would do it?

Russ

Julia Robinson's picture
Julia Robinson on August 11, 2006 - 00:20 Permalink

Hi,
I am looking for a used Clamshell T@B camper. I can travel to pick it up. I am in Wyoming. Thank you and write me at CRobin1046@AOL.com

Norbert's picture
Norbert on August 12, 2006 - 05:17 Permalink

Reading the many comments on the awning, I have to offer a simple alternative that I have used on an old pop-up trailer with a similar track to the T@B. Just make your own awning using a woven poly tarp and a rope of the correct size to slide into the track (my parents actually invented this). Vertical poles at the other side with ropes staked into the ground means no horizontal poles are required. I plan to do this once we get our clamshell T@B to make an awning big enough to cover the picnic table provided at most parks.

Cut off one edge of the tarp, fold it over the rope, and sew it closed on a sewing machine. The rope end should extend a bit beyond the leading edge of the awning so it can be pulled (the rope may need to be unravelled a bit and re-braided with fewer strands to fit through the slot). Or maybe just sew a thinner rope there for pulling.

Russ McMillan's picture
Russ McMillan on August 21, 2006 - 16:35 Permalink

I am very interested in buying a T@B after reading all of the reviews. IF anyone is interested in selling please contact me at mcmemo@comcast.net.

Also, has anyone added a generator to their T@B. What is the minimum size required to handle the AC and a few lights, etc. I had thought about 2.5 KW would do it?

I am resending as my email was incorrect should be as noted above.

Russ

POSTED AUG 10, 2006 AT 12:10 ADT BY RUSS MCMILLAN

George Flink's picture
George Flink on August 22, 2006 - 02:33 Permalink

I have a 2005 T@B, L-shaped trailer for sale. White with Cherry Red trim. Floor furnace, Port-a-potty, Northern Breeze fan. Extra 12volt receptical added inside. Steel wheels. Excellent condition. 5 miles out of Bangor, Maine. George
(207)989-3688. <centergc@midmaine.com>

Sharon's picture
Sharon on August 25, 2006 - 00:47 Permalink

We have a 2006 T@B and we absolutely love it. As summer winds down we are talking about how to best store the camper during the month we will not be using it. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to best store our camper? We live in Wisconsin, which brings cold and snow, melting and refreezing. We have heard that you should never cover a camper with a tarp if store due to moisture building up under the tarp which could damage the finish on the camper. We have not decided if we will store the unit in a rental indoor unit or outside next to our home. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you and happy T@Bing.

Jim Edenfield's picture
Jim Edenfield on August 25, 2006 - 01:57 Permalink

I read the posting by Joe Herrington regarding upgrading the on board 5 gallon water supply to a city water system and decided to try it. Joe sent me his parts list and several photos of the completed installation. My total cost was $53.09 and about 3 1/2 hours time for the install. Simply stated, IT WORKS GREAT!!! No more constantly refilling that 5 gallon container. I am not very mechanically inclined and the install was clearly explained and even I was able to complete the installation. Thanks Joe.

George Flink's picture
George Flink on August 26, 2006 - 23:30 Permalink

We have sold our T@B.
We do have a brand new T@B awning(still in the box)for sale, and are asking $300 plus shipping.

Doug MacDonald's picture
Doug MacDonald on August 28, 2006 - 23:40 Permalink

Looking for a new or used T@B with the queen bed. Can travel to pick up.
Thanks, Doug

Doug MacDonald's picture
Doug MacDonald on August 28, 2006 - 23:43 Permalink

Looking for a new or used T@B with the queen bed. Can travel to pick up.

Thanks, Doug

Doug MacDoald's picture
Doug MacDoald on August 28, 2006 - 23:49 Permalink

Looking for a new or used T@B. Can travel to pick up.
Thanks, Doug

Russ McMillan's picture
Russ McMillan on August 29, 2006 - 19:25 Permalink

As a follow up to my question about the size of generator necessary for a T@B, according to the Mfg a 2.5 KW will handle all power requirements. I purchased a Yamaha EF 2400IS generator which weighs only 70 lbs, very quiet (53 DB), and, although only 2.4 KW says that it can power most 13,500 BTU AC units, since the T@B unit is only 10,000 BTU you have power to spare for TV, Etc. You would still have to manage your power, however, if you plan to run a microwave, hair dryer, etc. Generally I just shut down the AC unit when I need to spardically run other heavy power users.

I am interested if anyone has come up with a reasonable external mounting idea for a generator. Also, anyone know the price of the optional bike rack for the T@B, all there alternatives that anyone has thought of?

Thanks
Russ

George Flink's picture
George Flink on September 1, 2006 - 01:24 Permalink

The awning is now sold. Thanks

John T. Damiano, D.D.S.'s picture
John T. Damiano... on September 3, 2006 - 23:57 Permalink

It seems that the instuctions for converting the T@B water system to city water compatible are quite elusive.
If anyone has the instuctions and parts list by Joe Herrington or Jim Edenfield, please send them to me, Thanks.

John T. Damiano
2869 Celtic Lane
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
Fax(315)638-9266

Andrew Hansen's picture
Andrew Hansen on September 5, 2006 - 04:00 Permalink

Hi all, I’m having trouble getting my Norcold 3-way refer to work on LP. I can get the pilot light to light and stay lit only while holding in the red button. As soon as I let go of the button (yes, I’ve waited 15+ seconds) the pilot light goes out and the fridge won’t cycle on LP. Any suggestions? Thanks in advance, Andrew.

Paul's picture
Paul on September 5, 2006 - 20:57 Permalink

To Andrew,
I was told by the dealer that if it’s humid, you have to heat up the refrigerator first such as run on 12v for awhile. I travel on 12v and therefore never had a problem with the LP however I have had to hold the button down for 60+ seconds. Make sure you have the temperature knob turned all the way to the left to “start” first and then turn it back after it starts.

Kelly's picture
Kelly on September 5, 2006 - 23:08 Permalink

Hey, it’s me again. Ready to sellfor real! title should be here any day, it’s registered in Salt Lake City Utah. Make me an offer! It’s the 2006 L shaped White w/Red trim, trick looking rims. Has EVERYTHING! Tent included. Camping chairs, extra tables, umbrella,screen door, has porta potty. 3 way Fridge, the AC rocks. We took it to the lake, 105 outside, covered in blankets inside. Sold to the highest bidder. Willing to meet in Calif. if necessary. It’s a NICE T@B.
email kellykelly707@hotmail.com heading to a T@B rally on sept 16th unless sold first. Thanks

Andrew Hansen's picture
Andrew Hansen on September 7, 2006 - 01:31 Permalink

Thanks Paul, I’ll give it a try. Small trailer camping isn’t new to us (we also have a 1960 Scotty Sportsman 13’), but the new bells and whistles are going to take some getting used to. The old icebox was real easy to figure out, if it wasn’t cold, just add more ice. Thanks again, Andrew

Hamzah's picture
Hamzah on September 7, 2006 - 09:09 Permalink

Hello there…
I’m interested to buy a mini Trailer, but I have no experience on Trailers … can you send me list of the best manufacturers for mini Trailers such as T@B (http://www.tab-rv.com) and Little Guy (http://www.golittleguy.com)?

Regards,

karl Kregor's picture
karl Kregor on September 10, 2006 - 22:34 Permalink

Taking delivery of our T@B in October. New at the game!

Has anyone used a small solar panel to run T@B 12 volt appliances? Any tips, diagrams, website, on how to do it?
And is there a way to get a ‘trickle charge’ to the T@B battery using the car’s alternator while driving?
Appreciate any info!

Karl

Paul's picture
Paul on September 11, 2006 - 15:33 Permalink

Karl,
If the vehicle harness is wired properly, your T@B is set up to charge the battery while you travel. Mine has charged from empty to a full charge in 1.5 hours. I have added a second deep cycle battery wired in parallel which I set up at the campsite. I’ll charge it before I leave and I’ve gone 5 days without a charge and I even use a Satellite radio tuner and TV in the camper on the 12v system. (I added a 12v plug at a cost of about $5.00) I still had plenty of power left.
Paul

karl Kregor's picture
karl Kregor on September 13, 2006 - 19:17 Permalink

Thanks Paul,
Anyone have experience with setting up a manufactured awning, semi-tent, or shelter kind of thing, to form a sitting and/or showering place, right up against their T@B?
T@B’s awning seems a bit pricey, and a regular camping tent with its doors and limited height doesn’t appeal to me.
Any ideas would be greatly appreciated!

Karl

Paul's picture
Paul on September 15, 2006 - 15:39 Permalink

Karl,
On a rainy day, the awning seems worth the price to us to be able to sit comfortably outside and read. Also when it’s muddy, a small carpet kept somewhat dry under the awning keeps a lot of the mess out of the T@B. I do have another canopy I set up over the picnic table and I use a small $25.00 dome tent for the port-a-potty at night avoiding those long dark walks to the john. The tent serves as a small storage space too. Showers? well there’s compromise here someplace. If I wanted showers, toilets and more room, I would have bought a Sunline Solaris but the T@B is still a big step up from our tent and I like the compromise.
Happy T@Bbing
Paul

Paul

karl Kregor's picture
karl Kregor on September 16, 2006 - 20:29 Permalink

Hi, We’re getting a new TAB in October.
Anyone ever had their T@B tires balanced? Or needed to!? Or should I assume they do it at the factory?

Karl

karl Kregor's picture
karl Kregor on September 17, 2006 - 19:47 Permalink

Hi,

Just had a hitch installed in our Subaru Forester, and it came with a 4 pin terminal.
T@B’ers talk about a 7 pin receptical on their T@Bs. [ to charge the battery]

Before we pick up our new T@B, what can I do to ensure we can charge the T@B battery while driving?

And, has anyone found good prices on a T@B cover? (Our garage frame is too low, by 6”!)

Karl

Paul's picture
Paul on September 18, 2006 - 14:37 Permalink

Karl,
I talked to a woman this summer pulling hers with a Subaru Outback. Anyway, the T@B tires are balanced. I never felt any vibration or sway in three seasons use. I wouldn’t worry about that unless you have one fixed. You can install the 7 pin yourself for about $20. You already have the lights wired on your 4 pin, (basically for small utility trailers and small boats without brakes) just move the wires from the 4 pin to the seven pin where they belong (as marked) then add the positive and negative wires from your battery terminals. (make sure you buy a heavy gage wire for the amperage, a good auto parts store will tell you what you need) Done! you won’t have a need for a brake wire. If you converted the T@B to 4 pin you will include only lights, no power. You’ll want to run your refrigerator on your cars 12v system while you travel anyway as well as charge your battery. Running on propane is not legal in some states and you’ll have to shut down the fridge when you get gas where it is legal. A cover would be nice but the T@B is waterproof and the cover is expensive. In three winters in upstate New York I found no real reason for a cover but I’d buy an inexpensive tarp if I wanted one. I’d rather not trap moisture underneath. Besides, the snow and ice slide off the aluminum skin.
I hope this helps. Believe me, your T@B will be ready for camping when you pick it up, just enjoy.
Paul

Russ McMillan's picture
Russ McMillan on September 21, 2006 - 01:03 Permalink

Has anyone connected a second battery in parallel and mounted it on or in the T@B vs. making the connection when you stop to camp?

Paul's picture
Paul on September 23, 2006 - 04:45 Permalink

I went to the T@B gathering at Mt. Madona in Santa Clara Co. No one was there. It was Friday,9/22. What happened? Don`t have a T@B yet, but wanted feed back, price, etc. New go for about $15,000. Seems extremely overpriced to me. Paul

izzy's picture
izzy on September 29, 2006 - 00:06 Permalink

In CA I’m having a bit of trouble finding a decent priced T@B. The closest dealers are selling new ones for $20K (they only have them fully loaded whatever that means). But now other vendors are selling the Airsteam BaseCamp for the same price. If you had to choose between the T@B and the BC, which would you choose? I’m feeling the T@B overpriced and am leaning toward the BC.

Andrew Hansen's picture
Andrew Hansen on September 30, 2006 - 04:54 Permalink

Izzy, we just bought a T@B in Idaho (we live in Oregon) fairly outfitted for $12000. It doesn’t have the AC/heatpump but its a lot less than $20K. My brother lives in So. Cal. and said he was running into the same thing. I think the dealers down there are getting greedy. Up here it was cheaper for us to take two days off work, pay for four tanks of gas, rent a hotel one night, pay for all our food, and camp on the way home and still saved over $1,500 than buying from a local dealer.

Andrew's picture
Andrew on September 30, 2006 - 05:59 Permalink

I’ve been having a run-a-round with Norcold about their 3-way refer that they are supplying T@B with to put in their trailers. Norcold has not return E-mails and have been very slow to ship replacement parts for warrantee work (three weeks and counting for stock parts). I tried to go thru their “customer service” dept. but they all must be on a long holliday or the department doesn’t exist. I hope T@B doesn’t get any backlash from Norcold’s inaction. T@B makes a nice product.

T.J.'s picture
T.J. on October 4, 2006 - 23:44 Permalink

I’ve got a 04 T@B for sale $6.000 obo need to sell fast. In savannah GA. Call T.J. 912-661-1527

Amy's picture
Amy on October 23, 2006 - 01:17 Permalink

Hi — I am in the market for a used T@B. I fell in love with the clam shell model but am open to the idea of the other models. I don’t want to spend ove 8K, which seems like the hard part!

Please let me know if anyone knows of any good places to search for used T@Bs. EBAY is not too fruitful right now.

Amy

karl Kregor's picture
karl Kregor on October 24, 2006 - 03:13 Permalink

As a last resort — since we experienced a complete battery loss —:
What’s the most appropriate QUIET portable generator for a TAB with a CoolCat, furnace, 3 way stove, radio, and 3 way fridge if you’re out in the wilderness?

carol's picture
carol on October 24, 2006 - 22:35 Permalink

Hi,
I am looking for a used Clamshell. I live in Wyoming, but would be will to travel to a neighboring state for pickup.
Does anyone have one for sale?
Call or write me, please.

CRobin1046@AOL.com or 307-732-0613

jim Destefano's picture
jim Destefano on October 28, 2006 - 16:42 Permalink

Karl, as you are probably aware right now, there are all sorts of bugs with these T@Bs. I am constantly amazed at how cheaply they are put together for such a high priced item. Your battery may have gone bad because the charging system had a problem. I’ve had to have my battery and cable replaced twice because the first time the power cable was not connected right and the second time the cable was defective causing the batteries to lose so muuch charge the batteries were no longer any good. Check your charging system to make sure your battery is getting charged, Check to make suret your cable is connected properly to the connection on your car.. You may have bent one of the prongs or it may not be on securely. they vibrate off during driving. At night when camping I turn off my refrigerator to conserve the charge and I disconnect the battery when not using the trailer. I also had the dealer add a second battery parellel, but they come with cheap batteries. Once all the bugs were worked out, I was pleasantly suprised at how well the system worked, Let us know if you come up with a good economical portable generator.

PaH's picture
PaH on November 5, 2006 - 04:27 Permalink

We have been watching this board for over a year now, We finally found a T@b which was only 3 hours away. Just got it home and can’t wait to try it out. Thanks for all the information that I have been reading about on this board.

Jerry Harris's picture
Jerry Harris on November 8, 2006 - 04:30 Permalink

We have a never used T@B tent that we would like to sell. Make a reasonable offer and I’m sure a deal can be made. Thanks, Jerry

John C's picture
John C on November 12, 2006 - 11:10 Permalink

I have just started my search for a small trailer and was looking for some info on the t@b. I see,from what I have read on here,that there is no city water hook up. Is there an electrical hook up? Thankyou for any info.

Paul L's picture
Paul L on November 15, 2006 - 00:22 Permalink

Hey John C:

Yes, there is an electrical hookup on the exterior of the tabs. My early tab has it on the undercarriage, but the newer ones have it on the side. I heard they may be adding a city water hookup soon, too. Try the Yahoo groups for more tab information. Or try the Dutchman manufacturer website to see the newest tab amenities. As Jim D. says above, they do seem kind of cheaply made, but I’ve never seen a trailer that didn’t.

Paul L.
Layton, Utah

John C's picture
John C on November 15, 2006 - 09:36 Permalink

Paul,
thankyou for your help. How long have you had your tab and what problems have you had if any? thanks again.

Sammy &amp; Ann's picture
Sammy & Ann on November 15, 2006 - 19:17 Permalink

Well…about cheaply made. We just came out of a 28ft Sunny Brook fifth wheeler. Bought it new. The first trip we made it in the slide out broke. It went back in but flopped (or was dropped on one side of the floor after it was brought back in) and we knew something was not right. Come to find out, the factory didn’t put enought screws into the wall to hold it together. Bear in mind… that was no cheap tt. I don’t think it matters what kind of tt you buy, you “may” have to work out some “bugs”. But we never thought a slideout would break on the first run. O — that was just the worse thing that happened, the rest seemed minor. So we really downsized when we went to our T@b, but we searched it out for almost 2 years and knew that this is what we wanted to do. We take our first trip this weekend and can’t wait to get back to “camping”
tablicious
#2235

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