Just got a Tab!
After 3 years of owning an Aliner Ranger 10 I decided I wanted something with a dedicated bed and a real bathroom. I started looking at smaller trailers that would be affordable, easy to tow, and fit in my driveway or along the side of the house. I narrowed it down to an RPod 171, a SunRay 149 and a Tab.
For the Tab selection, I had trouble deciding between the 360 or the 400, but the price and weight of those two made the 320 a no-brainer. At 5'9" I was worried the 320 would feel too cramped, but I can actually stand up in it while wearing shoes and a ball cap, only just brushing the ceiling if I really stand up super straight and stretch.
I knew from my last trailer purchase that beginning in October (thru the fall/winter) is the time to purchase a trailer if price is an issue. I wasn't going to go with a Tab because of the price, although I was sold on the quality. Then the dealer started marking down the 2025 stock for clearance ($10k off) and I was thrilled to get a 320 for less than the price of the RPod (and almost as cheap as the SunRay, if I count my trade in, lol).
As soon as I saw this unit on sale I called the dealer and gave them a deposit over the phone, then I had to wait an agonizing week before I could drop off my Aliner and pick up the Tab. I brought it home this past Friday. Although I've gotten used to towing the Aliner, bringing home the Tab in rush hour traffic on a major interstate was still a bit of a "white knuckle" drive.
Now all I have to do is load in most of the stuff I took out of the Aliner. Finding a place for everything will take time and actual use.
Comments
2019 T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
Sometimes you can find a workaround as I did with my shunt:
https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/13249/battery-monitor#latest
Mine is 5 years in and works just fine. I just have to look at it rather my phone, and I have a couple hundred more dollars in my pocket that I likely spent on other T@B stuff.
Good luck
2019 T@B400 Boondock Lite "Todd"
A few things I have done already that you may want to consider
1) Replaced the BB battery with to LiTime 100AH batteries and added a 3000W inverter and an AC outlet so I can run things like the microwave unhooked.
2) Added an external solar port (near the normal AC hookup) with a Victron 75/15 controller so I can hook up an external panel. One thing you will find is that the rooftop panels are VERY disappointing.
3) Added foam corner cushions above the door on the inside and under the little compartments above the sink - I scraped too much skin off my head on those!
4) Made utensil holders out of 4-5" PVC pipe and secured them on the kitchen counter along the wall with velcro. The work amazingly well and stay attached. Also made 2 smaller ones on the other side for toothbrushes and toothpaste.
5) Added small mirror on one of the little cabinets above the sink. Much easier to use then the one inside the bathroom
6) Added a thumb switch to cut the water on and off on the shower nozzle. That way you don't have to fiddle with the actual faucet while showering with soap in your eyes. Saves ALOT of water in the shower.
7) Made screens that attach with velcro (to cover the windows). Our first trip with our cats this weekend and they would destroy the original screens in minutes and then escape. We will see how this works.
8) Have fun with the audio and TV. They work but they are horrible. The two remotes combined have about a thousand buttons...really ridiculous.
Just some things to consider. Oh and if you haven't heard - make sure the screens are up if you are cooking on the stove. Some people have posted that they melted their screens if down when cooking.
Cheers.
Dave