I just bought this 2014 t@b 320 for 5500$ what easy mods do you recommend?

The trailer is in very good condition. No rust, water damage, leaks, etc. 

However, I live in a region that gets very humid in the summer. Unfortunately this EU model doesnt come with a ceiling fan or built in aircon. All it comes with is a gas heater which I haven't tested if it works yet. I also haven't tested the battery condition. 

The following upgrades im considering:

- Installing ceiling fan where there's already an air vent. 
- Replace the battery with a newer more efficient battery that can power a portable aircon.
- Install a portable aircon
- Perhaps replace the gas heater with an electric heater. 

Anyways, I am completely ignorant on this subject. I just bought the trailer because it was super cheap and I thought it looked cute.


Comments

  • AnOldURAnOldUR Member Posts: 1,629
    edited October 7
    Replacing the battery with lithium would be at the top of the list, but using the AC, even for a short amount of time, requires a lot of battery capacity and a good way to recharge.

    Edit to add, congratulations on your purchase. Great deal!
    Stockton, New Jersey
    2020 nuCamp T@B 320S * Jeep Wrangler
    (47,171 towing miles through the end of 2024)
  • HoriganHorigan Member Posts: 804
    Nice trailer!  The biggest difficulty in installing a fan is getting 12V power up there.  You'll likely need to route the wire from the back along the wall/ceiling interface, then over to the fan, using some kind of conduit cover.  The hole looks like a typical 14" square, so there are  multiple fan options.  
    Rich
    2019 T@b 400
    2013 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6
    2025 Toyota Highlander 2.4L Turbo
    Bellingham WA
  • ckjsckjs Member Posts: 115
    Horigan said:
    ... The hole looks like a typical 14" square, so there are  multiple fan options.  
    @KasperKorea: The "deluxe" and the Low-Profile MaxxFans install easily in the thin (~1 ¼") roof of a t@b. The basic and "plus" versions  need 50mm of roof thickness, so you'd need to build up some trim around the opening.  Having done the latter (mistake!) I suggest getting a deluxe version, even if you don't need their fancy features.
    Charles & Judy, Santa Cruz, CA
    2018 T@B 320 CS-S; Alde 3020; 4 cyl 2020 Subaru Outback Onyx XT
  • MuttonChopsMuttonChops Member Posts: 1,860
    As others noted:  Nice Looking Trailer.

    Before getting into different modifications. Consider:
     - getting a set of square drive screwdrivers and checking every screw you can find to confirm they are tight and functional; inside cabinets, etc and everything on the outside.
     - Use a voltmeter to confirm the WFCO Power Center Convertor {cabin 12V source when on RV Park shore power & the built-in battery charger}  When on shore power the 12V outlets (battery terminals) should have over 13,2V if the convertor is functional.
     - With known good Power Center Convertor check all cabin 12V outlets and all cabin 120VAC outlets.
     - Trace Battery Positive Terminal Wire;  does it have and in-line fuse or a fuse box/link thing bolted to the trailer?  Did an earlier owner install a 12VDC Battery disconnect switch {might have been a factory option in 2014}.
     - Have or DIY; brake inspection  and wheel bearing grease replacement.
     - Check Tire Datecode . . . if over seven** years consider replacement
            ** tire sellers recommend five years

    Have battery tested by local auto supply store.  If bad or very weak a standard lead acid (cheapest), for AGM (a bit more $) might be fine depending on your planned trailer usage before stepping up to a pricey Li-ion.

    While your Mods List looks fine also consider:
     - A portable 12V fan until you are ready/sure/able to do a power roof fan.
     - A portable (small) ceramic electric space heater.  A very small one will fully over heat
           a TAB {assuming you have shore power}

    Finally, research, read, learn before doing any mods . . . what do you need based on your camping style and budget not what a sales person or even us 'owners' on the forum suggest you need.
    '18 320 Spitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  57   Nights:  399  Towing Miles 49,190
  • KasperKoreaKasperKorea Member Posts: 6
    ckjs said:
    Horigan said:
    ... The hole looks like a typical 14" square, so there are  multiple fan options.  
    @KasperKorea: The "deluxe" and the Low-Profile MaxxFans install easily in the thin (~1 ¼") roof of a t@b. The basic and "plus" versions  need 50mm of roof thickness, so you'd need to build up some trim around the opening.  Having done the latter (mistake!) I suggest getting a deluxe version, even if you don't need their fancy features.

    I'm afraid it might be more complicated since I own an original german-made Knaus Tabbert T@B 2014 320. These tabs were made for the European market with more solid builds / higher quality materials, but less features than the US NuCamp versions. One of the features that is missing is the absence of a ceiling fan. So I'm not sure how to get a cable up there without it looking terrible. 
  • KasperKoreaKasperKorea Member Posts: 6
    As others noted:  Nice Looking Trailer.

    Before getting into different modifications. Consider:
     - getting a set of square drive screwdrivers and checking every screw you can find to confirm they are tight and functional; inside cabinets, etc and everything on the outside.
     - Use a voltmeter to confirm the WFCO Power Center Convertor {cabin 12V source when on RV Park shore power & the built-in battery charger}  When on shore power the 12V outlets (battery terminals) should have over 13,2V if the convertor is functional.
     - With known good Power Center Convertor check all cabin 12V outlets and all cabin 120VAC outlets.
     - Trace Battery Positive Terminal Wire;  does it have and in-line fuse or a fuse box/link thing bolted to the trailer?  Did an earlier owner install a 12VDC Battery disconnect switch {might have been a factory option in 2014}.
     - Have or DIY; brake inspection  and wheel bearing grease replacement.
     - Check Tire Datecode . . . if over seven** years consider replacement
            ** tire sellers recommend five years

    Have battery tested by local auto supply store.  If bad or very weak a standard lead acid (cheapest), for AGM (a bit more $) might be fine depending on your planned trailer usage before stepping up to a pricey Li-ion.

    While your Mods List looks fine also consider:
     - A portable 12V fan until you are ready/sure/able to do a power roof fan.
     - A portable (small) ceramic electric space heater.  A very small one will fully over heat
           a TAB {assuming you have shore power}

    Finally, research, read, learn before doing any mods . . . what do you need based on your camping style and budget not what a sales person or even us 'owners' on the forum suggest you need.
    Thanks a million for this elaborate reply and for all the great advice you shared :) 
  • MuttonChopsMuttonChops Member Posts: 1,860
    edited October 10
    KasperKorea said:
    . . . own an original german-made Knaus Tabbert T@B 2014 320. These tabs were made for the European market with more solid builds / higher quality materials, but less features than the US NuCamp versions.

    Wow  :)

    Are you in N.A. or the EU?

    If Europe the electrical systems will be different but similar to the WFCO Power Center, etc N.A. built rigs use.

    If in N.A. was the trailer modified before you purchased for N.A. usage?
    '18 320 Spitched axle, 3020HE; PNW based
    TV: '17 Colorado V6 Z71 4x4, Tow Package, GM Brake Controller
    TV: '25 Canyon AT4
    Adventures:  57   Nights:  399  Towing Miles 49,190
  • KasperKoreaKasperKorea Member Posts: 6
    KasperKorea said:
    . . . own an original german-made Knaus Tabbert T@B 2014 320. These tabs were made for the European market with more solid builds / higher quality materials, but less features than the US NuCamp versions.

    Wow  :)

    Are you in N.A. or the EU?

    If Europe the electrical systems will be different but similar to the WFCO Power Center, etc N.A. built rigs use.

    If in N.A. was the trailer modified before you purchased for N.A. usage?
    I'm in Korea, which use the same electrical systems as Europe. The tab was imported from Germany. One company imported a small handful of tabs into the country back in 2014. Since then, there have been no newer models imported. Koreans don't really know about this brand, so they can be bought for cheap on the second hand market. The one I got is in excellent condition and was barely used. The original wheels are still on it with almost no wear or tear. I bought it for 5500 USD.
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