Best Of
Installing a new Jack
The original front jack on my T@B worked fine with my SUV as it was far enough back to allow the rear hatch to open. I switched to a small pick-up over the Winter and the TAB's forward facing jack handle would block the tailgate from being lowered when the T@B was hitched to the pick-up. The solution was to find a jack that could be installed with the crank handle on the side, not the front so my tailgate would drop. I did not want a removable jack assembly (like the JACK-E-UP) but larger pick-up owners may have to use one.
I found the Trailer Valet Center Mount Tongue Jack that could be mounted at a 90 degree angle so the jack handle would not be in the way of the tailgate when lowered. As a plus, the jack handle can be quickly removed (no tools required) and an included adapter slides on the jack to allow the use of a power drill to raise and lower the jack if you wish. It's available in a 2,000 and 5,000 pound version. Both are the same dimensions. I chose the 5K jack as it looked like the top could be removed for lubrication.
I did run into two unexpected install problems. The jack hole on the lower tongue plate needed to be enlarged slightly to allow the jack post to fit through it. Quick fix with a drill and small grinding wheel and a shot of paint to keep the ground edge from rusting.
The second problem required an additional part. The larger problem installing the Trailer Valet Jack on my 2021 T@B was my original T@B jack has a trapezoid shaped base, and the tongue of the T@B has a plate welded to it that backs up the front of the jack's mounting flange (see picture 1 below). The new Trailer Valet jack has a round base that overlaps the welded plate on the tongue of the T@B (picture 2). For strength the baseplate of the jack should be bolted to a solid smooth surface, not just sitting on three bolts and a bunch of washers (picture 2).
The solution is a pre drilled ½" plate manufactured by Sea Biscuit Metal Designs (picture 3) that raises and provides a solid surface for the jack flange to sit on and be securely bolted down using the same bolt pattern as the original jack (pictures 3, 4, 5). Once I had the plate it was a quick install of the three bolts to complete the installation (picture 6 below).
The new Trailer Valet Jack works smoothly, requires less effort, and the handle clears my front mounted spare tire. The included drill attachment is a plus for those that don't want to use a hand crank.
Note that the Sea Biscuit Metal Designs plate is not currently listed on their web site so you'll have to contact them.
Re: Critique my de-winterizing checklist for a T@B 400
The confusion that seems to come up the most for users here and on the FB groups is using the "wrong" video or file for the wrong trailer, and wrong year.
So, if you could highlight the Model and Year is big, bold letters that would really help.
The changes that have been made in the trailers in the last three model years make each model "unique" in the placement of where the low point drains are, etc. The 2019 320 (no Nautilus) is different from the 2020/2021 320 with Nautilus, and it seems the 2022 320 with Nautilus has the "low point" drains down on the frame, like the 400's. So, the potential for confusion (and frustration) just increases.
Re: Planning DC charging upgrades- solar and DC-DC
Hi, There are a few ways to do it, but here is my install if it's helpful (if you have not seen it).
I used a transfer switch. I was on the fence, it made the install a bit more complicated, but not difficult. In the end I'm glad I did. I can have AC power at all the outlets (even outside) when on battery power. I removed the 110V wires for the battery charger in the WFCO and connected them to the transfer switch shore power leg. The Go Power Transfer switch has connections that make it easy. I did have to add a 15 amp fuse in the transfer switch. The transfer switch wiring diagram shows an optional fuse if you connect a charger. That way, your battery only charges when on shore power. The battery charger 110 AC is on circuit breaker #2 in the WFCO. I removed them and ran the wires to the transfer switch.
I only turn on the inverter when I use it. The inverter has a remote ON/OFF switch and I placed it in the cubby below the Jenson radio control. The inverter does use battery power even in the idle state.
My WFCO does a poor job of charging the battery. I'm getting ready to install a Victron stand alone charger.
Hope this helps...there are other ways to do it.
Re: Hello! New member from Texas
We love our 400. Tow it with a ‘21 Honda Pilot. Tows like a charm. No problems with mountains. We love that we don’t have to setup the dinette/bed like in our previous 320. And even thought the bad in the 400 is narrower, the length is great and we sleep well in it.
Re: Hello! New member from Texas
With your Taco I would go for a 320 rather than a 400 if you go with NuCamp. The 400 puts up a lot of wind resistance with its tall profile. That is more troublesome than the weight increase in my opinion. We originally towed our 400 with a VW Touareg, but then switched to a Ford F150. The T-reg was too slow uphill. Its tow rating was 7700 pounds for what that’s worth, which probably is not much.
First-time dewinterizing quesions
2024 Tab 400
Looking at online dewinterization, it looks easy. But first-timer always finds some way to create an issue.
1) Pull valves to ensure empty tanks, close both valves
Looking at online dewinterization, it looks easy. But first-timer always finds some way to create an issue.
1) Pull valves to ensure empty tanks, close both valves
2) Open valves for fresh/cold/hot drains and close once any excess drains
3) Put Nautilus into Sanitize mode, use pump to siphon 5gal water w2.5 cup bleach into fresh water tank, turn off pump
4) Put Nautilus into Dry Camp mode and turn on pump to pressurize system
Here's where I found a problem, both bypass valves under the bed were open (up) and water came out of drain instead of pressurizing. If I close these, won't I be putting santization water into the Alde hot water tank? If so, how many gallons of sanitization water is needed? How long/how many gallons will I need to flush the Alde hot water tank?
Re: Hello! New member from Texas
Don't have one for sale as we just bought ours last month, but we are in the Houston area. Seabrook to be more specific. Bought a 320S last month from Princess Craft RV in Austin. We narrowed down to the 320S and a Rove Lite 14. The Rove Lite was probably a little more spacious, and I could stand up in it (6'), but the build quality on the NuCamps were much more obvious. Our requirements were the same, bed, bathroom, and in Texas AC. My wife is 5', and she was more concerned I would find it cramped, but I love the trailer. Sure, only one person can be up and moving at any given time, but that is the case for any small trailer.
We tow with a 2016 Chevy Colorado v6. Similar, midsized truck. We downsized from a 17' Viking that was over 3200# dry. Didn't have any trouble towing it, but the gas milage was terrible. Usually less than 10mpg. Get closer to 14-15 towing the 320.
Princess Craft in Austin has some well priced 2023 - 320S and 400's. Holiday World is the Nucamp dealer in Houston, their selection is not as good.
We tow with a 2016 Chevy Colorado v6. Similar, midsized truck. We downsized from a 17' Viking that was over 3200# dry. Didn't have any trouble towing it, but the gas milage was terrible. Usually less than 10mpg. Get closer to 14-15 towing the 320.
Princess Craft in Austin has some well priced 2023 - 320S and 400's. Holiday World is the Nucamp dealer in Houston, their selection is not as good.
Re: Hello! New member from Texas
If you enjoy the outdoors and camping outside, the 320CS is difficult to beat; a beautiful galley and a lot of cloths storage space for a trailer this size. We primarily use state parks. The park comes with a shower. For traveling, a week or more at a time, I would recommend the 400 or a LG Max. The 400 has a spiffier lavatory, but the Max has more storage. Both have very small kitchenettes. Casita is in Rice along I35. They have several models and you can normally walk in and get a tour.
We're at the stepping past the outdoor camping to the traveling for several days point. We are considering keeping our CS for weekends and camping. Then adding a trailer with both a dinette and bed for traveling.
Good luck. However it comes out, let us know what you decided.
We're at the stepping past the outdoor camping to the traveling for several days point. We are considering keeping our CS for weekends and camping. Then adding a trailer with both a dinette and bed for traveling.
Good luck. However it comes out, let us know what you decided.
Re: Hello! New member from Texas
Welcome! Understand, we are going to be seriously biased towards the Tabs! 
The first question, though: what is the tow rating for your Tacoma? This will have a big influence on the Tabs on the list. Discussions about the 320 models usually center on a tow rating of 3500 pounds. Some quick answers in this thread, and there are many more.
Here are a lot more threads discussing this.
The 400s will require a higher tow rating. This thread has a discussion of the 400 and vehicles, and one of the first responses is from an owner with a 2015 V6 Tacoma. So, dig into your car specs and see how these numbers match up.
And, another "compilation" of threads mentioning tow vehicles for a 400.
