Suspension on Tab 400 Boondock Edition

DRRacine

Just purchased a 2024 Tab 400 Boondock. Took it very slowly (barely crawled) on a dirt road and realized there is essentially no suspension on this axle. Everything in the trailer was jostled around and even a couple of drawers were dislocated.  Has anyone found a suitable axle replacement for this unit?  Possibly one that utilized either leaf springs, coil springs, and/or shocks?

manyman297

Leaf springs would be my last choice. I’m surprised it was that bouncy. After having owned a tent trailer with leaf springs towing the 400 is a dream. The more overland-ready campers use coil springs and shocks but I have no idea if that could even be retrofitted. 

Grumpy_G

I'm with you on the suspension, rubber torsion axles are probably the worst for going down rough roads. The Dexter specs list a whopping 1.5" of up travel for an axle at load capacity. One of the hurdles when replacing the axle is that the tube serves as a cross member so you can't just remove it. Either build a replacement cross member or pull the swing arms out of the tube. Leaf springs aren't necessarily bad if they are designed for a good ride (long mono leafs or similar) but the typical trailer leaf springs aren't gonna cut it. I've been toying with the idea of coil overs which are pretty compact but do need a way of locating the axle with trailing arms or similar. Maybe next winter I'll brush up on my non-existing welding skills ....

Grumpy_G

Something like this would be ideal.

DRRacine

Hey Grumpy, I agree with you entirely.  I like your idea as shown in the picture. I think I will pursue building something similar and possibly utilize Cruisemaster components. I will keep you posted here.

cafyrman

I can't see that whole suspension, but it looks like the springs may be in a different plane than the swing arm.  I'm no suspension genius, but that seems problematic.

There are a few threads on Expedition Portal about Casita suspension.  And I think the Casita also uses a Dexter torsion axle.  https://forum.expeditionportal.com/threads/overland-mod-casita-axle.204000/

Edit: I'll buy a beer for the first person to fit 33's under a 400.

Seekingzen

After taking our “Boo” Roundtrip from Seattle to Denali NP, then Seattle to Arizona twice, I can feel your suspension pain. Despite being a cautious driver, Boo’s interior took a beating, especially on gravel roads with washboard to the point of requiring to have our axle replaced. We too are looking into other options for help absorb a roads irregularities. One potential option is running an E rated tire, aired down a little, ie. 36 psi. This would allow the tire to assist with dampening. 

Mickerly

Tembren makes a nice product.

Mickerly

When you are looking for lightweight, small size trailer axles, Dexter torsion axles are great for towing on the road. High lift adds ground clearance, not off road capability. Dexter makes it very clear they are not intended for off road use. If you need something to leave the pavement, you need a different suspension.

"Timbren Axle-Less Trailer Suspension" is available at eTrailer and several other outlets. These are standard on trailers designed for off road use. I've heard good things about their products from others. It does say "Axle-less," but there is a cross member for added strength and increased stability. Sorry about the earlier misspelling.

Seekingzen

I guess my definition of Boondock is a little different than NuCamps. It does explain why despite careful use, the trailer is not holding up well. 

Binghi

The Tab Boondock, despite its name, is not a good candidate for rough, high clearance, or 4WD roads. My wife and I have learned that over time. My educated guess is that there are few trailer models that qualify for such roads, and I would love to have a look at their shelves and cabinets and floors after a day in the bush.