2021 Tab 400 Boondock heavy tongue weight?

lkc001

Does anyone have info on why the tongue weight on the 2021 Tab 400 Boondock seems to have gone back up to weights like the 2018 and 2019?  I found a used 2021 online--it lists the tongue weight at 372#.  I did another search of the specs and it also states 372#.  

NorthIsUp

I don't know why they're advertised as such, as it seems like an error. Check the VIN.  A 2021 Tab 400 will have "MS" as the tenth and eleventh digits in the VIN like 57HTT18S6MS001001. Then, check out nuCamp's own website that I'm sure that you're familiar with for weights at: https://nucamprv.com/tab400-camper-2021/2021-nucamp-tab400-specifications which I would trust more. I think the 372# number comes from the same general location on nuCamp's website for the 2020 models. 

lkc001

NorthIsUp said:

I don't know why they're advertised as such, as it seems like an error. Check the VIN.  A 2021 Tab 400 will have "MS" as the tenth and eleventh digits in the VIN like 57HTT18S6MS001001. Then, check out nuCamp's own website that I'm sure that you're familiar with for weights at: https://nucamprv.com/tab400-camper-2021/2021-nucamp-tab400-specifications which I would trust more. I think the 372# number comes from the same general location on nuCamp's website for the 2020 models. 

Yes the Nucamp website shows weights however doesn’t state what year so that isn’t helpful

NorthIsUp

If you're using a mobile phone or other portable device, you won't see the whole URL that includes the model year and that may be your issue and frustration. You should actually start here https://nucamprv.com/preceding-models and choose exactly what year and model you're looking for. Choose Specifications when you get to the page. The year isn't prominently displayed, but you know it's correct because you've chosen the desired year and link. 

lkc001

NorthIsUp said:

If you're using a mobile phone or other portable device, you won't see the whole URL that includes the model year and that may be your issue and frustration. You should actually start here https://nucamprv.com/preceding-models and choose exactly what year and model you're looking for. Choose Specifications when you get to the page. The year isn't prominently displayed, but you know it's correct because you've chosen the desired year and link. 

Oh!  Okay—great info!

lkc001

NorthIsUp said:

If you're using a mobile phone or other portable device, you won't see the whole URL that includes the model year and that may be your issue and frustration. You should actually start here https://nucamprv.com/preceding-models and choose exactly what year and model you're looking for. Choose Specifications when you get to the page. The year isn't prominently displayed, but you know it's correct because you've chosen the desired year and link. 

Thanks again for the info @NorthIsUp, when I go there it is showing specs for models now going back to 2020 but nothing for later years.  I have seen another older model (2017) Tab 400 for sale and it's tongue weight (as per the seller) is not listed and he says to "check nucamp's website".  I have also sent Nucamp an e-mail to ask where I may find specs for model years older than 2020, which is as far back as their specs show.  Frustrating for sure if someone is looking for a used unit.

NorthIsUp

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2V900dCmv0U
Here is a video on the 2018 Tab 400 posted in June 2017. No Boondock Lite that year. I think the specs would be essentially the same for the short run of the 2017 model year. There were only minor changes between the 2017 through 2019 model years for the standard Tab 400 (non-BL) like the late change to a squared-off sink in the late 2019 model year. The only significant problem that I see with the specs listed in the description section of the video is the incorrect tongue weight as, for example, the similar 2019 Tab 400 model turned out to be significantly over 400 pounds and actually around 460 pounds for the BL as noted by user Awca12a. His unofficial 2019 Tab 400 Resource Guide (attached) details this information. Also, the 2018 400's made after February 2018 had two (2) 6-volt AGM batteries, vice one (1) 12-volt AGM. 

The 2020 Tab 400 model year is one to avoid. They replaced the Cool Cat a/c with the Elwell Air8 that was problematic from the start. The a/c was mounted under the bed to reduce tongue weight and the change lasted only one model year. Initial problems included vibration under the bed, overall insufficient cooling power and a problem with the intake and exhaust locations being too close to each other under the trailer affecting performance. The frames of the 2020 and later model years were upgraded to 3900# from 3500# and the axle's location was moved to reduce tongue weight. 

The reliable Cool Cat a/c was reintroduced up front in 2021. There were numerous other changes, but your concern is tongue weight and I think that I've addressed that. Here are the 2021 Tab 400 specs from nuCamp. Be sure to read the paragraph under the two columns for additional specs like for the BL. https://nucamprv.com/tab400-camper-2021/2021-nucamp-tab400-specifications

I've also attached an early 2019 nuCamp Brochure to document the incorrect tongue weights. Contrast it to Awca12a's Resource Guide. The 2019 400 Boondock Lite came out after this brochure was printed. The tongue weights for 2019 (and remember that 2017 and 2018 are similar) were updated in a later 2019 nuCamp brochure that I can't easily locate. 

Hope this helps you determine more accurate tongue weights.

lkc001

Thank you so much!

NorthIsUp

Good luck with the 320s. Excellent choice. 

GatorEgg

400 tongue weights are all over the place.  As said, check VIIN with NuCamp for specific.  My 2022 tongue weight is 321#(weighed).   IMO,  If 100 lbs or so difference in tongue weight is a dividing factor then a different trailer or tow vehicle should be considered.

lkc001

GatorEgg said:

400 tongue weights are all over the place.  As said, check VIIN with NuCamp for specific.  My 2022 tongue weight is 321#(weighed).   IMO,  If 100 lbs or so difference in tongue weight is a dividing factor then a different trailer or tow vehicle should be considered.

I understand @GatorEgg —not really a deciding factor per se.  I tow a Tab 320S now & tow with full water tank & extra weight on the tongue because it rides better.  Have more than enough power & torque & tow in Colorado mountains.  No issues at all & keep up with reasonable traffic speeds at no higher than 3500 rpm for short bursts with OD OFF.  Have no need for any springs or WDH hitch now even at highway speeds wind or semis passing .  The reason I am researching here & other places & asking feedback is because I have not towed a Trailer the size of the 400 with my Frontier—so I  don’t know what I don’t know.  it is rated for 6,300-6,500 # & has tow package.   I’m asking & gathering info to decide between Sumo Springs or WDH.   It appears to be a split between people’s preferences.

RCB

Gosh, tongue wt again. My 2019 - 400 weighed in at 406# with empty tanks and a full propane tank forward. Since fussing over this, I’ve been able to manage with my Subaru Ascent 500# limit. I place the portable gear;  chairs, table, heavy groceries and drinks etc; on the very back portion of the double bed and in the locker below. It reduces the tongue wt a bit. 

Yes your vehicle has a limit on the allowed tongue wt. however this is a static load ie: with the rig on a level surface and not moving. Once you start driving that tongue wt varies to probably double to zero or less when you travel over uneven surfaces. Consider the up and down when going over a train track or dip in the roadway.
I’ve thought that Sumo springs might be an economical solution if your vehicle bottoms out. I’m not sure if they provide additional or levelling support as a result of tongue wt. Perhaps someone can clarify this.

GatorEgg

lkc001 said:

GatorEgg said:

400 tongue weights are all over the place.  As said, check VIIN with NuCamp for specific.  My 2022 tongue weight is 321#(weighed).   IMO,  If 100 lbs or so difference in tongue weight is a dividing factor then a different trailer or tow vehicle should be considered.

I understand @GatorEgg —not really a deciding factor per se.  I tow a Tab 320S now & tow with full water tank & extra weight on the tongue because it rides better.  Have more than enough power & torque & tow in Colorado mountains.  No issues at all & keep up with reasonable traffic speeds at no higher than 3500 rpm for short bursts with OD OFF.  Have no need for any springs or WDH hitch now even at highway speeds wind or semis passing .  The reason I am researching here & other places & asking feedback is because I have not towed a Trailer the size of the 400 with my Frontier—so I  don’t know what I don’t know.  it is rated for 6,300-6,500 # & has tow package.   I’m asking & gathering info to decide between Sumo Springs or WDH.   It appears to be a split between people’s preferences.

I always recommend to newbies or folks like you thinking of going bigger… rent.  I was in your spot years ago.  Though not with a 400 but Winnebago.  I found a same model on RvShare and towed it 1400 miles to northern Ga for the test.  I learned a lot through the reasonable cost of a weeks rental.  Vice the cost of depreciation of a wrong Rv purchase.