Well that's how it feels.
My my wife and I were seriously considering trading in our T@B for a larger trailer. It was a Lance 1575, which is only 3 and a half feet longer and about 4 inches wider. It does weigh an additional 1,000 pounds.
So so the question is why?
My wife and I are not small people and to be honest, we enjoy staying in 4-5 star hotels. We have never tent camped.
We we wanted something to travel with that would allow us to carry our belongings, have a fridge, restroom facilities and a bed to sleep on when needed.
We we have found the T@B to be a bit of a logistical challenge as everything requires some thought for each and everything you do.
We we placed a deposit on the Lance and travelled some distance to vie it. We were so disappointed. That's not to say that the Lance is not a fantastic unit, it's just that the T@B is so much better than anything I have seen.
So so we cancelled the deal and stuck with the T@B.
We still would like more storage, more headroom and a permanent bed, but until the L400 comes to North America, it seems that T@B is one of the best towable options out there.
So so it seems that Pleasant Valley / LG has the magic formula for lightweight towables.
Now we may still make a switch to a Class B, but that is a much larger investment.
So for now, my apologies to T@berious.
Martin - Trailer name: James T@Berius Kirk
2 ·
Comments
Can you let me know, what you considered the good and bad about the unit.
Thanks,
Jeff
- Supperior construction, similar to that of the T@B, that is in terms of wall floor and roof. It is well thought out and full featured. Okay, similar to the T@B.
- The slide out is fabulous. Lots of room and comfortable. Not flimsy plywood with a slab of foam by any means. The bathroom has a shower that I would consider usable and for those with small children (grandchildren) the base of the shower is deep enough for bathing small ones.
- LED lights in and out, again like the T@B.
- Tons of storage space for everything. All the stuff that we are challenged with the T@B, such as chairs, awning mat, barbecue, and gas fire pit. Not to mention things like sewer hoses, levelling blocks and water hoses.
- Full time queen bed with a real mattress.
- Options such as power awning with cool LED lights, microwave, oven and high efficiency roof top A/C.
- Width of the trailer is 7 feet.
- Lots of windows and are of the same design as the T@B, albeit, the shades and blimds
The not so good:- Cabinetry well built, but not of the same charm and warmth as the T@B.
- The bathroom is not accessible with the slide in.
- The interior feels Spartan compared to the T@B. I'm not sure why, but it just does not make you smile like the T@B does.
- It seems big, really big, but that's compared to the T@B. Park it beside a typical 5th wheel, and it looks small, but it's all relative.
- Bed is side to side, so you have to organize your trip to the washroom at night.
If you are looking at the next step up from the T@B in terms of towables, the Lance 1575 should be on the top of your list, but be assured, you are now in the realm of real travel trailer, aka a box on wheels.The Lance is expensive. The 1575 gives up some luxury in order to be one of the lightest for its size and features. If you try to compare with other models such as the Lance 1995, you will see what I mean.
Here in Canada the Lance 1575 is almost twice the cost of a T@B M@xx S, and that is a significant investment, so it really has to make sense in terms of features.
I encourgae those whose needs of a lightweight, (3,500 GTW) with plenty of space to look at the Lance. It is a well built unit and like Pleasant Valley / LG, they stand behind their product and are committed to customer service excellence.
As as we all know, there is not a one size fits all solution. The T@B holds tremendous charm and appeal and its size and weight allow almost anyone to enjoy it, however, as with everything, there are compromises.
As as I sit by the propane fire pit outside my T@B, enjoying a glass of wine, posting this comment, I am thankful for what I have been blessed with in life.
Happy camping.
2016 T@B Q ~
2015 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk
Condo A-Go-Go
2018 Casita Spirit Dlx (KONDO)
2017 Tacoma (AH GOGO)
S. UTAH
You never really travel alone. The world is full of friends waiting to get to know you!
Yes I like the fixed roof model as the layout is close to the larger T@B that is in Europe, but I agree with you that I like the T@Bs better and love that the factory is so close to me (Pittsburgh, PA).
The Alto trailers are also interesting but no dealers here on the West coast of Canada. I find that they have more the feel of a refined hard side pop-up. I did see one on the road a couple of weeks ago, but did not get to see it up close.
http://olivertraveltrailers.com
I'm not a big fan of the stark, white fiberglass interiors of these, the Casitas or Scamps though. To sterile and cold for my tastes.
2021 T@B 320S Boondock “The T@B”
Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
2015 T@B M@X S White with Grey trim | TV 2021 Ascent Touring | Flagstaff AZ.
Des Moines Iowa
2016 S Max Sofitel
My take on the T@B. I will be ordering mine [hopefully] within a few weeks. I will be ordering without ever seeing one up close and personal.
Initially, I had my doubts about a T@B. Problems with the A/C. Problems with the propane/battery cover cracking. Etc. These are engineering problems which LG needs to address with qualified engineers/fabricators. These problems should no longer exist. The factory should work to aggressively eliminate these problems from occurring/recurring!
All of the other minor problems that may arise, I can handle. I am a bit of a fabricator/tinkerer. Can't wait to transform my T@B!
As to the size of the T@B; I'm 6'2". Again, second thoughts about T@B. Here's how I justify my decision:
If I were lost in a forest, or desert, and found an abandoned T@B, I would, as a matter of survival, make do with that T@B. Well, if I can make do when it is a matter of survival, obviously I can [easily] make it work when the T@B is used for pleasurable outings!* IMPROVISE, ADAPT, OVERCOME!
*Discovering America!!
I do love the shape of the T@B and feel it will have ease of towing. Also, I'm well acquainted with downsizing to "just the basics." Prior to discovering the existence of T@B's, I was planning on building, or buying an "ordinary" teardrop trailer.
Well, that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
To all the good folks who are a part of this forum; HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY! We are all fortunate to live in such a great nation!