Towing with a T@B vs a pop up

rch2908

I've been searching for a while for a T@B(a used one) I finally found one I liked at a price I considered fair. My problem is I've never towed anything that obstructed by view of the rear view mirror. I have no problem towing the pop up at all because I can see all around me. Love the idea of a T@B with the easier set up but very apprehensive about towing while I can't see all around. I'm supposed to pick the T@B up on Thursday 8/3/17. Has anyone else felt this way before getting their T@B? Will be towing with a 12 Dodge Ram 1500.

Sharon_is_SAM

We tow with a Toyota Sienna minivan.  We just use our side mirrors and feel very comfortable towing as first timers.

Reptard

I towed with a T@g for 5 days. I couldn't see over the top and the width almost exactly matched my Tacoma. The first few miles I was nervous but I quickly let go of using the rear view mirror. In fact, when I did check it, I often found myself surprised to see it behind me. All you really need is your side mirrors, and some advanced warning to other drivers with your blinker. You'll get used to it real quick and have no issues changing lanes. I should also mention this was first time actually towing anything. I'm an expert by no means but I was very comfortable. 

My next purchase will be a T@b and I'm not worried about towing AT all. Your truck will be even better since the Rams are so much taller. If you found a great deal, don't pass it up! 

jgram2

We were new to towing too, so purchased these and were happy to have them in city driving. I know many don't feel the need, but they did give me confidence. 

Dometic DM-2899 Milenco Aero3 Towing Mirror - Twin pack

ChrisK

We owned two popups before buying the T@B. The T@B is a tad narrower than either of the popups so seeing around it is actually better. I couldn't see over with of my popups when towing so that is not a factor. We have a 2017 Jeep Cherokee and the stock mirrors allow us to see very well. With the popups, we used mirror extenders.

Homebodyatheart

I've never towed before this spring. The T@b is maybe 1 to 2 inches wider each side than the Highlander so my side mirrors do a great job. While I can't see over it I can see fully around it, and somewhat behind it if I turn a bit in my lane so I can see who's behind me. Sounds like with your TV you will be fine!  I can't even imagine towing a huge 5th wheel or something! I love towing my T@b!

2Cougs

We have never towed anything and can't see around it... Got mirror extenders and are feeling a little more comfortable.  The real test will be the 2,000 mile trip we are going on that we can't avoid a few highly traveled interstate miles.  Hope we are comfortable by the end of the trip!

rkj__

I've had numerous loads in the back of my pickup that obstructed my rear view, but I was still a little nervous towing the T@b for the first time. However, that nervousness was quickly overcome. 

If it really bothers you, there are camera systems available to allow you to see behind your trailer when towing.   Some of them even have the display screen mountable to the rear view mirror.

ChanW

Yes, mirror extensions are great... I've driven ours without, and feel a bit more comfortable with the ability to see behind the Tab using them.
We adjust the extended mirrors to be primarily focused behind the Tab, and then keep the normal side mirrors focused more on the blind spot.
Highly recommend those Dometic ones. They're simple to attach, little vibration, and nice quality. (Note there are two companies that 'brand' these mirrors, and the Dometic brand is much less expensive for the same mirrors)

Twojgrams said:

We were new to towing too, so purchased these and were happy to have them in city driving. I know many don't feel the need, but they did give me confidence. 

Dometic DM-2899 Milenco Aero3 Towing Mirror - Twin pack

jimdermodycdn

You will learn to spend a bit more time in your mirrors. Make deliberate and considered moves. Sudden moves are your enemy. Communicate with your indicators. In other words "no worries just new things to learn". just remember....scan, scan, scan. Buy the T@B and have fun.
Cheers

wizard1880

Like others have said, you'll have little to no difficulty seeing around the sides with a full size tow vehicle.

One aspect you'll also find, is even though the T@B is lighter than most popup campers, your fuel mileage will be worse due to the height of the T@B, especially at higher speeds (over 55-60).  This will vary of course with every tow vehicle, and a popup is no substitute for a T@B!

Smullis7

I installed a wireless rear view camera onto the T@B.  I mount the monitor just under the rear view mirror, so the 'rear view' is exactly where I'm accustomed to it being.  It works great and makes it much easier to maneuver safely in high traffic situations.

dsatwork

The only time on this last trip from San Diego to Washington traveling on the I-5 I had any trouble was with tailgaters. Impossible to see them when they are tailgating. There was one time that a motor cycle caused me to fishtail the T@b. He pulled up behind me in the fast lane as I was passing a truck in the middle lane that was passing a truck in the slow lane. I left my "left blinker on too long" @Sandiegogal  said turn off your blinker" just as I got to top of the hill and past the truck in the middle lane. So I put on my "right blinker' and started to move to the right Just as the motor cycle I only saw for a second in my rear view mirror took off around me. This was startling to say the least, as he was moving fast and I had to react fast, but not too fast. We were now descending and I hit the breaks pulled back into the lane which sent the T@b swishing back and forth. I thought pretty quickly that hitting the breaks was probably the wrong thing to do. But, I just held my own and eased off the breaks a little but continued to apply constant pressure and let it slowly calm down. I could tell pretty quick that it wasn't getting worse and it was coming into control. But I had to fight the urge to take my eyes off the road and look to see what the trailer was doing. Basically at that point I was driving by braille. It all happened in a split second and we pulled over at the next rest stop and wondered if one of the truckers would be walking up to me to say hey nice recovery back there. Or more likely, what were you thinking? Who knows, but my angels were working overtime flying around holding the T@b in place. Not sure if you want to hear stories like that @rch2908but we have all had them at one time or another.

ericnliz

@dsatwork, Absolutely agree with I-5 traffic, especially around the Salem/Portland area. Tailgaters, and folks that just plain "cut you off" seem to all congregate in that area. I cringe every time I have to drive through there! 

jason330i

dsatwork said:

The only time on this last trip from San Diego to Washington traveling on the I-5 I had any trouble was with tailgaters. Impossible to see them when they are tailgating. There was one time that a motor cycle caused me to fishtail the T@b. He pulled up behind me in the fast lane as I was passing a truck in the middle lane that was passing a truck in the slow lane. I left my "left blinker on too long" @Sandiegogal  said turn off your blinker" just as I got to top of the hill and past the truck in the middle lane. So I put on my "right blinker' and started to move to the right Just as the motor cycle I only saw for a second in my rear view mirror took off around me. This was startling to say the least, as he was moving fast and I had to react fast, but not too fast. We were now descending and I hit the breaks pulled back into the lane which sent the T@b swishing back and forth. I thought pretty quickly that hitting the breaks was probably the wrong thing to do. But, I just held my own and eased off the breaks a little but continued to apply constant pressure and let it slowly calm down. I could tell pretty quick that it wasn't getting worse and it was coming into control. But I had to fight the urge to take my eyes off the road and look to see what the trailer was doing. Basically at that point I was driving by braille. It all happened in a split second and we pulled over at the next rest stop and wondered if one of the truckers would be walking up to me to say hey nice recovery back there. Or more likely, what were you thinking? Who knows, but my angels were working overtime flying around holding the T@b in place. Not sure if you want to hear stories like that @rch2908but we have all had them at one time or another.

a good reminder that even small trailers like the T@b can sway.  glad it came out ok. how fast do you think you were going when the sway started?

dsatwork

@jason330i not sure but it couldn't have been over 60, I was climbing a hill.

rch2908

Picked up my 2008 T@B CS today, no worries just used my side mirrors a lot and got used it pretty quickly.  150 miles in the rain which wasn't fun, but got home safely which is all that matters. Thanks for all the advice.

Sharon_is_SAM

Piece of cake.  It gets easier with experience.  Enjoy!