Ultimate Toys vs T@B CS-S?

FreewheelinFranklin

Hello all, we're new to trailer camping and looking at picking up a T@B CS-S BD and it seems just about perfect for our needs. In researching options I came across the Ultimate Toys teardrop and the extra foot of width seems attractive. Wondering what the collective wisdom is about these UT trailers relative to their T@B counterparts in terms of build quality, features, and infrastructure.

I understand the UTs don't have the ALDE system, and wondering what the UTs have and how it compares in durability and ease of use. 

I don't see mention of a solar system in the UT spec sheets I'm seeing, but the ones we're seeing on the Apache lots in the PNW seem to have solar. Wondering if the electrical systems, battery controllers, etc. are shared or different. 

Any other notable differences other than the width & the weight? 

Any folks out there have experience with both and willing to share their wisdom with a newbie? TV is a 2016 Volvo XC60 3.0 with factory tow package. 3500 lb. GVWR and 350 lb. hitch weight rating. I reckon it'll tow either without drama. 

We're lucky enough to be in Seattle so can get to different Apache Camping Center locations to look at both kinds. 

Many thanks from the PNW!

pthomas745

There are some threads on the "Toy"....not sure what to call it!

Take a close look at these threads and there is a bit of discussion about what exactly they use for heating.

https://www.google.com/search?q=ultimate+toys+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&client=firefox-b-1-d&sxsrf=APwXEddvW675Ywz87_nSdNq5LPAeLOTX5A:1684516964430&ei=ZLBnZK_kGbHRkPIP2ZycmAY&ved=0ahUKEwivpqHa8oH_AhWxKEQIHVkOB2MQ4dUDCA8&uact=5&oq=ultimate+toys+site:tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com&gs_lcp=Cgxnd3Mtd2l6LXNlcnAQA0oECEEYAVDGB1j5KmDCM2gBcAB4AYABZYgBgQmSAQQyNi4xmAEAoAEBwAEB&sclient=gws-wiz-serp

gulfarea

After having 2two 320 T@B,S I don't think to much of the Alde system because of its maintenance! I have looked into the toy hauler and like what I am reading. Art

VictoriaP

Agree with @gulfarea, it’s not a popular opinion around here, but the Alde to me is the biggest pain point on my Tab. The maintenance is expensive, and for many people like myself, it’s not a DIY project. Maintenance on a traditional RV furnace is pretty simple by comparison.

Yes, when it works, it is a relatively good performer (very slow to heat in colder weather, which is a drawback unless you have a trailer model that includes a CoolCat A/C with its heat pump for supplemental heat). The biggest pro for the Alde is how quiet it is. But to me, that’s not enough to make up for having to spend several hundred dollars at the dealer every two years for maintenance, or even more should something on that overly complex system go wrong. And with Apache, you can anticipate a 6-8 week wait just to drop the trailer off for those appointments, plus 1-2 weeks of leaving it there. Plan accordingly.

Plus, heaven forbid it fails on the road. Mobile RV techs generally can’t assist with it, and unlike traditional furnaces or the most common Truma products, they don’t stock parts. The good news is, we do have quite a few people here on the forum who can help triage any issues. 

But for me, never again. I’ve had my eye on some used Roadtrek class B’s at halfway decent asking prices and walked away because of the Alde…and ONLY because of the Alde.

As far as the UT versus the CS-S, I think if I were looking for a clamshell, I’d absolutely go with the UT for the extra space. Every inch counts when dealing with such tiny rigs. From what UT owners have reported, the model seems to be on the same level quality-wise as anything else built by nuCamp.

Marceline

FreewheelinFranklin said:

Hello all, we're new to trailer camping and looking at picking up a T@B CS-S BD and it seems just about perfect for our needs. In researching options I came across the Ultimate Toys teardrop and the extra foot of width seems attractive. Wondering what the collective wisdom is about these UT trailers relative to their T@B counterparts in terms of build quality, features, and infrastructure.

I understand the UTs don't have the ALDE system, and wondering what the UTs have and how it compares in durability and ease of use. 

I don't see mention of a solar system in the UT spec sheets I'm seeing, but the ones we're seeing on the Apache lots in the PNW seem to have solar. Wondering if the electrical systems, battery controllers, etc. are shared or different. 

Any other notable differences other than the width & the weight? 

I think that the main difference is the kitchen setup. I'm a bit skeptical about the redundant layout but I can see how it would be cool if you use the camper for things like tailgating and music festivals. I have an older CS-S that came with an outside TV and I eventually took it out as I found it annoying (always worried about smashing the TV screen with things on the counter when I closed up for the evening). 

I think that with the UT you're giving up a lot of storage room for clothing and personal gear because there's both a fridge (inside) and a cooler (outside) and a stove (inside) and grill (outside). One of the main selling points of the CS-S is the storage space available inside thanks to the dresser up front.  The wider body would make wheel-to-wheel sleeping a LOT more comfortable in the UT, though.

My older CS-S doesn't have the Alde system, and I would be so much happier if it did. I know people complain about the maintenance, but I mostly camp without hookups and since I don't have the Alde I don't have hot water. It looks like the UT has a 120v (not propane) water heater ("Bosch 2.5 Gal. Water Heater"). 

My guess is the basic electrical system is the same.

Everyone uses their camper differently. I think you should think about how you plan to use your camper and pick the one that best suits your needs.

Slackers

For us the CSS is the ultimate. We haven't had an issue with the Alde.  We refreshed our Century fluid at home. Inspection of the hoses and connections have surfaced no problems.  As recent tent campers any heat is good heat and we can fire up the Alde while outside so we don't have long to wait for it to warm up the space.  Both of us are 5'-8" or shorter so don't need anything wider.  I can take or leave the rear galley TV but have enjoyed it on occasion. We'd never trade the interior drawer space for a seldom used inside galley. We're happy as clams with our CSS.

FreewheelinFranklin

Thanks for all the great info, everyone.

We went and looked at both, as well as a couple of 320 S trailers, and ended up purchasing the CS-S. We didn't feel we needed the extra space of the UT, and the second kitchen wasn't a plus for us. The UT does have only a 120v Bosch water heater, so as Marceline mentioned you need to be on shore power to get hot water. We figure on boondocking much of the time so that was a plus for the T@B. And we don't really need one teevee so a second one out back was over-overkill. 

I'm 5'11" and I'm a snug fit lying wheel-to-wheel in the CS-S but it was comfortable, and we felt it was plenty spacious for the two of us and our corgi. 

Looking forward to getting it out into the woods!

dragonsdofly

@FreewheelinFranklin welcome to the forum and congratulations on your trailer.  Post a pic when you get your rig. We love pics here. Happy t@bbing!

Marceline

FreewheelinFranklin said:

Thanks for all the great info, everyone.

We went and looked at both, as well as a couple of 320 S trailers, and ended up purchasing the CS-S. We didn't feel we needed the extra space of the UT, and the second kitchen wasn't a plus for us. The UT does have only a 120v Bosch water heater, so as Marceline mentioned you need to be on shore power to get hot water. We figure on boondocking much of the time so that was a plus for the T@B. And we don't really need one teevee so a second one out back was over-overkill. 

I'm 5'11" and I'm a snug fit lying wheel-to-wheel in the CS-S but it was comfortable, and we felt it was plenty spacious for the two of us and our corgi. 

Looking forward to getting it out into the woods!

Congratulations! Welcome to the clamshell club. 

rfuss928

Well, this could turn out to be a much longer response than I want to type....
After 12 plus years of adventures with a DM T@B CS, we replaced it with a UT CS-S. (Deep marketing secret - The official vehicle title says "T@B CS-S special" but T@B or NuCamp is not on the camper anywhere.)
We loved the elegant simplicity of our DM T@B.  A heated and airconditioned bedroom with an efficient, well equipped kitchen outback.  
As Marceline said, "everyone uses their camper differently."  
This is why we chose the UT:
Absolutely first and foremost, the addition of the wet bath to  the CS just takes too much space from the interior in our opinion.  Probably largely influenced by years of using that layout without the bathroom.  The UT's extra foot of width more than makes up for the lost space.  I'm six foot tall and the longer bed seems luxurious in comparison and the extra width on the aisle is a great help in making space for two folks getting in and out or just sitting on the edge.
Our experience with heating is we use it for a short time on cool mornings and the quick response of the forced air furnace is much better suited to that style use.  Most often we use a small electric heater on shore power.  I'm glad it is not ALDE equipped.
It is unlikely we will ever use the interior stove but the sink in the counter is nice and the refrigerator in the interior I think is larger than the model used in the rear galley.  Our old refrigerator in the rear struggled to keep up in warm weather possibly worsened by the poor air circulation in the closed galley.
There are two large cabinets in the front very similar to those in a new CS-S.  Near the door there is also another cabinet almost a foot wide but an opening only about six inches due to door and screen structure.  Again, the added width creates significantly more counter space
In the galley I removed the big TV and added a storage basket.  I also disassembled the cooler garage and made a large cabinet with a wide drawer in its place with the salvaged material.  Our UT came with a stove in the rear instead of the grill (we're glad).  Again the extra width makes a big difference in the storage space available especially in the sides where shelves help utilize the covered areas.
I was very happy that both models are using the cassette toilet.
We're clamshell lovers and there is really nothing else like it on the market.  The UT is massively complex in its plumbing and systems compared to our 2009 CS but very similar to the T@B CS-S in our view.  
We're learning to embrace the differences as we have begun chalking up nights out.
Have fun!

Slackers

Congrats @FreewheelinFranklin !
Beautiful trailer and excellent work on your mods @rfuss928 !

FreewheelinFranklin

Thanks for the detailed description, @rfuss928. Hearing from someone who's had experience across the range of years is really valuable. I'd seen your rear peninsula table mod and plan on shamelessly stealing that idea for our CS-S! 

We're picking ours up Friday and will post some pictures once we get it home, and out in the woods! 

jbajor

I have had our UT for almost a year now and absolutely love it!!!  the extra width is fabulous particularly being 6'2"!  WE love having two kitchens... the grill in back is a treat while making sauces in front.  Solar is the same 110w of the tab 320's.  Propane furnace is wonderful.  The ONLY downside of not having the Alde is no hot water without 110v.  I have found that it keeps warm for a day or more in the tank for doing dishes.  Any warranty issues are taken care of by nucamp...  EVERYONE wants a tour inside!

jbajor

BTW, my TV is a Volvo XC40...  It tows wonderfully.  I recently added the Polestar upgrade and the extra torque and redistributed shift points make it even better!