Seeking Opinions on Whether We "Need" an Outback Package

GrandmasKid

Are the folks that are taking their spare tire off the roof rack going camping without a spare, or caring the spare on top of their TV, or is there some other options I haven't thought of?

Nomad

Many mount theirs on the tongue - either crosswise or on the side like most boat trailers. Several threads with pics if you search.

Tommy

Leaving it! We love it there - think it looks bad-a**. Plus the angle of the yakima rack doesn't exactly lend itself to hauling anything else that can't be carried in the TV. You'd need a ladder to load it but then who wants to bring a ladder with them on the road?

We've been strapping our canopy beside it but won't be soon because we are waiting on our visor XL.

Tommy

I should add that we did add a hefty master padlock to the spare to keep it from wandering off.

Tabaz

As if anyone would come near your TAB with a police dog standing guard.

Nomad

Here woofie, I've got a nice big, distracting tbone for ya.

Photomom

You can aways order the parts of the package that you want. We ordered our T@B S with the propane cover and platform, outside shower, and Outback upholstery.

Verna

I have considered the Outback rack on my T@B S Max to get the spare out from underneath, but I have had money going to different home improvements this summer, so I'll just keep considering it. It would change the looks of my T@B and I'm not completely sold on it yet. 

AlanGrwd49

Shovel, yes; taller wheels-tires, yes.  $3600, no.  By the way, I've been at the beginning of the long (20 miles, not the way of the crow, dirt road into Chaco); didn't go down it, chickend out!  Even the marker sign is a bit un-maintained.  At first I didn't think it was the right sign! 

Sharon_is_SAM

We went down that road to Chaco in a rental economy car- a rental is the perfect almost off road vehicle!

Nomad

A person tried to take a rental up to the racetrack in death valley - Wiped out the undercarriage. The tow bill alone was $1,600+

TexasSlim

We just got our Outback, and don't have any experience with a regular S, but we do have experience with the road to Chaco Canyon. The last 10 miles or so are extremely rough and washboarded. We got a flat from a sharp rock there. You may not need the high clearance on that road, but you definitely need the off-road tires. 

We do much of our camping in Big Bend National Park and Big Bend Ranch State Park, where we encounter extremely rough, rocky roads requiring high clearance and 4-wheel drive. We're very happy with our choice of the Outback. 

db_cooper

We took the spare off the rack and moved inside under the seat on the passenger side.  May move to the tongue, but use the TV for most storage anyways.  We use the cargo rack for chairs, and added bike racks to the crossbars, so that uses most of the weight limit.  Having the chairs handy for lunch stops has been nice.   We like the Outback package mostly for the ground clearance on rough roads, and the bigger propane  box will eventually get a bigger battery.  Also we bought used, so the up charge was not quite as noticeable maybe.

LauraRey

What is the difference in height (ground clearance) between an outback and an S?

HR_Taly

In addition to LauraRey's comment above, I've heard that the Outback package also weighs a good bit more than a standard T@B (I believe it's mentioned in the walk-through video). Does anyone know how much the Outback axle itself contributes to the weight difference (obviously the rack and other items add to the weight)?  I've a Jeep Wrangler Sport so really trying to keep the weight down.  But as I'll often be set up in rough grassy fields I'm thinking of just adding the Outback axle to my standard T@B order as the higher platform would be better.  So I'm weighing the difference... (bad pun, sorry!).

LauraRey

HR_Taly said:

 So I'm weighing the difference... (bad pun, sorry!).

Booo!  However, I would be interested in that as well.  I was just going to buy a S, but really would like the option of a sturdier axle and greater clearance.  Right now I'm leaning toward ordering it rather than just taking whatever the dealer has on the lot.  I want the upgrade on the axle, brake system, tires and extended shelf in the front (on the tongue), but don't like the rack or the black cargo nets.  Plus, all the outbacks I've seen are silver and black.  I want something more colourful!

Nomad

Is the Outback axel heavier duty? Have always understood it was not, just higher clearance.

LauraRey

I called Little Guy and asked.  They said that there is no difference in the frame, but that it is pitched differently to provide the clearance. So, I was wrong.  I'm glad I called.

jgram2

After purchasing our used Outback, I called the factory and was told the dry weight was 1860#s.

Ratkity

Keep in mind that the Outback stabilizers are the same size as the ones for the T@Bs with the regular height axels. You'll have to buy 2 boxes of lego blocks (or carry several inches sturdy wood), for the stabilizers to reach the ground - even if you have a level site at a campground. My sister had the Outback and always used 3-4 blocks on the stabilizers on a completely level site. The offered tent does not fit the added height of the Outback either (unless a new offering has been created - new things in the TearDrop shop are there every day!!).  These things aren't deal breakers, just some FYI for you.

I absolutely loved the Outback and almost got that same one my sis had, but I have a 3 legged very old golden that probably couldn't make the ramp up with the extra height. Turns out he didn't like the ramp at all or the T@Bitha either. Guess he was remembering the old days when him and his sister made a golden retriever sandwich out of me in a 5x10 reverse teardrop by Little Guy. Many good memories!!! I never needed heat in the winter and both dogs could happily jump up and clear the door to get inside.

HR_Taly

That's good to know!  The T@b Max S is listed with a weight of 1670.  According to the video on www.tab-rv.com on the Outback package, he says that one weighs "about 1900 lbs".  I was wondering where the extra 230lbs came from.  Maybe the Yakima Rack or extra platform?  I'm not sure what the "5 piece ABS offroad kit" is.

Nomad

Extra weight is the rack, larger diamond plate tub and front platform. 5-piece ABS is the plastic trim package.

LauraRey

PXLated said:

Extra weight is the rack, larger diamond plate tub and front platform. 5-piece ABS is the plastic trim package.

LOL...I thought it was a brake package.  ABS....oh, nevermind.

Nomad

Ya, not real descriptive but ABS is a type of plastic I'm pretty sure.

wizard1880

The off-road tires and larger wheels add a dozen or so pounds. Not sure if the lifted suspension adds any.

Joel

We got the Outback model two years ago and love it. Have been on numerous 4wd roads (using the 4wd in certain sections) and the trailer just followed along without complaint. The Yakima rack was attached too high on the rails for me to reach the spare tire, so I lowered the rack to the bottom of the rails and moved the tire attachment lower, too, so now I can take off the tire without a ladder. We had the dealer remove the TV and are thinking about removing the AC because we're never in campgrounds with power. If you really want to boondock, get the Outback. If you're always going to be at a CG with power and water, get the regular model.

Nomad

While I agree with you somewhat, I don't have the Outback and boondock all the time. There have been places I didn't dare go but I wouldn't have even with the Outback.

Mae

hello! first time comment,first camper purchase. LOVE out outback! spare tire comment: cover shredded off in wind thru ND first trip out. Plan to use rack for water jug for outdoor shower hack. still picking up MORE command hooks.We tented for 45 years.

jgram2

@Mae, Welcome! Maybe you've earned a Trial By Wind badge from T@B University. Your Outback is a step up and a comfortable lie down from your tenting days. Tell us your stories and share your photos as you T@B along please.

JohnDanielsCPA

I bought the T@B Max S and added the Outback axle and tires and the larger diamond plate tub so it would accomodate two six-volt batteries.  I store my spare tire under the passenger side, rear cushion.  I mainly boondock with it, but didn't like the looks of the Outback, so this gives me a colorful boondocker!