2008 T@B Overland Upgrades and Spare Parts Available

rzabel
rzabel Member Posts: 23
edited May 2024 in Dutchman and Vintage TaB Archives
Long time lurker on the forum and I've learned a lot, thank you! This is my first post. We have a 2008 T@B that we've owned for about 10 years, but have begun taking it on progressively more and more challenging roads and trails to join our son in his overlanding adventures.  We traveled the Rimrocker Trail from Montrose Colorado to Moab Utah last year with no problems, other than a few things flying out of our cabinets.  We already made some modifications for trips like that and the T@B has performed amazingly well. The approach and departure angles of the T@B design make it a natural for moderate off-road travel.  I know I've read in here that some may question the ALKO frame's ability to withstand off-road abuse, but the excellent design and it's strength-to-weight ratio have proven to be very durable and well suited to overlanding.  We're in the midst of a more substantial upgrade now and we'll have some parts left over that may be of interest to the group. 

Past upgrades:
Larger tires for more clearance
Added ALKO shocks
Removed surge brake and hitch, replaced with Max-Coupler off-road hitch
Spare tire rack on tongue
Installed 100ah lithium battery (LiFePO4), replaced converter, added port for portable solar panel, installed dc/dc charger (including charging upgrade for TV)
Interior changes including removing upper cabinets, installing shelves, removing table, making twin bed swags

Upgrades in progress:
Timbren axle-less suspension and new tires/wheels
Replace front storage box
Add second 100ah lithium battery
Remove Cool-Cat A/C unit, use space for portable toilet
Mount larger fresh water tank
Replace refrigerator with larger Dometic 12v
New cabinets and L-shaped countertop (looking at utilizing an existing mid-century teak credenza with drawers and tambour doors)

Here's the list of available parts:
Cool-Cat A/C and thermostat - worked fine the last time we tried it, but that was years ago
Norcold DC0040 12v refrigerator - good working order
Original Alloy Wheels with nearly new larger 205/75R16 MS tires
Original ALKO axle with surge brakes and hitch 
ALKO shocks - imported from Germany and installed about one year ago
Miscellaneous original cabinet doors
White plastic front storage tub - has a couple of cracks where it mounts, but repaired and not visible 
Original pull-down shade for porthole window
Original 5-gallon fresh water tank

Not looking to make money, we just don't want these things laying around or going to the landfill if they can help someone.  If anyone is interested in anything, I'll take some pics, provide details, and we can talk about price, pick up, meet up, or even deliver, since we travel throughout the west regularly. 

Please let me know if anyone is interested in any of the parts or would like information on any of our upgrades.  I've placed the list with more information in the For Sale - Camping and Trailer Gear discussions. 

Below is a photo of our T@B on the Rimrocker Trail.  When we're not traveling in the T@B, we're in our renovated 1948 Spartan Manor.  We just returned from 6 weeks going to Mexico and back to see the total eclipse in Durango Mexico.  I've added a photo of that too.  Thanks again for all the great info in the forum. 

Regards, Rick 
rzabel at yahoo dot com



2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
1948 Spartan Manor
2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
· Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Comments

  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    This post was edited as the OP created a sale ad here:
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • TamB
    TamB Member Posts: 1
     I know this post is over a year old.  I do have questions as to how the timberin axles where installed. our axle is no longer functional and was looking at the same upgrade you mentioned. Any advice would be greatly appreciate. 
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2025
    TamB said:
     I know this post is over a year old.  I do have questions as to how the timberin axles where installed. our axle is no longer functional and was looking at the same upgrade you mentioned. Any advice would be greatly appreciate. 
    Good timing!  I just completed the Timbren suspension yesterday.  The other work I completed last year.  I'll post some build pics and put up another ad with the old suspension parts for sale ( https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/19317/alko-axle-tires-and-wheels-cool-cat-a-c/p1?new=1 ).  I had already raised the trailer a couple of inches with larger tires on the existing wheels.  The Timbrens and new tires and wheels raised it another 4 inches, so maybe about 6 inches total.  Seems to pull great, but I won't really know how it performs until we take it out on the trails.  I bolted 2"x5" tube steel to the outside of the existing frame to mount the Timbrens and installed the optional 2"x2" tube between them for additional frame support. I had to cut a little from the bottom of the existing frame, but the large steel tube more than makes up for it. 






    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Here's the new galley.  We took out the tall cabinet and the A/C unit and made it an L shaped kitchen with larger sink and drain board, new larger stove with cutting board cover, more counter space, toilet and bank of drawers behind sliding tambour doors from repurposed teak credenza, new larger fridge, built in 10 gallon water tank plus space for a 3 gallon Dometic jug with pump dispenser for drinking water, opening in counter for trash, new electrical to include LED indirect lighting and task light, new quilted stainless steel backsplash, new laminate top with metal edge.









    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    Beautiful!
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Romana
    Romana Member Posts: 69
    Very nice indeed! What brand fridge is that, I’m looking to ditch the Dometic.
    Romana - 2005/6 Thor T@B T16
    Towed by 2003 Toyota Tundra Stepside
    Port Townsend, WA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Grumpy_G
    Grumpy_G Member Posts: 715
    Looks good ! Please keep us posted on how it works off pavement. I've been pondering how to make the trailer ride better on the forest service roads around here (Central Oregon as well). 
    From what I gather you added a 2x5 to the outside of the frame to have a wide enough base for the Timbren to mount to. And you used the ASR3500S05 axle, correct ? 
    Kudos for taking the trailer along Rimrocker trail. I did part of it last year starting near Montrose, it starts off easy but by the time I had to bail where the short highway section is it was pretty rough. 

    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cherokee
    Cherokee Member Posts: 346
    Congrats! Please tell me which model Timbren axle-less suspension your installing and how your mounting it on NuCamps cold rolled frame

    TV:2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X With an Old Man Emu lift
    Trailer: 2019 T@B 320 Boondock with a Lock&Roll Coupler & Jack-e-up
    Custom fabricated metal bottom cladding
    California, USA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Romana said:
    Very nice indeed! What brand fridge is that, I’m looking to ditch the Dometic.
    Well, we ditched the Norcold that was in ours for a Dometic.  It's newer, more efficient and larger.  We got the Dometic CRX Pro 65.
    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Grumpy_G said:
    Looks good ! Please keep us posted on how it works off pavement. I've been pondering how to make the trailer ride better on the forest service roads around here (Central Oregon as well). 
    From what I gather you added a 2x5 to the outside of the frame to have a wide enough base for the Timbren to mount to. And you used the ASR3500S05 axle, correct ? 
    Kudos for taking the trailer along Rimrocker trail. I did part of it last year starting near Montrose, it starts off easy but by the time I had to bail where the short highway section is it was pretty rough. 

    Yes, that's exactly what I did, and that's the Timbren axle I got, but a little different number, as I got it from etrailer.com with the electric brakes and drums, A35RS545E.

    The Rimrocker was great, but that was one of the factors that made me want to upgrade the suspension as some sections were really rocky.  It handled it well though. 


    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Cherokee said:
    Congrats! Please tell me which model Timbren axle-less suspension your installing and how your mounting it on NuCamps cold rolled frame

    I used the 3500 lb with no lift, but if you look at the specs and dimensions, it does lift our t@bs.  The model is ASR3500S05 on the Timbren site, but I bought a package with the hubs and electric brakes from etrailer.com and that model number is A35RS545E. 
    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Cherokee said:
    Congrats! Please tell me which model Timbren axle-less suspension your installing and how your mounting it on NuCamps cold rolled frame

    Sorry, forgot to answer about the frame.  My T@B is a Dutchman with the ALKO galvanized frame.  I bolted a 2x5 steel tube to the outside of the frame which gave me the clearance I needed for the wheels to fit into the wheel well and beefed up the frame too. 
    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    edited April 2025
    We also moved the spare to the tongue, replaced the storage box, and changed to a Max Coupler off road hitch. Inside the new box are two 100ah LiFePO4 Battle Born batteries, a DC/DC charger for a direct connection from the tow vehicle, and an inverter to run our Starlink. There's a battery disconnect switch, outside connections for 12v and portable solar panel and a smart shunt to monitor everything. 


    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    And finally, and maybe most importantly, my wife came up with great sleeping arrangements; twin bedrolls with comfy foam, sheets and down comforters that roll out together.  The back cushions were replaced with smaller avocado themed needle punch backrests that she made. Shelving replaced the back cabinets and extended the side shelves. 


    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    We just returned from the Alabama Hills in California.  Highly recommended dispersed camping site!


    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cherokee
    Cherokee Member Posts: 346
    rzabel said:
    Cherokee said:
    Congrats! Please tell me which model Timbren axle-less suspension your installing and how your mounting it on NuCamps cold rolled frame

    I used the 3500 lb with no lift, but if you look at the specs and dimensions, it does lift our t@bs.  The model is ASR3500S05 on the Timbren site, but I bought a package with the hubs and electric brakes from etrailer.com and that model number is A35RS545E. 

    Thank you! - Now I understand. We have a 2019 320 Boondock with a "pitched" axle, 235/75 r15 tires that nets about 12" clearance at it's low point at the axle. The stock axle has about the same 1-3/4" - 2" travel. What tires are you running? and what is your clearance ? 

    With better cabinet fasteners and a few other modifications we go off-road on moderate trails too  
    TV:2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X With an Old Man Emu lift
    Trailer: 2019 T@B 320 Boondock with a Lock&Roll Coupler & Jack-e-up
    Custom fabricated metal bottom cladding
    California, USA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Cherokee said:

    Thank you! - Now I understand. We have a 2019 320 Boondock with a "pitched" axle, 235/75 r15 tires that nets about 12" clearance at it's low point at the axle. The stock axle has about the same 1-3/4" - 2" travel. What tires are you running? and what is your clearance ? 

    I just measured the clearance in my shop, it's 13-3/4" from the floor to the bottom of the cross member between the Timbrens.  I'm using 235/75/15 also, Falken Wildpeak AT4W.  I have the AT3 on my Yukon and they're great tires. 
    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • Cherokee
    Cherokee Member Posts: 346
    rzabel said:
    Cherokee said:

    Thank you! - Now I understand. We have a 2019 320 Boondock with a "pitched" axle, 235/75 r15 tires that nets about 12" clearance at it's low point at the axle. The stock axle has about the same 1-3/4" - 2" travel. What tires are you running? and what is your clearance ? 

    I just measured the clearance in my shop, it's 13-3/4" from the floor to the bottom of the cross member between the Timbrens.  I'm using 235/75/15 also, Falken Wildpeak AT4W.  I have the AT3 on my Yukon and they're great tires. 

    Thanks, I just got to justify that much cash to get a little more clearance. - we've got Toyo Open Country AT tires on our T@B and General Grabber AT tires on the truck. So far both seem to be doing well. From Sacramento to Bib Bend NP was a lot of pavement, so the more street-able AT tires are a good choice for both of us. I have BFG KO-2's on the jeep I use to scare my grand-kids.  We love the Alabama Hills too! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzb8FRAA1Bs





    TV:2019 Nissan Frontier PRO-4X With an Old Man Emu lift
    Trailer: 2019 T@B 320 Boondock with a Lock&Roll Coupler & Jack-e-up
    Custom fabricated metal bottom cladding
    California, USA
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • tcassem
    tcassem Member Posts: 13
    Did you sell all your old parts?
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    tcassem said:
    Did you sell all your old parts?
    I sold or gave away everything except the cool cat A/C unit and the old tires and wheels. I’m afraid they’ll just be thrown away. Also, on a better note, we had a month long road trip in Idaho and Montana and all the upgrades worked amazingly well. 
    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+
  • rzabel
    rzabel Member Posts: 23
    Just returned from 3 months in Mexico. We took one month exploring Baja then took the ferry from La Paz to Mazatlan and traveled south to Barra de Navidad where we stayed for two months.  The T@B and all the upgrades worked amazingly well!  The Timbren suspension handled the million topes (speed bumps) you experience in Mexico.  It did get pretty hot in Jalisco, so we're looking at another upgrade to add back air conditioning, but with a 12v roof top unit.  Here are a couple photos from the trip. That's us in the middle of all the trucks taking
    the ferry. 


    2008 Dutchman/Thor T@B T1
    1948 Spartan Manor
    2003 GMC Yukon XL 2500 TV
    · Share on FacebookShare on Twitter Share on Google+

Categories