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Has anyone upgraded their shocks on Tab 400 Boondock?

Prlcarey
Prlcarey Member Posts: 12
in Modifications & Upgrades
Question:  has anyone upgraded the shocks on their Tab400 boondock edition?  I ask because in only our second season we suffered a break where the kitchen sink pipe joins the gray tank. I can only surmise this was the result of bumping down the interstate. I thought buying the Boondock edition would protect us from such damage, but since it didn’t, I’m wondering if anyone had purchased more forgiving shocks. Ours is a 2023 Tab 400 Boondock. Thanks
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Comments

  • Horigan
    Horigan Member Posts: 863
    There are no shocks.  The Boondock just has a higher ride height torsion axle.
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
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  • MuttonChops
    MuttonChops Member Posts: 1,934
    Boondock is just a minor body lift.
    Original TAB models had 'standard pitch' axles while the Boondock uses an ~2inch height increase higher pitch angle axle.

    All axles are the Torsion Rubber 'spring/shock' style.
    No leaf springs, no standard shocks

    No TAB is designed for rough road driving.
    Boondock is the lift and marketing.
    '18 320 S,  pitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  58   Nights:  405  Towing Miles 50,180
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  • Prlcarey
    Prlcarey Member Posts: 12
    Is there any way to soften the blows of standard interstate bumps?
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  • Binghi
    Binghi Member Posts: 402
    Don’t over inflate your trailer tires. I keep my 400 BD at 50 psi, which seems about right.
    2021 400 BD / 2016 VW Touareg / Austin, TX
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  • Tabnero
    Tabnero Member Posts: 252
    you could replace torsion axle with Timbren independent axles
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  • TourDeForth
    TourDeForth Member Posts: 128
    Trailer tires have stiffer sidewalls to help carry loads and reduce wobbles. Switching to truck tires that have the ratings to carry your trailer will give a softer ride. If your tire size starts with the letters "ST" you have trailer tires. Truck tire sizes start with "LT." I have LT tires on my trailer it still bounces a bit so this may not cure your issue entirely.
    2023 T@B 320s Boondock, 2013 Toyota Tacoma TRD 4x4 2016 Toyota Tundra 1794 4x4
    John, Northern California
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  • Maxcamp
    Maxcamp Member Posts: 352
    edited October 2025
    Tabnero said:
    you could replace torsion axle with Timbren independent axles
    Curious and looked these up. Like the idea on an actual structural steel frame such as my construction trailers.

    Without a cross axle to help stiffen the dismayingly flimsy sheetmetal C section frame on the Tab I'd worry about serious frame distortion.
     Our Tab has exhibited torsion flex and heaved floor and cabinets as it is.

    I've thought about fabricating a full length, structural subframe with rear bike carrier hitch.  For the work involved might as well build out a cargo trailer as camper.  


    2021 T@B 320S Boondock/ 2012 Tacoma 4 cylinder truck / 2023 Tacoma 6 cyl. truck

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  • Prlcarey
    Prlcarey Member Posts: 12
    Thanks for the clarification about the Boondocks edition and also the discussion
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