What are your camping accessories?

shane1

We are looking at the TAB 320 and Tab 400. We are also trying to decide on the best tow vehicle for either of these. We looked at SUV’s but it looks like a pick up might be the better overall option. These smaller trailers have limited storage space, so I am thinking that most of the camping accessories are best hauled in the back of a pick up. My list so far are:

Two Camp Chairs

Small Table

Outdoor Mat

Tool Box w/ tools

Portable Power Station

Battery Bikes

Trailer Awning Am I missing anything important and what/how do you carry your items?  Thanks.

gulfarea

As far as the small table goes if your T@B comes with the LAGUN table it also mounts outside on the side of the trailer, I sure like mine! Art

ScottG

A lot depends on your own personal wants and needs, but I like towing with a small pickup with a cap on a six-foot bed. Smaller camp items like chairs, tables, and awnings store in the T@B under the bench--but that's probably not an option in newer models with both the Alde and central A/C eating up storage space. 

The bike goes in the truck bed, and the boat on top of the cap. I don't hang much in camp during the day, so this makes a great system for hauling my playthings wherever I want them.

That said,you could probably accomplish much the same thing with a decent-sized SUV, but a truck eliminates any concern about messing up the inside of your swanky car.

Towhee

You will need an outdoor grill if you want to cook outside.  We also carry a cooler and lanterns.  All are carried easily in our model Y.

AnOldUR

Our swanky car is an eleven year old, two door Wrangler. Messing it up is not a concern.

I'd add a pop up tent to that list. Can't rely on a site with room to extend an awning or side tent.

IMO the portable power station is a waste of money. Upgrade your onboard batteries and add an inverter if your power needs are not being met.

Binghi

Don’t forget your ice chest.

Maxcamp

I pack everything in the truck in 10 gallon flexible  rectangular lidded Rubbermaid totes that stack.  Label all faces with blue tape.  A few are 35 years old and indestructible, with 40 lbs of heavy auto tools or climbing gear.  Newer ones are thin.

Auto jack, tools, zip ties, tapes are good to have as well as pair of 2x12x48s.  I like an iron shovel for snow and digouts if necessary.  

Bjfrezell

We bring our little Belgian waffle maker and an ice maker but I doubt that was what you are looking for.

SLJ

It depends on what style of camping you do. We use our 320 for remote camping, music fests, and antique shows as well as traveling and using rest stops for overnights. What we bring depends on where we're going. Could be chairs, outdoor carpet and awning, extra coolers, etc. Here's some accessories, additions and changes I've made. https://teardropsandtinycampers.com/sj-accessories.htm

Basil48192

It's amazing how quickly I fill up the 6.5' bed on my F-150.  We do a lot of 'dispersed camping', so we carry a fold-up picnic table as well.  I've found that small, folding tables are very handy in remote camping spots.  Other things that take up space for me include fishing gear, kayak accessories, and a 5 gallon fresh water container.  

Basil48192

Marceline

I switched from an SUV to a crew cab Tacoma last year. I live in downtown SF and the Tacoma is ridiculous for the city, but it’s much better for camping. I like the crew cab because I have an electric cooler and it rides in the back seat. After being eaten alive by mosquitoes one time I bought a CLAM Traveler and it’s one of my favorite accessories. 

GatorEgg

So many different styles.  Make your own.  TABbing for past 6 years we’ve found we carry significantly lees than most folks.  Why?  We don’t need the junk.  We’re all different.

Jimcin

We sleep in the TAB and everything else goes in or on top of the tow garage

StepheninDen

When I bought my 2014 TAB CS-S a few years ago, the original plastic front storage box had been damaged and needed to be replaced. I miraculously scored a used 5’ long aluminum truck box for $150 that I had bolted to the frame. First and best mod I’ve made (although to be honest it’s a tie with the grey/black drain combo I finally got done last year).

In it I’ve got: 100ah lithium battery, dual 5-lb propane tanks (much better for weekend trips than a 20 lb), 2.5 gal gas can, 2 camp chairs, large folding camp table, rear hatch tent, door mat, levelers, water hose/filter/pressure regulator, shore power cord/pedestal surge protector, sewer hose and some camp tools (hatchet, firewood saw, etc). 

Clothes, bedding and groceries all go inside the TAB. In the back of the 2016 Nissan Frontier V6 TV, I mainly just have my cooler, firewood, tire inflator and two 2.5 gal water jugs (much easier on my back than the 6 gal water jug I used to lug around). The pickup tows much better and easier than my old SUV and is better suited for the boondocking we mostly do. Oh… and for bikes we have sliding crossbars on the back that we mount upright bike racks to. Very easy to put on and take off.


A couple random equipment odds and ends that we enjoy: A collapsible bucket for dousing the campfire and dishwashing, a solar charged collapsible lantern that changes to red or orange so you aren’t blinded by the bright led light at night, a small cooking grate and cast iron pan for cooking over the campfire.

Enjoy your new adventures! There’s a bit of a learning curve but it’s all worth it!

ColleenD2

Well when we started 5 years ago, throw pillows were important. I had 14 and people said that was too many. I decorate the top of the front box with them, the chairs and the interior as well. People were right. 14 was too many. We now have only 11 and it's the perfect amount. 😉

ColleenD2

Same GatorEgg. If it doesn't fit under the back seat of our 320 we don't bring it. Less is more for us and most state parks have tables and a grill and a lantern pole if we need it. I'm just as happy to eat off a paper plate on my lap.

Slackers

No throw pillows for us, but I think two can work for us. They'd provide each of us some back support when we're lounging on our bed and intending to lean up against a wall but can't because of the windows and shade.

Jebber

From my own camping experiences, I’d add a camping stove or grill for cooking, a cooler to keep food and drinks chilled, and a first aid kit just in case. A portable water jug is useful if you’re heading off the grid, and some extra blankets or sleeping bags are great for cooler nights. A pickup truck is perfect for hauling all this gear and keeping it organized, just make sure you use good tie-downs to secure everything.