S versus CS

PedlinPT · March 2021

Ok, so we had an S model and dearly miss it.
We recently went and checked out a CS-S boondock 2021 and thought the new bathroom layout is fantastic! Cassette doesn't scare me much.
Just curious how many people go for the CS in relation to the S and why?
Awning ideas for the rear hatch?
It would be interesting to know the production ratio of Clamshells in relation to the S from Nucamp.
We never cook inside and believe the extra storage where the fridge would have been is a bonus. Not too excited about that itty-bitty fridge they opted to install in the CS but, I guess that's why people carry extra coolers.

Sharon_is_SAM · March 2021

The S model probably accounts for at least 75 - 80% of their 320 sales. I remember having this conversation with someone at nuCamp and we were shocked at the ratio because we love our CSS. People - especially couples - opt for the longer bed and inside kitchen - even though most owners admit to almost exclusively cooking outside. They like the idea of being able to cook indoors with in climate weather. We have no problem sleeping side to side and don’t mind climbing over the other for those infrequent midnight runs.

Regarding the galley cover, we have used a 10 x 10 pop up. It has to have adequate height on the lower framing and high enough to accommodate the open hatch. We use the Ozark Trail (Walmart) brand. We have actually lifted the entire pop up over the top of the TaB to shade it from extreme sun. The pop up weighs 40#. We now almost always use a light weight, polyester and fiberglass pole shelter to cover the galley area. Really easy, multiple ways to arrange and can be dropped down to cover outdoor items with wind and rain in the forecast. They are made by KingCamp and are sometimes called Laputa. Not sure if Amazon still carries them. I think there was a run on them this past year😂

Check out this thread for pictures:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/115025#Comment_115025

Here is another way to use the KingCamp:

lino · March 2021

lots of debate about this
seems like the deciding factor often is do ever want the option of indoor cooking

ScottG · March 2021

I'm just lazy. I don't want to have to open more than one door to get to everything in my T@B. ;-)

More importantly, the smaller bed in the CS-S would be the deal breaker for me. A front-to-back sleeping arrangement was high on the wish list when we first started looking at campers. Was surprised to find it in such a small package. YMMV.

jebjam · March 2021

We love our CS-S and are happy we chose it, though understand we are in the minority. 30 years of camping and when we do we're always outside, most of our cooking has been done that way. Its nice for the cook to be where the fun is, our previous units were larger campers with indoor kitchens, my wife and I love this setup. We haven't found a need to put a canopy over the galley area, the hatch is large and nicely covers in a drizzle or blazing sun, but we've only had it one season so we'll see.
On cold mornings, bringing the french press and toaster inside lets us prepare breakfast indoors as the day warms up, we only venture outside for the milk and haven't missed having the cooktop outside.

We sleep side to side, I'm 5'10" and I think that's about the max you can be for a CS-S to work, couples would have a hard time I think if one of you is taller. Someone bigger than me might weigh in on this for you if its going to be an issue to consider.

The extra storage is fabulous, both in the galley which also provides extra counter space and indoors. We have room to spare for our clothes and necessities, each with our own space. That helps with travel also, the truck carries wood, a cooler, screen room, lounges if we bring them and a propane fire pit if we need it, everything else is in the T@B.

For us, we wouldn't have it any other way. Like lino said, it really comes down to indoor/outdoor kitchen, but also bed length and storage I think. The CS-S is the industry's largest camper with a bathroom and a clam, it was exactly what we were looking for.

Pintoplumber · March 2021

Besides our 2016 CS S we have a Keystone Outback 21RS. When we’re using that, and eating at the picnic table, we’re always going back in to get something from the fridge or out of the cabinets. With the clamshell, it’s so nice to have everything outside with you. Dennis

Marceline · March 2021

PedlinPT said:

Just curious how many people go for the CS in relation to the S and why?
Awning ideas for the rear hatch?

I've had a T@B clamshell for a few years now. The clamshell suits me and suits the kind of camping that I do. I grew up camping and backpacking and I kept car camping well into my 50s. I just wanted a cozier bed and door that locks at night so I would feel safer on my own. I mostly camp in state parks and national forests. So my T@B is really a glorified tent and I'm inside it just to sleep and change clothes. I love having the kitchen at the back and I invite tent-camping friends to share my campsite and cooking gear at least 1-2x a year.

If your intention is to use the T@B to visit friends & family (driveway camping), for long road trips involving overnight stops at Cracker Barrel or Cabelas, for Harvest Hosting, or to stay at RV parks, I don't think that I'd recommend the clamshell.

I put a CLAM traveler shelter behind the kitchen for shelter. I also have WingWalls for the sides. And I recently got a big nylon tarp shelter that I can use it as a rainfly over the clamshell hatch and the CLAM in bad weather. Someone recently posted this and I thought that it could be made into a good awning for a clamshell. I have a Coleman screen house that I used to put over the back but it was a pain to set up by myself. If you're a couple something like that might be better than the CLAM.

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/x4/cbraojlhbpid.jpeg

Image: https://us.v-cdn.net/5021717/uploads/editor/y0/nl7lxnxcv2ii.jpeg

Slackers · March 2021

We're in the CS-S group. We got it for many of the same reasons others stated above. For us, it's more of a camper than a travel-trailer. My wife and I are not tall but sleep diagonally (feet toward the door). I'd like to replace our 10x10 tailgate tent for the lighter weight King-Camp style awning. I can't imagine giving up the inside drawer space for a fridge.
If you choose the Outback/Boondock model the rear galley counter height may be taller than you like.

Dalehelman · March 2021

This has worked for years for us. We did modify the legs on the trailer side. I used 2’ of 1/2” pvc to extend the legs so it clears the top of the trailer.

Tampakayaker · March 2021

@Dalehelman, what is that awning?

And the door clears the roof!

Dalehelman · March 2021

@Tampakayaker
We bought ours about 5 years ago on Amazon. At that time it was about $165. Now the 15”x15” appears to be over $400. It has worked very well for us and I would buy another in a minute even at the current price. At the time we bought ours I thought it was a steel. I guess it was. I did extend the legs on one side by 24” in order to clear the top of the trailer. It’s quite easy 1/2” PVC pipe works perfectly. For a time they unavailable in the 15x15 size. It also came in a 12’x12’. It looks like they are coming from the UK. Shipping costs are probably the reason for the much higher price.

Coleman Gazebo Event Shelter for Festivals, Garden and Camping, Sturdy Steel Poles Construction, Large Event Tent, Portable Sun shelter with Sun Protection SPF 50+
by Amazon Global Store UK
Learn more: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B000YEMOM4/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_imm_awdb_0JPRM749E2R3FJ51C7AT

GeorgiaMB · March 2021

@Tampakayaker Is the one in the pic a 15x15?

Dalehelman · March 2021

ours is 15’x15’

Mellow_Yellow · March 2021

I am a new "second hand" T@B 320 S owner. There were no other T@B's available. While I think I would be happy with either an S or a CS-S, I live in a rainy climate and love camping off grid and in the off-season. Having the indoor kitchen is rather nice, especially for morning coffee, but it does mean that I am careful not to bring smelly food on my trips, especially if it needs to be cooked.

rfuss928 · March 2021

Very similar discussion with some additional insights here:
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/157344#Comment_157344
The CS definitely fits our desires and travel style best.
Have fun!

ontheroad · March 2021

We're CS-S owners..love the outdoor kitchen. We owned a T@g previously and thoroughly enjoyed the fact that I could be making dinner, doing cleanup while participating in a conversation with others. We think of this as an upsized version of the T@g although this bed is smaller. And LOVE the storage within the trailer, and we can reach snacks without getting out of bed...lol! Before you purchase actually get in, lie down and pretend you're camping.. you'll figure it out! Best of luck!

S versus CS

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