Hello & Some Questions

webcrawler

Hello, I have been looking for a small RV and have narrowed my search down to the T@b and R-Pod. I like the T@b better as it is easier to tow and I think we would do more spur of the moment trips with it. Wife wants the r-pod. I usually compromise and do what the wife wants, but I really like the T@b... I am fairly tall at 6'-4" and wife says the T@b is too small to suit me. I think sleeping and basic stuff would be just fine. She is only 5'-2" so she is fine. Any tall owner out there care to share their experiance? Thanks...

Mr.Uncle.Bill

My 6'-3" neighbor has been helping me with my T@B repair and he said he would not be comfortable in mine.  I have a 2012 T@B U.  

Nomad

I looked at both and chose the T@B for it's build quality - Haven't been disappointed after 11 months of full-time travel.
As far as height, there's a lot of tall husbands here on the forums and discussions of how they're set up to sleep. Hopefully some of those might chime in here but you may try a search - babe just the word "tall" will do it.

webcrawler

I should note that sleeping is not an issue.  I sleep on my side curled up like a baby.

her main concern is the bathroom and me doing the cooking. (She is domestically challenged)  I though a stool would take care of cooking issue and I would simply sit in the bath area and get the outdoor shower option...

I like the S M@x version the best...

jkjenn

webcrawler said:

I should note that sleeping is not an issue.  I sleep on my side curled up like s baby.

her main concern is the bathroom and me doing the cooking. (She is domestically challenged)  I though a stool would take care of cooking issue and I would simply sit in the bath area and get the outdoor shower option...

I like the S M@x version the best...

I have to sit on the toilet to shower. It isn't inconvenient, really.

You might feel claustrophobic in it, that is really subjective and will vary by person, though. Best to try it out, if you can. After being inside an RPod, I am glad got a T@b.

webcrawler

My wife and I am not claustrophobic so I do not think the small bath is a big issue...(It is not like I will spend more than a few minutes in there anyway)

I think i would be happy with the R-Pod, but think I would enjoy the T@B more.  I really do not know exactly why...

I am an engineer and simply prefer the design of the T@B.  It is RIGHT SIZED in my opinion for basic camping and much better for travel.  In my opinion, we travel more than we camp.  I do not like staying in one place too long.  

I also plan to purchase a Tesla Model X in a couple of years (I have a Model S now) to tow the trailer on trips.  Being an electric car, range is an issue.  I do not think the T@B will hurt range nearly as much as the larger R-Pod will.   

Right now the Tow vehicle would be my wife's Lincoln MKC ( Basically a Ford Escape) and I know it is at the edge of the towing capacity for the lightest R-Pod (2200b dry).  It has the towing package and the engine has plenty of power to pull either.  I have little doubt the T@B is much easier to tow...

I should also note that I have a friend who I ocassionally go on fishing trips to with.  We sleep in a large tent now.  He is pushing hard for the r-pod as it has two beds vs one.  I can see an advantage for the r-pod on this one.  I like him but do not really want to spoon him on these trips...( any thoughts on this issue?)

By the way, thanks for the advise...

jdargis

Buy the Max S, sleeping area is large.  Spooning would then be your or his option.

jdargis

Some insights on the R-Pod.
Positives:
medium weight trailer 
basically stand up full length 
bigger holding tanks 
fiberglass roof
aluminum framing 

Negatives:
poor interior construction
poor fit and finish
vinyl wrapped wood construction
fixtures are cheap
curtains that don't close proper if the curtain
  rails screwed to tight

These are just from some observations, when looked at possibly purchasing one.
Also, count on worse gas milage when towing, higher profile.

Nomad

Buy the side tent and your buddy can spoon himself out there :-)

Lil_L's_Sofitel_15

I was considering the R-Pod for a sec, but it was an apple and oranges kind of decision. They don't compare in my opinion. I finally picked the T@B Sofitel with the clam shell and don't regret it. One of my Big deciding factors was if it will fit in my garage. It does! and with room to spare. 

As far as sleeping two, the tent or big awning are a great option, or making an L of two bodies, one hanging out a bit by the door. 

webcrawler

I went to a local dealer and actually looked at them today.  Even though I can't fully stand up in the T@B, I did not find it too difficult to move around in it. I was actually surprised at how much room I had in the little bath.  I  can easily reach the stove, fridge and over head cabinets sitting on the end of the bench by the door so I do not see cooking as an issue at all...

The wife went with me an she said she liked the trailer a lot more than she thought she would.  I would definitely order it with the external shower option.  That way I could more easily wash my hair (what's left of it anyway)  I love the way the window shades and screen door work.  It was about 85 degrees today and we hoped open the windows and it was quite pleasant even without the vent fan running as a light breeze was moving through.  This little guy has excellent ventilation.

I agree the bed is roomy even for me.   My buddy and I could easly sleep in "Our Half of the bed" or he can sleep in tent outside for those few fishing trips we do each year....

At 5'-2" the wife is nearly the ideal size for the T@B.  She can stand up in the shower.  

If this one was blue vs red I would have probably bought it....  (Wife wants blue and....well...she is spoiled badly...)

Thanks for all of the advice!!!

jkjenn

Glad you checked it out. My brother is about your height and has a hard time staying in it to watch a movie. Everyone has their own level of comfort.

Nomad

Cool - Ya gotta see and try in person. I passed up the T@B several times because it looked too small from the outside. Finally stopped and tried it out and was amazed at how roomy it felt once inside.

webcrawler

JKJenn,

I guess it all boils down to how lazy you are...  I fall into the "cat lounging" category.  I can get comfortable to be lazy just about anywhere...

And when all else fails, a little wine will usually take care of any comfort issues...

I might make a smaller table though....

jkjenn

webcrawler said:

JKJenn,

I guess it all boils down to how lazy you are...  I fall into the "cat lounging" category.  I can get comfortable to be lazy just about anywhere...

And when all else fails, a little wine will usually take care of any comfort issues...

I might make a smaller table though....

No, he just gets very claustrophobic.

webcrawler

I understand..  If you are claustrophobic it is not a good fit...  

I found it comfortabl...

jkjenn

webcrawler said:

I understand..  If you are claustrophobic it is not a good fit...  

I found it comfortabl...

I am really glad! I am about 5' 9" and very comfortable.

judymac

Ditch the table, make slats (see in files and discussions), find a small table and you will definitely have more room.

Lil_L's_Sofitel_15

Yes I got a smaller table immediately. And I keep thinking the clamshell kitchen, what I wanted, was made for short AND tall people. The tall counter is Really tall for me! But I wouldn't trade it, I want to be outside!

mash2

webcrawler, it fits you well.  Just ditch the table.

webcrawler

I am thinking a couple of TV trays is all we might need....

Bed slats are a good idea...

I asked local dealer for quote (T@B M@X S Silver/Blue with external shower, A/C and front Window)  

May be ordering soon.  It looks like there is a 90+ day wait for them right now...

Photomom

@webcrawler, did the dealer give you a price for adding an external shower to a Max S? If so, would you mind sharing?

webcrawler

They said the outdoor shower was $350.00....

I do not know if that is high or not...

webcrawler

Sorry,

After looking at it, I think the $350 was for the shower and the front window option....

Photomom

Thanks, that is helpful - I want both of those and that gives me an idea what to expect.

Machak88

@webcrawler, you made great decision! My husband is 6'2", and he is very comfortable in our S-model. We also considered r-pod, but went ahead with the T@B S-Max and after 2 happy and very active camping seasons we are confident that we made the right choice. Good luck getting your t@b soon, we are looking forward to your updates and photos when you start t@bbing around  .

webcrawler

I like this one but it is 700 miles away...

ChanW

Looks good! Camp on the way home!

I'm 6'2", and 'dishes' is the only real painful chore.  B-)

webcrawler

Chan,

I have 5'-2" wife for the dishes...  I cook and she cleans... (I do usually clean as I go though)

I will probably find a light weight folding stool for times when I need to was dishes...

Thanks for the info...

bgualtieri

I wash dishes outside mostly unless the weather's bad (5'4") and love having the indoor option!

JodellR

That blue T@b is at Haydocy if I am not mistaken, and is a special color set-up. Agree with ChanW to drive there to get it, and camp on the way back. It's a special way to say hi to a rare color.