Quality Control

Toms

We purchased our TAB400 in October 2023.  It is a 2024 that we special ordered.  It is also our very first camper.  If we knew then what we know now we would not have left the dealer with our TAB400.  We are curious if other TAB400 owners experienced the lack of quality control that we did.  Once we had our camper and took it out a couple times here are a few things we noticed.  Bathroom door was warped, back screen was bunched in one corner, all cabinets are askew in one way or another, one cabinet had a striped screw so it would close properly, crack on the small white upper wall, gap when screen door is closed, bathroom and dining wall not matched up therefore showing bare wood.  Did anyone else experience this?  

gkreitzburg

We picked up our 2023 in december, off the lot. The only issues we have had are disappointing battery life and the drawer under the bed's runners are attached with wood screws that have become stripped and it will not stay tight. going to just fix that with bolts.

webers3

I am sorry for adding salt to your wound but I hope this is a learning experience for all the wannabes out there. The lack of quality control in the RV industry is a given, but handing over the check to a dealer for such a large purchase like this without thorough walk through is a mistake. You need to do your research about what you are purchasing and you need to have an extensive pre-delivery checklist to go through with the dealer. Once you hand over the check you are on your own. I think you will be able to resolve many of the issues under the warranty, and/or with the help of this forum

manyman297

@webers3 While I agree we all need to do our due diligence certain things are just not going to be found during a walkthrough. 

Our 400 was kind of a hot mess inside. I’m pretty handy so I knew certain things like cabinet doors out of alignment could be fixed and weren’t worth relying on the dealer (who was 4 hours away) to fix. Plus the tech who did the walkthrough knew less about the thing than I did so there’s that too.

A lot of issues I found only presented themselves as the camper was used and other things like cracking finishes on white cabinets took a few weeks to happen. 

I had A LOT to say about how shoddy the QC was on our camper back when we got it (search the forum) and kept seeing the same issues we had showing up with other forum members as well. 

I hope the newer post-Covid units are built with more scrutiny but ours had a lot of issues that needed to be ironed out. Luckily other than one major safety issue (tire rubbing on brake cable) the rest of the issues were more cosmetic or relatively minor. Nucamp stepped up and reimbursed me for the time spent repairing everything as well.

But we shouldn’t have to be this vigilant and I think the RV industry is now reaping what it sowed during the pandemic. Nucamp is more of an exception as I still believe they are the better of the bunch but that bar is REALLY low. The industry as a whole has more than likely rubbed many would-be RV’ers the wrong way during Covid. They missed out on converting the masses.

I still love our 400. Would I buy another one…I don’t know. No matter how you mix it RVs are either a time or money pit. People (including me) underestimate the maintenance…it’s constant if you’re a mindful owner. If not then your already depreciating asset is just depreciating further. 

QC needs to be better (or just exist in the first place). The consumer shouldn’t have to be this knowledgeable to protect themselves. 

webers3

@manyman297 I totally agree, but @Toms described QC issues that should have been noticed during a thorough walkthrough. Once the dealer gets the check there is no incentive for them to do anything to fix the issue. My point is that buyers of an RV need to recognize there is no QC and protect themselves by learning all about what they are purchasing. 

Toms

@webers3 we researched campers for over 2 years before deciding the TAB400 was what we wanted.  Being first time buyers we didn't know to look so closely at every little detail.  Lesson learned for our next purchase.  We still LOVE our TAB400 we just think there should have been better QC.  As we travel, more things are starting to go wrong but we are hoping to get it all fixed while under warranty, then crossing our fingers nothing major happens when our year is up.
@manyman297 sorry to hear of your issues.  Nice that you were reimbursed.  We're hoping for something other than another apology, any advice how to go about it?  We we're thinking a free door upgrade

manyman297

I guess I had high expectations going into the RV world. Our first purchase was a tent camper which came with a slew of issues but we chalked it up to “it’s a cheap tent camper so things aren’t made that well.”…but that thinking became a slippery slope of compromise when we took delivery of our 400. 

I think we had so many issues to begin with that Nucamp couldn’t deny them so reimbursement kind of became the only way to really come to any satisfaction on our end. Once the brake cable issue came up I think that’s what pushed things over the edge and gave me some room to make demands.

Actually I forgot that our bathroom door was warped as well and Nucamp sent an entire door out no questions asked. This was three years ago so your mileage may vary now.

I suspect this lack of QC is just the way things are done here in the states. I get the sense that RVs are made much better in Europe and abroad. 

Marceline

manyman297 said:

Actually I forgot that our bathroom door was warped as well and Nucamp sent an entire door out no questions asked. This was three years ago so your mileage may vary now.

I don't understand why they switched from the glass door. Makes no sense to me.

GatorEgg

Yes.  I’ve been around TABs of my own and others at gatherings and meets since 2018.  Owning a ‘18 320BD until this year with the purchase of a ‘22 400.  I’ve watched the quality of these units fall significantly since 2020.  Not only factory quality control but the overall grade of components of the unit.  The factory output during Covid was downright embarrassing.  Sending units out without screen doors, tables, etc.  Huh?  As a retired aircraft maintenance supervisor I could only guess what my career would look like if I sent out aircraft without say …. a window.  “Don’t worry….. we’ll send it to dealer when it’s available”.

manyman297

I get parts shortages. For me it was more blatant issues like the infamous black tank flush fitting leaking behind the nautilus or the overdriven cabinets screws. The rubbing brake cable was another one that didn’t just happen to our 400. Just a lot of things that were either craft related or simply not checked prior to shipping. 

Toms

Though it is disappointing, it is nice to know we are not the only ones who have had some issues with our T@B400.  We had most of our first round issues taken care of.  The ones that are just presenting themselves now will be taken care of the middle of August.  Hopefully along with the first round ones that weren't taken care of.  We are happy to say that NuCamp extended our warranty by 6 months.  We sure hope it's not really needed though!

Seekingzen

Although we love our 2022 T@B 400, fit and finish is really poor despite the price. We bought our unit used, the previous owner owned it for a month before trading it back in because they weren't happy with the quality. As part of our sale, we were provided with a 3 year extended warranty, and it has paid for itself 4 times over. Brake failures, axle failures, warped bathroom door, broken hinges, vent fan, broken door lock, window shades breaking, windows falling out, the list goes on and on and on despite babying the unit. 

Mickerly

We have a 2018 320CS. I have the experience of seeing my parents go through the camper slide-in to class C to class A progression. My wife's parents had a slide-in. RVs get bounced around a lot. We understand and expect the constant maintenance.

As retirement gets closer we are transitioning from our camping trailer to a traveling trailer. I agree with both Gateregg and Manyman. The quality of appointments and build craftsmanship in the NuCamp products has slipped steadily over the last 4 years. NuCamp is better than average, perhaps still a player in the top group, when compared to RVs built today. As previously stated the current bar is very low. There will always be the bottom dwellers in the market. Customers will never want one of their products, although marketing strategies for these units are very skilled.

Airstream, Oliver, Casita, Cortez and a few others have stepped up their game. NuCamp is still in the cost accounting version of management and not the quality product style of management. They have not fallen completely off the pace of the top products, but are headed that direction. They need to find their roots before they are left behind.

The only protection for the customer is: shopping, a detailed inspection on delivery, and taking your time.

Marceline

Seekingzen said:

Although we love our 2022 T@B 400, fit and finish is really poor despite the price. We bought our unit used, the previous owner owned it for a month before trading it back in because they weren't happy with the quality. As part of our sale, we were provided with a 3 year extended warranty, and it has paid for itself 4 times over. Brake failures, axle failures, warped bathroom door, broken hinges, vent fan, broken door lock, window shades breaking, windows falling out, the list goes on and on and on despite babying the unit. 

To be fair to Nucamp, I don't think this counts as "babying the unit." 

MuttonChops

Mickerly said:
. . . . NüCamp is better than average, perhaps still a player in the top group, when compared to RVs built today.

Airstream, Oliver, Casita, Cortez and a few others have stepped up their game. NüCamp is still in the cost accounting version of management and not the quality product style of management. They have not fallen completely off the pace of the top products, but are headed that direction. They need to find their roots before they are left behind.

Agree NüCamp is starting to forget their roots both in production quality control and product design.

As for Casita being listed with Oliver as having stepped up their game.  Not really as Casita's build success is a result of a very simple design with basic old-school appliances/systems. Not that keeping it basic is wrong, in fact a Casita will most likely be my next travel trailer purchase if nüCamp does not change the 360 kitchen and add a black tank (standard or extra $ option).

gulfarea

Muttonchops I am with you on the black tank issue, I have had 2 new 320es and at this age I will not carry around a heavy sloushing cassette with serwage in it when I can hook up a 1 inch yes that is correct a 1 inch sewer solution hose to the sewer line as I HAVE DONE ON MY 2 T@B 320IES.  I want to keep on camping in my old age! Art

MuttonChops

gulfarea said:
. . . I am with you on the black tank issue, 
. . . at this age I will not carry around a heavy sloshing cassette with sewage

Please consider contracting (email/other) nüCamp and letting then know your interest in a 360 Black Tank Option and why a black tank is important to you

Mickerly

NuCamp used to monitor this forum. If that has stopped, it is just "another brick in the wall." Customers are important. You keep customers with quality products, quality service, and paying attention.

By the way, we already purchased a Casita. Our '320CS will be listed for sale in a few months.

ScottG

@Mickerly, nuCamp sponsors (i.e., pays for) this forum so their customers can exchange ideas and assist one another. They have always maintained a hands-off policy, and have never monitored discussions or attempted to influence conversation.

Administrators and moderators do frequently communicate recurring problems and other issues to nuCamp. This has always been--and continues to be--standard practice.

There is a nuCamp profile on the forum, but this is a login used only by admins and mods to post the occasional official announcement on behalf of nuCamp. 

Mickerly

It's a good thing they still monitor.

manyman297

Despite the initial laundry list of issues we had I humbly admit that this thing has handled most of what we've thrown at it. We've been on washboard roads, bounced it around on several trips...not babying it at times...and it's been great. With all of the complaints about the Alde not working, ours has been flawless. It was mostly the finish carpentry inside that was the main issue. 

We recently camped with my parents who rented a Coachmen class b motorhome. The thing was a 2020 and was falling apart. Granted it was a rental unit but the quality was horrendous. The typical stapled cardboard cabinets, rickety slide outs, etc. Sometimes I do have to step back to appreciate the good things about our 400.

bayernfan

Reading this post has me a little concerned.  I found a great looking 2022 400 Boondock unit that's about 3 hours away.  Was going to go look at it with the intention of buying, but now I'm thinking I should limit my search to 2019 models.  Any thoughts or suggestions?

Binghi

I would not limit my search to 2019 models. Our 2021 has been a good camper for us. Sure, I’ve had to work through some problems, but after handling them the trailer seems more solid than ever.

manyman297

Anything older than mid 2021s runs the risk of the dreaded Alde corrosion. I’d rather deal with maybe some cheaper cabinetry or whatever vs corroding convectors.

SLJ

manyman297 said:

Anything older than mid 2021s runs the risk of the dreaded Alde corrosion. I’d rather deal with maybe some cheaper cabinetry or whatever vs corroding convectors.

My 320 was built in February of '21 and had the newer Glycol. 

bayernfan

manyman297 said:

Anything older than mid 2021s runs the risk of the dreaded Alde corrosion. I’d rather deal with maybe some cheaper cabinetry or whatever vs corroding convectors.

Can the older units be converted to run on the new fluid?

manyman297

You’ll have to do a flush with distilled water and then you can refill with the new fluid. There are tutorials here on the forum.

bayernfan

Gotcha.  So as long as there is no corrosion, you simply flush, use new fluid, and you're good to go?

manyman297

Exaxtly! Although some would argue the corrosion isn’t the fault of the older century fluid.

Mickerly

I inspect my 2018 'CS every year. All the fittings are very easy to see. Every other year, during the fluid change, I remove a few of the fittings to ensure there is no corrosion. There are probably more trailers without corrosion than with. People with problems are louder than people without.
Using the system for heat and changing the fluid every other year as directed appears to keep the system healthy. Age doesn't cause corrosion. Looking at the hose to radiator connections for bulging on a used trailer is a needed inspection.
Last winter we switched to the newer fluid. I recommend hiring someone with the Alde pump to flush the fluid. It not only makes sure you are completely flushed, but the flow rate is high so it removes any sediment accumulating in the system.
Each year of NuCamp production has different systems with advantages and disadvantages. If you are looking for a used trailer, research is valuable. The pre-2020 trailers don't have the complications or advantages of the cassette toilet or Nautilus water system. There are differences across the years, they come with good and bad points. Find what meets your needs. Unlike many other brands, old NuCamp trailers still have a lot of life left.