Best Of
2019 T@B 400 - Users Manual Update
The users manual which came with my new 400 is dated 2017 and doesn't cover many of the new features including something as simple as how to change a flat tire. Seeing how the unit doesn't come with a jack nor any stickers saying "PLACE HERE" and the factory video for the 320 jacking procedure conflicts directly with the owners manual on the use of the stabilizers, I'm looking to put together an update to the manual both for my family and the NuCamp community at large. My rationale here is that the manual should be a "go-to" tool for when you are stressed and everything has gone sour and you just need a simple direct answer to what seems at the time to be a monumental issue. So, while things are calm between now and the next outing, I've started that process.
That said, I can really use some help as we've only owned our trailer for a few weeks although we've traveled in a 2017 for a month. Please use this discussion to post suggestions for what to add so this Users Manual can become a reliable tool. As a personal appeal, could someone please post an accurate procedure for changing a tire that applies to the 400 and not the factory video for the 320. Any postings by NuCamp would be greatly appreciated.
I'd also like to point out that the manual, with all its limitations, is far ahead of what NuCamp's competitors put out. Its just that it can be better and there has been so much change. Something as simple as the recommendation for cleaning the filter on the Cool Cat says to slide it out of the unit but there isn't anything explaining where it is and how to slide it out. What may seem obvious to one person is not to another making this forum both valuable and a tool to maintain a continually updated users manual.
If others think this is helpful then great. If not, I'll just update for my family and move on. Curious to see what the feedback is and hoping someone knows how to change a tire on this thing.
That said, I can really use some help as we've only owned our trailer for a few weeks although we've traveled in a 2017 for a month. Please use this discussion to post suggestions for what to add so this Users Manual can become a reliable tool. As a personal appeal, could someone please post an accurate procedure for changing a tire that applies to the 400 and not the factory video for the 320. Any postings by NuCamp would be greatly appreciated.
I'd also like to point out that the manual, with all its limitations, is far ahead of what NuCamp's competitors put out. Its just that it can be better and there has been so much change. Something as simple as the recommendation for cleaning the filter on the Cool Cat says to slide it out of the unit but there isn't anything explaining where it is and how to slide it out. What may seem obvious to one person is not to another making this forum both valuable and a tool to maintain a continually updated users manual.
If others think this is helpful then great. If not, I'll just update for my family and move on. Curious to see what the feedback is and hoping someone knows how to change a tire on this thing.
Re: Fresh Water Leak - Fixed! (Again!?)
Yep, I'm happy (and grateful for the helpful folks in this forum), but not without my battle scars. Tip: use a foam pad, towel, or something draped over the opening, because the inside edge is fairly sharp & after a while gets to be a bit painful.
Re: BCDC Battery Charger?
This explains it better than I could:Sharon_is_SAM said:@jkjenn, how is this device not married to the same alternator output?
https://youtu.be/ITamN84IiAo
Re: Better jack wheel?
This may not be the answer you are looking for, but be advised that I purchased the dual wheel jack from harbor freight thinking that it would make maneuvering easier. It actually made it worse.
Re: Maiden Voyage of the Trailpixie Boondock
The automatic brake adjusters on trailer brakes can also tighten up considerably if you do a lot of backing up while applying the brakes enough to engage the trailer brakes. My dealer warned me of this when I picked up my T@B Outback and told me to disconnect the 7 wire plug when backing into my camp spot.
Re: Alternate location for additional batteries, Tab 400 Boondock
Before I’d add batteries to the tongue of a 400BDL, I’d get a goal zero and store it in the rear of the TV and use it to recharge the 400 as required.
Re: RV Lock Keyless for RV's is great! (Currently for T@B S Max and T@B 320 {pre 2020} only)
P.S. As far as looking into the keyless pad, I'm less concerned with break-ins than I am that eventually my padlock will stop working. I've heard about some recalls and my other lock has already stopped! The padlock has been a little persnickety so if it goes, i'm locked out!!!
Re: Tongue Weight
Funny, @MuttonChops, & we've had ours for years before we got our T@B. Glass, but It says limit=400lb, so way more than we'd ever need, at least I hope!
@TerryV6, no, we've still got our 85lb Trojan 1275/150AH GC battery in the tub & spare tire on the jack. I double checked the height of my wood post on the scale & it was exactly the same as the leveled tongue. Propane tank is full, but we don't have any bike rack or extra box, just plastic tub. Though we do have a bunch of solar cables, security cables, hoses, metal shelf units, wood blocks, etc stored behind & under rear seat. I think you should weigh the trailer loaded with how you plan to travel.
@rcuomo, your weight sounds comparable to ours, after accounting for your platform, bike rack & bikes.
Like you, @TerryV6, I've been wanting to get our trailer weighed, so went today to the nearest town with scales & got it done for $9..
First put the front tires on the scale, then front & rear, then pulled off leaving just trailer tires on scale for trailer axle weight. That's what the guy suggested to get weights for all 3 axles.
At first glance it appears our tongue weight I got at home was almost exactly 10%, but now I'm thinking it's more like 9.2% if you add the tongue weight back into the trailer weight. Some procedures I've read say it should be 9-14% rather than 10-15%, so maybe we're close enough? I did load bicycles & popup tent (& wife) into the van, but still need to add cooler, clothes, chairs, etc.
Maybe if I added another storage box to the tongue & moved some hoses &/or cables there, we may be better off.
@TerryV6, no, we've still got our 85lb Trojan 1275/150AH GC battery in the tub & spare tire on the jack. I double checked the height of my wood post on the scale & it was exactly the same as the leveled tongue. Propane tank is full, but we don't have any bike rack or extra box, just plastic tub. Though we do have a bunch of solar cables, security cables, hoses, metal shelf units, wood blocks, etc stored behind & under rear seat. I think you should weigh the trailer loaded with how you plan to travel.
@rcuomo, your weight sounds comparable to ours, after accounting for your platform, bike rack & bikes.
Like you, @TerryV6, I've been wanting to get our trailer weighed, so went today to the nearest town with scales & got it done for $9..
First put the front tires on the scale, then front & rear, then pulled off leaving just trailer tires on scale for trailer axle weight. That's what the guy suggested to get weights for all 3 axles.
At first glance it appears our tongue weight I got at home was almost exactly 10%, but now I'm thinking it's more like 9.2% if you add the tongue weight back into the trailer weight. Some procedures I've read say it should be 9-14% rather than 10-15%, so maybe we're close enough? I did load bicycles & popup tent (& wife) into the van, but still need to add cooler, clothes, chairs, etc.
Maybe if I added another storage box to the tongue & moved some hoses &/or cables there, we may be better off.
An interesting Observation
I decided to mount Goodyear Endurance tires on my TAB 400. Since the factory original tires only had 241 miles on them I kept them rather than letting the tire store have them. I took my wheels to Discount Tire and had the new tires mounted. They put the old tires in my truck. When I went to unload the old tires at home I noticed what appeared to be sand in the old tires. Upon closer examination, what I had was small glass beads in the tires. After a little internet research I discovered that putting glass beads in the tire is supposed to balance the tire as it rolls along. I had wondered why the tires had no balancing weights when I bought the trailer but set the thought aside as I had already had the idea to change the tires. I have no idea if this is a valid technique since you can find arguments on both sides. You can also find arguments about glass beads versus ceramic beads versus other stuff. In any case, the (very) small amount of glass beads in my tires can not possibly have had any effect at all. I had the new tires balanced in the conventional way at Discount Tire.
I thought someone might find this interesting--but maybe not.
I thought someone might find this interesting--but maybe not.
Re: LED outdoor light, switch to amber?
Go to any auto store and buy something like this and cut it to the shape of your outside light. That’s what I did and it works like a charm. And inexpensive. (Another t@bber suggested this to me.) https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/3m-lens-repair-tape-1875-x-60-amber-03442na/6019625-p?c3ch=PLA&c3nid=6019625-P&adtype=pla&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgse8pN2-4QIVmx-tBh1hVQbBEAQYASABEgLVBvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
